A Successful Final Edition of the Missionary Expo-sale

The missionary expo-sale held at Maison Jésus-Marie from October 17 to 20 was a resounding success. “A lot of people came during the four days of this exhibition”, noted Suzanne Lavallée, initiator of this activity, launched 20 years ago.

Sr. Suzanne Lavallée

Several new items appeared at the show, including pins and other ceramic objects made by one of the Sisters, as well as various Christmas decorations. Holiday wreaths carefully designed by another Sister were quickly snapped up.

The 2024 edition of this craft fair was a special one, as it was the last. “The Sisters and our lay friends are not getting any younger. Arthritis has affected many of our fairy-fingered craftswomen,” says Sr. Suzanne. The group of skilled knitters has shrunk from 30 in 2021 to 5 this year.

A new way of living the mission

Against this backdrop, she made the decision, not without a twinge of regret, to stop organizing the event. “Our Sisters are still keen to get involved, but we must not put unnecessary pressure on people who are still able to knit. It must remain a relaxing activity, even if it’s also a way of keeping our mission alive,” she adds.

The missionary expo-sale is a great way to express solidarity with a number of local organizations. It is held as part of World Mission Week.

All unsold items are distributed to organizations such as the Fondation du Dr Julien, Entraide Chez Nous, the Société Saint-Vincent de Paul, organizations working with the homeless, and the premature babies unit at Sainte-Justine Hospital. Surplus baby knitwear will be donated to a new organization, “Unis pour les petits”, which offers a range of support services to Montreal moms.

Proceeds from the sale of various items will be used for donations to a number of foundations and also support other organizations, such as the Halte Marie-Rose, which will be receiving this financial boost for the first time.

Although the missionary expo-sale will no longer take place, this will not stop the small group of artisans from continuing to knit. Sr. Suzanne will then distribute the items to community organizations.

Recognition

This annual event is the fruit of teamwork. In addition to Sr. Suzanne, Sisters Monique Gendron, Marielle Beaudoin, Monique Pomerleau, Pierrette Panneton, Lorraine Bouffard, Marielle Lemay, Suzanne Morin, Monique Fortier and Élisabeth Giroux also contribute.

“Without them and all those who came before them, I wouldn’t have been able to organize this expo-sale with all the logistics it requires. I would like to sincerely thank them, as well as the staff and our visitors who have encouraged us year after year.”

Photos credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault