THE COMMUNITY
OF MABOU
Consider this safe haven your new classroom as the community of Mabou plays an integral role in your year of learning. Nestled among the rolling hills of the western side of Cape Breton, this harbourside village is rich in cultural assets and traditional values.
LANDSCAPE
The island is a treasure-trove of rugged beauty and peaceful serenity. Rolling hills and sparkling waters are made better with a variety of trails, hikes, and viewpoints to enjoy.
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AMENITIES
Mabou and surrounding communities offer residents and visitors all that's needed for that sweet, comfortable country living lifestyle.
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Alexander Doyle Public Library
East Coast Credit Union – Mabou Branch
Mabou Village Beauty Salon
Mabou Communications
HOT SPOTS
Full of favourite hot spots like the Red Shoe Pub, the West Mabou square dances, Beaton's Delight Espresso and more, part of Mabou's charm is being away from big city life.
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THE PEOPLE
In rural Cape Breton life, it is customary to look out for one another, and Mabou is no different. The village's people boast great knowledge and wisdom and genuinely care about each other and your well-being.
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Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society
Mother Of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine & Gift Shop
In-House Chapel
L'Arche Cape Breton and Hope Chest
ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT
AND RENEWAL CENTRE
In 1887, Father Kenneth McDonald, pastor of the parish in Mabou, Nova Scotia, approached the Congrégation de Notre-Dame and expressed the desire that his parish have a Catholic School like the academy the sisters founded in neighbouring Port Hood. Father McDonald convinced the General Council of the Congregation to send sisters to teach at Saint Joseph Convent. In this context, in September of the same year, Sister Sainte-Béatrice (Mary Catherine Purcell), founding superior, and Sister Sainte-Suzanne (Marie Sophie Hicks) arrived in Mabou and moved into the convent which opened its doors on November 9. At that time, Saint Joseph Convent had two classes for girls and one for boys, for which a lay teacher was responsible. It had only twenty-nine students, of which eight were boarders. However, as early as 1888, many children from neighbouring towns registered at the convent, which was quickly gaining in popularity. The subjects that were taught were quite diverse; the students learned art, music, domestic science, agriculture and Gaelic culture. By 1928, a Grade 12 class was added. Also, in the school’s early years, several Saint Joseph Convent graduates chose to enter religious life.
In 1947, because of increasing demand and limited space, the business classes had to be transferred to Cameron House, located on the convent property. There were eighteen teaching sisters and more than four hundred fifty students. With continued growth, a new convent was built in 1950 with its inauguration being held on October 28, 1952. The size of this new building allowed regional events to take place, such as folk music concerts, agricultural meetings and award ceremonies. This new building served as both a boarding house for students and as a residence for the sisters. On June 14, 1954, an Institut familial (Domestic sciences school) was created. Because of the closure of many of the smaller local schools in neighbouring rural villages, it was decided that a Primary to Grade 12 Consolidated high school be built in Mabou. This establishment replaced the original Saint Joseph Convent school which was demolished in 1964.
The sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame continued to administer both the school and the convent until 1966, when a lay person replaced the superior as school director. The sisters continued to receive boarders until September 1979. Many of the sisters taught at Mabou Consolidated School as well as at other primary schools in the region. They also administered Saint Joseph Renewal Centre, in addition to creating support groups for the sick and for people in need. They established literacy programmes and organized activities for the high school students, who they continued to teach until 1994.
After being put up for sale in 2018, Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College based out of St. Ann's, Cape Breton assumed ownership.
COLAISDE NA GÀIDHLIG
THE GAELIC COLLEGE
Founded in 1938, Colaisde na Gàidhlig | the Gaelic College is first and foremost an educational non-profit institution, offering year-round programming in the culture, music, language, crafts, customs, and traditions of the immigrants from the Highlands of Scotland.
The only institution of its kind in North America, students of all ages and skill levels visit the College every year to study under some of the finest instructors in Nova Scotia Gaelic culture. With an international reputation for its contribution to the preservation and promotion of Gaelic culture, the Gaelic College offers a truly one-of-a-kind learning experience.