Marie-Rose Center Welcomes Visitors During the Religious Heritage Days

Some visitors showed up well before the start of the activity offered by the Marie-Rose Center(MRC) during the Religious Heritage Days (RHD) held on Friday, September 6. The fine weather lent itself well to this two-part outdoor event.

This is why the first visitors were able to look at the artifacts that are part of the SNJM’s educational mission. They were on display in front of a large poster depicting a classroom at Baril School in Montreal in 1950. The charm was already working, evidenced by conversations about that era!

Others came to the marquee event, where Geneviève Noël, the archives manager was waiting for them. Detailed explanations of the red uniform worn by students in the early days of the Congregation evoked a smile on the faces of many visitors. They were intrigued by the flamboyant color, which had quickly prompted regulations from the Montreal Bishop of the time.

It was also striking to see the interest in the artifacts linked to Mother Marie-Rose, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). Among the many things to see, visitors gravitated toward the table of objects and books offered free of charge.

A guided tour filled with anecdotes

Then it was time for the guided tour of the SNJM heritage site with Sr. Lisette Boulé. Approximately 30 people listened “religiously”, sometimes asking questions about a particular feature or historical fact.

Sr. Lisette gave details of when the Congregation was founded, recalling that, at the time, the majority of the population was illiterate. Providing some details about the main building constructed in 1740 and its evolution, she recounted the beginnings of the Congregation and its rapid growth.

A stop at the Foundation House, the former Fabrique school, and the Notre-Dame residence, the only original building in this sector of rue Saint-Charles, aroused much interest. The group then headed to the back of the large building and former Longueuil Convent, where there had once been a cannery, gardens, farm animals and a large playground. It is also hard to overlook the presence of the Saint-Antoine stream, where traces of it are still visible on the site. This stream had caused problems for the inhabitants of the convent and the surrounding area until it was made into a canal.

Another important stop was at the foot of a century-old oak tree where the very first SNJM cemetery is located. Explanations were given regarding the several times that the remains of Mother Marie-Rose had been moved. Hence, this fact earned her the nickname “the great traveller”.

Along with anecdotes about the stream and the lives of the pioneers and Mother Marie-Rose, we also told stories about the history of Longueuil. It was also an opportunity to give a nod to the only baronial title granted in North America, which now belongs to a family living in England!

A Reunion

In addition to inviting visitors to discover or rediscover parts of our history, Marie-Rose Centre’s participation in a public event facilitated reunions. Many participants were former students, or children or nieces and nephews of people who had worked with the SNJMs in the many convents and schools in the greater Montreal area.

One person had the opportunity to meet up with a former teacher who had come to meet another Sister at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM). Yet another brought her mother along for this memorable visit. It was an emotional pilgrimage for this lady who retains a deep affection for the SNJMs who had taught her. In fact, she had sent her daughters to Pensionnat Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) to give them access to a quality education. Also, one man didn’t want to miss this opportunity to immerse himself in the SNJM world, which he had heard so much about from family members.

The interest shown by the visitors and the passion of both the guide and the host made for a great experience on both sides. “These enriching contacts with the public are both motivating and energizing,” said Sr. Lisette and Mrs. Noël.