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  

For the past eight years, the Sisters at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) have been participating in a Lenten activity: the hunger meal. “It is an opportunity to experience what others feel on a daily basis”, underlines Sr. Gabrielle Brunet, who initiated this activity.

A missionary in Haiti for 28 years, Sr. Gabrielle is sensitive to the very difficult living conditions of many impoverished people in Haiti as well as here. She therefore suggested organizing a hunger meal during which only a bowl of soup and bread (accompanied with butter or cheese) is served. It is eaten in silence and is followed by a time of reflection and a period of sharing.

From left to right, Sisters Rita Marcoux, Rita Brière, Gabrielle Brunet.

It is important to note that this activity fits in perfectly with the “Development and Peace” Lenten campaign focused on the theme This Lent, Let’s Put People and the Planet First. Sr. Jeanne Dagenais facilitated the reflection and sharing component. Some of the participants commented that this very enriching meal raised their awareness.

Sr Monique L’Écuyer (seated) and Sr Jeanne Dagenais

This year, the reflection focused on the Scripture text of the multiplication of the loaves. Sr. Jeanne guided the discussion by inviting the Sisters to express what the bread represents and also on their actions of sharing carried out in recent months: contributing to Operation Shoebox to help itinerants and the homeless, sending out Mother’s Day cards and distributing hundreds of knitted goods for several causes in the region.

In addition to all these gestures of sharing, we must also mention the monetary donation the Sisters gave to the “Development and Peace” fundraising campaign. This campaign aims to help marginalized populations in certain parts of the world, including South American countries.

This event demonstrates the awareness of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) to current realities. “We cannot remain insensitive to all that is happening today,” concludes Sr. Gabrielle.

Photo credits: Sr Hélène Harvey

Invited to speak about the commitments of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) to social justice prior to Laudato Si’, Sisters Claudette Bastien and Lise Gagnon highlighted the diversity and form of these commitments. This sharing took place April 6, during a webinar on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform organized by the Canadian Religious Conference (CRC).

From the outset, Sr. Lise Gagnon posed the question, “Could it be that our experience as Quebec women religious, women at the grassroots, very much linked to justice… we were already immersed in Laudato Si’ when the pope refers to ‘integral ecology’… ecology that is linked to the economy, to politics, to daily life, to the common good, to justice…”

To support this question, Sr. Claudette recalled the adoption of “the three Corporate Stands on Water (2008), on Immigration and Refugees (2017), and on Human Trafficking (2004) that led us to network with other Congregations, for example with those women involved in CATHII.”

Sr Claudette Bastien, snjm

The reflection eventually evolved to the creation, together with other Religious Congregations, of UNANIMA International, an non-governmental organization (NGO) working at the United Nations. This initiative has “allowed us to take part in the sessions on the Status of Women (CSW) and the United Nations Conferences on SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT… and to maintain our openness to international issues.”

Sisters Claudette and Lise’s witness provided an opportunity to point out that the use of fair-trade coffee, biodegradable cleaning products, judicious use of water, etc. had a positive effect on the daily life of the Sisters in the community. Actions, related to social justice, to support the poor are still ongoing. They also referenced the recent campaign 500 Actions Against Trafficking in connection with the anniversary of the canonization of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the assistance to refugees, the support to various campaigns pertaining to homeless women, indigenous people, etc.

In conclusion, they extended an invitation to attend a virtual Laudato Si’ retreat in August with Sr. Lorraine St-Hilaire, an SNJM Sister from Manitoba. Sr. Lise underlined that the purpose of the four or five-day retreat “offered to Congregations, will be to focus on our connection to creation, our theology in the face of a suffocating Earth, a spirituality that  sustains all life and our motivation to remain active in working for a better world.”

Sr Lise Gagnon, snjm

During the discussion period, a Holy Cross Sister encouraged participants to take part in the retreat so as to “look at the spirituality and charism of our Congregations in light of Laudato Si. It was also mentioned several times, that the call for social justice is not new in Quebec; as Religious Congregations have had very close ties with community organizations since the 1970’s.

Other participants noted that Networking is part of the know-how of Religious Congregations in Quebec and has been for a long time. The sharing time was an opportunity to impart knowledge to the younger generation and to clarify the work of the Action Committee against Internal and International Human Trafficking (CATHII).

The purpose of this webinar was to “equip participants to respond” to the call for active participation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform launched in the Fall of 2021. The webinar was aimed at respondents and members of the JPIC Quebec network as well as at leaders and members of committees dealing with social justice and ecological issues within Religious Congregations in Quebec. The presentation on the platform  was made by Bernard Hudon, SJ, biol.

Photo credits: Canadian Religious Conference (CRC)

Fr. Fontaine, the chaplain, wears the transmitter around his neck.

The decision taken by the Board of Directors of Maison Jésus-Marie to purchase technological communication equipment was enthusiastically applauded by all the hearing-impaired Sisters.

This acquisition has greatly improved their quality of life. “This is the best purchase that has been made in years,” says one Sister who can once again fully participate in group activities.

The technological communication system, which includes transmitters and receivers, along with a mobile sound column, can be moved to specific rooms or to the chapel. This system is available to facilitators and to those who are hearing-impaired, during their activities.  These user-friendly headphones, boost the Sisters’ self-confidence  and facilitate their engagement in various community activities.

Since the introduction of this equipment was introduced, Ii’s wonderful to see the sparkle in the eyes of some and the boost of energy in others. A 103-year-old Sister can now enthusiastically follow the instructions during the sessions offered by the kinesiologist. There are those who can finally share with each other during activities.

Sisters Magella and Thérèse Cadorette appreciate this new equipment.

This technological equipment, affectionately called “bionic ears” has radically changed the lives of many Sisters who now have a much better quality of life.  In addition, they greatly facilitate the task of those who accompany them to their activities. In short, this acquisition is helping everyone.

Photo credits: Sr. Hélène Harvey

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has invited all the faithful to join Pope Francis in praying for peace in Ukraine. The CCCB statement highlights the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a celebration in Rome on March 25.

At the same time, several other solidarity actions were carried out by various organizations, including Development and Peace. For its part, the Leadership Teams of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), meeting in assembly, adopted a Declaration that calls for peace and solidarity.

The statement encourages the authorities to do everything possible to quickly provide the necessary support to Ukrainian refugees. A copy of the statement was sent to the Prime Minister of Canada and the Ukrainian Embassy in Canada.