February 3, 2025
Dear Friends and Supporters of Our Lady of Grace Monastery,
On August 28, 2025, coinciding with the Feast Day of Saint Augustine, we will celebrate a momentous occasion: the 200th anniversary of Petit Clairvaux, founded by Father Vincent de Paul and the Trappist Monks from France and Belgium in 1825. This historic milestone will be commemorated through a collaborative effort with the Antigonish Heritage Museum, compiling our beloved Monastery’s rich history into print and digital formats for our supporters.
As we enter the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, as proclaimed by Pope Francis, we eagerly anticipate the visit of Mother Superior Floricita Neri, OSA, and Sister Rosa Gomez, OSA, from Sto. Niño de Cebu Convent in the Philippines. Their visit marks an exciting opportunity to explore the re-establishment of an Augustinian contemplative prayer community at Our Lady of Grace Monastery.
In the meantime we acknowledge the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Our Lady of Grace Monastery is making up to ten dormitory-style rooms available as temporary emergency shelters during heavy snowfall and extremely cold conditions to assist our community.
Our Lady of Grace Monastery Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors and a team of passionate volunteers. Unfortunately, the revenue from liturgical services, missions and retreats is often insufficient to meet our operating and maintenance costs, especially as we prepare for the upcoming 200th Anniversary celebrations.
We kindly ask for your support. All contributions will be acknowledged with a registered charity receipt. The Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that charitable donations made up to February 28 2025 will be deductible for the 2024 taxation year in light of recent postal disruptions You can make donations via e-transfer to ladyofgracemonastery@gmail.com or by cheque payable to Our Lady of Grace Monastery. For credit card contributions please visit our website at ourladyofgracemonastery.ca.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness. Your support helps ensure that Our Lady of Grace Monastery remains a sanctuary of prayer, hospitality, and service for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick
President
Dan Fougere, CPA
Treasurer
