Quebec at the Heart of the SNJM Commitment to Laudato Si’

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) in Quebec play an active and structuring role within the Congregation’s Laudato Si’ Steering Committee, established in 2022 to advance the orientations of the 2021 General Chapter regarding integral ecology.

This international committee supports the participation of the entire Congregation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, promoting awareness, reflection, and concrete commitments in line with the encyclical published by Pope Francis in 2015.

Quebec Expertise Serving the Congregation

Julie Tétreault, SNJM co-worker, represents Quebec on the committee. Her contribution enriches discussions and highlights initiatives developed locally.

Quebec also benefits from the collaboration of a partner engaged in social and environmental justice. Simon Lantz, associated with the SNJM Quebec Justice and Peace Committee, has shared his research on several challenges related to integral ecology.

Among his contributions, he has:

participated in the review meeting presented to the entire Congregation in June 2025;
offered a mini-conference at Maison Jésus-Marie on the environmental impact of digital technologies, particularly regarding water consumption and management;
written an in-depth article on the challenges of deep-sea mining, a topic expected to inform future awareness initiatives.

A Recognized Commitment to Sustainable Development

The initiatives led by the SNJMs in Quebec demonstrate a concrete commitment to the goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Beyond daily practices inspired by the 5 Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and return to the earth/compost), the Sisters actively promote environmental awareness within their network.

A review of publications and activities from the past year, presented by Julie Tétreault to the Steering Committee, highlighted the vitality and coherence of this approach. Simon’s contribution as a partner specializing in sustainable development also helps deepen the analyses shared throughout the Congregation.

Encouraging International Sharing and Collaboration

The work of the Steering Committee facilitates the sharing of initiatives from the various SNJM provinces. This collaboration promotes a smoother flow of information and supports those responsible for animation and leadership in several regions.

In preparation for the next General Chapter in July 2026, certain meeting formats have been adjusted. Alternative mechanisms are being explored to ensure the continued sharing of resources, whether spiritual reflection materials or analyses of current ecological issues. Future communications to the entire Congregation will provide the relevant links to access this information.

An International Collaboration in Service of the Mission

The Laudato Si’ Steering Committee brings together members from different SNJM provinces:

Mamokotjo (Francina) Mokoteli, SNJM (Lesotho)
Linda Riggers, SNJM (US–Ontario)
Lorraine St-Hilaire, SNJM (Manitoba)
Susan Wells, SNJM (CLT Liaison)
Julie Tétreault (Quebec)

Through this active participation within an international team, the SNJMs of Quebec contribute fully to the Congregation’s collective commitment to integral ecology, in fidelity to their mission and to the call of Laudato Si’.