What the CND sisters are looking forward to this Christmas

Maria Montemayor

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

The CND sisters at Presentation Manor. Photo courtesy of Sr. Donna.

When I was at the Renew Toronto conference back in November, I entered a raffle for one of three prizes (a painting, a book, and lunch with the sisters) offered by the Congrégation de Notre-Dame (CND) sisters. That was my first time meeting them, and I didn't think much of the raffle since I had also signed up for giveaways at other booths. A few weeks later, I was informed that I was one of two winners of the prize of lunch with the Congrégation de Notre-Dame (CND) sisters at Presentation Manor in Scarborough, Ontario.

The Congrégation de Notre-Dame was founded by St. Marguerite Bourgeoys in Montreal during the 17th century. The Catholic women's congregation has worked to educate boys and girls at every school level. Notably, it's the first non-cloistered women's religious community in North America.

As a prize winner, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.

Sr. Marilyn von Zuben, who lived in Japan for 13 years and in Cameroon for 18 years, was looking forward to a simple Christmas.

“I’m not much for big festivals and things like that,” she said. “So I’m happy to be here. We’re blessed in so many ways. I’ll also have some time with my family which is unusual for me because I’ve spent 30 years out of the country. And the atmosphere here is really quite beautiful.”

Sr. Donna Rose, who was born in Toronto but lived in Montreal and other parts of Canada for many years, also expressed sentimentality about being home.

“When the opportunity to come back to Toronto was there, I said ‘yes’ because of my family,” said Sr. Donna. “So [Christmas has been about] coming back to Toronto to get to be with family in a different way and trying to reconnect with some of my friends from many, many years ago, because Christmas is family time.”

Sr. Anne Fallon echoed similar sentiments. “What I look forward to is being with different people here at Presentation Manor,” she said. “We are different, but we are the same.”

Lastly, Sr. Josephine “Jo” Badali reflected on the Advent season.

“Advent is one of my favourite seasons,” said Sr. Jo. “I’m really trying to live this Advent meaningfully with joy and hope. I am really trying to live this moment. Some of our associates suggested that we read a chapter of Luke’s Gospel a day and that’s been helping me to live in the present. And somebody said to me, ‘Yes, Jesus came, Jesus will come, Jesus is here every day.’ And that’s kind of where I want to put my energy. I look forward to celebrating with my community for Christmas, with my religious CND community, and also with my family and giving thanks for the life we have been gifted with and have shared.”