A Meaningful Commitment Ceremony for SNJM Associates

The SNJM’s French-speaking and English-speaking Associates held their commitment ceremony together this year. The idea of bringing both groups together came to fruition in a beautiful way with this bilingual celebration on December 2, prepared by the Anglophone Associates Trio. In the past, the two groups have usually renewed their commitment on different dates and in different locations.

“We had some beautiful and precious moments,” says Sr. Claudette Bastien, liaison with the French-speaking Associates. “Our disappointment of the day was not being able to meet in person at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM),” she added, alluding to the health regulations in force following the outbreak of respiratory viruses at MJM.

The virtual format did not prevent the commitment ceremony from being experienced with great intensity and emotion. The opening hymn set the tone, while the thirty or so participants easily followed the carefully-crafted bilingual program.  Emotions could be felt as the commitments were renewed.

“The solemnity of the occasion was very much in evidence,” says Yasmine Matar, SNJM Associate. She was pleasantly surprised to also witness the renewal of vows by the SNJM Sisters present. According to her, this part was seen as a “moment of close communion between the Sisters and the Associates”.

The ceremony, which included readings and invocations to the Holy Spirit, also included a moment of raised awareness of conflicts around the world. We paused to offer prayerful support to the victims, particularly women and children, of the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza and elsewhere. “This was in keeping with the SNJM’s focus on social justice,” said Yasmine Matar, who, like the other members of the group, is sensitive to the ideals and values upheld by the Congregation.

The success of the event confirmed the relevance of bringing the two groups together for the commitment renewal ceremony, which will now take place every two years.

Each group will follow its meeting schedule for the current year of activities. While the English-speaking group explores more of the “Thresholds of Transformation” material, the French-speaking group also meets monthly, addressing distinct themes. We hope to be able to hold the next such gathering in person.