History Page | St. Catherine’s Day

St. Catherine’s Day Across Time and SNJM Borders

Did you know that St. Catherine’s Day has been part of the traditions celebrated since the very beginning of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM)?

From the earliest years, this November 25 celebration was enthusiastically marked in SNJM convents in Québec — with festive gatherings, songs… and of course, the much-anticipated making of traditional tire Sainte-Catherine (St. Catherine’s taffy)! A joyful moment shared by both the Sisters and their students.

But the tradition didn’t stop in Canada. SNJM missionary Sisters carried this cherished custom to their foundations in the United States and even to Basutoland — now known as Lesotho in southern Africa — where they continued their educational mission while also sharing their cultural heritage.

Across generations and continents, St. Catherine’s Day has become a joyful cultural and community thread connecting SNJM Sisters through celebration, creativity, and shared memory.

👉 Learn more through this Archive in the Spotlight, where historic documents and inspiring testimonies bring this living tradition to life.