The celebration of Marie Girardin’s perpetual commitment as a consecrated laywoman took place on June 8. “It was a moment of grace, very touching and very simple,” said the woman who found the way “to live my faith serenely at the end of my life”. 

The presence and teaching of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) followed her throughout her life. Becoming an associate of the SNJMs, then following the path to becoming a consecrated laywoman, was a matter of course for Marie Girardin. After several renewals of the vow of celibacy, she asked to take a permanent vow.

“I consider myself married to Jesus. I belong to God permanently with the inspiration of SNJM values,” adds Marie, fulfilled by her personal journey, supported by several SNJM Sisters throughout the years. “I did this whole process for myself, to feel good, without any pretension of being perfect, far from it.” She admits that the process has helped her change her way of life, training her, in particular, to “be more attentive to people and to be non-judgmental.”

Some of the attendees at the consecration ritual.

Inspiring others to remain “alive and active”

This former director of the La CASA residential center, set up by Monsignor Hubert, has not lost her motivation to “be there for the love of others.” Despite her physical limitations, she is determined “to do everything I can to help”.

Anne-Marie Montpetit, SNJM associate

She is involved In her residence for seniors, over 80% of whom are losing their autonomy. Whether it is organizing activities such as the weekly rosary, or fostering moments of sharing during gardening, for example, she encourages her neighbors, inspiring them to remain “alive and active”, while at the same time, trying to break the sense of insecurity that troubles many of them.  

“I want to defend their rights and improve their lot,” says Marie, concluding, ”I’m lucky to be able to live my faith within the SNJM family”.

The official commitment ceremony took place in the chapel at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM). Several people participated in this celebration, including Anne-Marie Montpetit, SNJM associate and animator for the event. Following the readings, the rite of permanent commitment as a consecrated lay person took place, whereby Marie made the private vow of chastity in celibacy.

This form of commitment allows a lay person to offer their life to Christ and collaborate in the mission of the SNJM Congregation by living in the world as a celibate single person or widow.

Marie Girardin, consecrated laywoman, with members of her family, SNJM Sisters and affiliates.

Photos credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault

Coriolis Trio

Concert presentations at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) continue in the tradition of providing a platform for both emerging artists and renowned musicians. MJM welcomed the Coriolis Trio for a concert of piano, violin and cello.

As Sr. Suzanne Brault so aptly remarked during the presentation to the SNJM Sisters and guests, it’s “a privilege to welcome renowned musicians” who have performed on international stages in several countries. Each is pursuing a career as a soloist or chamber musician, and has won a number of prestigious awards.

Under the theme “Aspiration and inspiration,” the three musicians—Tomoko Inui (piano), Frédéric Bednarz (violin) and Julie Dessureault (cello)—performed two major pieces from the musical repertoire. The first was Dmitri Shostakovich’s Trio No. 1 for violin, cello and piano in C minor, Op. 8. This early work by the Russian composer was first performed in 1925.

The second is Schubert’s Trio nᵒ 2, also known as the Trio in E-flat major for piano and strings. This is a romantic lyrical chamber music piece in four movements, for violin, cello, and piano. It was composed in 1827 by Austrian composer Franz Schubert.

Following the musicians’ performance, Sr. Suzanne thanked them warmly. “Your talent and passion have moved our hearts and touched our souls… Your sublime interpretations transported us to a world of beauty.”

A wonderful musical moment for all present, who are already looking forward to the next event!

The musicians, from left to right, Julie Dessureault (cello), Tomoko Inui (piano) and Frédéric Bednarz (violin).

Photo credit: Sr. Suzanne Brault

It was a day of celebration for Sr. Éliana Vallée’s centenary held at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) on Sunday, July 28. A dozen members of her family, including nephews and nieces, attended this event along with other residents of MJM.

Sr. Éliana Vallée’s centenary celebration

As is customary, a Mass for the centenarian’s intentions was celebrated before the festive meal. In her welcome address, Sr. Beverley Wattling briefly recalled Sr. Éliana’s long journey of commitment. We learned that, after teaching for a few years, “She used her talents in a variety of roles, in service to the Congregation” (from cook and laundry worker to receptionist and seamstress). All essential roles, it should be noted, to ensure the smooth running of the community’s larger convents, such as in Valleyfield, the Motherhouse in Outremont and at Résidence Marie-Rose Durocher in Montreal.

Despite her many duties, Sr. Éliana spent her free time visiting the sick, particularly in the parish of Saint-Arsène. Then, shortly after arriving at MJM, she hastened to continue her good works by visiting the sick sisters.

In time when she required health care, Sr. Éliana began her prayer ministry. “Her spirituality continues to be based on Jesus, her good shepherd, and Mary, her good mother,” said Sr. Beverley. To support her words, she recalled Sr. Éliana’s cries of joy and her invitations to come and see the “Virgin” when she sees the statue of Mary during the vespers programs on television.

Before wishing a joyful celebration to all those present, Sr. Beverley expressed the following wishes:

“Eliana, you who love Mary so much, may Mary bring you strength and hope to keep you in peace all the days of your life.”

“May you feel, today and every day of your life, God’s smile as He looks at you with tenderness—you, His friend.”

Sr. Éliana, surrounded by members of her family

Following the buffet served in the large meeting room which welcomed the family and some of the SNJM Sisters, the blessing of Bishop Claude Hamelin of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocese and the wishes of Governor General Mary Simon were read out. His niece Diane also conveyed the family’s wishes. She was then presented with flowers by the resident Sisters.

The Sisters on her floor joyfully celebrated Sr. Éliana’s centenary

At the end of the afternoon, Sr. Éliana also enjoyed a party with the Sisters on her floor, with whom she shared her birthday cake. A wonderful festive moment for the new centenarian and all her companions.

Note: To facilitate the family gathering, Sr. Éliana’s birthday was celebrated on Sunday, July 28, rather than the following day, her actual date of birth, July 29, 1924.

Photo credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey

CATHII, the Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale (action committee against internal and international against human trafficking) has multiplied its actions since the beginning of 2024. As the organization’s president, IsaBelle Couillard, points out that the international component has also expanded.

Thus, in CATHII’s most recent publication (in French only), we discover the role played by the organization in promoting concerted action, notably with the visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery to Montreal. We also took advantage of his expertise to set up a working group regarding the safety of the speakers as well as the victims. 

The newsletter presents a summary of Talitha Kum’s 2nd General Assembly, which includes photos, and highlights the 4th Conference to End the Sexual Exploitation of Women and Girls organized by CAP International in collaboration with Quebec organizations, including La CLES. There is also a review of the documentary Mon ami Omar, available for free on TOUT.TV, and several other interesting references.

Finally, the newsletter notes the presence in Montreal of Reem Alsalen, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, at the CAP International conference. Ms. Alsalen has published a report asserting that prostitution is linked to “various forms of violence against women and girls, and [constitutes] a form of violence in itself”.

Like many other organizations, CATHII supports this report. It has also issued a call to action asking Canadian authorities and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to immediately support the report.

The report is available in several languages. To take account of the very short time allowed for the adoption of such a report by the United Nations, CATHII and the other organizations are calling for immediate representations by transmitting a standard message. See the PDF file for full details (in French only).

The latest publication from the non-governmental organization UNANIMA International (UI) paints a stimulating picture of the various actions taken in Africa and Europe to counter human trafficking, help victims and improve the living conditions of impoverished women and children.

Jean Quinn visited Polycom Girls, a community organization dedicated to helping women and girls who are victims of exploitation and violence.

As part of the UN Civil Society Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, UI tabled a document containing recommendations on Project Zero of the Pact for the Future. The organization took the opportunity to highlight how manifestations of homelessness coincide with the issues addressed in the Pact. Mention was also made of the fallout from post-conference activities, including the importance of civil society working together for global climate justice.

These activities also enabled us to discover some of the leading community organizations helping women and girls who are victims of exploitation and violence (Polycom Girls), fighting homelessness (Mukuru Promotion Centre) and supporting women’s empowerment in various ways (Cara Girls Rescue Centre).

Women committed to the well-being of others

We also feature a short presentation given by Helena Maleno Garzón, the recipient of the Woman of Courage 2022 Award, who received her prize at a ceremony last May in Madrid, Spain. This researcher, journalist and activist defends the rights of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking attempting to reach Europe by sea and land.

Official presentation of the Woman of Courage 2022 Award to Helena Maleno Garzón in Madrid, Spain.

Her work is estimated to have saved 10,000 lives during shipwrecks by passing on relevant information to the Spanish naval authorities. While she denounces human rights violations at Spain’s southern border and seeks to reunite families by gathering information on people missing or disappeared during their crossing, Helena is the target of constant judicial harassment from government authorities in Morocco and Spain.

The Sisters of Charity do all they can to raise awareness among young people and the general public about human trafficking in Nigeria.

As part of the “Community Testimonies” series, we tell the story of the Sisters of Charity in Nigeria, engaged in empowerment and advocacy programs for the prevention of human trafficking, notably through awareness-raising and education in primary and secondary schools.

This UI publication reveals the diversity and multiplicity of actions and activities underway at all levels to contribute to the well-being of as many people as possible.

In her opening remarks, Director General Jean Quinn, fdls, recounts her experience of coming into contact with “ordinary women doing extraordinary things… Women have long been recognized for their strength and determination in the face of adversity. They possess a unique resilience that inspires courage in others.”

Also available in French and Spanish.

Photo credit: Unanima International

The spring issue of Les Brèves, published by the feminist and Christian collective L’autre Parole, is merited by covering many pertinent subjects worth exploring (in French only).

This edition is a reminder of the Global Sisters Report initiative, which throughout 2023 published a series of articles recounting the testimonies of Sisters on the front line, trying to do their utmost to help populations, living in high-risk areas, controlled by street gangs or armed militias. The people in charge of this project have drawn up a report which can be accessed on the website, where you can read the stories and testimonies published, revealing the reality of populations in Sudan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Haiti and Congo.

Seniors for the protection of the climate is a group of 2,000 women whose average age is73.

At the same time, women are joining forces to fight climate change. In Europe, for example, there are groups such as Femmes aînées aufront  (senior women at the front, while in Quebec, Mères au front (Mothers at the front) already brings together more than 12,000 women who defend the right to a healthy environment.

The publication also recalls the tabling of the Rapha Québec report, which reveals surprising things about the response of Quebec churches to the problem of domestic violence. The report was supported by Christian Direction, an ecumenical organization. In the same vein, we also learn of the creation of a pan-Canadian organization, Outrage Canada, committed to “justice for victims, safety for children and prevention of abuse by the Catholic Church.”

Remarkable women too often overlooked

Have you heard of Claudia Goldin, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics? We learn that her research has provided a different reading of “the historical and contemporary role of women in the labor market”. 

There is a short test on financial independence, and reviews of stimulating books, including “Des femmes et des Dieux”.  (Women and their Gods) This book recounts the experience of a female rabbi, an imam and a female pastor who gathered together for seven days of discussion and sharing.

The series “Cherchez la femme” available on TOUT.TV.

And that is without counting the reference to the series accessible, free of charge, without subscription on TOUT.TV, entitled “Cherchez la femme” (Looking for Women). In a series of 23 presentations of 3-4 minutes each, we discover the remarkable and little-known women behind the discovery of Down’s Syndrome and the role of the Y chromosome in determining sex, for example, and not to mention the creation of a game to denounce the oppression of tenants 30 years before the arrival of Monopoly… 

During this summer season, here is a series that opens up many avenues of exploration (in French only). Happy discoveries!