SNJM Sisters Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Beatification of Marie-Rose Durocher

The 40th anniversary of the Beatification of Marie-Rose Durocher will be celebrated on Saturday, May 21, at Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral, in Longueuil, at 4:30 p.m.

 The celebration will be presided over by Bishop Claude Hamelin of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocese, accompanied by Father Charles Mangongo, pastor of the Unité pastorale du Vieux-Longueuil.

After the Mass, parishioners and Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) will gather together outside the Co-cathedral, weather permitting. Several objects and books related to the Foundress of the Congregation will be made available at this time.   

On May 23, 1982, in Rome, Pope John Paul II proclaimed the beatification of the foundress of the SNJM Congregation. In his homily, Bishop Bernard Hubert, the Bishop of the diocese at the time, emphasized: “It took a lot of courage for a young woman, used to living a relatively easy life… in Beloeil, to undertake the pastoral initiatives attributed to her.

Compared to the customs of her time, she…was innovative, seeking to respond to the needs of the people.”

Silent Pilgrimage

A “silent pilgrimage” is also proposed, starting at 3:30 p.m. on the SNJM heritage site. Those interested will follow an outdoor route that will take them from the Foundation House to the former Longueuil Convent, then to the SNJM cemetery before heading to the monument and the Marie-Rose Chapel at the Co-Cathedral. Using a guide pamphlet, participants will be able to reflect upon the values of Marie-Rose Durocher.

The pilgrimage can be made alone, with one other person, or in a group. It lasts approximately 30 minutes. Those interested in experiencing this special moment on May 21 must register by email or by calling 450 651-3744, ext. 1410. Please note that the number of participants is limited and that this pilgrimage will be postponed in case of rain. However, it will be available upon request during the summer and also during the Religious Heritage Days in September. 

In closing, we would like to note that a short video, produced by SNJM Sisters in Quebec, depicts the charism of their foundress ‘From Yesterday to Tomorrow’.