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.

During May, a month dedicated to Mary, activities were planned by the SNJM leadership Team of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) to mark two special weeks: one in thanksgiving for the nursing personnel and the other to honor the Sisters.

During National Nursing Week, which began on May 9, the floors of the two pavilions were decorated and garnished with flowers to show everyone’s appreciation for the work of the nursing personnel. Throughout the week, the staff was also invited to festive meals at times that accommodated their schedules. The Leadership Team and Sisters expressed their appreciation for the dedication of the staff. 

As an example, the SNJM leadership Team  arranged for a delivery of large helium balloons with THANK YOU written on them.  Upon delivery, they sang a hearty thank you in recognition of the quality of presence and care given to the Sisters.  Baskets of clementines were placed in the administrative staff dining room and at nursing stations on each floor of St. Charles Pavilion. These were re-filled throughout the week. A thoughtful touch that was appreciated by the staff.

Children’s Drawings for Seniors’ Week

A mini violin concert on the floors of the Saint-Charles Pavilion and also during lunch time in the cafeteria of Saint-André Pavilion, officially opened the activities of Seniors’ Week. Émilie Bélanger, administrative secretary at MJM and musician-at-heart, shared her passion with a well-informed audience.

The following day, a snack with sugar-shack flavors delighted many a palate; and on Thursday, the chef also prepared his first BBQ meal. Due to the cool weather, the meal was held inside, but everything was cooked on the BBQ. Indeed, a taste of summer!

An exhibition of art work, created by the children of the employees, closed this week of activities where a few other surprises enhanced the daily life of the Sisters at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

Photo credits: Sr. Suzanne Brault and Sr Hélène Harvey

 During their first 2022 meeting, which focused on environmental issues, the volunteers (coopérantes) explored the theme from several angles. On the first day of their meetings, inspired by the interviews conducted, in the previous months, with young people under 30 years of age, the eight members present shared the comments collected during the interviews. The agenda included several times of prayer and ritual, as well as a festive meal at the end of the first day of the reunion.

Annie Lafontaine brought a centerpiece used throughout the meeting. It is the fruit of a work by young people from Académie les Estacades using various techniques, under the supervision of their teacher Roch Bertrand. The work aims at raising awareness of the negative impact of plastic pollution on oceans and on animals, including turtles, bears and birds.

The following day, as they compiled the comments, the volunteers reported some critical findings. The lack of hope among young people was one such finding, as was their perception of the scope of individual ecological actions in solving the crisis. There was consensus from the outset.

A collective awareness is needed: governments and companies must support individual efforts with concrete and immediate actions. Conscious that the pandemic has resulted in the loss of some individual ecological habits, in addition to increasing the use of disposable products, it was noted that awareness is even more necessary today. The same is true for collective demands on authorities.

Several positive elements emerged from this compilation of interview responses, including the influence of parents. The young people interviewed already demonstrated a high level of ecological awareness. Despite everything, they all admitted that no one is at the same place of ecological sensitivity. A lot depends on where you live and where your environmental reflection has led you. “Not everyone is ready to accept personal restrictions,” one respondant said.

Lise Gagnon, who was co-animator of the meeting with Julie Tétreault and Annie Lafontaine, distributed a card to each participant with the invitation to write out her commitment as a future reminder.

Friendly and energizing meetings

It is worth recalling that the group’s ten or so volunteers meet twice a year for a weekend. This is the format they have chosen since members live in regions far away from each other.

The group was formed in 2006 at the suggestion of Sr. Hélène Harvey, following her volunteer work in Haiti. It is now composed of two other SNJM Sisters and of lay women who have lived experiences of cooperation in several countries, mainly in Latin America and Africa.

This approach responds to their desire to get together, to give themselves an opportunity to share their experiences, to support each other, and to nourish their interest in topics related to their values. The group is a source of mutual enrichment. It represents another form of relationship with the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM).

Seated: Hélène Harvey, Julie Tétreault Standing: Lise Gagnon, Chantal Thérien, Josée Desrosiers, Isabelle Ouimet, Élisabeth Giroux, Annie Lafontaine. The group also includes Annie Bergeron and Micheline Jobin who were unable to be present for this meeting.

The most recent publication of CATHII INFO is devoted in large part to the experience of CATHII-University at the UN. This program is dedicated to the transmission of knowledge on human trafficking to the younger generation.

This is the second edition of this particular experience which brought together twenty students from three Quebec universities. After having followed a preparatory process for their participation in virtual mode at the 66th Commission on the Status of Women of the United Nations (CSW), the students give their testimony.

In the same issue, there are a few other news items, including a reminder of the facts surrounding the campaign for the adoption of a national anti-trafficking plan by the Government of Quebec. To read on the CATHII website (in French only).

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Beatification of Marie-Rose Durocher, some thirty people responded to the invitation to participate in a silent pilgrimage. These pilgrims joined a few hundred others to attend the Mass at the Co-cathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue, in Longueuil.

The Mass was presided over by Bishop Claude Hamelin who identifies himself as a “spiritual son” of Mother Marie-Rose. He was accompanied by Father Charles Mangongo, r.s.v., pastor of the Pastoral Unit of Vieux-Longueuil, and Father Pascal Lemene of the Parish of Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-la-Salle in Montreal (a parish where the SNJM Congregation ministered for approximately a hundred years).

At the beginning of the Mass, Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator of the SNJM’s in Quebec, reminded us that, just like society, “the Church celebrates people who have had an outstanding influence in their environment. “The Beatification of Marie-Rose Durocher by Pope John Paul II on May 23, 1982 is a recognition of the “value of a woman committed to God and to others. A woman who, through her commitment to educate young people, especially girls, “was already working to promote the status of women,” she said.

Beautiful tribute to a “woman with fire in her heart”

The homily by Father Charles Mangongo paid a beautiful tribute to Marie-Rose Durocher, a figure who continues to inspire the world.   Referring to the following texts by: Albert Tessier (Une fleur du Richelieu), Sr. Yolande Laberge (Sur les pas de Marie-Rose) and an article by Sr. Simone Perras, he highlighted the exemplary journey of Mother Marie-Rose, “a woman with a heart of fire.

With a simplicity that reflected the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), the Mass was enhanced by hymns sung by a choir comprised of Sisters Marthe-Gisèle Beauchamp, Madeleine Marchand, Françoise Bernard, Lisette Boulé and Constance Létourneau, who were accompanied by the organist, Peter Binse.

Following the celebration, the parishioners and Sisters gathered for conversation and refreshments which included a glass of punch.  Various articles, books and relics were made available to be taken.

Since 2004, the tomb of Blessed Marie-Rose is located in the Marie-Rose Chapel, located in the right transept of the Co-cathedral. For the occasion of this 40th anniversary, the chapel was refurbished to display some artifacts related to the history of this pioneer and the Congregation. There are also two new posters, equipped with QR codes, to give access to multimedia content (texts, photos, videos, podcasts) that will be updated over time. Other posters will complete this redesign in the coming weeks.