Phase 2 of the Action Committee Against Internal and International Human Trafficking (CATHII) campaign has collected approximately 100 new supporters. Of these, 25% are Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and some of their staff members. This was enough to reach the goal of over 1000 signatures in support of the call for a Provincial action plan to cover all forms of human trafficking.

This second block of signatures was emailed, on December 15, to all Provincial Members of Parliament making them aware of the situation. Hard copies were mailed to the offices of Premier François Legault and Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbeault.

In addition to having reached the goal of 1000 signatures, CATHII is pleased with the initial steps toward collaborating with the Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI) | (Quebec Association of International Cooperation Organizations).

This Association brings together some sixty organizations that are within  several regions of Quebec. It has initiated an attractive visual campaign, on social media, to promote the fight against human trafficking.

This new collaboration allows us to reach more people and could lead to many more successful actions in the future.

The Provincial Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) of Quebec made another concrete gesture in support of Aboriginal people. This Christmas, they donated the money, usually given to the Sisters as gifts, to the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal Inc. (NFCM).

For over 40 years, this non-profit, autonomous, community development organization has been the only comprehensive service and referral point in the Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area in relation to  health, social services, legal services, guidance/information, education, training and career counselling.

Its main mission is to promote, develop and improve the quality of life in the urban Aboriginal community of Montreal. The NFCM is also part of a national initiative to bridge the gap between two cultures. It serves the Aboriginal population which consists of the ten First Nations of Quebec; as well as the Inuit and Métis of Montreal.

For several years, the SNJMs of Quebec have demonstrated their solidarity with Aboriginal peoples. This year, they signed the petition to pressure the Senate to adopt Bill C-15 concerning the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through the work of its Justice and Peace Committee, they continue to further educate themselves regarding the culture of indigenous peoples. Preparations are underway with the SNJM Sisters in Manitoba to hold a virtual meeting with a resource person in January 2022.

At the beginning of December, before the return of new health regulations, two concerts were presented in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie, to the great pleasure of the residents.

The Chœur de l’Arthémuse presented an enchanting program of Christmas carols. This vocal ensemble, created in 1993 at Collège Durocher Saint-Lambert, is comprised of 50 choristers (mixed voices). Under the direction of Ms. Giseline Pelletier, and accompanied by a few musicians, the chorale, mainly adults (teachers and friends), demonstrated their ability and talent.

Due to the large choir, a limited number of spaces were reserved for the audience The resident Sisters watched the concert on closed circuit TV.

A Successful Organ-Piano Duo

Maryse Moisan SNJM reunited with Monique Poirier, her former student, at this concert presented at Maison Jésus-Marie. It had been 40 years since they had last seen each other.

“She was also in the Collège Durocher orchestra and played the cello,” fondly recalls Sr. Maryse, who was thrilled to once again meet this talented musician. “She had presented one of her own compositions, Fantaisie en trois mouvements. (Fantasy in three movements). I remember it being very lively.“

The program, presented by Monique Poirier and Yves Garand, was filled with traditional Christmas pieces. This was one of the rare times that the Sisters attended an organ and piano concert.  The two musicians now and again played together at the organ and also alternated playing solo at the piano and the organ.

The pleasure of the two musicians playing together was greatly felt by the audience who was captivated by the various tunes that were played with exceptional mastery.

These two concerts delighted everyone and provided wonderful memories on the eve of another special holiday season.

Photo credits: Sr Suzanne Brault

November 28, the Francophone SNJM Affiliates held their first meeting in person, in two years at the Congregation House.  Those who attended were thrilled to be with each other again.

Sr Denise Riel

Sister Denise Riel, Provincial Leader, explained the follow-up to the Acts of the 35th General Chapter. Informed about the challenges to be undertaken by the Congregation, the Affiliates (Associates and Consecrated Lay Persons) enthusiastically expressed the desire to commit themselves, according to the capabilities of each one, to doing their part in the realization of the action plan.

In addition to sharing news with each other and hearing about those who were not present, they had the opportunity to listen to Mrs. Anne-Marie Montpetit share her experience as representative of the French-speaking Affiliates at the General Chapter, which had taken place in July.

Various other topics and projects were also discussed. One of the highlights will take place on May 1, 2022 when the two newest SNJM Associates will renew their commitments for a two-year period.

Renewal of Commitments

December 8, the Anglophone SNJM Affiliates delightfully met online, using the ZOOM platform. This meeting was also very interesting, as information was presented pertaining to the theme of the Province. During this get-together, time was built in for a period of personal reflection on a few questions, followed by sharing in break-out rooms. Each group then reported back to the larger group. Then, during a prayerful ritual, the Associates renewed their commitments.

Let us recall that there are several forms of commitment in collaboration with the mission of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). There are currently about 40 Francophone Affiliates and 25 Anglophone Affiliates.

There is no shortage of action at the Action Committee Against Internal and International Human Trafficking (CATHII). The most recent newsletter, available in French and English, reports on several actions taken. Among other things, we learn that a letter has been sent to provincial elected officials to remind them of the importance of the fight against human trafficking and that a participatory research, on the empowerment and reintegration of victims of human trafficking, is underway.

In addition, the organization, created in 2004 by several women Religious Congregations, presented its annual report in mid-November (in French only). It contains more detailed information on participatory research. It recalls the initiative of the CATHII-University project at the UN, highlights the work in collaboration with several organizations, including Talitha Kum, and gives news of the Quebec Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Despite the COVID pandemic, several actions have been taken to continue the fight against human trafficking.

The enthusiastic participation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and the staff at Maison Jésus-Marie, the Provincial Administration (Quebec) and the General Administration had a major impact on the success of Operation Shoebox in the Montérégie area of Quebec. The combined efforts of the entire SNJM group resulted in the collection of some 91 shoeboxes.

This contribution represents approximately 12% of the total number of boxes collected this year in the Montérégie. This is quite remarkable considering that the SNJM group participation began ten days after the campaign had begun.  It was the first time they had taken part.

As soon as Ms. Roxane Gagné, regional manager for the Montérégie, presented the project, a high energy was palpable as evidenced by the enthusiastic desire to participate.

Judging by the comments heard here and there, there was a great desire to bring a little joy and happiness to itinerant and homeless women in these areas. This is what quickly fuelled this surge of solidarity. Many people also took advantage of the campaign to learn more about this multifaceted reality.

Homelessness remains a difficult topic to talk about, often causing uneasiness and discomfort during casual encounters with itinerants and homeless people. Yet, simply looking them in the eye and saying “Hello” is comforting to them,” noted Ms. Gagné during her presentation.

A goal well exceeded

Operation Shoebox is a ten-year-old initiative. Created by the Mulroney sisters-in-law in Toronto, the campaign quickly spread throughout Ontario before crossing the border to Montreal and the Montérégie region. The idea is to gather various essential items and gift objects worth up to $50 and to put them into a decorated shoebox.

The 2021 objective in the Montérégie was 615 boxes. This was an ambitious goal since the previous two years, 400 boxes had been collected. The addition of partners, such as the Centre diocésain Saint-Jean-Longueuil, through which the SNJMs had been made aware, contributed greatly to the success of Operation 2021.   Over a hundred shoeboxes were collected. Many families and parishes became more sensitized to the plight of homeless women and thus to the goal of this mission.  Other people contributed directly to the main center.

According to the most recent unofficial data, Operation Shoebox in the Montérégie collected 726 boxes which were delivered to 26 shelters offering services to homeless women in the Montérégie region, from Valleyfield, Akwesasne, Kahnawake, Granby, Cowansville, to Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Sorel-Tracy and Longueuil.

Photo credit: Sr Suzanne Brault

An all-female quintet enchanted the audience gathered in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie during the November 6 concert. The program, which included works by Bach, Kodàly and Dvořák, took the audience on a musical journey to discover the melodies of Hungary and the Czech Republic.

A violin-cello duet set the tone for this brilliant musical performance. Throughout the concert, the musicians succeeded in bringing out the various tonalities, sometimes with nuance, while at other times there was a vitality and character that surprised and enchanted the audience by the rhythm and energy.

The applause and comments confirmed, without a doubt, the quality of the performance offered with a remarkable mastery. The quintet was composed of Tomoko Inui, on piano. She had known Sr. Lorraine Beauchamp when she was accompanying a church choir several years ago. Since then, Ms. Inui has been performing regularly at Maison Jésus-Marie, showing many facets of her talent as a musician. She is particularly fond of chamber music.

With her, were musicians Jung Tsal* and Mana Shiraishi on violins, Judith Davenport*, viola and Rebecca Morton*, cello. A great initiative if we judge by the pleasure experienced by both the audience and the musicians.

As Sr. Maryse Moisan, in charge of cultural activities, summed it up, this concert “felt good”.

* Members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (Ontario)

Photo credit: Sr Suzanne Brault

In looking back at the effect of the pandemic on Maison Jésus-Marie, the sacrifices of the resident Sisters and the efforts of the staff have been rewarded. This impeccable record – to date, no Sister has been infected or died from COVID-19 – is the result of a multitude of small and large decisions made and actions implemented, ranging from common sense to dedication to thoroughness.

Maison Jésus-Marie with its 2 pavilions, one for autonomous Sisters and the another, considered as a care environment, including palliative care, comparable to CHSLD’s (long term care and housing centres) was home to 140 Sisters as of March 2020. Two female administrators with experience in their respective fields: risk management and infection control, oversaw the measures put in place to protect the Sisters from COVID-19’

When asked about this long battle that forced them to put their personal lives on hold for several months, Geneviève Grégoire, Executive Director, and Amélie Rivard, Director of Nursing, acknowledged that they were deeply motivated by the ultimate goal shared by everyone at MJM: the safety of the Sisters and the staff. This deep desire led them to exercise vigilance as early as February 2020, even before the Quebec Public Health Department sounded the alarm.

Making Life Pleasant in Spite of Everything

The Sisters and the staff members have been marked by this pandemic. Everyone has come through it both changed and enriched. “We have learned to know each other better,” acknowledged Geneviève Grégoire, recalling, among other things, when the Sisters accompanied others to receive care at the hospital.

From left to right, Sr. Gabrielle Brunet, Marie-Ève Dupéré, Nursing Consultant; Sr. Beverley Wattling, Philippe Lemaître, Food Services Manager; Amélie Rivard, Director of Nursing; Geneviève Grégoire, Executive Director; Céline Latour, Head Nurse; Sr. Denise Riel, Provincial Animator; Sr. Michelle Gouin, Sr. Marie-Paule Demarbre, Sr. Jacqueline Longtin, Sr. Hélène Harvey, Sr. Suzanne Lavallée and Marie-Christine Rivard, Administrative Services Manager and Physical Facilities

These 20 months have forced the Sisters to adapt, something already difficult with advancing age. Nevertheless, the SNJM pavilion leaders have managed to respond to certain needs by organizing, within the limits of the health regulations, small activities to “lighten the impact of the pandemic on the life of the Sisters”, notes Sr. Marie-Paule Demarbre, Coordinator.

By means of short meetings, they also encouraged the Sisters to express their expectations and to share their reflections in order to better live through this period. According to Sr. Marie-Paule, “the various ways in which life was made more enjoyable helped to make the Sisters more and more resilient.”

If there is one thing to remember from this whole experience, it is without a doubt the feeling that everyone, regardless of their status within MJM, was 200% committed.

Everyone was united for the cause with their skills and goodwill. It is on the basis of this team success that we intend to continue to live the rest of this pandemic with a moderate optimism.

The members of the Quebec Leadership Team (PLT) met with four distinct groups to present the priorities for action during the year 2021-2022.  Unveiling the theme for the year “Daring to Respond to the Call“, they encouraged the Sisters to reflect on how they might commit to a personal and communal response to the first orientation of the Acts of the 35th General Chapter held last July.

This first orientation invites us to “adopt new worldviews, attitudes and ways of being through encounters with a diversity of peoples, cultures, faith traditions and collaborators in mission.”

What personal and communal response will we dare to make to the call to encourage encounters with others who are different from us, in order to better know and understand the other’s history and culture?

The small-group format favored stimulating exchanges among the participants and allowed them to further explore and share their comments regarding this first orientation and possible follow-up to the Acts of the General Chapter.

It was mentioned that “when we encounter the other in a spirit of kindness and compassion, that encounter transforms our ways of being and doing; and makes place for a new vision of other people and of the world.”

During these meetings, the members of the PLT recommended that the Chapter Circles be continued and even expanded. These virtual small-group gatherings brought together Sisters, Affiliates and partners to explore the themes proposed in the Chapter process. The recommendation has several aims, among which are: to increase a sense of belonging by providing topics for conversation and dialogue; and to continually seek to educate ourselves and develop “new worldviews”.

It should be noted that, due to Covid protocols, these four meetings replaced the traditional Fall provincial gathering.

Photo credits: Sr. Suzanne Brault

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) of Quebec have joined the Diocesan Centre in supporting the Shoebox Project to help homeless women. The effort, which is accepting donations until November 25, aims to collect shoeboxes containing essential items and gifts for homeless women, and will be distributed by 26 shelters in the Montérégie region.

Roxanne Gagné, Colette Beauchamp, Lyne Groulx, Francine Vincent, and Sister Marie-Paule Demarbre at the information session at Maison Jésus-Marie.

At information session, on November 11 at Maison Jésus-Marie, Mrs. Roxane Gagné, the head of operations for the Montérégie, recalled the creation of the organization ten years ago by the Mulroney sisters-in-law in the Toronto area, and spoke of the importance of this annual campaign for homeless women.

“It is often the only kindness these women receive during the holiday season, which is an extremely difficult time for them.” Sharing a few comments and anecdotes from her involvement over the past few years, Ms. Gagné insisted on the importance of the effort for these women. “They often feel invisible to passers-by, who have difficulty saying a simple hello to them on the street.”

While the contents of the shoeboxes include many daily necessities, it’s the addition of a greeting card or a little non-essential gift that can make each woman feel special and give them hope. Among other things, Ms. Gagné recalls one woman who confided that when she feels very alone, she touches the little pendant she received to remind herself that someone, somewhere, has thought of her. These little touches are just as important and give a little comfort and dignity to these homeless women.

The 2021 edition the Montérégie Shoebox Project aims to collect some 615 boxes. This is an increase of more than 50% compared to the last two years. While this objective might seem ambitious, the addition of new partners such as the SNJM and the Diocesan Centre, which is serving as a collection point for the shoeboxes, bodes well. This is especially true since the Sisters are promoting it within their own network, specifically with the staff of Maison Jésus-Marie and the provincial and general administrations.

Those interested in donating to this campaign have until November 25th. For more on the preparation of the boxes and their contents, please visit the Montérégie section of the Shoebox Project website.

Photo credits: Sr Suzanne Brault