History page—First SNJM General Chapter | October 17, 1849
On the Road to the 36th General Chapter: A Look Back at the First Page of History
As the preparation process for the 36th General Chapter of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) continues toward 2026, this is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey that began with the congregation’s founding in 1843—and more specifically, on the historic first General Chapter, held on October 17, 1849.
This milestone took place shortly after the death of Mother Marie-Rose, the Congregation’s first Superior General, on October 6. At that time, several Sisters were called to gather at the SNJM chapel in Longueuil to participate in this first chapter, alongside Bishop Ignace Bourget, Fr. Chabot, Chaplain, and Fr. Brassard, Pastor of Longueuil.
Mother Véronique du Crucifix
According to the Chapter Acts, preserved in the SNJM archives, five Sisters were elected to form the new Council:
- Mother Véronique du Crucifix became Superior General and Mistress of Novices
- Sister Marie-Agnès, Assistant
- Sister Thérèse de Jésus, Depositary
- Sister Marie-Élisabeth, Secretary
- Sister Marie-Cécile, Councilor
From October 17 to 19, 1849, the participants gathered to share their insights and observations based on their study of the Holy Constitutions of the Institute. They identified 44 improvements to help the community live more fully in the spirit of the Constitutions while responding to the challenges of their time.
Among their key concerns:
- The need for rigorous Christian instruction
- Greater attention to poverty and charitable needs
- All this, despite the young congregation’s own financial struggles, with expenses outweighing revenues
Fortunately, the rapid growth in student enrollment—with 356 boarders and 92 day students between 1843 and 1849—helped to significantly reduce the deficit as early as 1848.
Life in the convents was demanding, especially during winter. In this context, the sisters expressed a very understandable wish: that “common areas should, as much as possible, be protected from the cold.”
They also made a number of recommendations to foster greater unity and consistency in community life, such as:
- Holding readings and explanations of the Holy Constitutions twice a year
- Emphasizing the importance of a daily schedule, so as not to “waste the precious time God gives us.”
- And the relevance of “training a titled Apothecary and a Nurse capable of looking after the Sisters’ health…”
History certainly confirmed the wisdom of that last recommendation: the Congregation would go on to train and rely on many skilled nurses over the decades, right up to the present day.
This first General Chapter marked a foundational moment for the Institute—one that already reflected a strong commitment to mission, solidarity, and organized community life.
Values that continue to guide the SNJMs today, as they respond to the realities of a changing world.