October 28, 1843: Three Women at the Beginning of a Remarkable Educational Journey
On October 28, 1843, in Longueuil, three women founded the first teaching religious congregation established by a Canadian woman: the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). This date marked the beginning of an educational mission that would eventually extend far beyond Quebec.
A Bold Vision Takes Shape
A few days earlier, Bishop Ignace Bourget had shared his wish with Eulalie Durocher:
“ … to establish here, without delay, a community … to expand opportunities for charitable works and provide religious education to boys and girls.”
Convinced of the importance of this project, he had asked her to “return to Longueuil as soon as possible, with Miss Dufresne, to begin establishing the proposed community.”
On October 18, 1843, just two days after their conversation, Eulalie wrote to her friend Mélodie Dufresne, inviting her to join her. Her letter reveals both her determination and her awareness of the challenges ahead:
“… Our Divine Master wants us to follow Him, carrying a beautiful and heavy cross; I hope we will not lack courage…”
Three Founders, One Shared Commitment to Education
Eulalie Durocher and Mélodie Dufresne then joined Henriette Céré, who was already teaching at the École de la Fabrique in Longueuil.
During the founding ceremony, the three women received their religious names: Marie-Rose for Eulalie, Marie-Agnès for Mélodie, and Marie-Madeleine for Henriette.
Together, they laid the foundations of a congregation whose central mission would become education, particularly that of girls and young women.
A Legacy That Crosses Borders
Since 1843, more than 10,000 young women have applied for admission to the Congregation. Most came from Canada, the United States, and Lesotho, although applicants also came from many other countries.
Over the generations, the SNJM have expanded their presence and their educational, social, and community commitments to various regions of the world.
October 28 remains much more than a founding date: it honours the courage and bold vision of Marie-Rose and her companions, and marks the beginning of a mission that continues to evolve today.