Sisters, 1990.

school became a public school only in 1966, while Notre Dame Academy remained a private school until it closed in 1971.

Although mainly retired, the sisters continue to use their long standing educational skills in working with women, counselling, parish ministry, pastoral care, home visiting, catechizing, assisting the poor and needy, in retreats and in other diverse areas.

The contribution made by the Sisters 0F Notre Dame in this diocese For a century and a halFis a marvellous one. In addition to being teachers par excellence, the sisters also made catechetical instruction their special concern. The arts and craFts, adult education and pre—school programs, counselling and other academic specializations have been their standard giFtedness. Above all, music was one oFthe marks oFevery Notre Dame convent on P.E.|.

More than 300 Island women became sisters oFNotre Dame, with a goodly number 0F these serving or having served on P.E.|. The Congregation oFNotre Dame has immeasurably enhanced the liFe oFthis island and it can be easily said oF these sisters that the good they have done will live long aFter them.

Marguerite Bourgeoys, the Foundress oF the Congregation, was canonized in 1982.

Her Feast day is celebrated each year on January 12.

Gray Nuns and nurses.

26 O RELIGIOUS ORDERS

Grey Nuns

This religious order, more correctly called the Sisters oFCharity oFQuebec, was Founded by Mother Marcelle Mallet at Quebec City in 1849.

In 1879 six Grey Nuns came From Quebec to open the Charlottetown Hospital in the Former bishop’s residence on Dorchester Street where the sacristy/sanctuary oFtoday’s basilica stands. This was the First hospital on RBI. and was named “Sacred Heart Hospital”.

In 1890 the sisters and hospital moved to new quarters on Haviland Street where a new wing was added in 1903. For many years the hospital had on staFF at least twenty 0F these sisters.

In 1910 Four Grey Nuns came From Quebec to take up the management oFSt. Vincent’s Orphanage which had just been established opposite St. Dunstan’s College. Four years later they moved into the new brick orphanage erected on the same site. At times there were nine sisters on staFF there.

In 1925 all the Grey Nuns returned to Quebec aFter many years oFillustrious service

here.