June 30, 2023
Dear Friends and Supporters of Our Lady of Grace Monastery
Our historic and beloved Monastery has once again survived threatened closure and the doors have been reopened. We were all saddened to learn in August of 2022 that the Augustinian Contemplative Nuns were called back to Rome by the Mother Superior of the Monastery in Rome from where they originated. Some of the Sisters were experiencing ill health and it was becoming increasing difficult to maintain a presence in Nova Scotia.
The governing Sisters in Rome have relinquished ownership of the Monastery property to Our Lady of Grace Monastery Foundation. The Canada Revenue Agency has approved the continuance of the Foundation as a Canadian Registered Charity. The by-laws have been amended to provide for local ownership and governance through a nine member Board of Directors assisted by a group of dedicated volunteers.
The closures of St. Joseph Renewal Centre in Mabou and the retreat facilities at the Bethany Motherhouse have left the Diocese of Antigonish and our entire province in need of a tranquil, peaceful facility for the coming together of faith seeking persons and organizations. Our Lady of Grace Monastery is ideally suited to fill the need.
Father Frank Pellerin, O.S.B. has taken up full time residence at the Monastery and conducts regular liturgy services assisted by Father Albert MacPherson, O.SA. who conducts a monthly healing Mass on the last Friday of each month while serving as Director of Our Lady of Grace Shrine.
The revenue generated from liturgical services, missions and retreats is not sufficient to cover the operating and maintenance costs of this historic and treasured institution. If you are able to help, cheques and credit card contributions will be acknowledged with a registered charity receipt. Cheques should be made payable to Our Lady of Grace Monastery Foundation. You may visit our website at ourladyofgracemonastery.ca for credit card contributions.
If a pledge donation would be more convenient, please complete and return the attached pledge form along with a cancelled cheque marked void.
Any contribution you are able to provide will be gratefully appreciated and in gratitude, all patrons will be remembered in the daily prayers at the Monastery.
Sincerely,
Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick
President
Dan Fougere, CPA
Treasurer
