Fall Edition (For PDF version, click here)

Ontario Maryknollers

 Official Newsletter of Maryknoll Convent Former Students (Ont.) Inc.

Opening Speech by our President, Kathy King, at the  For-Ever-Green Gala, Saturday, September 6, 2003

 I have been asked by the Presenter Sponsor, a former MCS student, who wishes to share some of her thoughts and feelings with you tonight.  This is not only a distinct honour for me, but a very humbling experience.

Her thoughts and feelings:

“The tragedy of the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001, made me re-examine my life. I was in New York that morning and witnessed this horrific disaster.

 I suddenly saw my life flash before me and this made me realize that there were things I needed to do, people that I wanted to see and thank.  What were the things I consider precious and important.  What did I consider priorities in my life, and what did I consider trivia.

I realized that there was one thing I always wanted to do but had kept putting it on the back-burner.  This one thing was to show my deep gratitude to the Maryknoll Sisters.  I wanted to tell them that I was so very grateful for what they gave me and that I will always feel indebted to them.

 The Sisters not only provided me with a good education, but they also gave me a solid foundation for character-building.  This enabled me to raise a fine family and establish a rewarding career.

There is a Chinese saying  飲水思源  that translates “When One drinks water, One should always remember where the source of the water came from.”.  As I grow older, I can appreciate this proverb even more.

 Sisters, I am glad that I was given this opportunity to show you how grateful I am for all that you have given me.  My contribution tonight cannot be compared with what I have received from you.”

 Fellow Maryknollers, by your presence here tonight and the overwhelming generosity demonstrated,  I know you share these same thoughts and feelings with our Presenter Sponsor.  I am sure everyone will have an enjoyable evening.  Have fun and keep the Maryknoll Spirit burning even more brightly.

Thank you.

    By Ludia Fong

The For-Ever-Green Gala finally took place on Saturday, September 6, 2003 at the Granite Club, Toronto.  Over 400 attendees were present and a record-breaking total of over US$60,000.00 was raised for the Maryknoll Sisters - thanks to the generosity and support of everyone involved. 

On Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, the organizing committee held a welcoming dinner for the Sisters at the New World Oriental Cuisine.  All the Sisters, except for Sr. Joan Delaney who arrived late that evening, were present.  Most of the MCS executive committee members were present as well as some teachers.  We all had a good time – chatting, eating and rekindling fond memories.

Sisters Joan Delaney, Teresa Leung (standing 3rd from left) and Earnest Chung (standing 2nd from right) with teachers

The Sisters were treated to a luncheon on Friday, and were invited the same evening to dinner at one of the MSS girl’s home, where they had the opportunity to rehearse their singing.  Saturday morning, while the organizing committee went to Granite Club to prepare for the Gala, some former MCS teachers had a dim sum lunch with the Sisters at Jade Dynasty Restaurant in North York.

The evening was the highlight of the event.  The decoration was fresh and elegant.  Entertainment was superb - Shirley Cheong (MCS) gave a delightful performance on the flute.  Originally this performance was to be a duet with Amy Li Lo on the piano.  Because Amy returned to teach at MCS primary school early September 03, the piano accompaniment had to be replaced with tape.  Dr. and Mrs. S.P. Lee (Loretta Yu Lee, MCS graduate of 1962), exhibited their skill in ballroom dancing.  Christine Chan Cheung (MCS) sang beautifully her song “Memory”.  Andrew and Brandon Kwong, sons of Raymond and Shirley Tsang Kwong, (MSS), gave a piano duet - Mozart's Overture to the Marriage of Figaro.  Choir singing was provided by MSS committee members and the Maryknoll Sisters.

The silent auction attracted many people.  There were over 50 items under the auction block and we raised approximately $1,200.  The MCS alumnae in Vancouver and Hong Kong also contributed some of their souvenirs for sale.  All proceeds from the sale of these souvenirs were donated to Maryknoll Motherhouse.

Sunday Mass was held at St. Gabriel Church.  After Mass, the Sisters were invited to a brunch at the Bloomsbury Restaurant in North York.  All in all, the Gala was a huge success and an event hard to surpass in years to come.

Address by Sr. Mary Lou Teufel

The title of this evening’s celebration, FOREVER GREEN GALA, brings to mind our own retired community at Maryknoll, New York.  This group is known as EDEN COMMUNITY (from the Garden of Eden).  It is made up of 68 members who need regular medical care.  The eldest is 102 years old; 25 others are in their 90’s; 23 in their 80’s; 17 in their 70’s; and 2 in their 60’s.  They are the ones who will benefit most from your generosity.  There are 32 other retired Sisters who can still take care of themselves.  While retired, many remain ‘forever green’ in their interest in the whole world, but especially in the countries where they served in Mission.  They are praying for all of you and your families, and are very grateful for your generosity!  THANK YOU!

Oh yes, there are five Maryknoll Sisters who are over 90 and still not retired.  They work part-time in the offices and different services.  One of them is our own Sister Virginia Flagg (Sr. Stella Marie).  She can truly be described as “EVER-GREEN”.

This EVENING promises to be a real CELEBRATION of LIFE and LOVE; of EDUCATION and SUCCESS!

The brother of Virginia Flagg, Sr. Stella Marie, wrote the following poem, for her 90^th birthday and I like to share it with you.

 To: Sister Sister on her 90^th Birthday, October 8, 2002

  Now that you’ve reached that lofty plateau
Of ninety years on this earth
It’s time to review the things you have done
And what all these years have been worth.

  And as you look back on how you have used
The years that were given to you
There can’t be a whole lot that you can regret
About things that you didn’t do.

  When you took your vows as a Maryknoll nun
You were hardly more than a teen
And you probably never imagined then
You would see all the things you have seen.

 You’ve lived in many exotic places
China, Hawaii, and more
You were even a jailbird; a Japanese prisoner
During the Second World War

  The fact that you still are active and spry
You attribute to your lack of stress
With no need to fuss about money or men
And only the Lord to impress.

 But you used your skills with your fellow nuns
Helping people in need
And the good natured way you all handle your tasks
Are a prime reason that you succeed.

  Now don’t get the idea we think you’re a saint
You imbibe and play cards with the best
And we even have heard when you visit casinos
You don’t give the slots too much rest.

  But it’s mainly because you’re good and basic
That you have accomplished so much
For when people select a model to follow
It’s someone they feel is in touch.

  The bottom line Ginny is that we all love you
For being the person you are
And if, as they say, life is just like a movie
To us you’re a real movie “STAR” (Stella that is).

Note of THANKS from Sr. Teresa Leung

Thank you ever so much for all you did for the Maryknoll Sisters. It was very generous of you to share with us your life, your energy, your time, your expertise, your talent, your spirit, etc. We are most grateful to you for the success of the fund-raising and your personal financial support.

Everything went very smoothly and nicely. Not only was it flawless but I have learnt a lot from you by observing. The emcees were excellent. They were very well organized and kept everyone on their toes. At the same time, they knew how to make the whole night most entertaining. The brochure of the program and advertisements was artistically laid out …

On behalf of the Maryknoll Sisters, I would like to thank all who made this gala such a success. Congratulations to all the committees, volunteers, persons behind the scene such as all your family members, relatives and friends.

Once again it is time for the presentation of the Academic Achievement Award.  Children of members with an overall average of above 80% in six Grade 12/Ontario Academic Credits are eligible to apply.  The awards will be given out at the networking dinner on Friday, November 14, 2003.  Transcripts should be sent to the attention of Gertrude Chan, c/o P.O. Box 20056, Nymark Postal Outlet, 4839 Leslie St., North York, M2J 5E4 postmarked no later than Oct. 30, 2003.

Please note that the award cannot be mailed to eligible recipients.  Parent(s) must attend in person to receive the award.  For further information, please contact Gertrude Chan at 416-496-9671 or email to antrude@rogers.com.

 A Big Welcome to out two newest members are:

Margaret Man Chan, and her classmate Belinda Leung Tang (sister of Rosalind Leung Lo), graduates of 1972.  We're continuously looking for new members to join our alumnae association of which we will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year.

To Grandma Lillian Leung Chan & Grandpa Raymond Chan

 Jade Emma Carpenter

Born on July 30, 2003

In Paris, France

Weighing 8 lb. 8 oz.

To proud parents Millie Chan & Darren Carpenter

To Parents-in-Law Rosalind Leung Lo & Vincent Lo

Son Andrew Chun Man Lo married Stephanie Eva Emrich on Saturday, June 14, 2003,  in Mississauga, Ontario.
 

To Parents-in-Law Winnie Chan Ng & Hok-Nam Ng

Son Eugene Ng married Dru Daigle on Friday, September 19, 2003 at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Reminders for 2004

Valentine Ball, - Saturday, February 14, 2004 at Metro Convention Centre.  Details of events will be sent later.

 Biannual General Meeting - postponed from April 2003 to Saturday, March 7, 2004, due to SARS.

 5th Worldwide Reunion in New York City - Friday, August 6 to Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004.  Please visit our website for details update from time to time for transportation and hotel accommodation in New York.  Site address for this event : www.mcsnewyork.org; www.mcswwr2004nyc.org

Our fourth networking dinner will be held on Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 at Spring Villa Restaurant, 7301 Woodbine Ave., Markham (Tel. 905-940-2888), intersection of Woodbine and Denison.  As arrangements have to be made with the restaurant regarding the number of tables to be booked, your early reply is very much appreciated.

Dr. Collin Hong, a renowned Canadian Chinese Plastic Surgeon, started his practice in North York since 1992.  He obtained his fellowship in Plastic Surgery at the University of Manitoba, after obtaining fellowship in general surgery and gynecology.  He is presently President of Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Section of the Ontario Medical Association.  To name a few of his titles: Chief of Plastic Surgery at Rouge Valley Health System (Centenary Health Centre and Ajax Hospital), Director of Cosmetic Surgery Centre, Consulting Plastic Surgery staff – York Central Hospital.

Please complete this form and mail it (together with your cheque) to:
P.O. Box 20056, Nymark Postal Outlet, 4839 Leslie Street, North York, ON M2J 5E4

 If you wish to continue to receive your copy of our newsletter after you’ve moved,  please fill out the change of address notification form below and mail or fax to :

            Maryknoll Convent Former Students (Ont.) Inc.             Fax No.  (416) 222-5483
            P.O. Box 20056
            Nymark Postal Outlet
            4839 Leslie Street
            North York, Ontario, M2J 5E4