Franciscan Sister John Mary Sullivan (left) and Sister Mary Sabina (in white habit) climb to Bowen Lookout at Cypress Provincial Park with members of the women's discernment group Fiat. (Fiat Photos)
WEST VANCOUVER—Look out Grouse Grind, the “Habit Hike” has come to the North Shore Mountains.
OK, that's not the event's real name, but three religious sisters in full habits and snowshoes did lead a group of enthusiastic young women in a climb up Cypress Mountain Jan. 13.
The two Franciscans and one Dominican were joined by nine members of Fiat, a group for young B.C. women “who are open to discerning God's call in life” as religious sisters or otherwise.
“We had lots of fun talking, getting to know one another, taking pictures, and enjoying the view at the lookout while protecting our lunches from the aggressive whiskey jacks,” said Sister Mary Sabina, OP, who led the group on the outing.
She climbed the mountain in a full-length white habit and her black veil. “It was fun, joyful, casual, and beautiful.”
Before the climb, the young women participated in Mass at Christ the Redeemer Parish. Fiat also hosts retreats and social outings for young women. Their upcoming events include a day of recollection Feb. 3, a retreat at Westminster Abbey March 2-4, and a hike on a to-be-determined mountain in June.
For more information visit vocationsvancouver.ca/events/vip.
