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

The chosen theme set the tone for this community meeting held on June 11, 2022, before the the remaining Sisters, residing at the Congregational House, would be moving to Maison Jésus-Marie.

Sr. Simone Perras, in the role of guide, at the Centre Marie-Rose Museum.

“It seemed impossible to leave the place of our foundation without inviting the Sisters of Quebec and those affiliated with the SNJMs to participate in both our detachment and our gratitude,” explains Sister Simone Perras, initiator of this highly successful event. She recalled the steps taken by the pioneers of the Congregation who began their mission at the Foundation House, which became the Congregational House, after the renovation of the Longueuil Convent in the 1980s.

In an “open house” approach, the participants were able to freely visit the premises. Some had never returned there since the transformation of the building. Others lingered in the chapel built in Mother Marie-Rose’s time and in the places that were familiar to her: the Chapter Room, her bedroom and her office. Still others wanted to explore the Archives. 

For this occasion, the Sisters of the local community assumed the roles of hostess and guide, uncovering little-known facts as they shared precious memories. Some of the visitors, notably as teachers, had been to the Longueuil Convent.    

A big surprise awaited the visitors to the Foundation House: Sister Lisette Boulé, dressed as vintage Mother Marie-Rose, welcomed them. This presence elicited a few comments on the “pleasures” of wearing this habit, “especially the coif” during the summer months! But, as one person pointed out with a touch of nostalgia, “Our habit was quite beautiful!”   Several Francophone Associates and a large group of Anglophone Associates used this opportunity to take many pictures with “Mother Marie-Rose”!    

Sr. Lisette Boulé dressed as vintage Mother Marie-Rose

Treasuring Our Memories

A moving ritual took place in the chapel. “Today, just as Mary treasured all things in her heart, we want to recall, in our hearts, all that we have seen and experienced since the beginning of our SNJM history.”

A moment of recollection during which stories, poems, psalms and prayers of intercession highlighted Mother Marie-Rose’s journey of faith. Sister Denise Riel, provincial animator, then invited the assembly to a time of self-reflection: “Mother Marie-Rose saw God in all things,” said Bishop Bourget, “What message would she give us today as we are called to mourn the loss of our foundational house?”

A mutual sending on mission, followed by Mother Marie-Rose’s favorite song “Je Mets Ma Confiance” (I Place My Trust), concluded this celebration while, in a gesture of farewell, the participants come forward toward the altar, and looked prayerfully at the little cross in the floor where Mother Marie-Rose had loved to kneel and pray.

The presentation of the members of the canonical trio responsible for the Saint-André pavilion of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) took place during a joyful and light-hearted atmosphere last June 27. It must be said that the Sagouine*, characterized by Sr. Lorraine Beauchamp, played her role to perfection.

Sr. Lorraine Beauchamp perfectly personifies “La Sagouine”

Mandated to explain the process that led to the formation of the new trio of leaders, the character of “La Sagouine” used creative words to tell the story of the process in a clear and simple manner. With her creative language and touch of humor, she presented a short story about each of the new leaders by highlighting their qualities and experiences.

Then, Sr. Marie-Paule Demarbre, coordinator of MJM and animator of the gathering, explained the role of these new leaders of the pavilion. “This trio assures, in shared responsibility, a presence to the Sisters and the animation of their group. They work in close collaboration and meet regularly to make decisions,” she said.

Sr. Marie-Paule Demarbre, coordinator of Maison Jésus-Marie

This new trio is also responsible for “adapting and implementing the community, spiritual and missionary animation project developed by the teams of the two pavilions (Saint-André and Saint-Charles) in collaboration with the coordinator of Maison Jésus-Marie.”

Sr. Marie-Paule continued her intervention by making official the function of each one. Sr. Jacqueline Longtin was given the responsibility of presence to  the Sisters. Sr. Jacqueline Aubry is responsible for the animation of the community group.

The whole aspect of the external mission, activities and community services is in the hands of Mrs. Marianne Daudelin. This is the first time that a lay person has been appointed as the canonical leader of the Saint-André Pavilion.

The meeting concluded with the SNJM Provincial Leadership Team (PLT), composed of the provincial animator Sr. Denise Riel and the other team members, Srs. Claudette Bastien and Lisette Boulé blessing the new trio. In addition to those mentioned above, this event held in the Chapel, also included the members of the administrative services of Maison Jésus-Marie, the Sisters of the Saint-André Pavilion and the 17 Sisters of the Congregational House who will come to reside at MJM in August. 

Members of the Provincial Leadership Team blessing the Trio From left to right: Srs Lisette Boulé, Denise Riel and Claudette Bastien.

Photo credits:  Sr Suzanne Brault

*La Sagouine: This refers to the character in the play written by Antonine Maillet in 1971. This character inspired by an Acadian woman, represents the working class in Acadia. Portrayed as a cleaning woman, she shares her thoughts by bringing forth the realities experienced by her people in a style that is both creative and poetic.

Do you remember the days of the “station wagon”? Sister Germaine Blouin remembers them very well. She drove a few models of this type of vehicle.

During a festive activity, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) marked the golden jubilee of the ministry of their Sister, who, driving a variety of vehicles for 50 years, has brought many Sisters to their destinations.

If the vehicles have changed, so have the roads, as well as the increasingly heavy traffic and the many detours caused by road work. No matter, Sr. Germaine knows where she is going. Her knowledge of the area always provides her with options.

Sisters Yolande Crépeau and Gabrielle Brunet recalled the great patience Sr. Germaine has in the accomplishment of her mission. Patience on the road itself and of course, patience while waiting for appointments in hospitals, clinics and other destinations.

Those in charge of this celebration also mentioned the thoughtfulness that Sr. Germaine brought to their daily lives. In her speech, Sr. Yolande mentioned in particular: “The first “family car” that you drove had a second back seat that faced the back window. How thoughtful of you to put the youngest Sisters in that seat and to gently close the door! Having a foot-stool available for those who need it to get in and out of the car; and especially to wait, to wait for a safe return. And every day, it started over again… ”  

Discreet by nature, Sr. Germaine carries out her mission with great generosity, according to Sr. Gabrielle, “Once all the Sisters are comfortably seated and well secured, you, with your watchful eye and your guardian angel guiding you, leave gently, but surely… And Germaine knows where to go… With her you feel confident and safe. I think that you are connected to the One who guides you and keeps you safe whenever you are driving.”  

Moved by the kindness of this gesture of recognition, Sr. Germaine expressed her thanks. “… a heartfelt thank you for the joy received on the occasion of my 50 years of chauffeur service. It has been an easy task for me to serve my community, with joy and listening to each one… I am very grateful to God for having protected me on my countless paths. It was with happiness and consistency that I served each day.”

A golden jubilee does not change a person. Sr. Germaine still continues her ministry with the same vigilance.

Photo credits: Sr Suzanne Brault  

Nurturing children’s self-esteem through the arts, offering support and humane ways of living  to women victims of domestic violence or experiencing homelessness, supporting the demands of women and Aboriginal people, actively collaborating in the fight against human trafficking, denouncing racism and the war in Ukraine, are some of the causes supported by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM).

The SNJMs have long been pursuing their work as educators in different ways. Inspired by the spiritual heritage and committed journey of their foundress, Marie-Rose Durocher, the Sisters have been open to responding to the needs of today. Alone or in collaboration with others, the SNJMs are involved in many causes with a common denominator: to promote the full development of the person.

Despite the advanced age of many of them, you can see their enthusiasm when knitting sweaters, tuques, mittens and even little vests for premature babies. Beyond their pride in presenting their handiwork, they are even happier to see the fruit of their work benefit various organizations that take care of homeless people, children and families in disadvantaged areas (Entraide chez-nous, Fondation Dr. Julien, etc.). Year after year (like during the years of the pandemic), the SNJM donate several boxes of knitted goods and a few thousand dollars accumulated during their exhibition sale.

This ardent desire to help people has taken on new forms in recent months with “Operation Shoebox” for women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. During their initial participation, the Sisters filled about sixty shoe boxes, to which were added about thirty others from employees and partners whom they were able to rally to the cause. They also participated in the “Mother’s Day cards” operation, initiated by the same organization, in order to bring some comfort to women victims of violence.

SNJMs made dozens of shoeboxes, filling them with various useful items to help women experiencing homelessness.

Committed to justice

Some 268 actions, either through prayer or education, were undertaken by the Sisters whose average age is 85, at Maison Jésus-Marie. This special campaign, organized as a prelude to the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking on February 8, motivated SNJMs from all the regions to pass the 600-action mark in 20 days. It supports the Corporate Stand Against Human Trafficking adopted in 2004. It should also be noted that some Sisters are still working within the Action Committee Against Internal and International Human Trafficking (CATHII), founded by several religious Congregations in Quebec.

The Justice Committee of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary of Quebec worked in conjunction with the Manitoba Justice Committee to organize a virtual conference in February with representatives from three Aboriginal communities. The purpose of this event was to sensitize the Sisters of the two Canadian provinces to the reality of Aboriginal peoples. The conference was a great success and is still being utilized by the members of the Justice committees to deepen their understanding.

The 5th World March of Women last October could not be ignored. Unable to participate in the demonstration in Montreal, due to health regulations, the Sisters at Maison Jésus-Marie, accompanied by SNJM associates, employees and partners marched on the heritage site. They clearly expressed their support for the demands of the event. After singing the theme song along the route, they gathered for a ritual in the chapel. Since the first event of the Women’s March in 1995, when a few SNJMs walked the route from Montreal to Quebec City, several Sisters have participated in this world-wide event which is held every five years.

Some SNJM Sisters participated with other religious Sisters in the World March of Women in Montreal in October 2021.

A mission expressed in several ways

The educational mission is also expressed through the support of promising initiatives. This is the case with the programs to raise awareness of music among young people at the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil. The offer of a concert hall to university students, allowing them to present their program in front of an audience before their exams, is another form of significant commitment.

The Maison des enfants Marie-Rose supported by the SNJMs offers many activities, including music classes, to youth in the Beauharnois area.

Among the other initiatives supported by the SNJMs, we must highlight the work done by an SNJM Associate and her collaborators at Maison des enfants Marie-Rose in Beauharnois. The focus on the arts and complementary activities to meet the needs of the community, contributes greatly to the development and enhancement of young people who are often left to their own devices.

Beyond these actions and many others that we cannot list here, the commitment of the SNJMs is also manifested in their Corporate Stands on Water as a Human Right in the perspective of integral ecology with Laudato Si’, as well as in favor of Migrants and Refugees. At the same time, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary use their collective voice to denounce or support demands. The two most recent statements concern racism and the war in Ukraine.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Beatification of Marie-Rose Durocher in 2022, it is clear that the SNJM Sisters are still following in her footsteps. Just as she did in her time, the SNJMs are sensitive to current needs and find ways, alone or with others, to respond to them.

*This article was originally written for the publication Rencontre (Volume 12, Issue 39-June 2022 – in French only).

In its latest newsletter, UNANIMA International unveils its many activities as a non-governmental organization (NGO). It also highlights important upcoming events. This edition is special in that it features the first trip to Brazil since the pandemic by Executive Director Jean Quinn, FDLS.

During this trip, which took her to Maceió and Sao Paulo, she officially presented the Woman of Courage award to a Brazilian woman with an inspiring career path, who is still involved while pursuing her training in agroecology. The Executive Director of UNANIMA also met with many individuals and groups, where the situation of homeless people was discussed. There, as in many parts of the world, there is a “fear of the homeless”. The editorial and reportage highlight the major challenges facing impoverished populations in this country.

The NGO organized a side event at the Forum on Indigenous Issues last May. The event, which brought together representatives from Paraguay, Colombia and Chile, was recorded. The newsletter also presents the conclusions of the Forum on International Migration.

UNANIMA International representatives will also participate in upcoming UN events, including the World Family Summit (June 28-29) and the High Level Political Forum. The latter takes place from July 5-15. The first part is dedicated to national reviews as representatives from 44 countries present a portrait of their achievements and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions with experts will constitute the second part of this meeting in order to share on the means to achieve the SDGs.

There is also information on the preparations for the 61st Social Development Commission, the work of the NGO-Migration Committee which focused on the role of local governments in the integration of migrants, the 25th anniversary celebrations of Sophia Housing dedicated to homelessness in Ireland, community testimonies and some other details. The newsletter concludes with a reminder of important resources and dates. A very relevant publication to discover on the web or in PDF format.