A few years ago our Congregation was approached by D’Youville Wellness and Life Center in Lowell, Massachusetts to look at the possibility of their becoming a sponsored entity (Member) of the Carmelite System. At the time they were looking at various options for the future, realizing the difficulty of remaining a stand-alone entity and wanting to preserve their Catholic identity.
D’Youville (pronounced Dooville) was sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa (Grey Nuns). Their foundress, Elizabeth Bruyere had been a Sister of Charity of Montreal and, when sent to more remote sections of Canada, ended up forming a new Congregation. The Sisters’ presence in the United States is diminishing and they are planning for the future of their ministries. After many meetings and discussions and considering all their options, Sr. Prescille, the Provincial of the Sisters, asked if they could join the Carmelite System as a sponsored entity and we agreed.
On November 7, 2019 Mother Mark and the Council attended the Lasting Impressions Gala. At this event Sr. Rachelle Watier SCO, spoke beautifully about their Foundress Elizabeth Bruyere and Mother Angeline Teresa. She said “The charisms of both our foundresses just seemed to go hand in hand. We know you will take care of our mission”. She then asked Mother Mark and Naomi Prendergast to come forward and accept the flame of their mission and their legacy. “Take our past and bring it to a bright future”. Two beautiful lanterns were presented to Mother Mark and Naomi Prendergast as symbols of Passing on the flame.
As part of our celebration for the 36th Anniversary of Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa on January 21st we invited several members of the D’Youville Life and Wellness Community to join us at Avila. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet each other and rejoice over preserving their legacy and expanding our ministry and Catholic healthcare.