The two Congregations living in the Good Shepherd Generalate: Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) and Missionary Franciscans of the Immaculate Conception (MFIC), wished to honor the re-unification of our two Congregations with a tree planting ceremony. This was held on 4th June 2014.
Srs Brigid Lawlor and Angela Fahy watering the tree.
Sr Teresita Weind Sndden presenting the commemorative plaque
Excerpts from the Liturgical service - The Tree Planting ceremony
Sister Jeanette Gaudet adressing to the sisters present
“ Planting a tree is a sign that the planter believes there will be a harvest. A farmer would not plant his crops if he believes they would not grow. Similarly trees are planted in the understanding that there will be people alive to appreciate their beauty when the trees reach maturity. We all need signs of hope in our lives.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity and Sisters of the Good Shepherd will soon be re-uniting as one Congregation. To symbolize this joining together we, your friends would like to honor your union with a tree planting ceremony. The symbolic use of this beautiful tree is a reminder of the roots of your original congregations, and the strength of the roots of your growing relationship as one Congregation.
Like the maturation of this young tree, both Congregations envisage a healthy and growing relationship through your union. Following the life of the tree, your Congregation will be firm foundation, growing and changing into a more beautiful existence maturing with grace.
We hope that this tree symbolizes for you a union that will continue to grow. Like you, the tree will be exposed not only to the joys but to the daily challenges of life over a long period of time and we wish you all strength for any difficult days.
This tree is called a Lagerstroemia indica, better known as a Crepe Myrtle. Crepe Myrtles love heat and humidity; they tolerate drought and grow quickly. They are renowned for their colorful and long lasting summer flowers. Hopefully this tree will bloom with bright RED flowers. The color red speaks to us of both congregations that now will join as one. Red is the color of fire and heat, melting and fusion and also the color of blood, of pain and suffering, the cross! In a way red is the color we have seen in action in our midst during the last couple of years. Red indicates Love, Passion, Energy, (Zeal), Action, a Pioneering spirit, Courage, enthusiasm for life and willingness to pursue dreams and goals.It is our hope that the tree around which we are about to gather will be a colorful reminder of the new Life about to begin and bear fruit among you.”
During the Tree Planting Ceremony
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And the celebration continues...
Friendly gathering at the Ssnd Sisters
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