Black History Month

Le Zèbre Jaune theatrical company enthralled its audience during the performance of the play Fogo – Le procès d’Angélique (The trial of Angélique ) at Maison Jésus-Marie on Saturday, February 11. The play recalls an historical moment in Montreal, namely the trial of the slave Marie-Josèphe Angélique in 1734. This play was presented as part of the History and Heritage Days of Longueuil held within the framework of Black History Month.

Based on the research of several historians, including Denyse Beaugrand-Champagne, Carol Jones, the author and director of the play proposes a delving into this criminal event. Did Marie-Josèphe set fire to Montreal? If she is innocent, who is guilty?

The storyline of the play raises questions and provokes reflection, particularly on the parallels between the public condemnations, based on rumours at the time, and the trials of intent taking place on social media. The Longueuil-based theatrical company is recognized as a theater committed to social and healthcare arts. Its approach is based on research, reflection and imagination without losing sight of entertainment.

The performance of actress Johanne Ductan-Petit in the role of Angélique is well worth watching judged by the accuracy of the tone and the emotion transmitted. During the question-and-answer period following the performance, an intrigued young spectator asked the actress ‘how she could cry on command’.

This period of interaction with the audience was a rich learning experience. It raised our interest and gave us a better understanding of the slavery experienced in our country in the past, as well as, its transformation into the modern slavery that is rampant today.

The collaboration of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) was obvious in the presentation of this event by the City of Longueuil in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie. In fact, this contribution is in line with the values promoted by the Holy Names Sisters, particularly in their work to combat human trafficking and the various forms of modern slavery. Moreover, it fits well into the calendar of activities that mark Black History Month. Despite their advanced age, SNJMs continue to educate themselves on all social justice issues and take actions within their reach.

Yardly Kavanagh and Charles Papasoff, also a musician, completed the team of actors in this theatrical creation: Fogo – Le procès d’Angélique. (The trial of Angélique)

Johanne Ductan-Petit, Sr Beverley Wattling, Sr Marie-Paule Demarbre, Yardly Kavanagh, Sr Hélène Harvey, Charles Papasof et Carol Jones.

Watch the video to see the play. Duration 30 m. (French only)

The decision of the Court of Appeal on January 18 to accept to hear the owner of the Mont-Carmel residence, on his request to appeal the Superior Court judgment of October 2022, has not dampened the spirits of the Mont-Carmel residents’ committee.

Some residents of the Mont-Carmel RPA are seen with about fifty supporters In the lobby of the Court of Appeal last January.

While admitting that this decision was a bit of damper, upon analysis, the committee members believe that this rehearing may uncover other things. In addition, this proceeding will not prevent the renewal of the RPA’s safeguard order from the Superior Court. Nor will it stay the ongoing contempt proceedings.

“It is unbelievable that we have to go through all these procedures to assert our rights, when the owner clearly knows what obligations he had committed to respect, when he signed the sale contract”, exclaims Suzanne Loiselle, member of the Sauvons le Mont-Carmel committee.

Aware that they are caught in a “war of attrition”, the committee members do not intend to give up. Their goal is nothing less than a change in legislation to protect RPPs.

This saga has been going on since the beginning of 2022. The new owner, Henry Zavriyev, set out to convert the building into rental units. He eliminated all the services inherent to a private residence for seniors (RPP), including security and common areas, and imposed an increase in costs. The tenants sued for damages as a result of the deterioration of their living conditions. It should be noted that this landlord has purchased two other RPPs to convert them into rental units (Montreal North and Quebec City).

To learn more and to follow the story, visit the Facebook page of the Mont-Carmel Residents’ Committee, which includes articles published on this subject. (French only)

https://www.facebook.com/sauvonslemontcarmel  

Note regarding the photo at the top of the page: The arrival of some of the members of the Mont-Carmel residents’ committee at the Superior Court on December 12, 2022.

Photo credits: Marie-France Dozois – Sauvons le Mont-Carmel Committee

A glimpse of one of the common rooms at the Mont-Carmel RPA which was emptied of its contents and locked, even though the material of all the common rooms belongs to the tenants.

For the third year in a row, the Committee for Action Against Internal and International Human Trafficking (CATHII) will contribute to the 2023 Prayer Marathon Against Human Trafficking. This online event is organized in conjunction with the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking on Wednesday, February 8. It honors Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese sister who, as a child, lived the dramatic experience of being a victim of trafficking.

The CATHII presentation will begin the North American block of time, between 9:35 and 10:30 am. It will bring a French touch to this block also represented by the United States and Central American networks. A few words of introduction from the President of CATHII, Sr. IsaBelle Couillard, will be followed by a video prepared by Renaude Grégoire, Development Officer.

This pilgrimage of prayer and reflection will begin on the night of February 8, at 3:30 a.m. (Quebec time) to cross the various time zones involving the 44 or so Talitha Kum networks on all continents: from Oceania, to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and then Latin America before concluding with North America at 10:30 a.m. The event is held in the form of prayers and testimonies illustrating the various religious commitments against human trafficking in the world. It is broadcast live in five languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese).

Note: It is possible to view the entire pilgrimage by going to this page. Please note that this video is available for a limited time.

The various presentations should highlight this year’s theme, “Journey with Dignity”. This theme was suggested by a group of young representatives of international partner organizations such as: Caritas Internationalis, the Focolare Movement, Talitha Kum, The Clewer Initiative, USMI Rete Anti-Tratta and UMOFC.

“The theme is an invitation to all people of good will to walk with the victims and survivors of human trafficking, and in particular the migrant populations, as pilgrims of human dignity and hope. Young people, adults and children, people of different religious traditions, cultures and generations. Only together, as a community, we can put an end to this scourge. Safeguarding the dignity of every person is only possible if we know how to uphold peace and protect the environment,” said Sister Abby Avelino, MM, the new coordinator of Talitha Kum.

In closing, it should be noted that February 8 is the central moment of a whole week of gathering in Rome. An ecumenical prayer vigil in English and Italian will be held on Monday, February 6, after welcoming a group of about 20 young people representing various international organizations. These young people will participate in a series of meetings and training sessions on human trafficking. They will be invited to propose a statement of commitment to begin the process of preparing the 10th edition of the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Trafficking in Persons next year. The week will conclude with their participation in the Angelus prayer with Pope Francis on Sunday, February 12.

For the past three years, Félix Tétreault has been a masterful performer on Radio-Canada’s 100 Génies program hosted by Pierre-Yves Lord. This 17-year-old student from Collège Durocher-Saint-Lambert won in his first year of participation in 2020. Since then, he has accumulated nearly $13,000 in scholarships.

Since his youth, this Secondary 5 student has cultivated a thirst for learning. His curiosity knows no bounds, thus increasing his fields of interest. Although he does not yet know in what field he would like to work in the future, he is keeping all the doors open by opting for the natural sciences in his current studies.

In an interview with La Presse, he talks about the pleasure of surpassing himself, living his commitments and his life as a “normal” teenager. Read on to discover the portrait of a young man who was only looking for fun when he signed up for this quiz show for 14 to 17-year olds.

Photos source: CDSL – 100 Génies – Radio-Canada

Since the beginning of the 2022 school year, Pensionnat Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) has focused on the sorting of waste materials. This institution is one of about thirty pioneering schools in Quebec that have undertaken this process.

Committed to a green and sustainable transformation since 2021, PSNM has undertaken actions to further decrease the volume of products deposited in the trash and to reduce the contamination rate of composted and recycled materials.

Presentations to students and staff members, waste sorting competitions and activities to develop a reduction and recycling approach, have been held since the beginning of the school year. Among the activities, we should mention the bicycle collection in collaboration with the Cyclo Nord-Sud organization and the collective wardrobe project that promotes buying second-hand clothes.

To learn all the details about this ambitious approach to ecological and sustainable transformation of PSNM, consult the following article which also includes a video clip. (French only)

Source photos : PSNM

The Arthémuse Choir from Collège Durocher Saint-Lambert presented a concert at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) under the theme “Christmas Here and Abroad”. This performance was received as a balm to the heart by the Sisters of MJM who must constantly adapt to the constraints of the various waves of COVID-19.

As usual, the vocal ensemble, created in 1993, offered an enchanting musical program. The Sisters present in the Chapel and in their rooms (closed circuit viewing) were elated by the liveliness of the musical pieces that awakened certain memories.

It should be noted that the artistic director and orchestra director of Arthémuse is Joël Arsenault. The choir of mixed voices has been directed by Rémi St-Jacques since January 2022, replacing Giseline Pelletier who had been in that position since its foundation. This vocal ensemble brings together about sixty choristers. Some Sisters from the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have been involved in the creation and development of this vocal ensemble.

Photo credits: Sr Suzanne Brault

In its last newsletter of the year 2022, UNANIMA International (UI) highlighted the many actions carried out during the Fall, including its participation in the COP27. In her editorial, Jean Quinn, Executive Director, called attention to the role of Religious Congregations in the fight against climate change. During meetings held with environment ministers and political analysts, the non-governmental organization (NGO) made them aware of the stories of women, children and girls living with the consequences of various climate disasters around the world.

During COP27, UNANIMA International collaborated in the organization of a side event and participated in several meetings, including one with the Holy See and others with youth and activists. As part of this large international gathering, the co-organizing NGOs planned the presentation of a video composed of footage of community voices and experiences; and excerpts from the film The Letter: A Message for Our Earth. Several links to the video and to various documents are embedded in the texts, including one for a declaration that can be read and signed.

The newsletter also mentions several other events and actions such as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and the 61st Commission for Social Development. The latter will be held from February 6 to 15 with the main theme: Full and Productive Employment and Decent Work for All: Overcoming Inequality to Accelerate Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Full Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNANIMA International will actively participate in the preparations for this meeting and will submit a written statement to address a just transition and the dignity of people to be recognized in employment and decent work policies.

Also included in the newsletter are updates on the NGO Committee on Social Development, the Girls’ Working Group, International Day Against Homelessness and the partnership with the International Union of General Superiors (IUGS); as well as a community testimonial and resource list. The UNANIMA International newsletter is available in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

The success of the 2022 Missionary Expo-Sale is the fruit of a beautiful participation of the Sisters of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) and of lay people, knitters and others, who came to admire and buy the beautiful handicrafts. “All the companions of Maison Jésus-Marie wanted to respond to the invitation of Pope Francis to “be witnesses”, enthusiastically notes Sr. Suzanne Lavallée, organizer of this project which is in support of World Mission Sunday.

Once again, this year, there were beautifully knitted items, from the little bonnet for premature babies to the tuque, as well as mittens, scarves, sweaters along with some handicrafts. These various articles are the work of about thirty Sisters and lay people who use their talents throughout the year. Alone or by getting together to share, they combine the useful with the pleasant: to break their solitude, to share ideas with each other and to participate in this great project of mutual aid toward the larger community.

The mission is ageless among SNJM’s and their secular friends

This is the observation that we make. We must see the commitment of those who knit as well as those who organize the exhibition by arranging the hundreds of articles on the tables in the lobby of MJM. In addition to the logistics and welcoming visitors, it is also necessary to collect everything at the end of the sale before redistributing what has not been sold to several organizations. Items are sorted and stored in multiple boxes for delivery a few weeks later.

From left to right, we recognize the members of the team: Sisters Monique Pomerleau, Suzanne Lavallée, Yolande Crépeau, Lorraine Bouffard, Pierrette Panneton, Monique Gendron and Suzanne Morin.

“It’s quite an operation for young people like us whose average age is 89,” quips Sr. Suzanne. No matter how tired they are, it is the satisfaction of bringing a little warmth and joy to many people that fuels their desire to participate in this mission.

In addition to organizations such as the Fondation du Dr Julien, l’Entraide Chez Nous, the Société Saint-Vincent de Paul and the premature baby unit at Sainte-Justine Hospital, many of the warm woolen items are donated to organizations that help the homeless. The money raised from the sale is also distributed to these and other organizations, notably to offer a Christmas dinner to young people.

In closing, let us recall that during the celebration of Mission Sunday, some of the SNJM missionaries throughout the years, were present.

Photo credit : Sr Suzanne Brault