During a virtual conference for members of the Committee for Action against Internal and International Human Trafficking (CATHII) and invited guests, Nadine Lanctôt, PhD,* presented the results of a study conducted in 2016: “The Hidden Face of Prostitution”,** providing a better understanding of the sexual exploitation of minors. She also reported on the consequences of this sexual exploitation through the lens of complex trauma, the theoretical model used for this research.

First of all, she highlighted a change implemented since June 2019 that has a direct effect on the perception and management of cases handled according to the administrative protocols of youth protection in Quebec. Thus, instead of labelling a person who has been sexually exploited within the prostitution system as an offender (serious behavioural disorders), we now speak of a victim of sexual assault.

However, even if the change is official, this does not mean that everyone has fully integrated this major distinction. There is, therefore, a great deal of awareness work to be done. This is all the more relevant, as Ms. Lanctôt reminds us, because the results of her research with 125 adolescent girls and women reveal deep wounds that deserve a special approach and enough time to help these victims rebuild their lives.

“Living with…”

The speaker uncovered disturbing facts and presented poignant testimonials that reflect the vulnerability of victims of sexual exploitation. In the group of young girls at “Centre Jeunesse” (Youth Centre) who have experienced sexual exploitation, 44% admitted to having been sexually assaulted before the age of 12. This percentage drops to 26% in the second group of young girls placed in the Youth Centre, those who have not lived in the world of sexual exploitation.

In some cases, the injuries are so severe that even taking a shower becomes difficult because the relationship with one’s own body has been altered. Can we even imagine the anguished cry of a girl who was gang-raped by eight men and who wanted to “be killed” rather than having to “live with it…”?

The consequences are multiple and affect a number of aspects of the victim’s life. “This person defines herself by her history of victimization,” says Ms. Lanctôt. From considerable psychological distress, to intense anger, to an emotional shutdown and a distaste for life, victims are often struggling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Social reintegration

Nadine Lanctôt,Ph.D. en criminologie

In such circumstances, the speaker spoke of a long process to promote the social reintegration of victims of sexual exploitation. Despite the real difficulties in meeting this challenge, she remains optimistic. “Knowledge is increasingly leading us towards a positive approach to rehabilitation, focusing on the needs, strengths and resources of victims of sexual exploitation rather than on their deficits and the risks they face. Quebec can thus draw inspiration from scientific and social innovations stemming from partnerships between researchers and workers in the field.”

This opens up other avenues of investigation to further explore certain issues that are more relevant to the work in the field so that we can better support victims of sexual exploitation. For example: What are promising practices?  What are the preferred approaches to intervention? What are the factors that facilitate or hinder those who have escaped from sexual exploitation from being trapped in it again? 

For CATHII members, the results of the research led by Nadine Lanctôt highlight the serious and lasting consequences affecting young women who have been sexually exploited in the prostitution system. They validate the neo-abolitionist position adopted by the organization.

This approach advocates for the abolition of the system of prostitution from a perspective of feminist struggles and the human rights of prostituted persons. It militates for the criminalization of pimps and clients and for the non-criminalization of those who are captive within the present system.

Discover the web series “The hidden faces of prostitution”.   (in French only)

*Nadine Lanctôt, Ph.D. in Criminology | Tenured Professor – Department of Psychoeducation, Université de Sherbrooke | Canada Research Chair on the Placement and Rehabilitation of Girls in Difficulty

**The full title of the 2016 study: The Hidden Face of Prostitution: A Study of the Impact of Prostitution on the Development and Well-Being of Girls and Women

The Ellice Manor renovation project led by Maison des enfants Marie-Rose is now complete. The organization was able to complete this major project on this historic building ($1.4M) without incurring any debt. Although the site has become “the most beautiful place in Beauharnois” today, the inside still needs to be furnished.” It’s a very beautiful but empty shell,” says Janine Lefebvre, Co-Executive Director and co-founder of the organization.

As soon as equipment is acquired or donated, those in charge will take care of outfitting the various spaces, from the kitchen to the concert hall. “Among other things, we are looking for equipment and materials for the art and painting rooms, as well as benches and chairs and equipment for our Community bakery aptly named, “Le pain des enfants” (The Children’s Bread)” says Ms. Lefebvre.

Health regulations during this time of pandemic impose restrictions regarding an official launching ceremony, open to the public. Despite the desire to quickly share this good news with local children and families, Janine Lefebvre admits that it gives them a little more time to devote to furnishing the Manoir and planning its new programs.

A multidisciplinary cultural space for the entire population

This time is all the more valuable as she is eager to create a spark of magic during this first contact with the public. “We have always wanted to renovate this 1852 seigniorial building so as to transform it into a place of culture for the children, families and citizens of Beauharnois and the region. We want to offer a cultural space accessible to the entire population. The stones of the manor, a prior residence for SNJM Sisters for ten years, are imbued with the Sisters’ prayers which have blessed us.”

With the renovation of Manoir Ellice, Maison des enfants will be able to provide soundproof rooms, areas adapted to offer help with homework, a multi-purpose room, rental rooms and a cultural café as well as The Children’s Bread” bakery. The expansion of the premises will also enable a doubling in capacity to meet the high demand for cultural activities for children aged 5 to 12 and their families.

The director also wants to create a memorial space to pay tribute to the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). The Congregation, assumed a major role in the education of young people in our community for 173 years.

An approach that gives results

The organization is distinguished by its philosophy based on building through art and music. The approach of learning arts and music accompanies the child in a non-competitive and non-violent creative process that fosters self-esteem.

Social workers and educators stimulate the child’s development in order to lead him/her to success. Of note, three of the children in the 2007-2008 initial cohort are currently completing their university studies. Among the organization’s other objectives, the development of a taste for the arts and the encouragement of respect for others and for differences are among the most important.

The realization of this somewhat “crazy” project of renovating Manoir Ellice to give it a new mission is the result of great tenacity on the part of the management team of Maison des enfants Marie-Rose composed of Janine Lefebvre and Rodolphe Demers as well as the Board of Directors who are very committed to the children’s cause.

It is also the result of a great complicity with the community and the financial support of many partners: Heritage Canada | MRC Beauharnois Salaberry | Ministère des Affaires municipales et du territoire | Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary | Mouvement Desjardins | Mission inclusion (L’œuvre Léger) | Fondation Jeunesse Vie | Agriculture Canada | Montreal Symphony Orchestra Fondation | Brothers of the Christian Schools.

During the launching of the new year for members of Consecrated Life held on September 19, Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary of Quebec, gave a portrait of her Congregation and the measures taken during this time of pandemic. She presented the challenges involved in protecting the members of the Congregation.

She also delivered a message of hope in support of the theme expressed by Bishop Claude Hamelin, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil. She talked about initiatives to create a wholesome environment that enriches community spirit. She raised questions for reflection to help participants build on their particular experience of confinement.

By means of a video in French, you can listen to her message.

To learn more about this day click on the following link (in French)

As part of the International Day of Non-Violence, an international event will be held in several major cities, including Montreal and Los Angeles, on October 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The demonstration aims to demand that the Pornhub/MindGeek website “be shut down for allegedly permitting and profiting from the sexual trafficking and rape of women and children. »

More than 2 million signatories from 192 countries supported the “Traffickinghub” petition by anti-trafficking expert Laila Mickelwait to close Pornhub. The campaign is based on numerous examples of real-life videos of child sexual abuse, adult trafficking, assault and rape, all of which would be monetized on Pornhub. A viral video of the non-religious, non-partisan movement has accumulated more than 33 million views. 

A U.S. Senator (Ben Sasse) has written to the U.S. Attorney General asking the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into Pornhub and its parent company MindGeek.  A similar request for an investigation by the Government of Canada was made to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by an all-party group of Canadian MPs.

To learn more about this international event where physical distancing measures will be implemented, visit the site.

Find out the full story of this campaign and a way to sign the petition still in progress by visiting the site available in several languages: English | French | Español | Portuguese

The employees of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) are now benefitting from an official recognition program, which will be held annually. Its unveiling took place in a very pleasant setting, outdoors, under a tent, during a Bar-B-Q lunch and at various times to accommodate the schedules of all the staff. This tent facilitated meeting one another in smaller groups.

The MJM staff recognition program is the result of a process undertaken last year and ratified by the members of the Board of Directors in December 2019. However, the final preparations for this event and its active presentation were delayed by the pandemic.

The process made it possible to complete and update all the various policies (human resources, ethics, equity, etc.). It also provides for the recognition and celebration of the seniority of staff members.

Recognizing employee commitment

“We have employees with 40 and 42 years of service with us,” says Geneviève Grégoire, Executive Director of MJM. For the 90 or so full-time and part-time employees working in various functions at MJM, the cumulative years of service with the Sisters total nearly 750 years!

The program that has been put in place is intended to highlight seniority and to foster the culture of recognition, already visible in the many small gestures of gratitude offered on a regular basis and even spontaneously, at times, as was the case throughout the spring COVID-19 confinement. The program recognizes years of seniority in five-year increments (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years, etc.)

Ms. Geneviève Grégoire, Executive Director, with Sr. Monique Gendron, relaxing in the background, following the official unveiling of the program

As part of the official unveiling of the program, employees received an information package, containing the updated documents and policies. Since it was the first year of the program, anyone with more than 30 years of service was honored and offered a gift card along with those celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.  “We also included those who would be celebrating a special anniversary year in a few months,” says Ms. Grégoire. Next year and henceforth, only employees celebrating anniversary years, in 5-year increments will be honored and presented a gift card and special greetings.

The Sisters at Maison Jésus-Marie were able to attend one or other of these small festive gatherings and enjoyed a little “treat” since the organizers had planned to have an “ice cream truck” on the premises.

Judging by the cheerful faces of the participants and staff members, the unveiling and the “extras” were well appreciated!

Photos: Sr Suzanne Brault and Mrs. Geneviève Grégoire

In its most recent issue, Rencontre magazine, published in French, by the  Centre culturel chrétien de Montréal (Christian Cultural Centre of Montreal) reminds us that the pandemic affects everyone, but not in the same way everywhere. Rather, it reveals social inequalities, a theme that this issue addresses from various angles.

Among other things, it speaks about human rights, the importance of prioritizing the effect on those living in poverty and the roots of social inequality in Brazil. One of the articles portrays the actions undertaken by some Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) around the world.

Without wanting to be exhaustive, this text highlights difficult and very worrying realities, lived out daily by Sisters in Brazil, Peru, the United States and Canada.  There are testimonies of Sisters committed to families and vulnerable people. It also deals with the phenomena of violence and human trafficking.

You can view the entire publication by clicking here. In French only.

You can print the article on SNJM actions, available in PDF format here. 

A work plan and an action plan will be presented on September 9 to members of the Quebec Coordination of the World March of Women (CQMMF) to highlight the demands proposed by this large-scale demonstration, despite its postponement.

“Just because we won’t be marching doesn’t mean we don’t exist,” notes a working paper highlighting the importance of mobilizing and making known the five demands of this 5^th edition of the World March of Women. This event was scheduled for October 17th in the Lanaudière region of Quebec. Some 10,000 participants were expected to attend. Due to the pandemic, the organization chose to postpone the march to a later date.

Beyond the adjustments made to the various tools for popular education, we can expect various public actions including undoubtedly a national support campaign and many local and regional activities reflecting the reality of the various areas. Due to the Pandemic, one can expect a number of virtual activities.

International activities

Being unable to guarantee a safe “face to face” event, the International Committee of the World March of Women, bringing together representatives from all regions, has opted to organize a large-scale virtual event.

Building on the analytical work done over the past several years, the plan is to denounce transnational corporations and integrate migration issues into the program. Some actions are expected to take place throughout the week of October 12-17, including the presentation of a pilot project from the feminist school on a virtual platform and the distribution of documents and videos analyzing various situations with proposals of alternatives.

A 24-hour feminist solidarity action is also planned for 17 October. It will be virtual but also in outdoor public areas, if possible, in order to focus on the WMW’s sustainability of life agenda based on the analyses of feminist economics.

A series of online videos

As part of this 5^th edition of the World March of Women, the theme of which is “We resist to live, we walk to transform”, a book and a series of three videos have been made and were recently launched.

Available for free online in Portuguese and Spanish at the moment, the book highlights the role of transnational companies in precarious and digitized work. It addresses various themes including the exploitation of nature, the commercialization of feminism and the intensification of international, sexual and racial divisions and discrepancies in the workplace.

The video capsules  demystify  the functioning of corporate power in three particular sectors while presenting alternative feminist proposals. They are available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

For more details on this “Critical” initiative

Learn more about the World March of Women

The pandemic did not end the annual urban vegetable garden project at Maison Jesus-Marie (MJM). On the contrary, it was given an “enhanced” version with the addition of large raised wooden planters in which to grow herbs.

The planters were generously built by the grandfather of Marie-Eve, an employee of the MJM. They were installed on concrete slabs in the interior garden, a space, accessible to all and visible from the balconies.

“The Sisters enjoy walking in the garden, smelling or touching the fragrant herbs. In addition, the selection of herbs was made to accommodate the needs of the kitchen,” noted Josée Narbonne, who is responsible for community activities and services.

Variety and diversity

Sisters Léa Dulude and Lise Bernier continued their work of previous years. Léa initially planted about 40 tomato seedlings, inside, during the winter. Due to COVID-19 containment measures, she needed the help of Madame Narbonne to purchase complementary plants in order to complete the for the 2020 edition of the urban vegetable garden.

The gardeners at the Maison Jesus-Marie: Sr Lise Bernier and Sr. Léa Dulude.

Presently, the garden at Maison Jesus-Marie has more than fifty tomato plants of various sizes and colors, from the small “Pearl” tomato, no bigger than one’s little finger, to the “Beef Steak” tomato. There is something for everyone to taste! Also, we must not forget the tomato seedlings donated annually by the Dulude family.

In addition to tomatoes, there are radishes, cucumbers, peppers, small beans, snowpeas, ground cherries, etc. While the pandemic did not affect the urban vegetable garden project, nature somewhat disrupted production. Intense heat and the absence of bees used for pollination had an impact, as did the presence of some harmful insects. Nevertheless, this year’s yield has been substantial even though the squirrels seem to particularly like the peppers and tomatoes.

A stimulating and useful activity

Sr Léa Dulude in the middle of her vegetable garden where there are about fifty different tomato plants.

“We are in the middle of the harvest season. While some plants did not produce the expected yield, the radishes grew very well,” says Sr. Leah. And no matter what the yield, watching nature transform and having the pleasure of reaping what we planted, gave us a real sense of satisfaction.  In addition, everything that is harvested is given to MJM’s head chef.

“I have to admit that planting my seedlings during the winter and plants in late May and early June, had a therapeutic effect on me,” says Sr. Leah, who experienced the rigorous containment measures as did all her colleagues. Today, her satisfaction is even greater as she hears the positive comments of the Sisters who appreciate more than ever the vegetable and flower gardens that are currently at their peak.

Supporting sustainable development

This year, Sr. Lise Bernier, responsible for 14 kinds of herbs, cucumbers and flower baskets, also  asked Madame Narbonne to help with the buying of the flowers. The gardening went well and produced very good results; judging from the glowing comments of the Sisters who keep saying, “It’s so beautiful”.

In addition, Sr. Lise was given a new task of taking care of the newly-purchased composter. Previously, she and Léa were spreading plant leaves and fruit peels. Compost from the composter will be used to feed the flowerbeds and the vegetable garden.

In addition to enriching the daily lives of the Sisters of Maison Jesus-Marie, these actions are perfectly in line with sustainable development and the 5R’s project undertaken by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM).

Photo: Sr Suzanne Brault

Back to News

According to a recent article published in the Montreal Gazette, the renovations at the new “Grand Séminaire” were completed just in time for the return of the seminarians in August.  The former Marie-Rose Durocher residence of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) has undergone several changes to accommodate the activities of the Grand Seminary.

The article provides more information on the changes made and on the intentions of the management of this institution. Among other things, we learn about the desire to organize activities with the youth of the neighborhood as well as the possibility of installing a rooftop terrace to create a garden. In the meantime, the idea of an urban vegetable garden has been taken up again, by installing a large raised planter in the parking lot, as the Sisters had done in recent years. Read more…

Associates play an important role in the spiritual family of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). Sr. Beverley Wattling offers a portrait of this form of affiliation within the international SNJM congregation as she bears witness to the hope it has fostered in both Associates and Sisters.

History and description of this affiliation

More than forty years ago, SNJM Sisters, inspired by the spirit of Vatican Council II, created a special relationship with lay women and men who shared with them the mission, spirituality and charism of Eulalie Durocher, Mother Marie-Rose.

These Associates are committed to being an educative presence by proclaiming, through their lives and words, the Good News of God’s love. They serve God in the people with whom they are in contact, with a special concern for the poor and disadvantaged.

Quebec Associates 2019 Provincial Gathering

A mutually enriching relationship

For me, the experience of praying and working with our Associates has fostered my hope and continues to do so. It is good to feel that one is not working alone in ministry, that there is a whole network of people interested in building the reign of God and reaching people in different areas and in other ways.

Francophone Associates of Quebec May 2018 Renewal

The Sister / Associate relationship is a mutually enriching relationship, as Ms. Rosetta Staltari testifies:

“Being an SNJM associate is a priceless privilege. I feel blessed to walk with caring companions. I strongly believe in the charism of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher and I try to live that charism in my ministries of education in the faith, liturgy preparation, and visiting the sick.”

Anglophone Associates of Quebec May 2018 Renewal

Leadership throughout the years

Over the years, the number of Associates has grown. They have taken on more and more leadership at all levels of the Congregation Currently, there are 339 Associates in the United States / Ontario Province, 77 in Quebec, 66 in Manitoba, 58 in Lesotho, and 25 in Peru / Brazil, for a total of 565.

2017 Sisters and Associates of Peru

A period of formation precedes the acceptance as an Associate and, once accepted, Associates renew their promise periodically. In most provinces, they meet regularly in small groups in their geographic areas. Some mixed groups are composed of Sisters and Associates.

Associates are invited to provincial meetings and participate in the preparation of General Chapters. They have representatives at these Chapters for various topics, such as the orientation of our SNJM mission. In this way, among others, they collaborate with us in the follow-up to our SNJM corporate stands concerning water, human trafficking, and migrant and refugee people.

May the spirit and mission of Mother Marie-Rose continue to enrich our world!

Sr Beverley Wattling, snjm

This article, written by Beverley Wattling, SNJM, was published in En son nom in 2019. Sr. Beverley was a founding team member for the first group of Anglophone Associates in Quebec. From 2010-2015, as the provincial team member responsible for the Associate dossier, she worked with Francophone and Anglophone groups.