The Table of the King over the years.
(An experience lived on the 9th floor of the Infirmary in the year 2000, and commented by Sister Annette Aspirot, SP, responsible for the Infirmary Sector at the time)
Wherever we are, unbeknownst to us most of the time, history is written. History is transmitted orally or in books. Facts are reminisced, facts are lost, but some remain and build the link that still bring us together and give meaning to our journey towards a goal. This is fortunately the inspiring source that allows for growth and stimulates commitment and carries out projects coming from our charisms. Many history traits are promising for our future. To illustrate an example, we retained in our blessed foundress Mother Émilie Tavernier Gamelin’s everyday life the gesture of compassion that she utilized to the benefit of the poor in her neighborhood, immortalised through the ministries of her Daughters under its original name: “THE TABLE OF THE KING.”
Our predecessors and a whole series of imitators have perpetuated this charitable work by providing daily bread to so many hungry sisters and brothers. The Sisters of Providence have kept up the Table of the King with particular care. The festivities surrounding the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the Sisters of Providence offer an excellent opportunity to recall the admirable examples of compassion seen around a table. Our sisters, noble bearers of bread, willingly marked this compassionate ministry of the Sisters of Providence.
Among other occasions when this gesture was realised, we mention the initiative experienced in Providence Pavilion in the year 2000. Two students of the IFHIM (Integral Human Formation Institute of Montreal) expressed their desire to visit the residents of the infirmary and learn from their past experiences the commitment of these courageous women who ministered among the homeless, the sick and the hungry. The 9th floor residents, with Sister Pauline Drouin, SP as their superior, were the designated hosts to share their knowledge with our IFHIM visiting students: Sister Lauraine and Sister Symphorose.
A great way to make our visitors learn about the activities of the Sisters of Providence was to introduce them to the Table of the King, set for a few Amis d’Émilie (“Friends of Emilie”, persons with various mental disorders). This charitable work benefited from the services of the Sisters of Providence during many years.
Thanks to these courageous women who emulated Emilie, the Sisters of Providence, throughout history, maintained, assistance to numerous persons in need, with various project, such as the Table of the King, which I mentioned today.
Sr. Annette Aspirot, SP
While enjoying some good soup, we recalled a little bit of history. We see here a friend who was very interested in the initiative of our foundress towards persons in need. The conversation revolved around the generous task performed by the sisters and laypersons for the good of their sisters and brothers in need. Walking in Emilie’s footsteps, these good workers ministered as dedicated and compassionate Samaritans.
Both IFHIM’s students showed interest in the illustrated history of our Congregation. Sister Alberte Fay was quite honored.
Sister Pauline Drouin, Superior, and Sister Jeanne d’Arc Lajeunesse had much to say about the work and the compassion of Mother Gamelin.