Celebrating Culture & History at Our Lady of Lourdes – Fête de la Sainte Catherine
Students singing some French songs, led by Mme Foucault-Clark and Mrs. Gillman. Photos OLOL
Students make hats out of newspaper during "Sainte Catherine" celebrations at Our Lady of Lourdes School. Photo OLOL
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Monday afternoon, November 25th, students gathered in their school families to celebrate a cultural event known as “La Sainte-Catherine”.
Saint Catherine is the patron saint of young girls, teachers, librarians, and unmarried women. She lived in the 4th century, and was executed for refusing to marry the emperor.
In the early days of colonization, France sent members of the religious order to assist with education and medical care. Sister Marguerite Bourgeoys was one of the sisters who came to Canada to educate young girls. In fact, she was the very first teacher in Canada. She used an old barn as a school house where her students would learn to read and write, as well as the life skills required to live in this new land.
Every year, on November 25th, following the French tradition, Sister Marguerite would make a taffee, known as “La tire” for her students. This attracted the young Native girls, and they also, could receive an education.
At OLOL, we honoured the memory of Saint Catherine and of Marguerite Bourgeoys, as we celebrate la Sainte Catherine in our own special way. Students rotated to a variety of centres, where they made hats, butter, jewellery, sang French songs, and enjoyed some “tire”, made by some wonderful volunteers.
