“Weaving New Connections Together”: A Hopeful Start to the Year for the SNJMs

How can we carry forward a mission that remains vibrant while adapting to today’s realities? With this question in mind, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and their affiliates in Quebec gathered at Maison Jésus-Marie on September 25 for their annual gathering marking the start of the year’s activities.

From the outset, Sr. Denise Riel, head of the Quebec Administrative Team, set the tone: “The theme we are proposing today is more than just a theme; it is a call to action.”

Weaving the Future by Building on Everyone’s Strengths

Sr. Denise Riel

With the theme “Weaving New Connections Together,” the SNJMs are invited to imagine new ways of living out their mission while drawing on the Congregation’s many strengths. These include its charism, spirituality, experience, and the diversity of cultures that enrich its worldview.

Aware of the challenges associated with the ageing of the Sisters and changes in governance, Sr. Denise Riel offered a hopeful invitation: “We have a choice: accept decline or redefine the future.”

To achieve this, everyone can contribute their own thread to this collective effort: “The thread of trust, prayer, witness, participation, realism, and solidarity, all woven together in hope.”

It is a meaningful way to continue the weaving that began in Quebec in 1843, nurturing the connections that unite the Sisters, their affiliates, and the people they encounter in their daily lives.

From the General Chapter to Collective Commitment

Following an update on changes in governance, a reading from the Acts of the 36^th General Chapter held in July 2026, interspersed with the refrain “Esprit de liberté, passe dans nos cœurs” (“Spirit of freedom, move through our hearts”), opened the way for shared reflection.

The participants then gathered, in small groups, in either the chapel or in other locations for sharing time.  Facilitated by delegates to the General Chapter, participants explored various aspects of the Acts in greater depth. Each person was invited to make a personal or community commitment to contribute to this new chapter in the life of the SNJMs.

Adding Another Thread to a Shared Work

During the time for refreshments, participants were invited to share a word or two from each small group and pose a simple gesture which a gave tangible expression to the commitments made: adding a thread to a weaving that was already begun.

Through conversations, small group sharing and the joy of being together, the gathering served as a reminder that the SNJM mission continues to take shape thanks to the contributions of each Sister and affiliate.

This inspiring start to the year encouraged everyone to keep connections alive, to build new ones, and to move forward together with confidence.

The three members of the Quebec Leadership Team who will remain in office until the new administrative structure is implemented in November. From left to right: Sisters Lisette Boulé, Denise Riel, and Claudette Bastien.

Source photo: Sisters Suzanne Brault et Hélène Harvey