“So Much Life to Celebrate”: An Afternoon of Gratitude with the SNJMs of Quebec

As the 36th General Chapter of the sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) approached, the sisters in Quebec gathered for a meaningful time of appreciation and gratitude on June 12 in the chapel at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

Under the theme “So Much Life to Celebrate,” this provincial gathering highlighted the journey since 2015 and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed along the way. “We wanted to honour the journey in which each sister has played her part in responding to the calls from various sources since 2015,” explained Sr. Monique Bonin, a member of the organizing committee.

Recognizing a Journey Taken Together

The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on several changes experienced during this period: the relocation of the Provincial Administration Office from Saint Lambert to Longueuil, the integration of laypeople into various roles, the welcoming of sisters from other religious congregations to MJM, the arrival of SNJM sisters from the Mission Sector, and the gradual closure of smaller residences.

Sister Monique Bonin

Each of these milestones reflects a community called to adapt while continuing its mission. Sr. Monique Bonin obviously spoke from the heart as she summed up her tribute: “We have accomplished so much! We have faced and embraced changes, shared joys, and journeyed together through difficult times. With pride, our hearts sing: So Much Life to Celebrate!”

Six representatives from different groups within the Quebec SNJM community then shared what they had received and appreciated throughout the years. Thanks to the new mobile TV screen, images and presentations accompanied the bilingual contributions and added a lively dimension to the gathering.

A Tribute Filled with Affection and Gratitude

Sisters Marjorie Moffatt and Beverley Wattling

Special recognition was given to the members of the Provincial Leadership Team (PLT). Initially, the contribution of Sr. Beverley Wattling, who had served on the team from 2015 to 2020 was acknowledged; and was followed by personal tributes to Sr. Lisette Boulé, Sr. Claudette Bastien, and Sr. Denise Riel.

Sisters Jacqueline Aubry, Élisabeth Giroux, and Monique Bonin drew from the many testimonials gathered from SNJM sisters to create portraits filled with affection, humour, and gratitude.

A trio of singers coordinated by Sr. Suzanne Brault then performed the traditional “C’est à ton tour… de vous laisser parler d’amour” (“It’s your turn… to let us speak to you of love”), giving the tributes the warm spirit of a family celebration.

Sharing Memories Around the Table

Refreshments were then served in the cafeteria. Conversations, laughter, and a few nostalgic memories extended this celebration of the journey shared together.

The event was organized by a committee composed of Sisters Monique Bonin, Jacqueline Aubry, Élisabeth Giroux, Lise Gendron, Lise Gagnon, and Pat O’Neill. Before beginning a new chapter in SNJM history, the gathering offered an opportunity to recognize all that had already been planted and nurtured along the way.

Photo coverage: Sr. Suzanne Brault and Julie Tétreault