By Anne MacNeil, Waterdown LEAD Co-Coordinator
I had the honour of visiting Leipzig, Saskatchewan, a quaint and once active village now reduced to two major buildings.
The remaining buildings included the magnificent St. Paschal Roman Catholic Church, built in 1913 by German immigrants, and the beautiful Notre Dame Convent. It was the first SSND mission in western Canada, which opened in 1927 to teach and minister to the German immigrants.
This convent holds great historical significance as it marked the beginning of SSND's educational mission in the region.
In addition to housing the handful of founding Sisters, it was a boarding school that started with 27 students. SSND's German origin was a perfect fit!
Current owners tell me the school operated until 1969, when more schools opened, roads improved, and bussing became available, allowing students to go elsewhere.
Today, the building stands tall and proud as an addiction recovery centre.
The staff say they feel the charism of the Sisters in the building's beautiful and sturdy structure.
On the day I visited, they were adding air conditioning to the building!
The staff believe they have restored the building's original purpose of learning and spirituality, with 17 residents and several outpatients. The residents enjoy the relaxing grounds for games, quiet time, and chores.
My photos had to be minimal to respect the residents' privacy, but it was clear that it is a safe and happy place.
I could envision the Sisters of old there, walking in full habits on the grounds, with the children gathering around them.
Visiting this place was both uplifting and touching!
