Antigonish – Every July 29th, the Sisters of St. Martha celebrate the Feast Day of their patroness Saint Martha. Every five years the celebration includes the Rite of Installation of the new Leadership Team. This year marks the double celebration.
“Yes, we are willing to accept this role.” With Marthas’ simplicity the newly elected leadership team accept their willingness to “carry the responsibility…stewarding the life and mission of the congregation.”
The Ritual of Transition for the new Leadership Team of the congregation marked the passing on of the “KEY” from the former Team to the in coming one. Sister Brendalee Boisvert, who has been the Congregation Leader for the past 5 years has been called by the Congregation to lead into the next five years. Bishop Brian Dunn, Administrator of the Diocese of Antigonish, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. He also presided over the installation of the Congregation Leader marking the transition from the former term to the next. With her response, Sister Brendalee formally begins this new term, “I am ready…Led by the spirt of the Risen Jesus, I step into the future as a woman of undaunted hope.”
Those chosen to lead the congregation for the 2019-2024 term are:
- Sister Brendalee Boisvert, Congregation Leader (2nd from left);
- Sister Donna Brady, Assistant Congregation Leader (2nd from right);
- Sister Florence Kennedy, Councillor (right);
- Sister Joanne O’Regan, Councillor (left).
Sister Elizabeth Riopelle joins the team as the appointed Congregation Treasurer.
The new team assume leadership from 2009-2014 team: Sister Brendalee Boisvert, Congregation Leader, Sister Stella Chafe, Assistant Congregation Leader, Councillors, Sisters Donna Brady, Florence Kennedy and Joanne O’Regan.
Following the ritual of transition Bishop Dunn blessed the new leadership team, “Like Jesus, and your patroness Martha may you invite your sisters to sit down at the table and may you joyfully wait on them.”
Source: Sisters of St. Martha, www.themarthas.com, Facebook page