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.

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

“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

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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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

A few days before the implementation of confinement measures to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, Sr. Françoise Laberge was treated to a celebration and festivities to mark her 100th birthday.

During the Eucharistic celebration, Sr. Beverley Wattling highlighted the journey of this centenarian, describing it as “a life filled with courage and gratitude, a life given in service to others.”

Drawing on her personal knowledge of Sr. Françoise and on the book she authored, “Snippets of My Life in Black and White”, Sr. Beverley emphasized her “gentle presence and openness to the needs of the world and those around her”.  Since her youth, she devoted many hours to taking care of her mother and her disabled sister, from whom she learned many life lessons.

After more than 30 years of teaching home economics, Sr. Françoise began a new career as a receptionist, continuing to offer others her open-mindedness and her listening skills. This career offered her “unprecedented opportunities to share others’ sorrows, to treasure their secrets, to carry in her prayer the multiple intentions that visitors, employees or Sisters who crossed her path entrusted to her with such touching and stimulating hope.”

At present, Sr. Françoise is continuing her ministry of listening and prayer at Maison Jésus-Marie by bringing her very personal flavor to it. “I sincerely believe that old age is a grace, a time of prayer, an opportunity for sisterly service, a continuous exercise of abandonment to the Lord.”

In her tribute, Sr. Beverley thanked Sr. Françoise “for being a grace for us, for being a woman who knows how to combine contemplation and action, who knows how to marvel not only at the flowers of the fields and the stars of the sky, but also at the richness of heart and spirit within the people you meet.”

Sr. Beverley concluded by expressing the wish that Sister Françoise may always feel and be comforted by the tender love that God and her companions have for her.

In the afternoon, a festive reception completed this special day.

Photos by Sr. Suzanne Brault

The Committee for Action Against Internal and International Trafficking in Human Beings (CATHII) has produced a paper providing an overview of the human trafficking situation during the pandemic.

It mentions the United Nations warnings and some of the steps taken at the international level, including a survey of the victims of trafficking and front-line workers.

In Canada and in Quebec, the vulnerability of migrants (without work, risk of deportation, lack of money, etc.) and the increased risk of finding themselves in situations of being trafficked are pointed out. Among the means to protect migrants from exploitation is the reduction of the precarious conditions in which they live.

Positive elements nevertheless

The situation is not much better in cases of sexual exploitation, where there is an increase in cases on the Internet, for example, not to mention the even more difficult working conditions for prostitutes, foreign workers and domestic workers. 

Despite these alarming findings, the document prepared by CATHII points out some positive elements, including:

• Access to screening and health care related to COVID-19 for all people living in the territory of Quebec
• The reopening of Canada’s 24-hour emergency hotline following representations by CATHII
• Closer cooperation among the many community organizations

In addition to the CATHII reference document (in French only), here are two recent UN articles on the subject:

COVID-19 crisis putting human trafficking victims at risk of further exploitation, experts warn

UN rights expert urges States to step-up anti-slavery efforts to protect most vulnerable during COVID-19 

Twenty-five years ago, a large demonstration brought together several hundred women from all over Quebec who marched 200 kilometers to defend women’s rights. This Bread and Roses march was a turning point in the history of the struggles, resistance, and affirmation of women. It was also the inspiration for the World March of Women, which has been held every five years since 2000.

Like Françoise David, the initiator of the 1995 event, Sr. Lise Gagnon and Sr. Claudette Bastien have lasting memories of this epic march. “25 years have already gone by! Quite an adventure to be celebrated with unforgettable memories… and yet, the same issues exist today regarding minimum wage, work done in the education and health sectors and in the welcoming of immigrants,” says Sr. Lise Gagnon, who is the only SNJM Sister to have completed the entire 200-kilometer journey.

Demands that are still relevant today

While enthusiastic about this experience and the need to continue the struggle by participating in subsequent marches, she admits that “the road is hard and will be long…” to achieve equality and the recognition of women’s rights. She was very moved by the testimony of a woman living in an eight-unit apartment block in Montreal-North where six immigrant women worked as orderlies.

“Many people in this impoverished area of Montreal are generously working in CHSLDs (Long-term care facilities). With the drama of COVID-19, I think we are beginning to realize more fully what the work of these orderlies represents.” Sr. Lise remains positive, while hoping that this recognition will not be forgotten. “Let’s not give up! It’s going to be okay!!!!”

For her part, Sr. Claudette Bastien, remembers her two days of walking, one of which was entirely in the rain. “A Iovely lady welcomed Lise Gagnon and me into her home, where she dried our clothes and our soggy walking shoes. Claudette recalls: “The organization of this walk included a lot of singing, great enthusiasm, and a spirit of solidarity. All of this, as well as the encouragement from the people who welcomed the participants in the towns and villages or who passed them on the street while honking their horns, had a stimulating effect on the walkers.

Positive developments

“We were amazed by the generosity of those who welcomed us at the rally points and in their homes.” While recalling the joy of arriving and being cheered on by thousands of people in Quebec City, Sr. Claudette also mentions the anxiety experienced by the walkers who hoped that their demands to the government would be met positively.

There was great disappointment with the government’s response to the demand for an increase in the minimum wage, which increased by $0.45 that year and “in dribs and drabs after that.”

Nevertheless, the participants agreed that the march had been necessary. For far more important than the vivid memories of the song Bread and Roses which still bring tears to their eyes, real progress was made and the march has served as a model to launch the movement worldwide.

Let us recall that the 1995 march lasted ten days. In addition to Sr. Lise who walked the full ten days, this relay walk brought together four other SNJM Sisters and a friend of the Congregation who each walked for two days. The march ended on June 4, in front of the National Assembly in Quebec City.

To learn more about this event, read the following two articles that provide an enlightening look back at this Quebec initiative.

Links to French articles

Plus de pain plus de roses

Du pain et des roses, de l’audace et du cœur

Links to English articles

Bread and Roses March

Quebec Women March for “Bread and Roses”

 

Despite the pandemic, positive things are happening at Sainte-Émélie Residence, which formerly belonged to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and is currently owned by Habitations AccessLogis.

For the past few weeks, the residence’s facilities and equipment, including refrigerators have been used to store food for vulnerable families in the area. Pandemic or not, issues regarding access to food are at the heart of the concerns of the people of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and, in general, the eastern part Montreal. Prepared meals are thus stored at Sainte-Émélie Residence prior to being distributed by volunteers from community organizations, including the YMCA.

At the same time, the non-profit organization “Carrefour Parenfants” moved temporarily into the Sainte-Émélie Residence on June 1^st.  The mission of this organization is to improve the well-being of families by promoting the development of children. It provides support to parents in their parenting responsibilities and their personal development.

In addition, the publication of an article in the newspaper Métro Media provides the latest details on the development of the project that focuses on a socio-community and intergenerational vocation that will be carried out in several phases. Even though the financial figures haven’t been finalized, despite the pandemic, the project is set to start this year.

Moreover, the public filing of the deed of acquisition for the second part of the land, at an extraordinary meeting of the borough council on May 20 ^th, is a good sign. This is one of the final steps before the official signing of the sales contract,  which was  announced last December. This signature will definitively close the purchase and offer a new green space to the people of the area.

The following websites are in French.

Collaboration, constant communication, rapid response by putting confinement measures into place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, all explain why Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), a senior residence of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, remains COVID- free.

This is what we read in the recent article by Ali Dostie, reporter for the South Shore Courrier. This article describes the challenges the Longueil residence faces. The average age is 90 in this complex which includes an infirmary with full care and a pavilion for independent living. According to the public health authorities, the centre is considered a place of high risk.

After giving details of the prevention measures taken, the article describes the care the leaders have taken to foster a social-community life, even with so many restrictions. The present draft for the web is worth the read right now with the link below. A synthesized version will also be published in the paper edition of the newspaper distributed soon.

Despite these difficult times, the positive nature of the article provides the occasion to underline in a special way the great devotion and hard work of the personnel of Maison Jésus-Marie. The spirit of collaboration and mutual aid, along with a great respect for the preventive rules by everyone, Sisters and employees, resulted in the success rate we enjoy today. But, as the director of MJM has mentioned, “We must not let our guard down.”

On May 9^th of this year, 23 people including 6 Sisters participated in the first Zoom meeting for English-speaking SNJM Associates. Organized by a team of three (Sister Marjorie Moffatt and SNJM Associates Beverly Redmond and Vita Lewis), this meeting was greatly appreciated by all participants.

What seemed to be a challenge ended up being a springboard for future meetings of this kind, according to Sr. Marjorie who exercised and shared her technical skills by using the Zoom tool that breaks a group up into small groups for sharing.

“The success of the meeting and the enthusiasm of the people present give us courage to continue this online experience,” mentioned Sr. Marjorie who hopes for another meeting, perhaps to highlight the feast of the Holy Name of Mary in September. The significant feasts of the SNJM Congregation have always enjoyed a good turnout of English-speaking Associates.

“If the rules for social distancing lighten up in the future, it might be possible for Marylrose Residence to welcome a few Associates, especially those who do not have access to internet, so that they can participate in the next Zoom meeting,” hopes Sr. Marjorie who is working on a session based on the writings of Mother Marie-Rose.

Immersing ourselves in the spirituality of Mother Marie-Rose

The meeting on the 9^th of May was a prelude to this future meeting on the spirituality of Mother Marie-Rose. After the welcome, all participants presented themselves and shared a moment of grace. Around the drawing of the seal of the Congregation, the song “Jesus and Mary, my strength and my glory” was sung. Readers presented short Scripture texts from St. Paul on the subject. This was followed by times for reflection and sharing in small groups. After reassembling for more music, there was time for a heartfelt group hug, led by Vita Lewis, as an entertaining closure to the meeting.

“I appreciated the meeting right from the start with Beverly’s word of welcome and her accompaniment on her guitar for our opening song. We had the chance as Associates to learn about the creativity and goodness of each one of us and to share the good news from the heart,” pointed out Vita Lewis who was the technical host for the meeting. “We were left with virtual hugs and kisses that could then be shared with our families and friends,” she added.

A significant presence for the Sisters

Remembering her part in the first team of Sisters who prepared the two years of formation meetings for English-speaking Quebec Associates before they made their initial commitment in 1984, Sister Marjorie speaks of her pride in the road travelled since then.

Having helped with the foundation of the first Associates in Peru, she speaks of how refreshing and renewing the Associates can be for the Sisters of the Congregation and for the Church. “It is enriching and encouraging to see how deeply the Associates can identify with the charism of the Congregation.  They take our mission to heart and participate in it, while maintaining bonds with the Sisters.” This kind of sharing of SNJM values with lay people creates the image of passing the flame and of assuring a certain continuity and sustainability.

On average we can count on thirty Quebec English-speaking Associates who had formed three groups for meetings and who have recently regrouped into one. Two people are “Associate candidates”, while one has just joined the meetings.

During these times of confinement due to COVID-19, times which have weighed heavily on many people, we are happy to know that there was enough interest and determination to carry out the plan of this meeting which consolidated ties between the members of the group while planting spring joy in their hearts.