In Our Community

In Our Community

Aspire to God with short but frequent outpourings of the heart; admire His bounty; invoke His aid; cast yourself in spirit at the foot of His cross; adore His goodness; treat with Him of your salvation; give Him your whole soul a thousand times a day.

St. Francis de Sales

One of our own embraces the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary

Hello friends and family, As we just celebrated Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for! Arlene's celebration was so beautiful and joyful! We spent one week with her in Montreal and Ottawa before flying home, with Arlene, and she spent 2 weeks here in B.C. with nice summery weather. She is now in her new home in Quebec City. A big Thank You to all of you who offered prayers and well wishes to Arlene... it made the celebration indeed very special! Arlene van Zyl, daughter of of Peter and Magda van Zyl, makes her temporary vows with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. In the spirit of Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary live in simplicity according to the Gospel. Inspired by Mary’s unconditional YES to God, they find their strength for mission in the contemplation of the Eucharist.
	After our arrival in Montreal we were very warmly welcomed by many of the sisters. This is the big Laurier House where 85 mostly older sisters live. There are a total of 135 Franciscan Missionaries of Mary sisters (FMM's) in Canada.
	Sunday Sept.13th: the big celebration! Here Arlene makes her temporary vows with her baptismal candle in her hand. Standing with her is Sr. Simone, the person in charge of the FMM's in Canada. 100 people were attending the ceremony: there was a tremendous sense of joy!
	Arlene signs her contract for the next 3 years. After that time she will ask for extensions and most likely in 6 years from now she will make her final vows.
	Celebrant, Brother Louis, a Capuchin monk, was Arlene's spiritual director for the last 2 years. The symbols for this celebration were brought up during the offertory by her brother, parents, FMM sisters, a friend and Arlene
	Arlene planned the whole service herself, choosing the music, readings, prayers and symbols. Here you see some of the older sisters. Behind us are South American novices from a different order; Arlene took many courses together with them in the Inter Noviciate Program.
	Arlene receives a special blessing from her parents, and then one from the sisters. The joy during this day of celebration was truly amazing! A day we will always treasure...
	Hooray! Congratulations, Sister Arlene! Her brother Roger is on the right, and behind him is Marianna, who was leading Arlene in her 2 years of Noviciate.
	The celebration continued with a nice lunch, a speech by Peter, music and dance performances, and a PowerPoint presentation about Arlene's life prepared by Magda and Roger.
	Nice cake... good cooks in Quebec!
	On special occasions, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary sisters (FMM's) in Canada wear mostly white.
	Music and Spanish songs from the South American group.
	Sisters who had lived and worked in Senegal performing
	We were invited for dinner at another FMM house in Montreal. The people around this table are from Canada, Poland, Senegal, Madagascar and Lebanon.
	Arlene with one of her Quebec sisters: they are so warm, loving and fun!

Our Lady of Fatima parish outreach

A Communion service is conducted every Sunday at the Burquitlam Care Home adjacent to Christmas manor senior apartments.

The service is led by Deacon Guy Delionnet. His wife Helène, June Harris and Dominic Manisao with her guitar, lead the singing.

Approximately 30 seniors from the Care Home and Christmas Manor attend these services a number of volunteers also attend and assist in the preparation and seating of handicapped senior’s.

The seniors have formed quite a community and some strong friendships have been made. Through these gatherings, a parish within a parish has been born.

560 - Sydney Avenue, Coquitlam

Dominic Manisao - June Harris - Deacon Guy
and Helène Delionnet

Dominic Manisao & Deacon Guy Delionnet

Our parish plays a very active role in our community through several organizations focusing on the needs of not only our own parishioners, but of all those who may from time to time need our support.

Although these organizations often work together to reach a common goal, each has its own unique characteristics that provide diversity and fellowship dedicated to community services.

We invite you to visit these pages and find out for yourself if these venues could help you reach your personal growth objectives or if your would just like to lend a hand.

If everyone would take only according to their needs and would leave the surplus to the needy,
then no one would be rich, no one poor, no one in misery

St. Basil

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