July August September 2012 Issue

Summary

Living together harmoniously

Columns

Spiritual Life

He Wore No Distinctive Sign- André Gadbois

In light of the religious decline and the crumbling of our societies, humanity is more than ever in need of Jesus and secularization... [READ MORE]

Cultures and Mission

The Church in Motion- Jacinthe Lafrance

The Archdiocese of Montreal Has a New Archbishop. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Christian Lépine as Archbishop of Montreal’s Catholic Diocese to replace Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte... [READ MORE]

Encounter

Anselm Grün- Carole Guévin

To be a mystic in 2012, what could that possibly mean? Can a person like me become a mystic? With passion, I began reading many books written by Anselm Grün. Then, an idea came to mind! I absolutely had to meet this person. I promised myself to go and to meet him, as soon as possible, at his monastery in Germany where he resides. In the meantime, let us come back to the message of this great mystic... [READ MORE]

Something New

Great Changes on Our Website- Véronique Martel

Always attentive and active, the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (MIC) are delighted to launch their improved website... [READ MORE]

In focus: Living Together Harmoniously

Secularism: A Tool for Social Peace? A Chance for Evangelization? - Micheline Laguë, m.i.c.

Christ’s disciples are invited to grasp this opportunity of change that comes from secularism; they are called to question the way they live out their faith while respecting the others in their differences: socially, culturally and religiously. This is a saving chance for all Christians to review their faith on a personal and ecclesial dimension... [READ MORE]

To Fear or To Understand- Louise Nicole, m.i.c.

Secularization, reasonable accommodation, religious education no longer taught in schools, the Parliament building and its crucifix, religious symbols, these are all themes associated with the concept of secularization and here in Quebec it has been a hot topic. However, secularization is not a new phenomenon; we are still a young nation, we follow behind other countries who have already endorsed the notion of secularization. We have a chance to observe their experience in the light of history but our post-modern societies will approach the subject differently as we live in another context... [READ MORE]

The Process of Secularization in Quebec: A Bit of History- Louise Melançon

One would be mistaken, however, to consider secularization outside of its historical, social and cultural context. There are many ways secularization can unfold, depending on the society, culture, and social practices in which it develops. As far as women are concerned, it must be said that they had to find their own way to establish equal rights with men: initially, they were not included in the Declaration of Human Rights... [READ MORE]

About the MICs

Freedom of Heart- Léonie Therrien, m.i.c.

In a world and in a society that is in search of meaning, in pursuit of its identity and its roots, it is imperative to trace back through the ages those individuals whose hearts had such a great sense of direction that they were able find their way through multiple commitments. Their freedom of heart generated enthusiasm and a desire to live fully in the manner of Jesus... [READ MORE]

Mutual Aid: A Great Asset - Marie-Paule Sanfaçon, m.i.c.

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti left many women at a loss, having nothing to provide for their families. The Sisters of the Holy Cross who have been missionaries in Haiti for many years saw the misery and helplessness of these women... [READ MORE]

Up

Editorial

Entering into dialogue

Globalization has intensified the pluralistic secular society we are living in; the changes that are taking place give rise to many questions and inner searching. For those who were born at a time when Christian values were honored and instilled, it is difficult for them to live in a space between what was and what is yet to be. The inner-self is shattered and questions abound. The Bouchard-Taylor Commission on reasonable accommodations did not succeed in appeasing anxieties or acquiring unanimity. How do we live together harmoniously? Can secularization bring about a just and egalitarian society? These are the issues our post-Christian society is faced with and there are no simple solutions.

We are at a turning-point. We need to decide which values we want to live by and transmit to future generations. Here in Quebec, most of our cities, towns, villages, streets, are named after saints. This is our heritage, our inheritance. Harmony will only be possible if all recognize the fundamental values of tolerance, equality, brotherhood, sisterhood and accept being co-responsible in the life of the society. The focus in this issue is on ‘secularization’ and its implications. Sr. Micheline Laguë helps us come to grips with the notion of secularization — give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Lk 20:25). Louise Melançon relates that it would be an illusion to consider such a process apart from its historical, social and cultural context. She states that it is not from an abstract reality that this concept arises but from a society’s evolution. You will notice the truth of this statement as you read through Sr. Louisa’s article — a profile of Japan and France’s movement towards secularization. André Gadbois reminds us that Christ wore no distinctive sign; He was in the midst of His people and His actions revealed His identity. 

Up

The Team

MIC MISSION NEWS TEAM

Editorial Board 

                               

    Marie-Paule Sanfaçon, m.i.c., Directress of publication

    Originally from Quebec, Sr. Marie-Paule was a missionary in Haiti; she worked with high-school students in the field of catechesis and also in youth ministry. 

    She is now directress of the MIC Missionary Press and Provincial Superior of the   MIC Canadian Province.

    André Gadbois, Journalist 

    Married and father of two children, André Gadbois, after several years in pastoral work, taught children with serious learning disabilities for 20 years and was school director for ten years.

    He has been very involved with catechumens of the church in Montreal,and is the  editor of their journal, le Sénevé. 

 

   Louisa Nicole, m.i.c., journalist

  Léonie Therrien, m.i.c., Journalist

   Occupation:  She is a member of the editorial team for the missionary magazine Le Précurseur/MIC Mission News.  She is also responsible for a group of MIC Associates (ASMIC).

   Experiences:  Educator; youth group animator as well as animating groups of Associates; member of an intercommunity mission animation team.

 

    Claudette Bouchard, m.i.c., Translator and Journalist

   Sr. Claudette is a former missionary in Malawi, C. Africa.  She also worked in the Archdioceses of San Francisco, Ca.; Toronto, Ont.; and Vancouver, B.C. as Archdiocesan coordinator and promoter of mission awareness activities. Within parish contexts,

   she coordinated religious education programs and accompanied youngsters on their faith journey.

 

    Carole Guévin, Direction's assistant

    Assistant Director of the MIC Missionary Press, Carole lived in Nicaragua and Lebanon as a lay missionary.

 

     Véronique Martel, Journalist

     Véronique Martel has a BA degree in linguistics and French literature, and she is now completing her MA. She is also interested in cultures and visual arts. The author is a literary chronicler on the Radio Ville-Marie station.

Up

Contact Us

Have questions, comments...

Name
Email
Comment

Please prove that your not a robot by checking this box.

Our Coordinate

Address: 120, Place Judge Desnoyers
Laval, Qc
H7G
1A4 Canada Phone: 450-663-6460
Fax :450-972-1512