A special recognition event was held at the Congregation House on August 25 to officially mark the retirement of Sisters Thérèse Laplante and Simone Perras from Centre Marie-Rose (CMR). In the presence of the Quebec Leadership Team and General Administration staff, members of the Congregation’s Leadership Team (CLT) warmly thanked the two retirees for their “loving presence” during more than 20 years at CMR.

“We pay tribute to you for your service to countless people here in Quebec and around the world,” said Sister Mary Haupt, General Councillor. “We pray that Blessed Marie-Rose will continue to inspire and guide you, as she did so faithfully throughout your ministry at Centre Marie-Rose.”

In a convivial atmosphere during dinner, everyone had the opportunity to appreciate the contribution of Sisters Thérèse and Simone. After hearing touching testimonials accompanied by generous gifts, Sister Simone thanked everyone for their presence and expressions of appreciation. She also emphasized the natural harmony that quickly developed between herself and Sister Thérèse: “Very spontaneously, we combined our aspirations and personal gifts.”

From left to right, Sisters Claudette Bastien, Provincial Councillor, Thérèse Laplante, Suzanne Brault (standing), Simone Perras, Susan Wells, General Councillor (standing) and Denise Riel, Provincial Animator.

Inspiring moments

At the end of the  the meal, the two retirees shared a few impressions and memories. “I especially enjoyed meeting small groups of visitors,” recalls Sister Simone. “The atmosphere was warm, and even more conducive to sharing stories. Some people told us that their grandmother or mother had studied in our convents, that they had appreciated the education they had received, and had been taught about Mother Marie-Rose.”  Names of specific Religious were sometimes mentioned.

Sister Thérèse agrees: “I loved meeting people.  I’ve always preferred directly meeting with visitors, not ‘conferences’, but little moments of privileged exchange with adults and children alike. What struck me most was people’s trust in and love for Mother Marie-Rose.  It was wonderful to see people in awe when they came into the chapel or the museum.”

A source of learning

The two new “retirees”, Sisters Thérèse Laplante and Simone Perras.

The time spent at the Centre Marie-Rose has also been a formative experience for those who have worked there throughout the years. Sister Simone points out that computers had not yet been introduced when they arrived. In addition to visits to the museum, there was also the day-to-day running of the Centre, correspondence with the ‘friends’ of Mother Marie-Rose, the recording of testimonials and favours obtained, not to mention our participation in commemorative events in parishes and collaboration with local historical and cultural societies. Needless to say, they both enjoyed getting to know and love their foundress and her spirituality even more.

After hearing General Councillor Sister Susan Wells tell them, “You have been the beacons of the community,” Sisters Simone and Thérèse acknowledged that Centre Marie-Rose is at the heart of the life of the Congregation. “We have maintained links with Sisters from around the world, especially our American Sisters, by welcoming them or sending them documentation. With admiration, I remember the visits of the Manitoba lay educators. They really had the spirit of Mother Marie-Rose,” says Sister Simone.

Simple retirement plans

Aware that they are embarking on a new stage in their lives, the two retirees still have a few aspirations. “As far as I’m concerned,” says Sister Simone, “I hope for a peaceful future, open to the world and to Eternity… I enjoy writing, and I continue to make myself useful by responding to community requests.”

Sister Thérèse intends to devote herself to reading with great pleasure. “I’d like to further develop my taste for the arts; there are some beautiful things being done today. I’d like to see the world, to keep myself active.” The two companions agree in expressing their gratitude for life: “Despite our frailties, we are fortunate to have access to all that we are offered here: the beauty of our environment, the community presence and the wealth of spiritual goods that sustain us.”

Sister Lisette Boulé has been a valuable member of the team for over 10 years. For the time being, she is taking over the running of the Centre Marie-Rose.

It was a day of celebration on May 19 at Maison Jésus-Marie as we celebrated the birthdays of all SNJM Sisters and Associates. This annual event took place in a festive atmosphere, highlighting the importance of this gift of life for each of us.

Sr. Lorna Cooney, the MC, mentioned that the weight of the years should not make us forget the impact that each person has had on the lives of many others around them. This moment of reflection paved the way for a small, convivial activity in which everyone could participate together to work on the theme “The Colors of Our Lives” to express the diversity of emotions throughout our lifetime. Participants used a variety of colored pencils and pastels to indulge in a little creative fun.

“Our theme song Take Life, invites us to live life to the full, with all its colors, grays and azures, greens and yellows, shadows and lights,” said Sr. Lorna. “With a painter’s brush in hand, and with God, the Master Painter as our guide and inspiration, we paint the canvas of our own lives and add a few colors and designs to the canvas of the lives of the people we meet along the way.”

After this, a little game was played whereby we discovered those who were born in the same month as us and led to a few minutes of sharing. This was followed by a blessing and refreshments, as well as an opportunity for everyone to strike up conversations with others.

The Sisters and SNJM Associates present greatly appreciated this delightful get-together, which also brought a touch of both color and joy! The event was organized by committee members Srs Lisette Boulé, Lorna Cooney, Hélène Harvey and Ms.  Marianne Daudelin.  Associates Beverly Redmond, Richard and Brenda Brisebois provided the musical accompaniment.

If you didn’t participate, know that the message conveyed at this meeting could help anyone realize the importance of this gift of life. Here is a quote from a Quaker missionary mentioned in Sr. Lorna’s presentation: “I’m only going to be in this world once. Therefore, all the good I can do or all the care I can show toward a human being, I must do now.”

Photos credit: Sr Hélène Harvey

Multidisciplinary artist Marie Chouinard and her three granddaughters presented a recital of music and poetry on August 6 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

The joy and pleasure of this recital was palpable, both for the Sisters and for the quartet. It must be said that the artists’ last visit to the MJM was in August 2019! The little girls have grown up a lot since then. They have continued to learn and develop their musical skills, much to the delight of the audience.

The performance began with a poem recited by Marie Chouinard, entitled Trois petites filles. Reminding us that “There is always something left in us from childhood…”, Marie Chouinard, who is also an author and lecturer, read poems between each musical block.

Violin, piano and cello

Nine-year-old Dalia, on violin, began her program with a piece by Brahms, followed by Les deux grenadiers by R. Schumann and Air varié by Charles Dancla.

Following the reading of the poem Dalia et le vieux, it was 11-year-old pianist Lélia’s turn. She played three pieces, including two by Christopher Norton (Positively Swinging and Caribbean Song).

The recital continued with the poem Le piano familial and a performance by 13-year-old Floria on cello. The latter performed four pieces of music, including Largo from the Sonata in G minor (Henry Eccles), Cygne (C. Saint-Saëns) and Sicilienne by Maria Theresia von Paradis.

The presentation concluded with Marie Chouinard reciting three poems, evocatively titled Surprise de petites filles | Au balcon | Quand j’étais petite fille.

This poetry-music recital delighted the hearts of all present. Several Sisters, having taught music in the past, were aware of the hard work done by these young girls to develop their skills and talents. At the end of the concert, everyone gathered in the cafeteria for refreshments with the girls’ families and the opportunity to chat. It was a beautiful moment.

Photos credit: Sr Hélène Harvey

Vocal ensemble Polymnie gave a superb concert at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) on May 28. Under the theme “Peace and Light”, the concert featured Luigi Cherubini’s Requiem in C minor. The choristers were conducted by Alexis Desrosiers-Michaud and accompanied by Anne-Marie Denoncourt on piano.

Sr Marie-Paule Demarbre, snjm, who attended the concert

Luigi Cherubini was born in Florence, Italy. He lived through the many storms of French history, including the Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire. He composed this piece in memory of Louis XVI in 1816. This composer was admired by Berlioz, Schumann and Wagner. His opera Médée has been sung by Maria Callas and others.

In the second half, the vocal ensemble performed works by Péteris Vasks, Edgar l. Bainton, Arvo Pärt, Randall Thompson and Johann Sebastian Bach.

The musical performance lived up to the reputation of the vocal ensemble. The audience enjoyed every moment of the concert.

To learn more about the composer (in French only)

Photos credit Sr Suzanne Brault

May 10, The three members of the Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) of Quebec were pleased to participate in the ceremony of burial of a medal and relics of Mother Marie-Rose in the foundations of the new pavilion of Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM).

This gesture has great symbolic significance, especially in offering protection to the occupants of the school. It has been repeated many times since the death of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, the foundress of the SNJM Congregation. It continues today as we expand and renovate schools that have a connection to the SNJMs.

Supporting the development of young girls

In the case of the PSNM, the symbolism of the ceremony is complemented by the SNJM values and is a reminder of the Congregation’s mission. This mission is centered on the education of young girls and the integral development of the person in all aspects: intellectual, human, spiritual and social.

This global approach still inspires the pedagogy of the PSNM, which is emphasized by the educational team in order to support the growth of the young girls and helps them become the leaders of tomorrow, each in their own way.

Respect for environmental requirements

The ceremony was attended by Sisters Denise Riel, Provincial Animator and Claudette Bastien and Lisette Boulé, Provincial Councillors; members of the school administration, the President of the Board of Directors, the Director of the PSNM Foundation and two Secondary 1 students.

As a reminder, the construction project for the new PSNM building is in its final phase. The first classrooms on the second and third floors were opened on March 20. The complete opening of the pavilion is planned for the end of August. This expansion project provides a user-friendly environment that is capable of meeting the aspirations of pedagogy, innovation and education.

This new building includes an agora with a view of the wooded area in front of the school, three science labs, a second roof garden and flexible classrooms adapted to the new FLEX formula. The construction of the new building is part of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process. This involves a series of strategies to create a healthier building that respects high standards for human health and sustainable development.

The Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNJM), founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), became a lay institution several years ago.

How would you like to celebrate the arrival of strawberries on a May 10?

The Sisters of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) celebrated their first Strawberry Day on May 10, in union with the SNJM Sisters in California, who have made it a traditional annual event.

Sr. Florence Vinet in conversation with the SNJM Sisters in California.

The atmosphere was festive as the strawberry candies were distributed to the Sisters in each Pavilion. Strawberry ice cream was offered to those who were unable to eat the candies. It was an experience of sheer delight as indicated by the happy faces.

While enjoying these little sweets, the Sisters of St. André, who were able, participated in a virtual meeting with three SNJM’s from California. Michelle Garlinski, took the opportunity to share their experience of this traditional celebration. For the first time, the SNJM Sisters from Quebec were able to be in union with their Sisters in California and experience this day of celebration. It was a great way to complete their discovery of California which had been initiated some time ago by Sr. Mary Haupt, with the help of Google Earth.

A brief history

The founders of the mission in Oakland, California.

The origin of this Strawberry Day goes back to the foundation of the SNJM mission in Oakland, California. The six SNJM Sisters from Quebec arrived in San Francisco at 5 a.m. on May 10, following a grueling journey of several days. They were welcomed by the Sisters of Mercy at Saint Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco.

In the afternoon, Sr. Baptiste Russell, superior of that Congregation, prepared a special dessert of strawberries for them! This was a surprise and a comfort for the Quebec SNJMs who greatly appreciated the gesture. This event is the origin of Strawberry Day, celebrated annually on May 10 by the SNJM Sisters in California.

Let us recall that the six Sisters left Quebec in April 1868 bound for Oakland on the American west coast, in order to open a school. At that time, it was a quite an expedition! In the circumstances, Mother Theresa of Jesus and Sr. Ignatius of Loyola accompanied these missionaries as far as the city of New York.

After this first stage of the trip, the six Sisters boarded the “Ocean Queen” which took them to Aspinwall, on the Isthmus of Panama. They then took a train to Panama City before getting on a smaller boat to continue their journey to San Francisco.

Their stop at the Sisters of Mercy in that city was beneficial in many ways. A few days later, they crossed the San Francisco Bay accompanied by four Sisters of Mercy to reach their destination in Oakland.

Photos credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey, snjm