An Intergenerational Birthday Celebration at Maison Jésus-Marie

The SNJM birthday celebration, held on February 13 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), took on special meaning this year as it coincided with Valentine’s Day. Under the unifying theme “Celebrating with Heart,” the event honored both the gift of life and the joy of friendship in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

At the invitation of the Quebec Leadership Team, Sisters and SNJM Associates from across the province gathered in large numbers for this annual celebration. Since last year, the event has embraced a strong intergenerational dimension, thanks to the participation of some twenty students from Collège Durocher–Saint-Lambert (CDSL), who shared their energy and creativity.

Youth Fully Engaged

The students played an active role throughout the day. Their dynamic presence was evident at each activity station: creating colorful Valentine’s Day cards, presenting their social engagement initiatives, leading botany workshops, sharing Quebec-style fables, and challenging participants with math riddles.

They also introduced the Sisters to an immersive virtual reality experience, offering virtual visits to Canada’s national parks — an activity that sparked both curiosity and wonder.

Music, Discovery, and Shared Moments

Students with musical talents added an extra festive touch. In small groups or individually, they moved throughout the residence — even visiting the upper floors — to offer musical moments to the Sisters, including those unable to leave their rooms.

In her opening remarks, Sr. Lisette Boulé highlighted the deeper meaning of the gathering:

“We wish to heartily celebrate the gift of life and, at the same time, the celebration of friendship and love par excellence: Valentine’s Day.”

Following a reflection on popular expressions related to the heart, the assembly joined in on the chorus of Les yeux du cœur by Gerry Boulet, performed by a group of students.

A Meaningful and Inspiring Get Together

The joy shared throughout the day reflected the richness of these intergenerational sharings. Curious and open, the Sisters appreciated the vitality and commitment of the young participants, who left with smiles, calling out, “See you next year!”

The celebration concluded on a convivial note with refreshments served in the first-floor lounge, specially renamed the “Heart Café” for the occasion.

The event was organized by a committee composed of Sisters Lisette Boulé, Françoise Bernard, Lorraine Mongeon, and Hélène Harvey, in collaboration with Marie-André Rho from Collège Durocher–Saint-Lambert, who coordinated the students’ participation.

Given the enthusiasm expressed by all, this intergenerational experience may well inspire future community activities in a similar spirit.

Photos credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey