Moments of reuniting and of gratitude in Saint-Bruno
In September, Saint Bruno Parish celebrated the 175th anniversary of its founding with the theme “175 years, something to celebrate!” The Eucharistic Celebration presided by Bishop Claude Hamelin, Auxiliary Bishop of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil Diocese, took place in an atmosphere of serenity where tribute was paid to the “women and men of yesterday and today, committed to following Christ, and who have made Saint Bruno Parish what it continues to be today” said pastor, Father Michel Boutot.
During the Offertory Procession, Sister Aline Hébert, a teacher for several years at Montarville School and at the Trinitarians, presented a flower in the name of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. It was a way of highlighting the important contribution of the Congregation that served in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville in many different ways, beginning in 1918.
Besides the presence of several Sisters at Rabastalière and Montarville Schools, we must mention those Sisters who came to teach music. From among them, Sisters Françoise Lafortune and Luce Boyer were present.
In addition to work in the education sector, of course there was also parish work in which the Sisters were extensively involved. In particular, we think of Sister Luce Boyer who served on the liturgy committee for twenty years. Both Sister Thérèse Lemay, principal of Montarville School, and Sister Line Gratton worked in the field of education and also worked as volunteers in the parish for many years.
Testimonials of gratitude
The festivities continued and provided an opportunity to renew acquaintances during a reception following the Mass. Sisters Aline Hébert, Luce Boyer and Françoise Lafortune, representatives of the Congregation at this celebration, greatly enjoyed this moving experience.
Sister Luce Boyer was approached by the parents of a student, who today is a judge, and reminded her of how music education has always served their son well throughout his life, including bringing him moments of relaxation in stressful situations.
Several participants voiced their gratitude to the Sisters and were quick to convey the importance of the education they had received and the training offered for their life paths.
Without a doubt, these moments were delightful for the three Sisters who had the chance to talk about remarkable times from another era. It was also an opportunity for them to recall anecdotes that took them back to living conditions very different from those of today.
And so, Sister Francoise Lafortune, who was on her first mission as a music teacher in 1965, remembered that for lack of space, she had to sleep in her music room.
These few facts allow us to better comprehend the many aspects of the term "vocation". Other days, other ways…
