2025 came to a joyful and upbeat end, thanks to the ever-energetic performance of the choir Les Joyeux Retraités, presented on December 28 in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

🎶 This Christmas concert, rich in emotion and surprises, delighted the audience with the diversity of its repertoire. Lively rhythms, well-loved traditional carols, and delightful touches of humor filled the room, sparking laughter and creating a festive atmosphere. It was hard to resist tapping along or enthusiastically humming a few familiar tunes!

Founded in 1990, this mixed vocal ensemble of Les Joyeux Retraités de Longueuil regularly performs at MJM and shares its joy of life and offers precious moments of happiness to the Sisters and invited guests.

The holiday performance—always greatly appreciated—was expertly conducted by Ms. Lise Pelletier. The choir was accompanied on the piano by Ms. Hélène Carrière, whose beautiful playing supported the voices of the singers.

At the end of the concert, the beaming faces of the audience spoke volumes. Many with smiles on their faces and still humming the melodies they had just heard, returned to their activities. It was a moment of pure pleasure, filled with warmth and sharing, that carried the spirit of the holidays through the final days of the year. ✨

Photo and video coverage: Sr. Suzanne Brault

One week before Christmas, on December 18, the magic of the holiday season filled Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) thanks to the much-anticipated “Coffee and Doughnuts” get-together, offered to residents and staff members. 🎄

This friendly gathering, marked by simplicity and warmth, brought joy, smiles, and good cheer in the midst of an early winter. Building on the great success of last year’s event, which included Sisters in the infirmary, the activity was joyfully repeated.

Sisters Suzanne Lavallée, Monique Gendron, and Hélène Harvey hard at work preparing 325 doughnuts for their event.

In the kitchen (and at the heart of the action), the trio of Sister-cooks: Suzanne Lavallée, Monique Gendron, and Hélène Harvey, once again delighted everyone. They prepared no less than 325 doughnuts, all of which disappeared over the course of the day!

Exchanged smiles, affectionate gestures, and bursts of laughter reflected the beautiful sense of companionship among the residents. To add a touch of holiday magic, a few Sisters spontaneously broke into Christmas Carols, filling the space with song and further adding warmth to the atmosphere.

These small moments of great simplicity, lived in joy and sharing, truly make a difference. They remind us that the spirit of Christmas is found above all in everyday life, through sincere gestures that warm the heart. ✨

Photo report: Sr. Hélène Harvey

More than 16,000 people took part in the 2025 World March of Women, held in Québec City on October 18. This edition carried special significance, marking the 30th anniversary of Bread and Roses, the historic 1995 march that brought renewed attention to the urgent need to uphold women’s rights. That landmark event left a lasting imprint on the collective imagination, challenged political perspectives, and paved the way for the creation of the World March of Women in 2000.

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) maintain a deep and enduring connection with this movement. Several Sisters took part in the 1995 March to support their fellow Sister, Sr. Lise Gagnon, who walked from Montreal to Québec City alongside women from all walks of life. Actively engaged in community organizations in Montreal’s South Centre neighbourhood, she still recalls that experience as a defining moment.

Thirty years later, Sr. Lise continues to carry that flame. Having participated in every edition since 1995, she once again joined the March in 2025, surrounded by women and men united around the powerful message: “Together, still marching to transform the world!”

She was accompanied by Sofia Elena Ranke Farro, partner with the SNJM Justice and Peace Committee (Québec), and her family; Kavitha Culam, recently involved with the CATHII–UN project and the Centre des femmes d’ici et d’ailleurs; Josée Desrosiers, an SNJM co-worker; and many other committed participants.

“Let yourself be immersed in the atmosphere of this unifying event, filled with hope and carried forward by a new generation that is just as determined and vibrant,” concludes Sr. Lise, paying tribute to the work of Sofia Elena, who created a commemorative video capsule of the March.

On December 6, English and French-speaking Associates of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) experienced a historic moment: their first in-person joint ceremony for the renewal of promises, held at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).
In 2023, the shared event had taken place online due to the pandemic. The new in-person format, now planned every two years, strengthens connections between the two groups while simplifying the organization of this meaningful gathering.

A Celebration Marked by Hope

Guided by the theme “Clothed in Hope, Let Us Move Forward Together,” the celebration reflected simplicity, spiritual depth, and a strong bond with Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher and the early SNJM Sisters.

The gathering began in the lobby around the seal of the Congregation, followed by a procession to the chapel where each participant placed a rose in front of the statue of Mother Marie-Rose. Following a warm welcome by Sr. Claudette Bastien and an explanation of the theme by Brenda Brisebois, the ceremony began with prayer and a symbolic lighting of candles representing the four seasons.

Renewal of Commitments

At the invitation of Sr. Claudette, Provincial Councillor, Associates renewed their commitment for another two years:

“… I promise to live the charism of the Congregation, to adhere to the Acts of the General Chapter related to the life of Associates, to deepen my personal relationship with God, and to serve others in whatever role I am called to.”

Each person then placed their signed commitment form at the foot of the statue of the foundress, a gesture rooted in trust and offering.

The SNJM Sisters present, also renewed their vows, recalling the first profession of the three foundresses on December 8, 1844.

A Warm and Festive Gathering

Lunch together offered a joyful time of community sharing. “I truly enjoy these moments of getting together… This ritual of commitment is meaningful for everyone,” shared Marie Girardin, SNJM Consecrated Laywoman.

The day concluded on a festive note with a Christmas Carols sing-a-long with all those who attended this event. It was a delightful way to enter into the spirit of the season.

Photo-video report: Sr. Suzanne Brault and Sr. Pat O’Neill

Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) had the pleasure of welcoming the Arthémuse Choir from Collège Durocher Saint-Lambert on November 30 for its annual holiday concert. Under the theme “Songs for Peace,” the vocal ensemble delivered a luminous and uplifting performance—a message of hope in a world shaken by conflict and uncertainty.

Twenty pieces were performed, including an original work composed by Rémi St-Jacques, musical director and conductor: If a Hug Were Enough. The program featured renowned composers—Rutter, Gjeilo, Britten, Rossini, Tchaikovsky—as well as timeless classics such as Dans cette étable and John Lennon’s Imagine.

The choir, made up of about sixty singers—including Geneviève Grégoire, Executive Director of MJM—was accompanied by pianist Johanne Ratté and a string quintet.

The variety of styles, the performers’ energy, and the musical excellence created a festive, deeply moving atmosphere. The concert concluded on a joyful note with an enthusiastic rendition of Il est né le divin enfant.

A Choir Rooted in History and Commitment

Founded in 1993 at Collège Durocher Saint-Lambert—thanks in part to the contribution of several Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM)—the Arthémuse Choir remains deeply involved in the community. It regularly participates in benefit concerts, including for the Alzheimer Society of the South Shore, and continues to welcome new lovers of choral singing.

Photo-video credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), together with the SNJM Volunteers experienced a meaningful time of reflection and dialogue during a gathering held on November 15 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

Understanding the Impact of Digital Technology on Water

Simon Lantz, partner in the Justice and Peace Committee SNJM Quebec

Under the theme “Water in the Contemporary Era,” Simon Lantz, partner with the SNJM Québec Justice and Peace Committee, explored the invisible impacts of smartphones, the Internet, computing, and artificial intelligence—what we commonly refer to as digital technology—on water and the environment. Through concrete and relatable examples, he shed light on the impacts we rarely see:

• a single web search can require the equivalent of a bottle of water;
• massive data centers—often windowless buildings—consume enormous amounts of water for cooling their servers.
  The participants were particularly struck by the example of Google’s data center in Iowa which consumed more than three billion litres of water in 2022.

Challenging the Myth of “Eco-Friendly Digital Technology”

The presentation, free of guilt-based messaging, sparked strong reactions among the those gathered. “Everyone learned something,” noted Sr. Lise Gagnon of the Justice Committee.

The examples shared helped debunk a widespread belief: digital technologies are not always more environmentally friendly than paper-based solutions.

A Deeper Sharing on Our Relationship with Creation

Following the break, Simon continued the conversation with the SNJM Volunteers, centering the discussion on a fundamental question: “Are we humans the pinnacle of creation or are we a part of it?”

This reflection opened a space where contemporary perspectives and spiritual foundations met. Participants revisited the evolution from a long-held anthropocentric worldview toward the vision promoted in Laudato Si’, which emphasizes interdependence and shared responsibility.

The summer’s critically low water levels in the St. Lawrence River—requiring the opening of Great Lakes locks to compensate—illustrated the urgency of adopting lifestyles that better protect water resources and dispelled the myth that Québec has “no water issues.”

The Ongoing Commitment of the SNJMs

Since adopting their corporate stand on water in 2008, the SNJMs have remained deeply committed to environmental stewardship and the path of integral ecology.

Looking Ahead

The next gathering of the SNJM Sisters and their Volunteers, will take place in May 2026. Sofia Ranke-Farro, member of the Justice and Peace Committee, will give a presentation on human trafficking. She opened the November meeting by sharing a short video on the participation of an SNJM delegation in the 2025 World March of Women, a topic featured in another article.

Sofia Ranke-Farro, partner member of the Justice and Peace Committee

At this time of year, when solidarity takes on special meaning, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), along with several staff members from the Congregation and Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), are once again taking part in the Shoebox Project. True to their values of compassion and mutual support, they are responding generously to this call to help marginalized women who often remain unseen.

Marianne Daudelin

Following the suggestion of Marianne Daudelin, activities and community service coordinator at MJM, a genuine SNJM solidarity community has formed to contribute collectively to this campaign, which now focuses on group donations rather than individual contributions.

The initiative carried out at MJM made it possible to assemble about forty boxes, along with a few additional donations. The participation of the General Administration (GA) staff and members of the Leadership Team further strengthened this effort, bringing the total number of boxes delivered to the organization to 60. Although prepared independently, the boxes created by the GA group were assembled in deep spiritual communion with the residents of MJM. This initiative is part of the Advent tradition—a time of Waiting and Love—during which the group selects a cause each year as an expression of their solidarity.

Each box contains essential items—personal care products, comforting accessories—along with a handwritten message of encouragement to offer warmth, dignity, and human connection to its recipient.

Living Mission in New Ways

The SNJM commitment to women in vulnerable situations is long-standing. Back in 2021, they prepared 91 beautifully decorated shoeboxes, delivered to organizations supporting women experiencing homelessness. This campaign allows them to continue their mission of service while deepening their understanding of the many realities of homelessness.

In the Montérégie alone, nearly 30 organizations help distribute these boxes, including L’Abri de la Rive-Sud, La Halte du Coin, Alternative Centregens, and Carrefour pour elle. The regional goal of 800 shoeboxes—each valued at $50—is expected to be reached again, and likely surpassed. The campaign runs until December 6, leaving plenty of time to offer a meaningful act of solidarity.

A Movement Rooted in Community Care

Launched in 2011 by the Mulroney sisters-in-law in Toronto, the Shoebox Project quickly expanded from Ontario to Montréal and the Montérégie. Its mission: to offer support and dignity to women experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless through community mobilization.

Since its creation, the campaign has distributed over 285,000 shoeboxes and an additional $1.9 million in donations to vulnerable women. More than 620 shelters and community organizations across Canada have benefited from this deeply compassionate initiative.

Mission is also a matter of constancy and heart. And if proof were needed, the missionary exhibition held on October 30 and 31 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) offered a shining example. For the 21st consecutive year, this heartwarming event brought together residents, staff, and visitors in search of handmade treasures, thoughtful gifts… and above all, solidarity.

A Beloved and Highly Anticipated Tradition

Throughout the years, this exhibition has become a cherished tradition at MJM — so much so, that the Sisters themselves insisted it continue.
“The Sisters didn’t want it to stop,” says Sr. Suzanne Lavallée, the tireless 90-year-old organizer. “They made it clear: ‘We still want to help families. Poverty is still very real. This is a beautiful and fun event!’”

Moved by their enthusiasm, Sr. Suzanne gathered her team of volunteers to prepare what she thought would be a scaled-down version. But with the abundance of donations, the “mini” event quickly turned into a full-fledged exhibition — and a great success!

Knitting goods, Cards, Shawls… and a Whole Lot of Heart

Among the most popular items:

• Shawls flew off the tables as fast as they appeared.
• Greeting cards crafted by Lise Legault, a longtime friend of the SNJMs, were a big hit.
• Embroidered canvases made by Sr. Nicole Gaucher (of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary) also attracted many admirers.

A special mention goes to Sr. Lise Gendron, who knitted a beautiful blanket using leftover yarn — the grand prize in the raffle. To spice things up, an anonymous donor added a coveted bottle of fine alcohol to the prize table!

Photo report: Sr. Hélène Harvey