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.

Geneviève Noël, SNJM Associate

On May 1, the renewal of promises ceremony for two francophone Associates delighted those in attendance for several reasons. First of all, it was only the second time in over two years that the SNJM francophone Associates were able to hold a gathering in person.

Also, for the twenty or so people present, the locale for the gathering, the chapel in the Congregational House, gave a special flavor to this very inspiring ceremony.

“I am very happy that the celebration of our commitment as Associates could take place in the chapel of the Congregational House,” said Geneviève Noël. “Since the very first time I came to this house, these sacred places have spoken to me and energized me. In the chapel and elsewhere I feel Mother Marie-Rose praying and working. Naively, I tell myself that she and I are committed to the same mission, just in different ways.”

Yasmine Matar, SNJM Associate

These words are corroborated by Yasmine Matar, Geneviève’s colleague both at work and as an Associate. “It was important and highly significant for me to renew my commitment in this sacred space where Mother Marie-Rose prayed and where so many SNJM Sisters have celebrated together their unity and their love for God. Each word was like a spark that fueled the fire that is already present in this place and in each person.”

An inspiring celebration

Many people participated in this renewal of promises. Sister Claudette Bastien facilitated the ceremony and set the tone with her words, “We are called to be open to different transformations in our lives. As we begin this celebration, let us ask the Lord to change our hearts and make them capable of liberating life and setting the earth on fire with love.

Sr. Claudette Bastien at the renewal ceremony of the two SNJM associates

Each of the two associates, who had made their first commitment virtually last year, shared on her personal journey within the large SNJM family. This was followed by the renewal of their promises and several readings before the missioning by Sister Denise Riel: “In the names of Jesus and Mary, wherever we live and work, we want to be an educational presence that influences our environment according to the Gospel values of love, justice, and peace. 

Sister Thérèse Laplante, as the person responsible for the formation of the two associates, confessed that she “experienced many emotions throughout the celebration” which marked the culmination of a profound journey. “These are serious women of experience who are deeply committed.  They are on fire…”

This celebration, prepared by Sr. Claudette and Ms. Anne-Marie Montpetit, was inspiring from all points of view.

Photo report: Sr. Suzanne Brault

There is no lack of activities at Maison des enfants Marie-Rose (MDEMR) in Beauharnois. In addition to the regular activities centered on the arts, music and physical activity, there are culinary and educational activities as well as a day camp. The registration period for this 15th day camp is underway.

Since the renovation of the Ellice Manor, the Marie-Rose Children’s Home benefits from being an enchanting place. It can welcome more children from the four surrounding MRC’s and diversify its activities. With the availability of more space and the help of volunteers, the organization has improved its program of activities. Reading, newspaper clubs and board games are now part of the services offered.

The beauty of this place encourages many people and organizations to rent rooms. It greatly benefits the self-financing for this non-profit Organization founded in 2007 by Janine Lefebvre, a former student of the SNJM’s in Beauharnois. A cultural café has also been set up and, in addition to selling coffee, tea and muffins, several activities are held, including monthly conferences from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm during which soup is made available! Indeed, a great success! Roland Viau, an anthropologist, will be the guest speaker in May. The idea of holding monthly concerts with the help of the municipality is even being considered.

In search of musical instruments

The arrival of Alain Dubuc as Mayor of Beauharnois, who has also been a member of the MDEMR’s Board of Directors for several years, has had a positive impact. This partnership with the City brings new perspectives to the MDEMR, which at the same time benefits from the support of its cultural activities. This awareness of the cause of children on the part of municipal authorities and the community could possibly lead to the creation of a Foundation to help children in the region.

In order to pursue its objectives of offering meaningful artistic activities to children to help develop their self-esteem, the MDEMR is always looking for musical instruments: guitars, flutes, etc., and even a quality concert piano. A lighting system for the Manor’s stage would meet the organization’s expectations.

Janine Lefebvre, founder of the MDEMR and the new Executive Director, Rodolphe Demers

Since January 2022, the direction of the Organization has been assumed by Rodolphe Demers. “I humbly accept being the director of Maison des enfants. Succeeding Janine Lefebvre, the founder, who has been the soul of the Organization for all these years is a great challenge. It is a real pleasure to contribute to the development of children in this enchanting place that is the Manor. A big thank you to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and to all the donors for their support in this renovation project.”

Photo Source: Maison des enfants Marie-Rose

The 40th anniversary of the Beatification of Marie-Rose Durocher will be celebrated on Saturday, May 21, at Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral, in Longueuil, at 4:30 p.m.

 The celebration will be presided over by Bishop Claude Hamelin of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocese, accompanied by Father Charles Mangongo, pastor of the Unité pastorale du Vieux-Longueuil.

After the Mass, parishioners and Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) will gather together outside the Co-cathedral, weather permitting. Several objects and books related to the Foundress of the Congregation will be made available at this time.   

On May 23, 1982, in Rome, Pope John Paul II proclaimed the beatification of the foundress of the SNJM Congregation. In his homily, Bishop Bernard Hubert, the Bishop of the diocese at the time, emphasized: “It took a lot of courage for a young woman, used to living a relatively easy life… in Beloeil, to undertake the pastoral initiatives attributed to her.

Compared to the customs of her time, she…was innovative, seeking to respond to the needs of the people.”

Silent Pilgrimage

A “silent pilgrimage” is also proposed, starting at 3:30 p.m. on the SNJM heritage site. Those interested will follow an outdoor route that will take them from the Foundation House to the former Longueuil Convent, then to the SNJM cemetery before heading to the monument and the Marie-Rose Chapel at the Co-Cathedral. Using a guide pamphlet, participants will be able to reflect upon the values of Marie-Rose Durocher.

The pilgrimage can be made alone, with one other person, or in a group. It lasts approximately 30 minutes. Those interested in experiencing this special moment on May 21 must register by email or by calling 450 651-3744, ext. 1410. Please note that the number of participants is limited and that this pilgrimage will be postponed in case of rain. However, it will be available upon request during the summer and also during the Religious Heritage Days in September. 

In closing, we would like to note that a short video, produced by SNJM Sisters in Quebec, depicts the charism of their foundress ‘From Yesterday to Tomorrow’.  

The concerts at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) resumed on April 30 with the Tomoko Inui Trio. This ensemble, composed of musicians Alex Lozowski on violin, Caroline Milot on cello and Tomoko Inui on piano, presented a quality musical program.

The concert began with one of Felix Mendelssohn’s most acclaimed chamber music works (Piano Trio in D minor). The three musicians then played Mozart’s Adagio for Piano Trio, followed by Fanny Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor.

Accustomed to masterful performances by this ensemble, the audience was delighted with this ambitious program. It was all the more appreciated because it provided a semblance of normal life for the Sisters who were enchanted by the music . For Tomoko Inui, who is particularly fond of chamber music, this was an opportunity to demonstrate another facet of her musical talent.

Several years ago, Tomoko Inui had met Sr. Lorraine Beauchamp when she was accompanying her church choir. This relationship continued and since then, she has performed on several occasions at Maison Jésus-Marie

In charge of cultural activities at MJM, Sr. Maryse Moisan hopes that her schedule of concerts for the year, will resume its normal course.

Photo credits : Sr Suzanne Brault

The most recent edition of the UNANIMA International newsletter includes two statements, one written and one oral, to the 60th Commission on Social Development (CSD60). It also mentions the various actions taken at the 66th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) in March. These include a virtual exhibition stand, the sharing of video footage and participation in side-events.

This recent publication also highlights various actions taken to put the goal of empowering women and girls into action. Three stories illustrate this point. A creative arts initiative to help homeless women heal and thrive is also featured.

This issue shows that there has been no shortage of action for the non-governmental organization (NGO) UNANIMA International.

The publication is available in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Some 172 greeting cards were distributed to 17 shelters in the region, on the occasion of the Mother’s Day campaign, organized for the second year, by the Operation Shoebox team. Once again, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) from the two pavilions of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) enthusiastically participated in the campaign to help women in need.

Sister Rachel Mercier

“Thinking of a mother who is in a shelter because of conjugal violence, the Sisters wrote comforting wishes in greeting cards.”  Sensitized by the call of the Christian formation team of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocese, Sr Marie-Paule coordinated this action at MJM.  

Gift cards for a restaurant were added to the greeting cards. In addition, all Sisters will be invited pray for these women on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8.

Sister Denise Leclerc

This first time contribution of the SNJM’s and the diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil to the Mother’s Day campaign “is greatly appreciated”, said Ms. Roxane Gagné, the coordinator of the region. Let it be noted that the goal of this greeting card operation is to collect cards in all their forms, hand-drawn, scanned, etc., to attach a gift card or not, or to donate  to the Shoebox Organization. Volunteers from the organization collect the items received and distribute them to the shelters.

The gesture made by the SNJM’s reflects well the spirit of the recent General Chapter of the Congregation. “It expresses our commitment in solidarity with other groups,” indicated Sr. Marie-Paule.  

Sisters Lorraine, Gabrielle and Magella

Photo credit: Sr Hélène Harvey