The provincial gathering of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary of Quebec was held on Friday, October 6, the feast day of their foundress, Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. Approximately 100 people gathered in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), while dozens of Sisters followed the proceedings on closed circuit TV, to launch a new year in mission.

From the outset, Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator, highlighted the legacy of the Sisters who had preceded them: “Women who paved the way with creativity, audacity and were transformed by this passion for Jesus…” Recalling that this year 2023-2024 marks 180 years of existence for the SNJM Congregation, Sr. Denise made no secret of the great challenges facing all religious communities and the Church, called “to transform and renew ourselves”. 

She linked her message with this year’s theme by concluding with the words, “This year, under the breath of the Spirit, let us create space within ourselves to prepare for the future, let us create an openness of heart and mind in the present for the future.”

Envisioning the future by assuming the present

Focusing on “Creating Space For The Future”, Sr. Lorna Cooney shared her reflections entitled, “The Different Ways In Which We Envision The Future And How It Relates To The Present.”  In doing so, she dwelt on the nature and quality of presence and the need to be aware of the present. “… it’s all we have.” To drive this point home, she quoted Margaret Wheatley: “The future comes from where we are. It comes from the actions, values and beliefs we practice now. We create the future every day by what we choose to do. If we want a different future, we have to take responsibility for what we do in the present.”

She ended her sharing with a call to hope as many today feel their lives are less dynamic than in another era. “We must not be discouraged. There is a daily death and self-giving that makes us, in our own unique way, a living stone, animated by our charism, supporting the Church’s mission by giving it vitality and cementing it by the holiness of our lives, day after day.”

A discussion period followed. Those present gathered in threes to share the elements that had touched them most in these presentations and on the theme of the year. This was followed by an open discussion in which a number of Suns expressed their openness to transformation and concrete action in the near future.

A meaningful Rite of Missioning

Following the break, the three members of the Provincial Leadership Team took turns presenting more factual information regarding current projects. Sr. Denise Riel spoke about the future of MJM, while Sr. Claudette Bastien provided some details about the Justice Committee partners project, the joint renewal of commitment of the Anglophone and Francophone Associates, and the launch of the Eulalie-Rose Foundation and its website.

For her part, Sr. Lisette Boulé extended an invitation to visit the refurbished Marie-Rose chapel in the co-cathedral, and announced the dates of certain events for the coming year.

This moment of gathering was interspersed several times with the song “Que tes œuvres sont belles”. (Your works are so beautiful). The gathering ended with the celebration and missioning rite, with the presentation of a bookmark. All were invited for refreshments in the cafeteria.

An initiative of the priests and pastoral team of Vieux-Longueuil culminated on October 6 with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration in tribute to Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, at Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral. Prior to the celebration, over 75 people attended a presentation by Geneviève Noël, SNJM associate and head of the Congregation’s archives.

Mrs. Noël outlined Eulalie Durocher’s career path, pointing out the challenges faced by the young woman from Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu. Continuing with details of her 12-year pastoral commitment in Beloeil and Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Madame Noël highlighted the leadership and interpersonal skills of the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM).

In her testimonial, Mrs. Noël revealed how Eulalie’s personality struck a chord with her: in particular, her understanding of the needs of the community, her vision of an education that fosters personal fulfillment, and her general attitude in the face of adversity. Among other things, this is what prompted her to follow a spiritual path as an SNJM associate.

Learning more about SNJMs

Mrs. Noël concluded her presentation by inviting those present to learn more about the Blessed Marie-Rose’s story and the SNJM’s ongoing mission. Visitors to the Marie-Rose chapel, located in the right transept of the co-cathedral, can view the artifacts and posters on display.

Each of these display elements features QR codes and web links to help visitors discover a variety of aspects. In addition to the history of the foundress and the Congregation, there is a wealth of information about the SNJM’s educational mission, social justice and integral ecology initiatives.

Father Charles Mangongo, r.s.v., presided over the Eucharistic Celebration that followed. He took the opportunity to highlight the contribution of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher and her presence in the Co-cathedral. Following the celebration, several parishioners gathered for a time of fellowship with members of the pastoral team and SNJM Sisters.

October 6 is the anniversary of the birth and death of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. Over the past three weeks, the Semainier paroissial (bulletin) has presented short texts unveiling some key elements of Blessed Marie-Rose’s story. The texts were written by Michelle Beaulac-Samson, head of catechesis for 8–13-year-olds.

The entire process of paying tribute to the SNJM foundress was overseen by Céline Wakil, coordinator of the Vieux-Longueuil parish and pastoral team.

On September 10, as part of the Journées du patrimoine religieux (Religious Heritage Days), Saint-Timothée Parish in the Valleyfield Diocese, organized a celebration and presentation on the life of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. The event brought together parishioners and former students of the Saint-Timothée convent.

The initiative for this activity came from the parish priest, André Lafleur, a family friend of Sr. Gabrielle Brunet, snjm, well known in nearby Saint-Louis-de Gonzague. Recognizing the important role of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) in his community, Father Lafleur wanted to recall and keep alive the legacy of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher.

Sister Gabrielle Brunet, snjm

Sr. Gabrielle was given the delicate task of presenting a brief account of the life of Mother Marie-Rose, beatified in 1982. After recounting her childhood in broad outline, Sr. Gabrielle emphasized her great piety and her ability to welcome and listen to young and old alike. A pastoral care worker, long before the term was defined, Mother Marie-Rose, known then as Eulalie Durocher, was involved in many ways in the Beloeil region, as the speaker pointed out.

“Around 1835, the Richelieu region was going through a difficult period… Eulalie visited families, bringing provisions and encouraging the most destitute. She involved children and young women in this mission. Concrete signs of her zeal and concerted action can be seen…”

Before concluding her talk, Sr. Gabrielle recalled Mother Marie-Rose’s determination to give priority to a full and complete education for young girls, so that they could assume the pivotal role within the family.

A brief history of the founding of Saint-Timothée

This vision of the SNJM’s foundress led her to work hard despite the limited resources of the young Congregation, founded in 1843. She herself accompanied the first four Sisters sent to found the Saint-Timothée convent in September 1848.

The request came from Father Joseph Olivier Archambault, a cousin of Mother Marie-Rose. Before welcoming them, the Abbé had the chapel, built in 1819, enlarged. The convent was replaced by a new building in 1885. The SNJMs worked there until July 31, 1968.

First convent in Saint-Timothée, founded by Mother Marie-Rose

Throughout the 120 years of their presence, the SNJMs welcomed primary and secondary school pupils, boarders, day pupils and students from the parish school to the convent. As early as 1955, Sisters taught at École Marie-Rose, and in 1965, at École secondaire Saint-André (High School).

Gathering and donation

During the gathering, in addition to speeches by Curé Lafleur and Sr. Gabrielle, a statue and a relic of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher were donated to the parish. These precious objects will serve as a reminder of the importance of the SNJMs to the parish community.

This was followed by light refreshments, during which those present shared memories and anecdotes. Sister Gabrielle Brunet was accompanied by Sisters Lisette Boulé, provincial councillor, and Thérèse Laplante, until recently in charge of the Centre Marie-Rose.

Former students of the Saint-Timothée convent with SNJM Sisters and members of the team who organized the event.

Source photo: Paroisse Saint-Timothée, diocèse de Valleyfield and Service central des archives SNJM

In a solemn and silent atmosphere, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) transferred the Eucharistic Presence from the chapel of the Congregation House to that of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), on September 15.

This rare event brought together many of the Sisters who have lived at the Congregation House as well as members of the lay staff. In her brief address, Sr Denise Riel, provincial animator, underlined, with great sensitivity, the feelings of the Sisters present.

“We can live this nostalgic moment, with sadness, and certainly with memories. Memories because the Congregation has been in this chapel for 180 years. We have prayed, we have celebrated, we have met – all in the footsteps of our foundresses. We can give thanks to the Lord and live this moment in joy and hope.”

After listening to a recording of the “Ave Maria”, Sr. Simone Perras underlined these last moments of religious life in this building, that has seen the SNJM Congregation grow and change its vocation over time.

“Today, we are called to live another moment of faith, that of the transfer of the Eucharistic Presence, to Maison Jésus-Marie while remembering that Jesus has always accompanied us, that God is eternally faithful, and that God constantly invites us to pass from one shore to the other with the guidance of the Spirit.”

Sr. Linda Haydock, Superior General then, presented a message on behalf of Mother Marie-Rose, inviting the Sisters to live this passage in faith. The official ceremony began when Sr. Lucile Potvin removed the Eucharistic Presence from the tabernacle of the chapel altar.

Surrounded by Sisters Florence Vinet and Constance Létourneau, she led the procession to the MJM chapel, followed by the Sisters and lay staff who attended.  On leaving the chapel, the Sisters took a rose with them to place in a vase, near the statue of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

Upon arrival, Sister Michelle Gouin, overseer of the liturgy, took the Eucharistic Presence and placed it in the tabernacle.

Addressing the audience and the Sisters who were following the closed-circuit ceremony, Sr. Denise Riel reminded them that this pilgrimage was, in a way, a confirmation of the MJM’s role as Motherhouse for the Quebec Sisters. She also affirmed that God’s presence would continue at the Congregation House through the mission lived out there by those currently working in the building and those in the future as well.

Sr. Simone Perras offered a final prayer before the entire audience was invited to sing the beloved Congregation-wide hymn “Je mets ma confiance” (I place my trust), at the end of the ritual.

It was a day of celebration on September 15 in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), where the jubilees of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and their Associates were celebrated. Under the theme “God Eternally Faithful”, the celebration, presided over by Father Gilles Fontaine, who was delighted to take part, took place in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude.

Following a word of welcome by Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator, and a greeting from the celebrant; Sr. Lisette Boulé, head of the organizing committee for this event, referred to the words of Robert Lebel to highlight the SNJM jubilees. “God has placed the whole of time in each woman’s heart. And each in her own time fulfills her own destiny.”

Sr. Lisette then added, “It is this reality that has marked the lives and commitments of the SNJM jubilarians and Associates we celebrate today.”

She then presented the jubilarians beginning with the oldest, recalling that 80 years ago, the SNJM Congregation marked its centenary (1943). That was the year Sisters Jacqueline Desaulniers and Yolande Laberge took their temporary vows.

After paying tribute to them, the audience sang the refrain “God faithful to your promises”. This refrain was repeated after the presentation of each of the groups of jubilarians celebrating 75, 70 and 60 years of religious profession, and the 25 years of commitment of the Associates.

The ceremony brought together a good number of Sisters and some Associates in the chapel, while many others followed on the closed circuit tv’s in their rooms. Everyone was then invited to the cafeteria for festive refreshments. Those present took the opportunity to chat with the jubilarians and residents in a warm atmosphere. There was a real sense of pleasure in being together at such a joyous occasion.

See the list of SNJM 2023 jubilarians here.

Some of the SNJM 2023 jubilarians.

The 2023 Jubilees celebration is the fruit of the work of a committee made up of Sisters Jacqueline Aubry, Lise Gendron, Jeanne Dagenais, Simone Perras and Lisette Boulé.

Photo credits: Sr. Suzanne Brault and Ms Julie Tétreault, SNJM affiliate

The Journées du patrimoine religieux (Religious Heritage Days) provided a wonderful opportunity for discovery, sharing and renewing acquaintances at the heritage centre of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). Approximately 60 people turned out during the two days to take part in either the pilgrimage component or the historical tour of this unique heritage site in Longueuil.

Founding site of the SNJM International Congregation, the museum known as Centre Marie-Rose has much to offer, as visitors were able to see for themselves. For some of them, there wasn’t enough time to take a full tour or to learn more.

The historical tour includes the original chapel, the historic rooms where Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher lived, the museum dedicated to the pioneers, the cemetery and inner courtyard, the archive exhibition room and the Foundation House. Throughout this comprehensive tour, additional information is given at each stop, such as in reference to the works painted on porcelain, the SNJM presence in Longueuil schools, the evolution of the building and anecdotes about the Saint-Antoine brook and its spring floods!

It was a very stimulating experience, both for the Sisters and the lay staff, who provided answers to the visitors’ sometimes very specific questions. The latter expressed their satisfaction at seeing this heritage site so well preserved, and their interest in keeping it accessible to the public.

In its third appearance at the Journées du patrimoine religieux, Centre Marie-Rose welcomed visitors from Victoriaville, Sorel, Sherbrooke and Montreal, as well as residents of Longueuil.