RELIGIOUS OF JESUS AND MARY US PROVINCE BRIDGES July 13, 2018

80th ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOAN OF ARC RESIDENCE

It was a simple and pleasant 80th Anniversary Celebration for the Joan of Arc Residence, in , CA on June 30!

As we prayed before our meal, we thanked God for the many blessings during these 80 years, for all the sisters who have blessed this ministry with their presence, and for all the women who have and are living here today.

We were about 40 residents, former residents and sis- ters, celebrating in the house and in the patio areas.

WEAVING HOPE: REGIONAL BICENTENARY CELEBRATION in WOONSOCKET, RI

It was early May and her first week at work, when our new archivist, Dr. Denise Gallo [Dee] was greeted by Sr. Doris Bissonnette with words like these: “Glad to have you, Dee. This is the archives room. AND, we have a special bicentenary celebration at the Woonsocket Museum of Work and Culture coming up on June 30th. Oh, and we plan to have an archives exhibit there, too!” More than ready and willing, Dee got a short immersion course in RJM history and culture! She set to work, learning about Claudine and the founding stories, while looking for suitable exhibit materials. She approved little Sr. Stephanie – the nun doll in our habit – as suitable for showing. Together with Doris, Dee found artifacts that might be appropriate, including photos and maps, references to Lyon, silk weaving and the founding.

Doris and Dee then joined Sr. Under Sr. Vivian’s energetic lead, assisted by her bicentenary New Vivian on a few jaunts to the England committee, all fell into place on June 30th. Museum, where Dee was taken with the connection between the More than 70 guests weaving done in Claudine’s little poured into the “providences” and the arrival of museum to view a film our sisters to serve immigrant and visit interesting workers in various cotton and exhibits, especially the bicentenary display. woolen mills dedicated to WEAVING. Being a weaver It was heartwarming to herself, our archivist found there welcome many of the the theme of the exhibit, sisters’ families and friends, former RJM’s, and alumnae students “Weaving Hope.” from Providence and Woonsocket.

Several trips to Staples and art supply stores followed, in the search for materials and appropriate mounting frames. The doll’s habit, a faithful replica of every detail, was washed. The Museum director and staff were gen- erous and helpful, offering two cases for a long-term At noon, invited guests had a buffet lunch in one of the larger display. Sr. Janice Farnham provided translations and spaces, while images of our foundations were facsimile copies of Claudine’s projected on a large screen. The bicentenary CAKE was letters, and prepared a brief provided by Wrights Dairy Farm, operated by Sr. Doris’ PowerPoint with a focus on extended family. Guests received bicentenary “favors” – the RJM in Rhode Island. little packets of M&M’s stamped with dates and images. Everyone agreed that it was a fitting and fasci- nating day, celebrating the gift to Rhode Island of Claudine’s daughters, past and present.

It was gratifying to see the display and the enthusiasm of the guests. We need to celebrate 200 years. It will never happen again.

- Sr. Janice Farnham, RJM

FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER RALLY - , DC

There was outrage expressed throughout the country over the recently enacted policy of separating families seeking entrance at the USA border.

On June 30, Srs. Eileen Reid and Rosemary Mangan joined the demon- stration in Washington, DC. In spite of the 90+ degree heat, some 35,000 protestors marched, with many families bringing their children. On the right, Rosemary (in white) and Eileen (in red and white) are pictured with one of the young marchers. Although the policy has been rescinded, many children have not yet been reunited with their families.

THEVENET MONTESSORI SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS

Below are photos of Summer fun at Thevenet Montessori School, in Highland Mills, NY!

Primary Summer Camp (ages 3 to 5)

Elementary Summer Camp (ages 6 to 11) BON VOYAGE TO...

Sr. Jacqueline Picard, Brittany Galvin, and Geri Lanham who are beginning their journey to the JM Youth celebration of the bicentenary in Lyon, . They will be traveling to the Diocese of Pullach in where they will visit parishioners who are generous donors of Alma Mater Hospital.

Sr. Marian Saldanha and her sister, Yvette, who have been touring Washington, DC and will return to tomorrow.

PROVINCE OFFICE

July 18 - 21 Sr. Anne and Sr. Rita in Highland Mills

July 22 - 27 Sr. Anne and Sr. Rita on retreat

STAY TUNED...

New Yorkers held a regional celebration of the RJM Bicentenary Year, last Sunday in Highland Mills. Look for a feature on the New celebration in the next BRIDGES.

PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR...

The consolation of Middia Doute, NJM and her family, as they deal with the blow from the unexpected deaths of Middia’s Aunt Marie Michelle Doute (age 54) and Uncle Luc Doute (age 35);

Maison Claudine Thevenet, as this week’s community for special prayer;

WE ALSO PRAY FOR ALL THE NEEDS OF OUR RJM SISTERS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS.

https://rjmusa.org Praised Forever Be Jesus and Mary