On Sunday, September 18th , the community of Inverness, Cape Breton, celebrated the 97 years of Martha presence as the St. Mary’s Convent had closed its doors and the last Sisters had left town in the summer of 2022.

The celebration began with the farewell Mass of Thanksgiving at the Stella Maris Parish in Inverness. Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick, who presided the Mass, thanked the Marthas in his homily for their support in the Diocese. Several priests who

served in Inverness and surrounding parishes participated as well. During her speech, Sr. Brendalee Boisvert told a history of the Martha presence in the area. The 18 Sisters in attendance offered a blessing in song to about 200 people gathered.

Following the Mass, all were welcome to join the reception at the Inverness Fire Hall organized by two parishes, Stella Maris (Inverness) and St. Margaret of Scotland (Broad Cove) with a lovely meal prepared by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Inverness Fire Department, live piano and fiddle music, and Gaelic song singing. The well-attended social gathering was also an opportunity to hear wonderful memories of the Marthas. The storytelling began with a speech by Claire MacQuarrie who shared workplace stories of the Sisters from the times she worked at the Inverness hospital, a few others followed. Five Sisters whose ministry work connected them to Inverness spoke as well: Sr. Claudette Gallant, Sr. Franklyn Ferguson, Sr. Lillian Gaudet, Sr. Lucy MacNeil and Sr. Florence Kennedy, born in the area. After many heartfelt memories were shared, Marthas sung a farewell song and final goodbyes were said, with much more than just a tinge of sadness.

Marthas received a gift: a picture of the place where they lived and worked for many years: first St. Mary’s Hospital in Inverness.

A memorable display full of photographs and newspaper cuttings documenting Martha presence in the Inverness area was available to enjoy at the Fire Hall. A guestbook was there to sign. It will be gifted to the Marthas as a memory of this special occasion.

To learn more about the 97 years of CSM ministry click on the image below: