Under the theme “Words of Trust”, the provincial resourcing meeting was the scene of great moments of interiority. During the day of November 25, Colette Beauchemin, pastoral agent for the diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, led a beautiful journey in a language accessible to all.

Using a few biblical stories, Ms. Beauchemin led her audience to explore and meditate on the Word that awakens and nourishes trust in each person. In the first part, the participants reviewed the Bible text about Elijah taking refuge in the desert. The facilitator stimulated reflection on what it means to be faithful to the mission of the baptized, a mission that is not always easy.

Punctuated by music and moments of meditation and prayer, the meeting continued in the afternoon, this time exploring the text on the resurrection of Lazarus and eternal life. All in nuance, the words expressed made a lot of sense.

Colette Beauchemin, pastoral agent

A sharing at the end of the meeting allowed us to take the full measure of this day of renewal. “It was very touching to hear the reactions of the sisters. We felt how nourishing this meeting had been”, underlined Sr. Claudette Bastien, Provincial Councilor.

This day of renewal was seen as a blessing as it brought together again the sisters living outside Maison Jésus-Marie and the residents. It was the first time in two and a half years that such a meeting was held, previously organized once or twice a year.

This success is due in large part to the quality of the resource person, who is known for her experience and her great ability to approach these biblical themes with simplicity. Ms. Beauchemin is a trainer in symbolic biblical catechesis and co-founder of the Association québécoise de catéchèse biblique symbolique.

Photo: Sr Suzanne Brault

Sr Denise Riel, provincial animator

“Whatever age we are, the theme ‘Let Us Embrace the Newness of the Spirit’ is about us. It is both profound and very current. It encourages us to look at the present and the future with discernment and hope…” underlined Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator, during her presentation on October 8 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

“Faced with a kind of continuous tsunami at all levels of our lives, what are we being invited to do at the level of our deepest selves? Do we hear the call for inner transformation? Do we have the desire to journey within, to welcome our vulnerability, to rekindle the flame of our commitment? Are we still able to give birth to and rekindle the meaning of our lives? We are called to continually create our present and our future… in the small things as well as in the big things.”

Sr. Denise concluded her presentation by highlighting the path followed by Mother Marie-Rose, who “allowed herself to be transformed by God throughout her life.”  Referring to the tree on the poster, she pointed out how symbolic it is. “The tree is a living organism, in constant growth, 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. Just think about our SNJM community throughout its history.”

Following this presentation, the participants were invited to reflect on the theme and to share in small groups. The meeting then continued with a time of prayer and a ritual of missioning.

Due to the pandemic, this was the first large in-person gathering since 2019. The joy of being together was evidenced by the many hugs and happy conversations while enjoying the delicious refreshments.

When leaving at the end of the afternoon, many people were recalling the theme of the year as well as this particular quote cited by Sr. Denise: “I am called to be a creator until the end of my life, so that life is my life, and death is my death.”

Le Phare de Longueuil (The Lighthouse) presents a travelling visual arts exhibition entitled Mamo (which in Atikamekw means: together) from November 18 to December 2. This exhibition brings together the works of 14 Christian artists from across Quebec. It addresses current hot topics such as violence, climate change, welcoming refugees and relationships with the First Nations.

Through the 24 paintings presented, the artists invite visitors to live an artistic and human immersion experience that is at the heart of the realities of yesterday, today and tomorrow. “Mamo invites us to develop understanding and compassion towards our brothers and sisters facing various difficulties.

Visitors will have access to a pilgrimage booklet to guide them on their journey, raising questions about the meaning of the works, their significance and the effect they have on them. A meeting room will be available for visitors who wish to discuss their experience.

The exhibition is open to the public on weekdays between 10 am and 4 pm. Visits are also possible in the evenings between 5:00 and 8:00 pm and on weekends between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm, by reservation. Reservations are required for groups. They can be made by phone (450 670-8889) or directly on the website, by consulting the calendar of activities.

The exhibition is held on the premises of the organization Le Phare de Longueuil, located at 1795 Grant Street, in Longueuil. Admission is free. Donations of cash or hygiene products will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness.

Along with this exhibition, a visual arts workshop will be held (PDF French only) on November 20 from 2 pm to 5 pm during which several artists will be present. The activity is open to all, no experience required. It is free, but you must register by phone or email.

On October 30th, the Superior Court of Quebec confirmed that it had the necessary leeway to decide the dispute between the residents of the Mont-Carmel Residence in Montreal and Henry Zavriyev, the owner of this private residence for seniors (RPA).

“Under the circumstances, it is a gift from heaven for all the happy people involved in bringing about justice and peace…” said Marie-Paule Lebel, member of the Residents’ Committee to Save Mount Carmel.

This new decision allows the trial to continue. It follows a Superior Court order issued last July that prohibited the new owner from making any changes in the status of the building.

“We’re adding up the gains! For sure, the file is not yet settled, but we are now firmly committed to the continuation of the trial. We will finally be able to debate in court the heart of the dispute which concerns the clause in the contract of sale of our building, in which Mr. Zavriyev committed to respect its operation as a residence for seniors,” said Constance Vaudrin, a member of the Committee.

Members of the “Sauvons le Mont-Carmel” (Save the Mont-Carmel) Committee at the François Saillant award ceremony- Photo credit: the « Sauvons le Mont-Carmel » Committee

“With this judgment, it is clear that our fight is making progress and that it will continue to do so… There is also the effect of this incredible mobilization led by several networks of activists from various backgrounds who see it as a matter of rights and dignity for all tenants of seniors’ residences,” says Suzanne Loiselle, also a member of the Committee.

Along with the continuation of the civil trial, let it be noted that the owner of the building has been summoned to appear before the Superior Court on November 21 to answer a charge of contempt of court. The residents accuse him of acting in complete contravention of the safeguard order, pronounced by the Court last July 26. This judgment required the owner to take the necessary measures to maintain the operation and certification of the building as a private seniors’ residence (PSR), pending the trial on the merits of the case. Renewed on September 19, the Court ordered the owner, Henry Zavriyev, to act in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation respecting the certification of private residences for seniors and the Act respecting health services and social services (AHSSS).

In closing, it should be noted that this case is also being pursued by members of the Association of Religious for Women’s Rights (ARDF). Several of its members are residents of the Mont-Carmel Senior’s Residence and are directly involved in this judicial saga to ensure that the rights of seniors are respected.

To learn about other more human aspects of this issue, read Aurélie Lanctôt’s commentary in Le Devoir newspaper (French only). 

An initiative by a group of students at the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) was recently highlighted by the “Solutions Media Onepointfive”, a laboratory for young environmental journalists. The article relates the experience of a collective wardrobe (clothing exchange), an activity in this school that could be carried out twice a year, in the spring and fall.

This publication allows us at the same time to highlight the existence of this organization “Onepointfive”, so designated in order to recall the commitment of the Canadian Government at the Paris Climate Conference in 2015 to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C by the year 2100.

The non-profit organization claims to be non-activist and non-partisan. “We do solutions journalism by focusing only on climate action here in Quebec,” the website states. With scientific rigor, this collective wants to talk about original initiatives experienced throughout the province and to share inspiring stories.

This media is also associated with a university research project in social marketing and environmental psychology.

In short, in this article you will discover two great stories!

Reference in French only

Julie Tétreault

SNJM Volunteer Julie Tétreault has accepted a new challenge this year by replacing Sister Phyllis Douillard as liason person for Development and Peace. She will be teaming up with Dorothy Guha, SNJM Associate, to organize two awareness activities as part of the NGO’s bi-annual campaign.

Her arrival coincides with an important moment for Development and Peace, which held an orientation meeting last June. At that time, the organization identified three main directions:

1. Renew the movement by recruiting younger members and people with various backgrounds
2. Living synodality (encouraging meetings and listening)
3. Creating integral communities in the context of integral ecology (justice, women’s      leadership, increased participation of women, empowerment…)

In keeping with the theme “People and Planet First” launched earlier this year, Development and Peace hopes to increase and diversify its membership through its fall campaign. “The campaign focuses on membership without losing sight of fundraising to support some 70 projects in 29 different countries,” says Julie Tétreault.

She is also a member of the SNJM Quebec Justice and Peace Committee. She participates in the ad hoc steering committee of the Congregation related to the seven-year plan for the implementation of Laudato Si’. This committee currently includes representatives from the SNJM provinces of Manitoba and U.S.-Ontario.

During a festive cocktail on September 8, the Pavillon d’éducation communautaire Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (PEC-HM) celebrated its 50 years of existence. The organization, founded in 1972 by and for the citizens of the borough, has given itself the mission of responding to the educational needs of adults in the midst of an economic and social crisis.

PEC-HM officials recalled the support of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) who, at the time, joined with a group of citizens to promote the founding of this community center. “We cannot overlook your contribution to this project, because we know the quality of your presence in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood,” said Martha Ortiz, Executive Director.

Throughout the years, the PEC-HM has been able to defend the place of popular education and contribute to giving participants confidence and a renewed desire to learn. “Education does not just happen at school” says Sr. Claudette Bastien, a member of the Quebec Leadership Team, who praises the initiatives that have been put forward, particularly through technology and the arts. “It is inspiring to see how Mother Marie-Rose’s vision for education, in all its forms, to foster the full development of the person, is still being realized today.”

These words echo those of the executive director, who acknowledges that “the initial intuition which has evolved throughout the years, has never wavered.” Today, the organization offers a wide range of activities to people of all ages. The event brought together many public figures, including Louise Harel, honorary president, and the organization’s volunteers and partners. 

“We applaud the involvement of all those who, throughout the years, have enriched the lives of thousands of Hochelaga residents by giving them confidence in their ability to take concrete action to improve their quality of life,” concluded Sabrina Fauteux, Chair of the PEC-HM Board of Directors.

Photo credits : PEC-HM

No less than 22 Anglophone SNJM associates and sisters came together to participate in the community Open House on June 11. “We combined our closing meeting of the year with this invitation to experience a meaningful moment on the sacred SNJM sites in Longueuil,” said Brenda Brisebois, member of the Leadership Trio of Anglophone associates.

The group took the opportunity to meet at a local restaurant in Longueuil for lunch. “We were all happy to be together in person after two years of monthly Zoom meetings during COVID,” added Mrs. Brisebois.

Even though the communal spirit was very strong, each person did the pilgrimage at his or her own pace, taking the time to pray and reflect at the various stops. The surprise of meeting “Mother Marie-Rose” at the Foundation House delighted all the visitors who rushed to have their picture taken with her. The warm welcome by a sister responsible for each place at the Congregational House brought about some wonderful discoveries.

According to Mrs. Brisebois, one of the highlights of the visit was the meaningful ritual in the chapel. “It concluded with a touching gesture as each person was invited to spend a moment near the cross embedded in the floor where Mother Marie-Rose loved to pray.”

The group of Anglophone associates and sisters thoroughly enjoyed this gathering in true SNJM tradition, enjoying homemade cookies, juice and soft drinks, while sharing memories of all the great times they had together in this place for celebrations, meetings, retreats and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

“This rite of passage gave us the opportunity to remember, to give thanks for all that began in this sacred place, to move forward in peace, rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus and the SNJM spirit,” concluded Brenda Brisebois.

Françoise Bernard’s missioning ceremony was a “very touching” moment for her. From the words of welcome by Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator,   This meaningful Eucharistic celebration prepared by the liturgy team included words of welcome by Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator, who explained the purpose of the celebration, the readings, the homily and the prayer intentions.

Father Fontaine, the celebrant, invited Sr. Françoise, to give a reflection and testimony during the homily. Following this, a missioning ritual took place during which three prayer intentions focusing on Françoise’s response to the needs in Brazil were prayed.  These prayers replaced the traditional “I Believe in God”. The most exciting moment for Sr. Françoise was undoubtedly when she was blessed by the entire assembly. “When the Sisters raised their hands, it was very moving for me. I am not leaving alone for this mission, I feel supported by my whole family,” she recalls with emotion.”

“An overwhelming call”

Sr Françoise Bernard

During her testimony, Sr. Françoise briefly recalled her journey, beginning with her YES to consecrate herself to the Lord as a religious, experienced as “the total gift of my life. I placed my life in God’s hands, open and available to his Word and his Love in order to witness to his loving and benevolent presence in the midst of my sisters and brothers where I would be called to live the mission entrusted to me.

This mission first took shape during her teaching years (28) before becoming responsible for the boarders at Collège Durocher. Then, responding to the call of Claude Hamelin, then pastoral animator at the college, she dedicated herself to pastoral work. While completing a certificate in Biblical Studies, she felt a call to the poor. “As I listened to the professor’s commentary on the passage in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus goes to the synagogue and reads a passage from the book of Isaiah, I was shaken… I felt an overwhelming call to go on mission with the poor, but which poor?”    

On mission with the poor

It was a discussion with Sr. Jacqueline Boudreau that led her to redirect her focus. “I know some poor people. I have some I want to introduce you to and in fact, they are in Haiti.” Concerned and still a little fearful in the face of all the unknown aspects (language, culture, etc.), Sr. Françoise questioned herself. The call to go and work with the poor, even if she did not know them, was stronger. “I have the chance to start something new.”

The adventure for Haiti begins. The six-month experience turned into an eight-year mission. In fact, it became a love affair from the moment she arrived on Haitian soil. “As I stepped off the plane, I felt the warmth envelop me. I felt like kneeling on the ground. I felt like I had just arrived in my new family.”

Following a sabbatical year, she took time to take care of her ailing parents.  Sr. Françoise then found herself on the Missions Sector coordination team. In that role, she went to Brazil and also to Haiti to see and support the relief project which is now coordinated by the Little Sisters of St. Theresa.

However, in 2008, she left for a new mission, this time in Brazil. She initially arrived in Brasília for her period of immersion, and then joined the project in São Paulo before going, a year later, to Maceió where the Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa (CMMR) took shape. This Community Center focuses on adult literacy and addresses current needs. The team in charge, composed of two Brazilian women and one man, does a remarkable job, according to Sr. Françoise. The Center also offers activities to empower women and support youth.

Mission has no age

Sr. Françoise is aware that there have been changes since her departure in 2019. Expectations are different, the place has changed while the team relies on new people. The goal of this new mission trip to Brazil, at age 78, is very clear to Sr. Françoise. “I am going to work to hand over this project to the Brazilian people, undertake the administrative steps, create a board of directors…” She will, of course, support the existing team members with the help of Sr. Joanne Pundyk who assumed the coordination during her prolonged absence due to the pandemic.

The one-year mission could be extended, taking into account unforeseen administrative elements and the current situation at the time. During her mission, she will feel very supported, even from afar, by her Sisters at Maison Jésus-Marie. “These past few years, I have had a wonderful experience with the Sisters in the third-floor infirmary. I know they will pray for me.”

Photo credits: Sr Suzanne Brault