Great Interest in Centre Marie-Rose During Religious Heritage Days 

The Journées du patrimoine religieux (Religious Heritage Days) provided a wonderful opportunity for discovery, sharing and renewing acquaintances at the heritage centre of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). Approximately 60 people turned out during the two days to take part in either the pilgrimage component or the historical tour of this unique heritage site in Longueuil.

Founding site of the SNJM International Congregation, the museum known as Centre Marie-Rose has much to offer, as visitors were able to see for themselves. For some of them, there wasn’t enough time to take a full tour or to learn more.

The historical tour includes the original chapel, the historic rooms where Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher lived, the museum dedicated to the pioneers, the cemetery and inner courtyard, the archive exhibition room and the Foundation House. Throughout this comprehensive tour, additional information is given at each stop, such as in reference to the works painted on porcelain, the SNJM presence in Longueuil schools, the evolution of the building and anecdotes about the Saint-Antoine brook and its spring floods!

It was a very stimulating experience, both for the Sisters and the lay staff, who provided answers to the visitors’ sometimes very specific questions. The latter expressed their satisfaction at seeing this heritage site so well preserved, and their interest in keeping it accessible to the public.

In its third appearance at the Journées du patrimoine religieux, Centre Marie-Rose welcomed visitors from Victoriaville, Sorel, Sherbrooke and Montreal, as well as residents of Longueuil.