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.

Founder of Maison des enfants Marie-Rose in Beauharnois in 2007, Janine Lefebvre, an SNJM Associate, received the Lieutenant Governor’s Senior’s Medal. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it arrived by mail. “This gift brightened up my Easter!” exclaimed the recipient, who was not expecting this honour.

In a letter addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, Janine Lefebvre states at the outset, “I share this medal with the most impoverished children in our region. Throughout the years, they have attended Maison des enfants Marie-Rose, participating in arts, music, theatre, gardening and healthy cooking. Their enthusiasm has not lessened. May this honour be a reflection of our children and bring them into focus so that more people will devote themselves to the children. Their resilience is remarkable and they deserve our solidarity in a world where selfishness and egocentricity are cardinal values.”

She also underlines the fact that she shares this honour with all the animators, volunteers, trainees and other people involved in this adventure which aims, through arts and culture, to promote the development and achievement of young people aged three to twelve.

In her message, Janine denounces the neglect of children that she has observed since the creation of this Centre 13 years ago. “Some are suspended from school without a parent at home, others do not have enough to eat or experience violence and abuse of all kinds in silence, while a few, even those followed by the DPJ (Department of Youth Protection), are left to fend for themselves…”.

She went on to express the hope that this recognition could be extended to the work of Maison des enfants Marie-Rose in order to encourage greater openness and commitment on the part of existing institutions and volunteers.

Concerned about the consequences of COVID-19 on impoverished populations, Janine Lefebvre, despite being 70 years old, admits that she is looking forward to being able to return to work again with the team.  “We will be waiting with open arms to welcome the children.”

While affirming that “the care of our children at Maison des enfants Marie-Rose has become a ministry for me,” she hopes that this recognition will also have positive repercussions for the municipality of Beauharnois which initiated the process for the reception of the Lieutenant-Governor’s medal.

To learn more about the work and nature of the commitments assumed by Janine Lefebvre, read the nomination letter prepared by the mayor of Beauharnois. The letter highlights the support of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). (Nomination letter in French only)

Although the Jubilee celebration cannot take place due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we can look at the list of Jubilarians and find new ways to express our gratitude!

Why not take advantage of this period of confinement to convey our congratulations, in writing or by telephone, to the 25 Jubilarian Sisters and the one SNJM associate?

Here is the list of our 2020 Jubilarians, remembering that:

with admiration, we contemplate your life, your commitments and your very personal way of transmitting the light of Christ.

 

 

 

Congratulations to each one!

In this period of generalized confinement in Quebec, Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) has adopted rigorous and strict measures forbidding all visits to Sisters residing there. Even the Sisters of Saint-André Pavilion are restricted from visiting those in Saint-Charles Pavilion.

In order to keep in touch with each other and to give another meaning to the theme of the 2019-2020 year which invites all Quebec Sisters and Affiliates to commit themselves to A Mission of Encounter, an original initiative was set up. An internal mailbox collects notes and messages written by the Sisters of Saint-André Pavilion to those of Saint-Charles Pavilion.

The person in charge of activities and community services assumes the role of postwoman after having subjected the mail to a 24-hour waiting period as a health measure. The delivery of the mail nicknamed “Élan du cœur” (a free translation: “Messages from the Heart”) takes place daily at 1 p.m.

 

A successful initiative that is good for the soul

“Even though the Sisters feel safe and secure, they find this period of confinement very difficult,” says Josée Narbonne. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of the Sisters who receive a letter makes me realize the importance of this project.”

The benefits from this initiative have expanded even further with the installation of a similar box at the Congregational House. This box collects messages from the Sisters in this residence and then a designated person takes charge of bringing the mail to Maison Jésus-Marie where it is distributed after a waiting period.  On Easter day alone, more than sixty letters were brought to the Sisters at Maison Jésus-Marie.

In this period of seclusion when we sometimes find that time passes very slowly, this is a project that has the benefit of being good for the soul, not only of the person who receives but also of the person who writes.

Some 100 years ago, the world was living through a trying pandemic: the “Spanish Flu” transmitted by troops of soldiers returning from the war in Siberia. The toll on our country was heavy, with about 50, 000 victims in the whole of Canada, including more than 14, 000 in Quebec. Municipal and provincial authorities imposed restrictions by prohibiting public gatherings, isolating the sick, closing churches, and restricting outings. However, these measures were not very effective.

Today, as we face the global coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), it is interesting to look back at the social participation of SNJM Sisters at the time of the Spanish crisis. The 1918-1919 “Little Chronicles” of the Motherhouse at Hochelaga Convent (October – November, 1918) will serve as a guide.

“The Great Killer” Enters the Convent

October 13, 1918 is a fateful date at Hochelaga Convent. Four students have become infected. We have increased hygienic measures in order to prevent the spread of the disease. For the time being, boarders are continuing their classes but there are stricter regulations for ventilation, the disinfecting of rooms, etc.

October 20, 1918 – Thirty students are now under the care of the doctor. The reception hall has been transformed into a hospital for infected boarders. In the community, approximately twenty Sisters, whether professed, novices, or postulants, have also been infected. They will be isolated from the rest of the personnel. “The Sisters are conforming to the directives of the Catholic School Committee. Schools have been closed, and our day students as well as boarders have been sent home. Visitors are no longer allowed in the house.”

SNJM’s Humanitarian Contribution

Religious authorities worked in collaboration with civil authorities. The Archbishop of Montreal, Most Reverend Paul Bruchési, appealed to both male and female religious communities. The Superior General at the time, Mother Marie de Bon-Secours, was requested to ask the Community to lend a helping hand at various hospitals: Hôtel-Dieu, Notre-Dame, and other emergency hospitals that had been set up. The convent became a central hub where requests from all corners of Montreal were sent. Bishop Bruchési also asked for help for those unable to provide the necessary care for members of their families. Several Sisters also offered their services to the Health Department.

A report submitted to the Catholic Society for Protection and Information states that there were 111 Sisters who worked full time in hospitals and 181 home visitors for 1623 patients. Two emergency hospitals were under the direction of a doctor and a qualified Sister. A food service was organized in the emergency hospital established in our Saint-Clément School in Viauville. Detained in Quebec, the Provincial Superior of Manitoba, Sister Marie-Médard, helped to implement this particular project.

An overview of other services offered shows the nursing assistants keeping watch over the sick at night, keeping watch with the Sisters of Providence during the day, burying the deceased, cleaning various premises, feeding and administering medications, washing clothing and bedding, etc.

Twenty-six Sisters were affected by the illness, but the report notes that none of them died as a result of working with the sick. However, during the time of the pandemic, three Sisters who did die had to be buried outside the community’s burial grounds: Sr. Marie-Radegonde in Verchères; Sr. Charles-Eugène in Epiphany; and Sr. Marie-Azarius in Viauville.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

November 10 marked the re-opening of churches. Classes initially resumed in the public schools, then at our boarding school on the 18^th. And so the Sisters returned to their primary mission as teachers. The Community received many expressions of gratitude for the help they had offered to the public. Anxious to inspire the students, Bishop Bruchési described the dedication of their educators as “heroic”. The Sisters of Hôtel-Dieu spoke of their “kind collaboration”. “Your hospital volunteers showed outstanding enthusiasm and devotion,” they wrote. On November 30, the “Little Chronicles” noted: “We have been honoured, in newspapers of all faiths, as they praised our devotion during the epidemic that swept across the country.”

There is a great similarity between the two pandemics mentioned. However we can rejoice in the progress that has been made over the years. The governments of Quebec and Canada are now better equipped to assume their responsibilities in the areas of health and social services. They are managing the crisis with the aim of “saving lives”.

Because almost all Quebec SNJM Sisters are now over 70 years of age, their solidarity with society is taking the form of following the government guidelines regarding social distancing, confinement and isolation. In this way they are helping to “save lives” even as they find creative ways of supporting people with telephone calls, messages by mail or   e-mail, and especially with their prayers.

Source: Simone Perras, SNJM