Grassroots Stories – Canada

On January 7, 2023, Sr. Marie-Ange Turcotte, of the Sisters of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, was surprised by the Nigerian community who, at a special supper, dressed her in their traditional Nigerian clothing to honor her for her generous work and presence among them for the past 10 years.

Sister Marie is well known in this immigrant community.  She is one of the first people called upon to help immigrant families get settled in their new lodgings.  Today she is the coordinator of the St. Vincent de Paul group which offers furniture and kitchen items to immigrants. She tries to help people get the basics in their homes as they begin their new life in Canada.

Sister Marie says that there are many Nigerians as well as people from the Ivory Coast still coming into the area. They are hard workers and find jobs quickly, especially in the construction industry. Canada is happy to receive workers and facilitates their path to citizenship.

For Sister Marie, at 82 years old, it is a pleasure to continue helping people in this way.  She hopes to do so for as long as possible.