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423 Christmases with the Notre Dame Sisters In a small town of Remiremont, in Central France, Alix Le Clerc was born on February 2, 1576. Her parents were honorable people who were well-to-do and she was known for being charming and dancing and having many friends. When Alix became ill at age 17, someone gave her a book on the judgments of God and her life altered. At 19, she had a dream where Our Lady, dressed in a religious habit, was standing near the altar in church. Our Lady spoke, "Come, my daughter, and I shall receive you." In a neighboring town of Mattaincourt, Peter Fourier was ordained a priest in 1589 when Alix was young. He was noted for his gentleness, kindness and special devotion to Our Lady. He made the choice to move to a poor, spiritually destitute parish. He soon lamented over the lack of education for young girls and resolved to find a way to offer education to them. Two years passed since Alix had her dream when her family moved near Mattaincourt. Alix attended church services where Fr. Peter preached and began confiding in him that she
wanted to join a religious order. As weeks went by she talked more with Fr. Peter and prayed on which order to join. She felt a strong urge to found a new house of Religious Daughters but Fr. Peter feared she wouldn’t find others to join her. Six weeks later, four inspired young girls joined Alix. The first act of the new Canonesses of St. Augustine was the appearance of the five young women, pronouncing vows, at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 1597, less than six months after Alix met Fr. Peter. St. Peter Fourier and Blessed Alix Le Clerc are considered the remote founders of the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters. From the Archives submitted by Sr. Anita Rolenc, ND Read the full story at NotreDameSisters.org/news
We were thrilled by the turn-out for our poinsettia sale Friends, neighbors, and businesses all made a difference in the lives of local women. We raised more than $1,300 for our Safe Homes program and were able to spread some holiday cheer! The Safe Homes Program provides a “Path Forward” for hundreds of women and children leaving domestic violence shelters in Omaha. We provide startup funds for utilities and rent for one month and follow-up support. Thank you especially to John and Wende Kotouc who purchased poinsettias for American National Bank Employees, Harold's Koffee House which will have our poinsettias on their tables, and Home Instead who graciously gave poinsettias to the people they serve. John A. Gentleman Mortuary will adorn their chapel with our poinsettias, Physician's Mutual order some for their offices, and Hiller Electric also supported the endeavor. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success!