Celebration in Honor of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher and Blessed Marie Rivier - SNJM Québec

Since the beatification of Mother Marie-Rose in 1982 by Pope John Paul II, May 23 is a day celebrated annually by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). Coincidentally, she was beatified at the same time as Mother Marie Rivier, foundress of the Congregation of the Presentation of Mary (PM).

Sr. Michelle Gouin, snjm

Due to circumstances last year, a dozen Sisters from this Congregation now live at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), the SNJMs’ main place of residence. Sisters Michelle Gouin and Jeanne Dagenais, snjm, together with Sisters Lise Gaucher and Liette Gagnon, pm, prepared a celebration marking the simultaneous beatification of the two foundresses on May 23.

Sr. Liette Gagnon, pm

The intercessory prayers during the morning celebration and the afternoon prayer paid tribute to these two daring women who promoted a similar spirituality.

Marie Rivier, with four companions, founded the Congregation, in France, on November 21, 1796. She was canonized on May 15, 2022. The Congrégation de la Présentation de Marie is present in 19 countries, including France, Canada, the United States, and a number of countries in Africa, Asia and South America.

Mother Marie-Rose died just six years after founding the SNJM Congregation. At that time, the Congregation had already begun to flourish in several regions of Quebec. In 1859, the SNJMs established their first mission in Oregon, USA. Today, the Congregation which is celebrating its 180^th anniversary of foundation, continues its mission in six countries.

The morning Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Serge Bélanger. The afternoon prayer was presided over by Sr. Michelle Gouin. For the occasion, a décor paying tribute to the two foundresses was set up, which included a scarf representing the PM missions around the world.

Photos credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault, snjm

Intercessory Prayers

Presider

In joy and thanksgiving, let us celebrate the anniversary of the beatifications of Marie Rivier and Marie-Rose Durocher. Let us thank the Lord for the commitment of these two women who, by their lives, bore witness to God’s personal concern for every human being.

Reader

As adults, both of them felt called to spread the fire of love on earth by committing themselves to the consecrated life and had joined existing Congregations. Since their state of health did not allow them to continue, they committed themselves in their respective milieus, fully attentive to the calls of the Lord.

With all those who place themselves in your hands. Blessed are you, Lord!

R/ Be their way, Lord!

Reader

Marie Rivier grew up during the French Revolution. Marie-Rose Durocher lived with her compatriots through the troubles of 1837-1838. Keeping their sights on the Lord, each of them lived through these difficult times with their contemporaries. Their comforting presence keeps hope alive for all those around them.

For all those who, because of war, are living in difficult situations.

R/ Be their hope, Lord!

Reader

Throughout the years, Marie Rivier and Marie-Rose Durocher have recognized the need for a good education for all, regardless of social class. Deepening within them was the call to reach out to the poor and to proclaim the Good News that they are loved by God.

For all those who work in education, may they become aware of the magnitude of their commitment, never forgetting that what they do for the poor and the little ones, they do for God.

R/ Be their model, Lord!

Reader

In response to the call to go throughout the world to proclaim the Good News, Marie Rivier and Marie-Rose Durocher carried within themselves the desire for their Daughters to go beyond the seas so that all the peoples of the earth may live in the light of the Gospel.

For all those who go outside of their comfort zone to bring the Good News to their sisters and brothers in Canada, the United States, Peru, France, Japan, Lesotho, Senegal and Cameroon.

R/ Be their strength, Lord!

Presider

Lord, we say “Thank you” for the presence of Marie Rivier and Marie-Rose Durocher in our world, for their way of incarnating the Gospel through time and space. May their call to make Jesus Christ known meet the needs of every time and place. Amen