RHD: A Day of Wonderful Discoveries at the Marie-Rose Centre

On Saturday, September 6, as part of the Religious Heritage Days (RHD), the activities offered by the Marie-Rose Centre at the Congregation House of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) drew remarkable success. Even before the official opening, a line had already formed—clear proof of the public’s enthusiasm for this special event. More than 350 people took part in a day rich in encounters and discoveries.

A Popular Bazaar and a Mini-Exhibition

Visitors had the opportunity of purchasing a variety of items—vases, frames, furniture, chairs, and antiques—while also benefiting from the insights of a museologist, who explained the history and use of certain artifacts. A silent auction gave attendees the opportunity to acquire antique furniture at attractive prices.

At the same time, a mini-exhibition showcased the SNJM’s influence in the development of the arts, reminding visitors of an important facet of the Congregation’s educational and cultural heritage.

Exploring the Heritage Site

Guided by an SNJM sister, several participants enjoyed a visual presentation highlighting the site’s historic buildings, some dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Outdoors, under a tent, the story of Eulalie Durocher (Mother Marie-Rose), the foundress of the Congregation, was presented through drawings by Sister Annette Stewart, designed to bring this history to life for children.

Meaningful Exchanges

Beyond the scheduled activities, many visitors took the opportunity to share memories and anecdotes with the Sisters—recalling their own experiences in SNJM schools, or learning about the Congregation’s current missions. These conversations highlighted the continuity of the SNJM’s commitment, which today extends into areas such as social justice, the fight against human trafficking, support for migrants and refugees, and the promotion of integral ecology and the defense of water as a universal human right.

A Living Legacy

Although the site’s indoor spaces are no longer accessible to the public, the Marie-Rose Centre (MRC) continues its mission of transmission. It highlights the history of the Congregation, its foundress and the SNJM’s present-day commitments, which remain active in North and South America as well as in Africa.

For those who missed the event, the heritage can still be discovered through a self-guided memory trail along Saint-Charles Street East, in Longueuil. Posters with QR codes allow passersby to access stories and historical insights, available until the first snowfall.