St. Patrick’s Day is always celebrated with joy and gladness by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). On this special day, green is in the spotlight throughout the house, with many Sisters sporting a touch of green in a variety of ways.

A little decorative touch

On March 17, the tradition continued at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM). At the 11 a.m. Mass, the Sisters were united in prayer, thought and spirit with all their Irish-born companions. The festive celebrations began with lunch.

And what better way to inject that proverbial Irish cheerfulness than with a touch of music! The Sisters of Saint-André pavilion gathered in the cafeteria to sing a Blessing to the tune of Edelweiss, from an original text composed by Sr. Suzanne Lavallée for the occasion.

During an Irish-style toast, participants raised their glasses high and wished each other “SLÁINTE MHAITH” (to your health!) in Gaelic. The meal also had an Irish flavour, with a succulent “Irish Stew”, and a dessert as colourful as the party itself.

And dessert!

The festive mood continued as everyone took part in a quiz to test our knowledge of Irish culture, before rounding off the festivities with a traditional sing-along “When Irish Eye are Smiling”.

There were smiles and twinkles in everyone’s eyes, including those of the “Irish girls” for a day!

We recognize Sisters Rita Brière, Phyllis Douillard, a “pure” Irishwoman, and Béatrice Landry, whose mother was also Irish.

Photos credit  Sr. Suzanne Brault

Forced migration is the link that unites the three SNJM collective positions. This is what the three young partners of the SNJM Quebec Justice and Peace Committee revealed during their presentation to the SNJM Sisters, some of whom had been missionaries, and to the Volunteers on March 2 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

Simon Lantz 

In the run-up to their mini-conference, the three students, Simon, Sofia-Elena and Héloïse realized that forced migration was always in the background, whether in connection with climate change, immigration, refugees, aboriginal homelessness and, of course, trafficking. This was the first time that the SNJM Sisters, including those who had been missionaries, along with the Volunteers had joined together to hear the presentation that addressed these issues from this new angle.

Called upon to paint a portrait of each of their research, the three students demonstrated a mastery of their subject. A realistic portrait, can sometimes lead to discouragement on the part of an audience when the devastating findings are examined. In spite of this, the volunteers and the missionary Sisters, most of whom have worked in Haiti and Brazil, including one who had worked in Canada’s Far North, realized the significance of their presence at this meeting.

Call for a Quebec anti-trafficking office

Taking the time to continue learning about and understanding the intricacies of these three major current concerns is a major step towards identifying solutions and taking action. Action by the Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale (CATHII) – (action committee against internal and international human trafficking) will begin with the signing of a letter addressed to Lionel Carmant, the Minister of Health and Social Services.

The letter calls on the Quebec government to address the plight of trafficking victims by setting up an office against trafficking. Although human trafficking falls under federal jurisdiction, Quebec can create an infrastructure to help survivors of this form of modern-day slavery, which is rampant in Quebec and around the world.

The SNJMs of Québec and the Volunteers are collecting signatures for this letter, which will be hand-delivered to the Minister or his political attaché in early spring.

Precious moments of exchange

Héloïse Vincent-Ozell

Following the mini-conferences, the three students and the volunteers divided up, one per table, to share a meal with the Sisters of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM). Another great opportunity to forge links.

Sofia-Elena Ranke-Farro

The following day, Héloïse and Sofia-Elena met with over twenty Sisters from the MJM’s Saint-André pavilion. The former discussed the situation of indigenous people and links with migration. The second shared her experience with Talitha Kum’s “young ambassadors” in Rome. At the invitation of Pope Francis, these young people took part in a week of networking and training against human trafficking, held during the week in which February 8, the feast of Saint Josephine Bakitha, and the 10th anniversary of Talitha Kum were celebrated.

The Sisters were greatly impressed by the knowledge of the three partners and their ability to communicate on such complex subjects. These moments of exchange are invaluable, and demonstrate the relevance of thinking outside the box by involving young people in the work of the SNJM Justice and Peace Committee in Quebec.

Photos credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey

No fewer than 21 students are taking part in the 4th edition of the CATHII program—University at the UN in 2024. After completing a training program begun in January, the participants will travel to New York from March 10 to 14 to take part in activities organized in conjunction with the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68).  

The students come from the Universities of Montreal, McGill and Concordia     and also from ENAP (École nationale d’administration publique), a first for this knowledge transfer program. Eight of these participants are studying at Master’s level, which brings a touch of additional experience, notably through their internships, notes Sr. Lise Gagnon, SNJM, a member of the trio responsible for this program. The trio also includes project manager Kavitha Culasingam and another CATHII member, Élodie Ekobena from the Centre Justice et Foi. (Justice and Faith Centre)

Already aware of justice issues

Sr. Lise’s findings extend to other considerations, such as the diversity of teaching faculties and intercultural backgrounds, not to mention the already well-assumed open-mindedness towards issues of inequality and justice. “Our participants have already taken these notions on board. In fact, I am moved by their receptivity. We don’t have to convince anyone. All the members of the group already have a benevolent view of vulnerable people.”

This sensitivity, combined with everyone’s experience and knowledge, fuels the discussions, from which emerge pertinent questions and reflections that lead everyone to go further, according to Sr. Lise: “It may seem odd, but for me, I see that they already share Gospel values. This leads me to reflect spiritually as I watch them.”

The members of this 4th cohort will be accompanied by Kavitha and Sofia-Elena Ranke-Farro, partners of the SNJM Justice and Peace Committee in Quebec. In addition to visiting UN facilities, they will be able to take part in parallel activities according to their fields of interest, without losing sight of the status of women and human trafficking issues.

Preparing the next generation

The theme of this 68th edition of the CSW underscores the urgency of action: “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by tackling poverty and strengthening institutions and financing from a gender perspective”.

The students of this 2024 cohort will take part in a final debriefing meeting in mid-April to report on their findings, share their experiences and provide ideas for improving the program and helping to create a new generation of human trafficking experts.

The creation of this program by the Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale (CATHII) (Committee against internal and international human trafficking) has always been aimed at raising awareness of this issue among young people. It is a way of preparing a new generation of young people who can pass on their knowledge in their areas of intervention and in their surroundings. The ultimate goal is to counter human trafficking in all its forms and provide better support for victims.     

As in previous years, the Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale (CATHII)(Committee Against National and International Human Trafficking) contributed to the online pilgrimage of prayer and reflection against human trafficking. Sr. IsaBelle Couillard, President of CATHII, coordinated the North American component, which included the United States and Canada, represented by CATHII.

This portion was at the end of the pilgrimage that began at 3:30 a.m. (our time) by the representatives of the Talitha Kum networks from Asia – Oceania, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Latin America.

In the Canadian section, Sr. Couillard highlighted the visit of the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery to the country, which enabled him to take the pulse of the situation and meet with organizations. The presentation of a video highlighted his findings and the issues surrounding trafficking and its many facets in this country, particularly that of migrant workers. This video and the prayer that closed the North American segment were produced by Renaude Grégoire, CATHII development officer.

Organized as part of the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking, this pilgrimage provides an overview of the many commitments being made around the world to counter the phenomenon of human trafficking and to help its victims. Moments of prayer and reflection in the colors of the participants are grafted onto the year’s theme: “Journey in Dignity: Listen, Dream, Act”.

The complete pilgrimage can be accessed here. Further information can be found on the World Day’s website.

Below, you will find the North America-only video clip from this pilgrimage. Please note that there is a slight discrepancy between the visual and the audio at certain points in the presentations.

Now in its 10th year, this World Day pays tribute to Saint Josephine Bakhita, a victim of human trafficking from childhood. She joined a Religious Congregation after emigrating to Italy. The virtual pilgrimage is coordinated by Talitha Kum (a network of religious organizations campaigning against human trafficking). Promotion is handled by Unions internationales des Supérieures (UISG) and des Supérieurs généraux (USG).

Recently, a delegation of children from Maison des enfants Marie-Rose (MDEMR) went to the Beauharnois Town Hall to present Mayor Alain Dubuc with a specially decorated chair. 

Several months ago, Mayor Dubuc extended an invitation to the MDEMR team to ensure the symbolic presence of children at City Council meetings. With this presence, Mayor Dubuc wishes to remind everyone that decisions must be taken with an awareness of the present and future of the children of Beauharnois.

The request turned into an educational project. With the help of Janine Lefebvre, founder of the non-profit organization, and volunteers, the youngsters saw their efforts crowned with success. They were proud of their achievement, but hoped that the presence of this chair would be more than symbolic.

Hungry young people

Most of the young people supported by MDEMR are hungry! Many suffer from hunger as well as emotional and financial distress.

Reality strikes the imagination of MDEMR adults in these difficult times. What can we say to a child who has nothing to eat in the morning, or another who has managed to find an onion for breakfast? It’s easy to understand why the thirty or so children who come to Maison des enfants Marie-Rose for lunch literally devour their meal, in addition to eating the dozens of eggs – a food item considered too expensive for many parents, according to some of the children.

The situation is made all the more difficult by the fact that, for several years now, the school environment has no longer offered the “breakfast” service. This, coupled with the current economic situation, adds further pressure on parents who can no longer feed their families.  After school, some fifteen young people gather at the MDEMR for artistic and educational activities and a snack that often serves as their meal. A certain discipline is imposed on participants in the arts and music workshops, limiting the number of participants to a maximum of 20.

An essential role

In such a context, Maison des enfants Marie-Rose succeeds in meeting the needs of some youngsters with its comprehensive range of services. In addition to after-school lunches and snacks, the organization offers a wide range of cultural and artistic activities that foster young people’s development. The children benefit from the unwavering support of the entire team, made up of volunteers, immigrants from Africa  who have skills as teachers.

They are in the process of integrating into Quebec society. Some of them benefit from a partnership with Service Québec, which subsidizes their salaries. There are also two social workers who help out on an ad hoc basis.

When children spontaneously say “Here, we always feel respected”, we understand the vital role played by this resource for the people of  Beauharnois.

“We’d like to welcome more children, but we don’t have the funds to hire qualified staff and offer quality services,” says Janine Lefebvre, SNJM associate, who continues to work on a voluntary basis after handing over management to Fanny de Roussan.

Developing sources of financing

Beyond the resounding success of the million-dollar, deficit-free renovation of Ellice Manor, there are many challenges to be met in maintaining this new venue for the creation and dissemination of the arts, which now benefits the entire Beauharnois community. In addition to maintenance costs and the salaries of a few staff members, there are those directly related to food requirements. These costs have risen considerably in recent years.

Regular activities include Dinner Speakers from 5pm to 7pm, Christmas and spring markets open to local and regional artisans, and jazz evenings to finance ongoing activities. Personal initiatives on the part of individuals and businesses in Beauharnois are to be commended. For example, a citizen took charge of organizing a spaghetti day, which was a great success. Automobiles Bégin decided to raise funds during its annual Christmas lights campaign last December. The company donated $4,000 to the MDEMR.

At the same time, director Fanny de Roussan has stepped up her efforts to promote the rental of the manor house, one of Beauharnois’ most beautiful sites. This is a significant source of income, which she hopes to double in the next few years. In the meantime, she has to take up the pilgrim’s staff again to solicit donations and subsidies in the hope of obtaining recurrent support to consolidate the organization’s foundations.

In search of recurrent support

MDEMR’s unique educational, social and cultural mission seems to disqualify it from many current subsidy programs. Undeterred, the director hopes to influence decision-makers to review their restrictive criteria, which exclude a resource that is just as valuable as some other widely subsidized social pediatrics.

At a time when everyone agrees on the importance of children’s well-being, the MDEMR team hopes that the Beauharnois community, under the leadership of the town council, already convinced by the cause, will mobilize to support the organization financially. Today, the MDEMR is a precious oasis of peace for children, and an example for many other regions.

Photo credit: Maison des enfants Marie-Rose