Students at Externat Mont-Jésus-Marie (EMJM) recently held a big surprise for Chief Réal McKenzie and members of the Matimekush-Lac John* community. Responding to the Chief’s invitation, Ms. Stéphanie Godin, Director of the EMJM, visited Schefferville on the weekend of September 21.

She found an original way to demonstrate the seriousness of the approach and the obvious interest of the young students in the Innu community, with the presentation of a video. The video shows the students singing the spiritual song “Tshishe manitu”, which is very meaningful to Chief McKenzie. Community members and guests of honour during her visit were particularly touched by this EMJM initiative.

In addition to paying tribute to singer-songwriter Florent Vollant, this song is one of many actions undertaken by the EMJM since the initial meeting with the chief of this Innu community on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in 2023.

Walking together towards reconciliation

Since then, the approach has gone far beyond a visit or a show, “It is an encounter” that has prompted young people to ask questions and show a desire to learn more about the culture of the Innu people. During her visit to Schefferville, Ms. Godin proposed concrete projects to help them “walk together towards reconciliation.”

Recent activities to mark the National Day of Reconciliation on September 30, included a reading of Phyllis Webstad’s book “Avec nos cœurs orange” (With Our Orange Hearts) in grades 1–3; an awareness-raising booth for grades 4–6, and a number of projects with teachers and their students in their English classes.

On October 1, Chief Réal McKenzie returned to the EMJM to thank the students for their song. After showing the video of the song to all the students at the start of the meeting, the youngsters sang it again. The students from grades 4 to 6 then asked a few questions, curious to discover the characteristics of this Innu community’s culture.

Filled with emotion, these moments of encounter are also filled with hope.

*Matimekush (phonetic: Ma-ti-mé-kosh) means “little trout” in Innu-aimun. This Innu Nation community is located 3.5 km from the center of Schefferville, on the North Shore.

Photo credit: Externat Mont-Jésus-Marie

The missionary expo-sale held at Maison Jésus-Marie from October 17 to 20 was a resounding success. “A lot of people came during the four days of this exhibition”, noted Suzanne Lavallée, initiator of this activity, launched 20 years ago.

Sr. Suzanne Lavallée

Several new items appeared at the show, including pins and other ceramic objects made by one of the Sisters, as well as various Christmas decorations. Holiday wreaths carefully designed by another Sister were quickly snapped up.

The 2024 edition of this craft fair was a special one, as it was the last. “The Sisters and our lay friends are not getting any younger. Arthritis has affected many of our fairy-fingered craftswomen,” says Sr. Suzanne. The group of skilled knitters has shrunk from 30 in 2021 to 5 this year.

A new way of living the mission

Against this backdrop, she made the decision, not without a twinge of regret, to stop organizing the event. “Our Sisters are still keen to get involved, but we must not put unnecessary pressure on people who are still able to knit. It must remain a relaxing activity, even if it’s also a way of keeping our mission alive,” she adds.

The missionary expo-sale is a great way to express solidarity with a number of local organizations. It is held as part of World Mission Week.

All unsold items are distributed to organizations such as the Fondation du Dr Julien, Entraide Chez Nous, the Société Saint-Vincent de Paul, organizations working with the homeless, and the premature babies unit at Sainte-Justine Hospital. Surplus baby knitwear will be donated to a new organization, “Unis pour les petits”, which offers a range of support services to Montreal moms.

Proceeds from the sale of various items will be used for donations to a number of foundations and also support other organizations, such as the Halte Marie-Rose, which will be receiving this financial boost for the first time.

Although the missionary expo-sale will no longer take place, this will not stop the small group of artisans from continuing to knit. Sr. Suzanne will then distribute the items to community organizations.

Recognition

This annual event is the fruit of teamwork. In addition to Sr. Suzanne, Sisters Monique Gendron, Marielle Beaudoin, Monique Pomerleau, Pierrette Panneton, Lorraine Bouffard, Marielle Lemay, Suzanne Morin, Monique Fortier and Élisabeth Giroux also contribute.

“Without them and all those who came before them, I wouldn’t have been able to organize this expo-sale with all the logistics it requires. I would like to sincerely thank them, as well as the staff and our visitors who have encouraged us year after year.”

Photos credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault

It was under the theme “Rooted in Hope” that the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and SNJM affiliates gathered for their provincial meeting on October 4, at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

It is a traditional moment of reflection and a time to take stock of the year in communion with all the members of the SNJM family in Quebec. It is also another opportunity to gather together and celebrate under one roof.

Deep Roots

In her presentation, Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator, began by recalling the deep roots of the Congregation, which this October celebrates 181 years of existence. Referring to the spirituality of the Names of Jesus and Mary, Sr. Denise emphasized how the SNJM values and charism “have taken root and unfolded while adapting to contemporary culture.”

While the Congregation founded by Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher has gone through great transformations both in the Church and society throughout the years and eras without losing hope, she said, “All these changes have upset us. But we have adapted, we have stood firm in hope. We have asserted our faith, our identity, our culture, as guarantors of the future.”

She also pointed out how the mission of education had been transformed to take on other forms, such as “education for justice, environmental sustainability and compassion for the most vulnerable,” without ever losing sight of the full development of the person.

An enduring educational heritage

She drew attention to the fact that the educational heritage in the former SNJM schools is very much alive and well. “It is impressive to see how the management and staff of our schools remain true to our values and even our traditions, while adapting to the youth culture of the 21st century.” These words, coupled with many examples that multiply through contact with current and former students, confirm that “memories are very much alive wherever we have been.”  

Sr. Denise spoke of the current context, which sometimes calls for difficult decisions to be made as we “consider our reality and seek the best for our community.” Among other things, she alluded to the sale of the SNJM heritage site which will then be used to serve the broader community; and the need to let go, while welcoming the collaboration of many lay people in order to maintain efficient management and to ensure a quality of life for our Sisters.

With the words “The SNJM heritage handed down continues and will continue to inspire, thanks to the life drawn from our roots”, she invited the participants to share, in small groups, the roots of hope in personal and congregational history.

“… our quality of being…”

After this initial moment of sharing, Sr. Denise continued her talk, focusing on “our lives bear fruit”.

“Today, the most precious heritage to share is not so much the SNJM’s works, but our quality of being, our way of being with others, in the community, in our milieu, in the family, in groups. It is also the way we adapt and use creativity to stay on mission to the end. We have a unique contribution to make in order to ensure that God’s plan continues to unfold. Our lives bear fruit.”

The process of community transformation, undertaken since the 2021 General Chapter, is leading us to unity in a Congregation of “One Heart, One Spirit.”  Sr. Denise affirmed, “This is profoundly evangelical,” inviting everyone to remember the desire expressed by Jesus at the end of his life: “That all may be one, as you Father are in me, and I am in you… (John17:21)

Signs of Hope

In preparation for the 2026 Chapter, “In the spirit of the Gospel, the members of the Congregation are moving towards greater inclusivity, sharing and collaboration—to become ONE. This is a time of discernment. It is a good time to revisit our centers of life (our local communities), our governance structures, our mission in the world. And to realize that we are all interdependent, interrelated, called to interact with others, with the whole earth.”

Sr. Denise then invited the participants to share their thoughts about the strength of unity, on the signs of hope that help us to live through change and participate in the creation of the new entity, and to identify the fruits and promises for the future. The exercise led to everyone writing a word of hope on the branches of a three-hundred year old tree (visual provided).

The meeting ended with a plenary session followed by refreshments, where everyone had the opportunity of sharing in a very convivial atmosphere.

Photos credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) celebrated the 2024 jubilarians with joy and gratitude in the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) on September 13.

A festive atmosphere permeated the chapel as everyone gathered for the celebration. Under the theme “At all times, I will bless”, inspired by the title of Jean-Claude Gianadda’s entrance song for the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Claude Hamelin, of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocese.

Following the customary words of welcome by the provincial animator, Sr. Denise Riel, and the celebrant, Bishop Hamelin, Sr. Lisette began her presentation of the jubilarians with these words:

“Dear jubilarians, by your life, your consecration to God, your mission in the Church, you have actualized the gifts received from God; you have become God’s gifts for others. Receive our tributes.”

She then named the Sisters according their jubilee year: 75, 70 and 60 years of religious life. She also highlighted the 25-year commitment of two SNJM associates.

The celebration continued with a prayer of thanksgiving: “In the Church and in communities, functions and activities are varied, but it is always the same God who acts in the heart of people. With you, dear jubilarians, we give thanks to God for the good he has given you to accomplish throughout your days…”

The assembly included numerous Sisters and associates, many of them from the English-speaking group, supporting the two associates celebrating 25 years of commitment. The celebration was enlivened by the strong participation of the Sisters as they sang the various songs. Many had received the songs beforehand.

“They sang their hearts out,” said a delighted Sr. Lisette, one of the committee members responsible for the event. Sisters Lise Gendron, Jacqueline Aubry, Jeanne Dagenais and Simone Perras were also members of the committee.

Following the celebration, everyone was invited to the cafeteria for some light refreshments. Those present had the opportunity to congratulate the jubilarians and chat with many of them. This moment of reunion between SNJMs and associates is always very stimulating. The pleasure of being together was palpable.

Here is the list of 2024 SNJM jubilarians.

Photos credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault and Ms Julie Tétreault, SNJM affiliate

Initiated by Bishop Claude Hamelin of the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, more than 70 diocesan priests, sisters, brothers and priests from religious congregations, working in the diocese, eagerly gathered at Maison Jésus-Marie for a meeting that focused on the revival of consecrated life.

Brother Mario Houle

The theme of the gathering was “My life in the Spirit, the Spirit in my life”, inspired by the theme of Jubilee 2025 (Pilgrims of Hope). In addition to offering significant food for thought, Brother Mario Houle, the facilitator, captivated his audience in a variety of ways, with different forms of interaction.

The participants worked together enthusiastically. They took advantage of those precious moments of sharing in small groups to reflect on the breath of the spirit that has crossed their religious paths.

Bishop Claude Hamelin of the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocese

Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) has been hosting the diocesan bishop’s meetings for several years now. The chapel offers an airy, bright and spacious environment conducive to these gatherings. What’s more, with the MJM’s closed-circuit equipment, the residence’s mobility-impaired sisters were able to attend the meeting, thus extending the reach of this type of event.

Sr. Denise Riel, provincial animator of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and Bishop Hamelin addressed a few words to the audience prior to “handing over the microphone” to the facilitator.

Photos credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault

The phrase “We recognize the richness of the past while offering a current, forward-looking school program” took on its full meaning at the inauguration of the Coutu Family Women’s Pavilion at Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM). As Sr. Denise Riel, Provincial Animator of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) pointed out on September 12. “I like this expression coined by a staff member. It ties together the past, the present and the future.”

Sr. Denise Riel, SNJM provincial animator and Antonella Picillo, PSNM executive director

Founded in 1905 by the SNJMs, the PSNM “has stood the test of time, evolving, innovating and creating so that young people can become accomplished citizens, just as our foundress, Mother Marie-Rose, wanted them to be in her day”. Sr. Riel, accompanied by the other two members of the SNJM Quebec Provincial Leadership Team, expressed the sentiment of all. “We are happy to see that for 120 years, the SNJM mission of education and values have been perpetuated while being updated to ensure the full development of today’s youth and prepare them to engage in today’s society.”

This state-of-the-art pavilion features spacious, well-lit classrooms, flexible locations for FLEX students, team-building environments and the Desjardins roof garden. The latter will be used for both outdoor teaching and urban agriculture. It will also provide a place for staff to relax, while inviting students to socialize and unwind outdoors.

Its construction has also made it possible to use new technologies to reduce the consumption of energy. With the help of a dozen geothermal wells, the building will be fully heated and air-conditioned.

A tribute to the SNJM heritage

In designing this inspiring, illuminated pavilion, the management integrated a museum showcase project to present the history of the school and the rich heritage left as a legacy by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). This work was carried out under the responsibility of Mr. Dominique Laperle, historian and teacher at PSNM, with the collaboration of the SNJM Archives department.

This showcase recalls the work of the foundresses and the SNJM vision of “developing the heart, the intellect and all aspects of each student.”  With the collaboration of the school’s staff, the PSNM, through its educational project and its four study profiles, continues to support this vision.

The event was attended by teachers, administrative staff and several distinguished guests. PSNM is currently undergoing its third expansion. The two previous additions were completed in 1986 and 2005.

Some visitors showed up well before the start of the activity offered by the Marie-Rose Center(MRC) during the Religious Heritage Days (RHD) held on Friday, September 6. The fine weather lent itself well to this two-part outdoor event.

This is why the first visitors were able to look at the artifacts that are part of the SNJM’s educational mission. They were on display in front of a large poster depicting a classroom at Baril School in Montreal in 1950. The charm was already working, evidenced by conversations about that era!

Others came to the marquee event, where Geneviève Noël, the archives manager was waiting for them. Detailed explanations of the red uniform worn by students in the early days of the Congregation evoked a smile on the faces of many visitors. They were intrigued by the flamboyant color, which had quickly prompted regulations from the Montreal Bishop of the time.

It was also striking to see the interest in the artifacts linked to Mother Marie-Rose, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). Among the many things to see, visitors gravitated toward the table of objects and books offered free of charge.

A guided tour filled with anecdotes

Then it was time for the guided tour of the SNJM heritage site with Sr. Lisette Boulé. Approximately 30 people listened “religiously”, sometimes asking questions about a particular feature or historical fact.

Sr. Lisette gave details of when the Congregation was founded, recalling that, at the time, the majority of the population was illiterate. Providing some details about the main building constructed in 1740 and its evolution, she recounted the beginnings of the Congregation and its rapid growth.

A stop at the Foundation House, the former Fabrique school, and the Notre-Dame residence, the only original building in this sector of rue Saint-Charles, aroused much interest. The group then headed to the back of the large building and former Longueuil Convent, where there had once been a cannery, gardens, farm animals and a large playground. It is also hard to overlook the presence of the Saint-Antoine stream, where traces of it are still visible on the site. This stream had caused problems for the inhabitants of the convent and the surrounding area until it was made into a canal.

Another important stop was at the foot of a century-old oak tree where the very first SNJM cemetery is located. Explanations were given regarding the several times that the remains of Mother Marie-Rose had been moved. Hence, this fact earned her the nickname “the great traveller”.

Along with anecdotes about the stream and the lives of the pioneers and Mother Marie-Rose, we also told stories about the history of Longueuil. It was also an opportunity to give a nod to the only baronial title granted in North America, which now belongs to a family living in England!

A Reunion

In addition to inviting visitors to discover or rediscover parts of our history, Marie-Rose Centre’s participation in a public event facilitated reunions. Many participants were former students, or children or nieces and nephews of people who had worked with the SNJMs in the many convents and schools in the greater Montreal area.

One person had the opportunity to meet up with a former teacher who had come to meet another Sister at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM). Yet another brought her mother along for this memorable visit. It was an emotional pilgrimage for this lady who retains a deep affection for the SNJMs who had taught her. In fact, she had sent her daughters to Pensionnat Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) to give them access to a quality education. Also, one man didn’t want to miss this opportunity to immerse himself in the SNJM world, which he had heard so much about from family members.

The interest shown by the visitors and the passion of both the guide and the host made for a great experience on both sides. “These enriching contacts with the public are both motivating and energizing,” said Sr. Lisette and Mrs. Noël.