Creativity at MJM Contributes to the 36th SNJM General Chapter

Behind a major event such as the 36th General Chapter of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) are countless preparations and thoughtful details. At Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), residents put their creativity to work to prepare a personalized welcome for participants arriving from different regions of the Congregation.

This simple activity gave many residents an opportunity to contribute, in their own way, to this important SNJM international gathering.

Artists for a Day

At the invitation of Sr. Mary Haupt, General Councillor, a paper bag decorating activity was organized in June under the coordination of Sr. Beverley Wattling, activity coordinator for the Saint-Charles Pavilion.

With the support of activity assistants Marie Loube, animator on the ground floor, Annie St-Onge, animator on the second floor of the Saint-Charles Pavilion, and Sr. Lisette Boulé, resident at the Saint-André Pavilion, three creative sessions were held, one for each group.

Many SNJM sisters took part, along with sisters from other religious congregations and laypeople living at the MJM. No artistic expertise was required! Pencils, stickers, and other decorative materials allowed everyone to let their imagination run free.

Sr. Jeanne Dagenais

Words associated with the General Chapter and the Congregation, offered in the five languages spoken within the SNJM Congregation, could also be added to the creations—a special way of highlighting the international nature of the gathering.

By the end of the activity, participants were proud of their creations and delighted to have contributed in a tangible way to the preparations for the General Chapter.

Strawberries with a Story to Tell

The decorated bags were then filled with various useful and symbolic items, including strawberry candies. Behind this sweet treat is a nod to a tradition cherished by the SNJMs in California.

On May 10, 1868, following a long journey from Quebec, six sisters arrived in Oakland to establish a new mission. They were welcomed and comforted with a strawberry treat. This memory gave rise to Strawberry Day, a tradition still celebrated annually by the SNJMs in California.

Including strawberry candies in the bags was therefore a way to share a piece of this history while creating a connection between generations and the different regions of the Congregation.

Remembering Marianne Daudelin with Gratitude

This thoughtful gesture now holds a very special meaning. The idea of including strawberry candies came from Marianne Daudelin, the coordinator responsible for activities and community services at MJM, who had suddenly passed away in June.

Through this gesture, envisioned before her passing, something of her care for others, her creativity, and her commitment to life at Maison Jésus-Marie accompanied the participants of the 36th General Chapter.

Photo credits: Sr. Hélène Harvey