150 Years …

On October 21, 2003, the Sisters and Associates of Charity of the Immaculate Conception entered a year of thanksgiving and celebration of what God has done in and through the SCIC congregation for the past 150 years.

The theme for this year is ‘A Story of Faith: A Mission of Love’. For almost 20 years the Associate relationship has given expression to the Charism of Charity in a variety of ways. Together, Sisters and Associates are invited to gather in the regional celebrations commemorating 150 years of service among God’s People in Canada and Peru.

Honoria Conway
by Linda McGuire SCIC Associate

Bishop Thomas L. Connolly had it right when he approached Honoria Conway in 1854. The little band of four women would become the Sisters of Charity of Saint John, NB. In Honoria, Bishop Connolly saw the promise of a response to the tremendous task at hand in meeting the needs of the poor, the infirm, the orphans, the uneducated. Here was a leadership role second to none. How fitting then was Sister Genevieve Hennessey’s book titled ‘Honoria Conway: Woman of Promise’.

Honoria Conway was a woman of love, of caring, and with a passion for simplicity that made her rise to the occasion … whatever, wherever. If she were physically present today, I could imagine her dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt with the caption ‘Just Do It’ written across its front … not something won in a contest, but especially designed for her and her highly motivated group whose simplicity, compassion, and love continue today: 150 years of ‘being there’.

Success draws spirit one way or the other. In Honoria’s case the people of the community responded to her leadership, collaborating in this mission as they were able. Meeting the needs of the less fortunate was first and foremost. This holds true today as Associates journey hand in hand with the Sisters of Charity I.C., carrying out good works with faith and love in their hearts. Wherever simplicity and kindness take us, the results are phenomenal.

‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand’ . Isaiah 41:10