The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) in Quebec play an active and structuring role within the Congregation’s Laudato Si’ Steering Committee, established in 2022 to advance the orientations of the 2021 General Chapter regarding integral ecology.

This international committee supports the participation of the entire Congregation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, promoting awareness, reflection, and concrete commitments in line with the encyclical published by Pope Francis in 2015.

Quebec Expertise Serving the Congregation

Julie Tétreault, SNJM co-worker, represents Quebec on the committee. Her contribution enriches discussions and highlights initiatives developed locally.

Quebec also benefits from the collaboration of a partner engaged in social and environmental justice. Simon Lantz, associated with the SNJM Quebec Justice and Peace Committee, has shared his research on several challenges related to integral ecology.

Among his contributions, he has:

• participated in the review meeting presented to the entire Congregation in June 2025;
• offered a mini-conference at Maison Jésus-Marie on the environmental impact of digital technologies, particularly regarding water consumption and management;
• written an in-depth article on the challenges of deep-sea mining, a topic expected to inform future awareness initiatives.

Encouraging International Sharing and Collaboration

The work of the Steering Committee facilitates the sharing of initiatives from the various SNJM provinces. This collaboration promotes a smoother flow of information and supports those responsible for animation and leadership in several regions.

In preparation for the next General Chapter in July 2026, certain meeting formats have been adjusted. Alternative mechanisms are being explored to ensure the continued sharing of resources, whether spiritual reflection materials or analyses of current ecological issues. Future communications to the entire Congregation will provide the relevant links to access this information.

Julie Tétreault

Sometimes a simple demonstration can bring a distant reality to life. During a presentation of the annual Share Lent campaign of Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (DPCC), Julie Tétreault, an SNJM co-worker, captured the audience’s attention in a striking way.

Wearing a mask to symbolize poor air quality, she played the deafening sound of a train passing every 30 minutes in certain Brazilian communities. The noise, which startled many Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) present, illustrated the extremely difficult living conditions faced by populations whose villages are crossed by the Carajás Railway.

A Campaign in Solidarity with Affected Communities

This year, the Share Lent campaign supports Justiça nos Trilhos (Justice on the Rails – JnT), a partner organization that accompanies communities affected by the Carajás Railway.

This railway connects the largest open-pit iron mine in the world, located in the state of Pará, to the port of São Luís in the state of Maranhão. Along its route, it passes through many villages where living conditions have become increasingly difficult.

Local populations must cope with several challenges:

• the constant, overwhelming noise of passing trains;
• iron ore dust that seeps into homes;
• pollution and vibrations that weaken houses;
• safety concerns and the difficulty of crossing the railway tracks.

On the Path of Justice

Under the theme “On the Path of Justice,” the campaign highlights a concrete achievement after more than 20 years of mobilization. Thanks to the work of Justiça nos Trilhos, 312 families — about 1,300 people — have been relocated to a new village called Piquiá da Conquista, away from industrial facilities that were harming their health and quality of life.

As Flavia, a 31-year-old community leader from Piquiá da Conquista, explains:

“At times I wanted to give up, but my family told me: ‘You must continue.’ With the Comboni missionaries, we learned that the struggle is difficult. Despite our suffering, the relocation to Piquiá da Conquista has been a great source of joy for us. It is also an inspiration for other communities.”

A Gesture of Solidarity

In support of the campaign, the SNJMs of Quebec, in addition to making personal donations, will participate in a silent hunger supper on March 26. The symbolic meal — consisting of bread, a piece of cheese, and water — is intended as a gesture of solidarity with those living in precarious conditions.

For Julie Tétreault, this annual gathering remains a meaningful moment:

“The Share Lent presentation is always a wonderful opportunity for dialogue and awareness with the sisters.”

As Pope Leo XIV reminds us:

“Justice becomes concrete when it reaches out to others, when each person is given their due, until equality in dignity and opportunity among human beings is achieved.”

The SNJM birthday celebration, held on February 13 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), took on special meaning this year as it coincided with Valentine’s Day. Under the unifying theme “Celebrating with Heart,” the event honored both the gift of life and the joy of friendship in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

At the invitation of the Quebec Leadership Team, Sisters and SNJM Associates from across the province gathered in large numbers for this annual celebration. Since last year, the event has embraced a strong intergenerational dimension, thanks to the participation of some twenty students from Collège Durocher–Saint-Lambert (CDSL), who shared their energy and creativity.

Youth Fully Engaged

The students played an active role throughout the day. Their dynamic presence was evident at each activity station: creating colorful Valentine’s Day cards, presenting their social engagement initiatives, leading botany workshops, sharing Quebec-style fables, and challenging participants with math riddles.

They also introduced the Sisters to an immersive virtual reality experience, offering virtual visits to Canada’s national parks — an activity that sparked both curiosity and wonder.

Music, Discovery, and Shared Moments

Students with musical talents added an extra festive touch. In small groups or individually, they moved throughout the residence — even visiting the upper floors — to offer musical moments to the Sisters, including those unable to leave their rooms.

In her opening remarks, Sr. Lisette Boulé highlighted the deeper meaning of the gathering:

“We wish to heartily celebrate the gift of life and, at the same time, the celebration of friendship and love par excellence: Valentine’s Day.”

Following a reflection on popular expressions related to the heart, the assembly joined in on the chorus of Les yeux du cœur by Gerry Boulet, performed by a group of students.

A Meaningful and Inspiring Get Together

The joy shared throughout the day reflected the richness of these intergenerational sharings. Curious and open, the Sisters appreciated the vitality and commitment of the young participants, who left with smiles, calling out, “See you next year!”

The celebration concluded on a convivial note with refreshments served in the first-floor lounge, specially renamed the “Heart Café” for the occasion.

The event was organized by a committee composed of Sisters Lisette Boulé, Françoise Bernard, Lorraine Mongeon, and Hélène Harvey, in collaboration with Marie-André Rho from Collège Durocher–Saint-Lambert, who coordinated the students’ participation.

Given the enthusiasm expressed by all, this intergenerational experience may well inspire future community activities in a similar spirit.

Photos credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey

During the Day of Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Saint-Jean–Longueuil, some sixty women and men religious gathered for a meeting that was enriching, fraternal, and deeply spiritual. The theme of the day was “Love Will Never Pass Away”.

Creative and Meaningful Facilitation

he gathering was facilitated by Francine Vincent, Coordinator and Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Coordination Service (SCPD), and Mario Houle, fic. Once again, this duo demonstrated creativity and pastoral sensitivity, offering a well-balanced approach in which symbols, gestures, and reflections helped create an atmosphere that was both prayerful and welcoming.

A Eucharistic Journey Enriched by Sharing

Designed as an extended Eucharistic celebration, the gathering was interwoven with moments of prayer, personal testimonies, small-group sharing, rituals, music, and song. Three key themes structured the experience:

• gratitude, symbolized by roses;
• passion and compassion, represented by candles;
• hope, expressed through balloons.

Inspiring Testimonies

Personal testimonies brought depth to each theme. Father Charles Mangongo, a Vincentian religious, offered thoughtful reflections on gratitude, while Sr. Nicole Alarie, of the Sacred Heart of Jesus community, spoke about passion and compassion.

Sr. Florence Vinet

The testimony of Sr. Florence Vinet, SNJM, which focused on hope, particularly resonated with participants through her sharing vivid examples and the depth of her message. She reminded those present that hope touches every human reality: people facing great hardship, families coping with illness, individuals experiencing job loss, and young people struggling with addiction.

“These are all calls to pray, personally and as a community,” she emphasized, “to nourish hope and give meaning to life.” She also expressed her deep trust in Jesus, “who promised to remain with us until the end of the world.”

Drawing on the writings of Charles Péguy and the image of the little girl Hope, Sr. Florence invited participants to welcome this Hope—“fragile yet essential, discreet yet powerful”—giving renewed meaning to Péguy’s words: “Hope sees what is not yet and what will be.”

Giving Thanks for the Gift of Consecrated Life

Presided over by Réjean Poirier, diocesan priest and Vicar General, the gathering was an opportunity of offering gratitude for the precious gift of Consecrated Life, for commitment through poverty, chastity, and obedience, and for the witness of prayer, fraternity, and mission.

The celebration organized at the invitation of Bishop Claude Hamelin, Bishop of the Diocese, was held on January 31 in the chapel at Maison Jésus-Marie.  In addition to those present in person, some fifty resident sisters participated via closed-circuit television, further extending the sense of communion experienced throughout the day.

Photos credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey

An information workshop titled “What’s the Point?” was recently offered to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) to provide an update on the Jubilee Year 2025 action campaign launched by Development and Peace—Caritas Canada (DPCC).

Offered in a friendly, informal format, the meeting helped clarify the campaign’s objectives while encouraging dialogue. It was facilitated by Kim Piché, Interim Regional Animator for Central-South Quebec, whose role is to strengthen ties between the Diocesan Council of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and religious communities on the South Shore.

“Turning Debt into Hope”

Carried out at both national and international levels, the campaign “Turning Debt into Hope” aimed to address the structural causes of debt in impoverished countries. In addition to awareness-raising activities, a petition was launched calling on creditors and political leaders to cancel or unconditionally reduce debts deemed unjust and unsustainable.

In Canada, the petition gathered 60,626 signatures, exceeding its initial goal, while 223,287 people added their names worldwide. Ms. Piché highlighted, that beyond these figures, the campaign has succeeded in raising awareness among a wide audience and provided opportunities for dialogue on the issue of debt.

The Commitment of the SNJMs

Ms Kim Piché and Sr. Beverley Wattling

As Ms. Piché noted, participation in DPCC’s annual campaigns helps “unite the voices of committed Catholics to denounce social injustice and support partners in their struggle against inequality.” This conviction is shared by the SNJMs, who continue to collaborate with various organizations to strengthen actions in support of social justice and equality.

The SNJMs also plan to continue this partnership during the next Development and Peace—Caritas Canada campaign, which will begin with the season of Lent.

Photo credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey

The year 2025 was marked by meaningful encounters, deepened commitments, and renewed hope for the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Faithful to their educational, social, and spiritual mission, the SNJMs continued their journey at the heart of today’s realities—building relationships, taking concrete actions of solidarity, and nurturing community life.

From integral ecology to faith lived in daily life, from life-giving partnerships to actions for social justice, and through powerful testimonies and moments of companionship, this retrospective highlights the initiatives, events, and commitments that shaped the year. Each article reflects the same guiding spirit: a presence attentive to the world, inspired by the Gospel and open to the future.

We invite you to revisit these highlights of 2025, reflections of a living mission and a shared hope, presented through six thematic areas.

 Integral Ecology

•  When the Vegetable Garden Becomes a Garden of Joy
• Inspiring Gathering on the Theme of “Water in the Contemporary Era”

Solidarity and Social Justice

• SNJM Québec Justice and Peace Committee: Many Activities and a Missioning Ritual
• SNJMs Support Seniors’ Right to Secure Housing   
• Support For the Rights of Temporary Foreign Workers
• Opening Up to Aboriginal Realities
• 400 Words of Encouragement for Back-to-School
• The Mission Exhibit Continues Its Mission… with Heart!
• A New Momentum for Maison des enfants Marie-Rose
•  An SNJM Chain of Solidarity to Support Women Experiencing Homelessness

As we look back on these significant moments in 2025, a mosaic of actions, words, and being present emerges—giving meaning to the commitment of the SNJMs today. Each initiative, whether local or international, spiritual or social, individual or communal, has helped foster life, justice, and fraternity.

This retrospective is also an invitation to gratitude: for the people encountered, the partnerships formed, the paths walked together, and the seeds of hope sown throughout the year. It opens toward the future with a renewed desire to continue the mission in many ways, attentive to the needs of the world and faithful to the spiritual heritage received.

Memories that inspire the journey ahead, in trust and hope.

2025 came to a joyful and upbeat end, thanks to the ever-energetic performance of the choir Les Joyeux Retraités, presented on December 28 in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

🎶 This Christmas concert, rich in emotion and surprises, delighted the audience with the diversity of its repertoire. Lively rhythms, well-loved traditional carols, and delightful touches of humor filled the room, sparking laughter and creating a festive atmosphere. It was hard to resist tapping along or enthusiastically humming a few familiar tunes!

Founded in 1990, this mixed vocal ensemble of Les Joyeux Retraités de Longueuil regularly performs at MJM and shares its joy of life and offers precious moments of happiness to the Sisters and invited guests.

The holiday performance—always greatly appreciated—was expertly conducted by Ms. Lise Pelletier. The choir was accompanied on the piano by Ms. Hélène Carrière, whose beautiful playing supported the voices of the singers.

At the end of the concert, the beaming faces of the audience spoke volumes. Many with smiles on their faces and still humming the melodies they had just heard, returned to their activities. It was a moment of pure pleasure, filled with warmth and sharing, that carried the spirit of the holidays through the final days of the year. ✨

Photo and video coverage: Sr. Suzanne Brault

One week before Christmas, on December 18, the magic of the holiday season filled Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) thanks to the much-anticipated “Coffee and Doughnuts” get-together, offered to residents and staff members. 🎄

This friendly gathering, marked by simplicity and warmth, brought joy, smiles, and good cheer in the midst of an early winter. Building on the great success of last year’s event, which included Sisters in the infirmary, the activity was joyfully repeated.

Sisters Suzanne Lavallée, Monique Gendron, and Hélène Harvey hard at work preparing 325 doughnuts for their event.

In the kitchen (and at the heart of the action), the trio of Sister-cooks: Suzanne Lavallée, Monique Gendron, and Hélène Harvey, once again delighted everyone. They prepared no less than 325 doughnuts, all of which disappeared over the course of the day!

Exchanged smiles, affectionate gestures, and bursts of laughter reflected the beautiful sense of companionship among the residents. To add a touch of holiday magic, a few Sisters spontaneously broke into Christmas Carols, filling the space with song and further adding warmth to the atmosphere.

These small moments of great simplicity, lived in joy and sharing, truly make a difference. They remind us that the spirit of Christmas is found above all in everyday life, through sincere gestures that warm the heart. ✨

Photo report: Sr. Hélène Harvey

More than 16,000 people took part in the 2025 World March of Women, held in Québec City on October 18. This edition carried special significance, marking the 30th anniversary of Bread and Roses, the historic 1995 march that brought renewed attention to the urgent need to uphold women’s rights. That landmark event left a lasting imprint on the collective imagination, challenged political perspectives, and paved the way for the creation of the World March of Women in 2000.

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) maintain a deep and enduring connection with this movement. Several Sisters took part in the 1995 March to support their fellow Sister, Sr. Lise Gagnon, who walked from Montreal to Québec City alongside women from all walks of life. Actively engaged in community organizations in Montreal’s South Centre neighbourhood, she still recalls that experience as a defining moment.

Thirty years later, Sr. Lise continues to carry that flame. Having participated in every edition since 1995, she once again joined the March in 2025, surrounded by women and men united around the powerful message: “Together, still marching to transform the world!”

She was accompanied by Sofia Elena Ranke Farro, partner with the SNJM Justice and Peace Committee (Québec), and her family; Kavitha Culam, recently involved with the CATHII–UN project and the Centre des femmes d’ici et d’ailleurs; Josée Desrosiers, an SNJM co-worker; and many other committed participants.

“Let yourself be immersed in the atmosphere of this unifying event, filled with hope and carried forward by a new generation that is just as determined and vibrant,” concludes Sr. Lise, paying tribute to the work of Sofia Elena, who created a commemorative video capsule of the March.