It’s the end of an era in Mattawa.
After 145 years of service to the community, the last three nuns with the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa will be leaving.
The Mattawa Convent is closing as part of a major restructuring.
“It is such a loss for us with their departure,” says Father Tim Moyle, with Paroisse Ste-Anne Parish. “They have been involved in so many aspects of our community life.”
Along with visiting seniors, shut-ins and sick people, Fr. Moyle says the sisters volunteer with various organizations like the food bank and local schools with meal and breakfast programs.
“Literally they are part of what makes the town a worthy place to live,” he adds.
Several events are taking place on Saturday, July 15 to honour the sisters for the ministry and charitable work.
“The municipality is renaming the street that the church sits on, which is Second Street, to Sisters of Charity Way,” says Fr. Moyle. “The parish has organized a tea in the afternoon from 2-4 pm at Ecole Ste-Anne Élisabeth Bruyère for people to come and meet with the sisters.”
There’s also a special 5 pm mass with Bishop Guy Desrochers and the unveiling of a permanent display honouring the sisters.
A dinner wraps up the day’s events at 6:15 pm at the Mattawa Legion (The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 254).
