SSJD: the Gathering

The Gathering as it was called was in the planning stages for many years. When you are celebrating 125 years you do know it a long time in advance.

I was not at the 100th anniversary celebrations at the convent in Toronto. There was a large celebration at the Anglican Cathedral in Ottawa. A number of the sisters came from Toronto for that event.

I knew right away that I wanted to attend the Gathering and so I signed up early so that I would get a space in the Guest House. It sleeps 40 people or so now.

I knew that I would be driving and that I could take a couple of people with me. That is what happened. Both my passengers were appreciative of coming with me. We stopped frequently along the way at the service centres along the 401. That worked out well. I always need to stretch after concentrating on the driving - especially when one gets into the heavier traffic near Toronto.

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It was recommended reading for the Gathering - 2 of Margaret Self’s books. I read one before I went and I started the 2nd one while I was there. Her books were much in view in the convent bookstore. I did not buy any more.

I did buy 2 of the sisters T-shirts. They are 100% cotton and I like to wear them riding in the summer - they are so comfortable.

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It was great to be a the convent again - I was last there in late June/early July 2008. I know a number of the sisters fairly well.

As I told friends this was not to be a quiet retreat. There was the usual flow of the day with services and meals. Added to this were talks by the speaker and group discussions and much good sharing. Some sharing happened over the meals as well as there was a talking meal every day. Their meals are usually eaten in silence.

The four Eucharists were celebrated by 3 bishops and a sister who is also an ordained Anglican priest.

The music was wonderful and some of it was especially written for the event. The organist and one of the sisters who is a professional violinist played together several times.

On the Saturday night there was a fun evening with song and dance. The entertainment was provided by the various groups. Our group were up first and our song was very well received - sung to the tune for Jesus Loves Me.

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I look forward to sharing more about the Gathering with those who were not able to be there. I expect I will do some more writing as well.

It helps that there are pictures and a blog on the SSJD web site. These will be good to look at and remember later on.