2024 Report: SNJM values and heritage still very much alive!

As the years go by and people age, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) in Quebec continue to be inspired by the charism and values of their foundress, Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher.

A look back at 2024 reveals that the SNJMs are as committed as ever. The presentation of these 12 or so actions reflects this work in solidarity, this approach of collaboration and transmission, and this boldness in developing ways to continue the mission and promote the ideals of justice, both in the environment and on social and profoundly human issues such as human trafficking, the situation of aboriginals, and the reception of migrants and refugees.

A look back at a year of multi-faceted commitments.

 

SNJM Support For The Protection of Human Rights And The Environment In Honduras

Year after year, the SNJMs of Quebec participate in the solidarity campaigns of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada. Last year, they supported the “Solidaires pour la terre” (In Solidarity for the Land)  initiative to help the people of Honduras continue their work to protect the environment, water and land threatened in particular by mining.

Remaining Active With the Help of Young Academics

The SNJM Québec Justice and Peace Committee’s initiative to involve three young university students in continuing their commitment to the themes of the collective position statements has aroused enthusiasm among the Sisters. During the first meetings with the students, some Sisters were quick to ask questions and express their desire to help them carry the torch. This innovative idea is also attracting a great deal of interest from other SNJM provinces, who see it as a great way of accentuating their mission. The young partners also took part in a meeting with SNJM volunteers.

 

Hunger Meal Nourishing Solidarity in Our Lives

As part of the Development and Peace Lenten campaign, SNJMs continued to join in gesture and spirit with the millions of people suffering from hunger and poverty around the world. This hunger meal (soup, bread and cheese) is a traditional activity that recalls the work of many SNJM missionaries among impoverished populations.

 

The SNJMs of Quebec Are Very Committed to Laudato Si’

The SNJM’s commitment to the principles of integral ecology is not new. Actions on a human scale are setting an example for the raising of awareness of the residents of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM). We take a brief look at these measures, which, one gesture at a time, are helping to protect Mother Earth.  

SNJM Volunteer Involved in a Food Transformation Project

Julie Tétreault, SNJM volunteer and member of the SNJM Québec Justice and Peace Committee, and her husband, Michel Lavallée, have found another way to further their commitment to integral ecology. They explain the nature of their commitment, which complements their daily actions.

Celebrating Planting Resulting in a Bountiful Harvest

Keeping in line with our environmental commitments, this article is another reminder of our steadfast commitment to maintaining an impressive vegetable garden, and to an operation just as beneficial as composting, even if this action is limited in scope for the time being. Inspired by her deep-rooted family traditions, Sr. Léa Dulude shares her knowledge and passion for growing vegetables and flowers. Her companions enjoy the beauty, smells and tastes of everything that grows in this large garden.

Halte Marie-Rose Inspires Community Solidarity

La Halte Marie-Rose was launched on October 6, 2018, in tribute to Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). The organization, which serves the people of Le Moyne and Greenfield Park, is greatly fulfilling its mission of welcome and openness. It has established itself as a catalyst and community hub. Here is an overview of this community initiative, which received a boost from the SNJMs following the launch of the Fall “opération d’entraide”.

A Successful Final Edition of the Missionary Exposition Sale

For the past 20 years, Sr. Suzanne Lavallée, with the help of the Sisters and lay people with their magical fingers, has organized a handicraft exhibition. The event encourages exchanges between these craftswomen and raises funds to support community organizations. Here is a look at another facet of SNJM mission work.

Night for the Homeless: Discovering the many facets of homelessness

The SNJMs of Quebec are also concerned by the problems experienced by people who are homeless. Their commitment takes the form of support for organizations and participation in awareness-raising activities such as Nuit des sans-abri(Night of the Homeless). Members of the Quebec SNJM Leadership Team shared their latest experience, reminding us of the importance of being present and better understanding the plight of people experiencing homelessness.

Beautiful Encounters Between EMJM and the Matimekush-Lac John Community

The SNJMs are not alone in conveying the values of the foundress. They have passed them on to the students, principals and staff of the schools they have founded in the past, and to the many people and organizations with whom they collaborate. The reconciliation process put forward by Externat Mont-Jésus-Marie (EMJM) with the Matimekush-Lac John community in Schefferville is a fine example of a living legacy.

Opening to Aboriginal perspectives with Joséphine Bacon

The talk with Joséphine Bacon at Maison Jésus-Marie was organized thanks to the contribution of one of the three partners of the SNJM Québec Justice and Peace Committee. It also reflects the interest shown for several years by the SNJMs in better understanding the realities of the First Nations and going out to meet them. It was a memorable moment for all present.

Called To Serve…

The SNJM family experienced two high points in 2024 with the commitment of Marie Girardin as a consecrated laywoman and the first promises of Carmen Arnold, a new SNJM associate. Each in their own way responds to this invitation “called to serve” by their presence and their desire to promote values in favor of justice and solidarity.