Under the theme “Living Equality Today”, the Women’s Synod will be held on October 13 and 14 in Montreal. The event is jointly organized by the Collective of Feminist and Christian Women ‘’L’autre Parole and the Femmes et Ministères Network’’.

The idea is to encourage a meeting between all those who wish to live an “egalitarian Ekklésia (Church), where divisions and hierarchies between women and men, clerics and laity are abolished, where the love and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are lived and celebrated.”

The two-day program features a panel of women experimenting with new Ekklésias in Quebec, under the theme “How Can An Egalitarian Church Better Fulfill its Mission? A panel of young people will give them the opportunity to bear witness to the spirituality they live by.

A third panel, this one made up of international female guests already involved in Equal Discipleship Ekklesias, will address, among other questions, “What does the synodal approach mean for women and for equality in the church?”

The invitation is to experience a synod parallel to the Roman Synod, in a spirit of equality and justice, while promoting equal participation for all. The cost is $75. It includes Friday supper, Saturday lunch and cocktail. The fee is $20 for young people under 35. Those in charge stress that the price should not prevent people from taking part. Registration is required by October 10.

See the official invitation for location and registration details.

In its latest issue, the Christian Cultural Centre of Montreal‘s Rencontre magazine (in French only) presents a dossier on the evocative theme of “Spirituality and Culture”. It presents a number of topics that illustrate the multiple interrelationships involved.

It includes an article by Francine Vincent. She discusses the relationship between cultures and faith. The review of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocesan delegation’s recent participation in World Youth Day in Portugal is revealing. Moments of contrast are sometimes very striking, judging by the coordinator’s remarks concerning “cultures that collide… and a faith that unites.” The event also marks the 20th anniversary of the Semaine de la Parole (Week on the Word of God), launched in 2004 in Brossard.

Indigenous peoples

In an interview with editor-in-chief Louise-Édith Tétreault, Mathieu Lavigne talks about the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Known for his work in the field of restorative justice and for his role as host on several Radio Ville-Marie programs, the director of Mission chez nous (Mission Among US) lifts the veil on this organization founded in 1993 by the Assemblée des évêques du Québec.(Assembly of Quebec Bishops)

After Pope Francis’ visit in 2022, he shares what he is learning from contact with indigenous peoples. He admits that the reconciliation process is a long-term one, involving everyone. “The indigenous tell me that there aren’t enough of them to spend their time educating us. We have to do it ourselves, by listening to them, educating ourselves, raising awareness around us and rectifying the facts.” 

Religious and spiritual tourism on a roll

Also in the dossier, an article on religious and spiritual heritage highlights the growth of this sector in the Montérégie and Quebec. We’re talking, of course, about the Saint Lawrence River Shrines, the first structured religious tourism circuit in the province, created in 2016. Center Marie-Rose was one of the founding members. Since then, new initiatives have emerged, notably with the creation of the Association de tourisme religieux et spirituel du Québec (ATRSQ). (Association of Religious and Spiritual Tourism of Quebec)

The worldwide interest and enthusiasm  for “religious tourism ” is increasingly being felt in Quebec. It has accelerated the awareness of regional tourism associations. This finally materialized in the summer of 2023 with the introduction of religious tourism tours in a number of tourism regions, including the Montérégie, Québec, Eastern Townships and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Other topics include an article on interfaith dialogue in the Philippines, and an interview on the crisis in Israel and its opposing political parties. Don’t be surprised to see a message from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) in connection with the theme of the dossier. It’s one of the SNJM’s expressions of support for the Centre culturel chrétien de Montréal (Montreal Christian Cultural Centre) [see page 19].

Enjoy your reading!

Read the article on religious heritage in French (PDF file)

Talitha Kum, the global network of sisters, allies and partners created by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), unveiled its annual report for the year 2022 earlier this summer.

This year has been marked by numerous interrelated crises, from the impact of COVID-19 to natural disasters caused by climate change, conflicts in several countries (Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, Myanmar…) and the war in Ukraine. “All these crises have a direct impact on human trafficking worldwide,” said Sr. Abby Avelino, MM, Talitha Kum’s international coordinator.

“Despite the challenges we have faced, members continue to respond to Talitha Kum’s Call to Action by caring, healing, empowering and engaging in the lives of victims and survivors, as well as populations at risk of trafficking and exploitation,” she added.

Packed with data, stories, testimonies and critical analyses, the annual report provides an overview of anti-trafficking actions around the world. It is also intended as a working tool to help all those involved in the fight against human trafficking.

“Talitha Kum’s tireless and prophetic commitment to raising awareness and combating human trafficking, in synergistic collaboration with thousands of people around the world, makes its mission meaningful and relevant to the challenges of every age and reality,” says Sr Nadia Coppa, ASC, President of UISG.

Talitha Kum is a network of national, regional and continental networks. Each network retains its own identity and autonomy, while benefiting from the experience and knowledge of others through Talitha Kum’s coordinating role. Talitha Kum facilitates this sharing of resources and supports the development and training of the networks.

The annual report is available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. An online presentation was made. The video presentation can be accessed in English and French.

Mont-Carmel residents are as determined as ever to ensure that their rights are respected. “Our determination to pursue our efforts to assert our rights is as energetic as ever, especially as we can count on the unfailing support of so many people who have accompanied us through the legal proceedings to date”, declared Constance Vaudrin, member of the Sauvons le Mont-Carmel committee.

Following the Quebec Superior Court’s ruling last July confirming the jurisdiction of the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) to judge the dispute between the company headed by Henry Zavriyev and the residents of Mont-Carmel, the latter see some positive elements. “This decision clarifies the issue of the TAL’s jurisdiction and sets the stage for the next steps in the case concerning the change of use of the building, which we are opposing,” explains Normand Breault, also a member of the Sauvons le Mont-Carmel committee.

It should also be noted that this ruling does not affect the other two cases before this Court. A hearing is scheduled for later this month to consider the claim for damages for breach of lease. Hearings in the second case, concerning the charge of contempt of court, ended on July 11. Mont-Carmel residents are awaiting the Superior Court’s decision.

At the same time, several groups are mobilizing to defend tenants’ rights. The Mont-Carmel residents’ committee is inviting interested parties to take part in the demonstrations organized by the Regroupement des Comités de logement et associations des locataires du Québec (RCLALQ). Both will be held simultaneously in Montreal and Quebec City on Saturday, September 16, to oppose Bill 31, which among other things deals with lease transfers.

To follow the activities of the Mont-Carmel Residents’ Committee, visit our Facebook page (French only).

As others have said before him, you have “to know when to retire”, says Yves Petit, General Manager of Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) and the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy (EMVI) for the past 12 years. While he is “fully satisfied and fulfilled in his work”, the right time is now, he says, as both schools “are healthy and reaping the benefits of their various recent development projects.”

Appointed in 2003 as Director of Pedagogical Services to replace Kathleen Caissy, now General Manager, Yves Petit fell in love with PSNM and the team. A love that has never wavered. When he replaced Ms. Caissy as General Manager in 2011, he also became General Manager of École de musique Vincent-d’Indy. “I fell in love with the school and all its programs all over again.”

This Math teacher, who began his career at Collège Sainte-Anne in Lachine, makes no secret of the fact that he loves the world of education. The means and terms have changed since he first began, but the passion for his work is still very much present.

During his tenure as General Manager, Yves Petit developed his expertise in responding to expressed needs. This has happened without noticing it too much, he says, “because we’re focused on meeting needs. The mission we give ourselves when we work in a school is to be at the service of students, of their learning and their success. We want these young people to be happy. Therefore, we do whatever it takes to make that happen.” Sometimes that means learning new things and moving forward.

One of the skills you need to master quickly in a management position is undoubtedly human resources management. “When we talk about human resources management, it may sound a little depersonalized, but we mustn’t forget that these are people and that each one is a person in his or her own right. We must never treat people as if they were just a group, but rather as unique individuals, each with their own particular needs. You have to take that diversity into account,” he asserts. This kind of management requires a diplomacy that he believes he has developed over the years.

A team legacy

In his mind, the legacy he leaves behind is above all one of teamwork. “You can’t achieve things through the actions of just one person,” says Mr. Petit. For example, it was with the full commitment of the staff that the two schools set up, the Health and Green Horizon plans.

Principal Petit’s initial concern for the health of students and all staff members is at the root of this major achievement. “Today, we really have to be very concerned about the health of everyone in the school. We’re talking about physical health, but also psychological and social health, because students need to develop these aspects. We have to help them in these areas.”

Since then, health plans for students and staff have been put in place at both schools. The rise in anxiety, among both young people and adults, reveals the relevance of focusing on overall health. Supporting the idea of those who believe that we shouldn’t remove all anxiety-provoking elements, but rather learn to cope with them; Yves Petit advocates, like many others, promotes a concerted approach and physical activity as the first remedy.

Another major achievement is undoubtedly the Green Horizon plan, which involves all students and staff members. The global approach to sustainable development is reminiscent of the principles already upheld by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) in another era, without using the same terms, of course. The plan covers the environment as well as the fight against poverty, gender equality and other issues.

“Meaningful” gestures for students

Even before his arrival, the two schools were already networking with numerous partners and organizations; from activities with groups helping women on the street to Christmas parties for underprivileged children. This way of doing things continues to expand, and is always meaningful for the students.

1The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) founded the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) and the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy (EMVI).

Remaining Vigilant

On the eve of his retirement, Yves Petit is confident for both establishments. “Both schools are well developed and healthy. While there are particular challenges for each, in both cases, the quality and diversity of the services offered enable them to “pull their weight”. This does, however, require us to remain vigilant. On that score, he has no fears. “Both schools will be able to count on a great general manager in Antonella Picillo. Picillo, who has been with PSNM for 18 years, is well acquainted with the workings and values of both establishments. “She’ll be up to the challenge,” he adds.

Speaking of SNJM values, Yves Petit feels he has shared them since his arrival at PSNM.

The SNJM’s commitment to women is still evident today, with the PSNM remaining an all-girls school, while many others have gone in new directions.

“Mother Marie-Rose’s mission to educate young girls continues 100% with us,” he adds with a touch of pride, as the first man to head both schools since their foundation. He is convinced of this raison d’être, and of the importance of providing young girls with the means to take their place in society and help them feel valued.

Values Still Very Much Alive

This mission and the SNJM values are well anchored in the environment of both establishments. “The decisions we make on a daily basis are consistent with these values,” says Mr. Petit. In fact, when the staff worked together to identify their values, they found that they shared common values such as benevolence, openness, respect and being rigorous…

And above all, young people integrate them in their own way. This was clear from the many testimonials received from parents at the Secondary 5 graduation ceremony. “Listening to them talk about what their daughters have achieved meets the original objectives and feeds the whole team’s rightful sense of pride,” says the director.

More broadly, in an ever-changing society, “young people teach us, they’ve changed, and often for the better. They are more open and tolerant than the young people of my day. It is wonderful to see that,” says Yves Petit.

A Word to the SNJM’s

Yves Petit feels privileged to have rubbed shoulders with a number of SNJM Sisters, both those working in the schools and on the Leadership Team, and admits that “what emanates from these Sisters is so strong and beautiful that you can’t be deaf and blind to it. No matter what I’m going to do in the future, it’s certain that I’ll carry these same values into my life.”