The Mission Exhibit Continues Its Mission… with Heart!

Mission is also a matter of constancy and heart. And if proof were needed, the missionary exhibition held on October 30 and 31 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) offered a shining example. For the 21st consecutive year, this heartwarming event brought together residents, staff, and visitors in search of handmade treasures, thoughtful gifts… and above all, solidarity.

A Beloved and Highly Anticipated Tradition

Throughout the years, this exhibition has become a cherished tradition at MJM — so much so, that the Sisters themselves insisted it continue.
“The Sisters didn’t want it to stop,” says Sr. Suzanne Lavallée, the tireless 90-year-old organizer. “They made it clear: ‘We still want to help families. Poverty is still very real. This is a beautiful and fun event!’”

Moved by their enthusiasm, Sr. Suzanne gathered her team of volunteers to prepare what she thought would be a scaled-down version. But with the abundance of donations, the “mini” event quickly turned into a full-fledged exhibition — and a great success!

Knitting goods, Cards, Shawls… and a Whole Lot of Heart

Among the most popular items:

Shawls flew off the tables as fast as they appeared.
Greeting cards crafted by Lise Legault, a longtime friend of the SNJMs, were a big hit.
Embroidered canvases made by Sr. Nicole Gaucher (of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary) also attracted many admirers.

A special mention goes to Sr. Lise Gendron, who knitted a beautiful blanket using leftover yarn — the grand prize in the raffle. To spice things up, an anonymous donor added a coveted bottle of fine alcohol to the prize table!

Photo report: Sr. Hélène Harvey

A Mission of Solidarity That Extends Beyond MJM

True to its roots, the mission exhibit is above all a gesture of sharing and compassion. Every year, all proceeds were donated to community organizations supporting individuals and families in vulnerable situations, including:

L’Entraide Chez Nous
Maison de la Paix
Support groups for people experiencing homelessness
Unis pour les petits, a Montreal-based group that supports young mothers — often newcomers or refugees — without nearby family.

Even the unsold items were donated to the same partner organizations.

A Devoted Team Behind the Scenes

None of this would be possible without the dedicated volunteers behind the scenes. Srs. Monique Gendron, Marielle Beaudoin, Monique Pomerleau, Pierrette Panneton, Lorraine Bouffard, Marielle Lemay, Suzanne Morin, and Élisabeth Giroux gave their time generously to make this event shine.

And will it be back next year?
“The Sisters are ready and willing to participate again,” says Sr. Suzanne with a smile in her voice. “So yes — as long as I’m able!”

🎉 A Joyful Ending with Prize Winners!

The raffle added a fun final touch to this feel-good event. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!

Madame Félicité, an MJM staff member, won the beautiful knitted blanket.
Sr. Micheline Beaulne took home the shawl.
Sr. Lise Marleau claimed the third prize: a refined bottle of alcohol.
Marie-Christine Rivard, also on staff, was thrilled to win the fourth prize, a hand-knit sweater.
And finally, Madame Lamoureux, who happened to visit the exhibit by chance, walked away with a glowing Christmas wreath as the fifth prize.

A wonderful way to wrap up an event woven with generosity, joy… and smiles!

Sr. Suzanne Lavallée