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

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) held a ritual planting and blessing of three rosebushes on May 10.

Sr Jacqueline Aubry, snjm

This event is part of the Thresholds of Transformation year-long transformative process. It is a symbolic and logical continuation of the first meeting where reference was made to “the hidden life of trees, their life in community in an invisible, inclusive and nourishing culture.”

“We learned that…trees are unconditionally there for each other. What a beautiful metaphor!” mentioned Sr. Jacqueline Aubry during the celebration. Rosebushes, instead of trees were planted on the property of  Maison Jésus-Marie. As Sr. Jacqueline reminded us, they symbolize personal and community commitment to the process.

A Symbolic Reminder

During the celebration in the chapel, three representatives from the St. Charles Pavilion and the three members of the coordination team of the St. André Pavilion, sprinkled water on the rosebushes as a symbolic gesture of commitment to transformation.

Sr Luce Boyer, snjm

The Sisters then processed outside for the planting of the three rosebushes around the statue of the Virgin Mary. Those who could not attend, watched the scene from the top of the walkway or from the windows overlooking the green space. The statue of the Virgin is a place where many Sisters like to go and pray.

In addition to enhancing the area, the rosebushes around the statue and the symbolism of the tree, remind us of the community’s commitment to the upcoming stages toward transformation, as noted by Sr. Constance Létourneau pointed out during the celebration.

“… The tree is a living organism, constantly growing, in continual transformation. No tree is alone. Trees form a kind of community of care for each other and for all that surrounds them. To be transformed, we need each other.

We can associate the symbol of the tree with our SNJM community. Throughout its history, it has undergone trials, it has experienced changes. Today, our community is still seeking to transform itself, to adapt, to open itself to new things, to create, to give itself new resources. Women and men collaborate with us, partner with us, share our spirituality and pursue the SNJM mission. All of these partners nurture the growth of our SNJM tree and keep it alive.”

Photos credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey, snjm

The experience of the pandemic has amply demonstrated the relevance of organizations to help people, particularly to maintain “our mental, physical and spiritual health” as emphasized by the organization Ninnavita, founded by Ms. Vita Lewis, SNJM Associate, with the help of others.

Created by and for volunteers, Ninnavita’s mission is to support volunteers wherever they are and in whatever field of activity they are involved in. “We offer a place for volunteers to relax, to “recharge their batteries” and to  nurture all aspects of their being, says Vita Lewis, as enthusiastic as ever.

 Tools to nourish the mind and body while having fun

The weekly activities are offered in a hybrid mode to facilitate their accessibility and to maintain links with all members, including older members who cannot always attend in person. The activity offerings are very varied. There are light physical and motor skills exercises which include walking. There are laughter yoga sessions, drawing, communication and leadership activities as well as dance classes.  Ms. Lewis hopes that the dance program will provide funding for other activities offered at Ninnavita.

In order to nurture the spirit, “The Gospel Adventure” virtual meeting is an opportunity to share Ignatian Spirituality.

The organization’s flexibility in organizing and holding its activities is greatly appreciated by participants. For example, grandparents who take care of their grandchildren during pedagogical days can still take part in Ninnavita’s meetings, as the organization modulates its program to include interesting elements for the children.

The goal is always the same: to provide volunteers with ways to nourish their minds, but also their bodies in order to maintain their vitality and to foster intergenerational relationships. Of course, all this while having fun, because Vita Lewis believes these enjoyable activities should be available to as many people as possible.

Source photo : Ninnavita