In section: News

175 Years in Solidarity for Liberating Action

The many comments and accolades received since the beginning of the festivities celebrating the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) confirms the major impact of these Sisters on the development of the full potential of thousands of girls and boys, throughout Quebec and in other parts of the world.

Following the spring launching of the festivities with the exposition, “Educate to Liberate”, organized by the archives department, several other activities have been open to the general public.  These were opportunities for learning, sharing and discovering large segments of the history of the Congregation, founded in Longueuil on October 28, 1843, by Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher.

A significant public event took place on September 29, within the context of the Cultural Days in Longueuil. Two presentations offered excerpts from the archives that were read aloud, accompanied by audio and visual elements featuring the 175 years of SNJM history.  The audiences were captivated by stories about the daily lives of the Sisters as well as their various commitments throughout the years.  They also discovered the deeply-held values of the Congregation which ministers on three continents.  

In addition to these presentations which required reserved seating, the Longueuil Convent opened its doors to welcome visitors interested in viewing the various attractions of this historic site: the Foundation House, museum, historic rooms, original chapel and an archival exhibition. All were accessible free of charge between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 80 Saint-Charles Street East in Longueuil. In addition, architectural heritage enthusiasts were invited to register for the guided outdoor visit at 3 p.m. entitled "If the walls could speak"

 

 

Commemorative Eucharistic Celebration

The archival exposition and various other events organized during the 175th anniversary of the SNJM foundation invited people to rediscover the determination and the vision of Mother Marie-Rose.  Sr. Denise Riel, Province leader, noted at the launching of the festivities, “She had an unshakeable faith in education as a vehicle for social change, a commitment that is just as relevant today”.

This desire to encourage young people of their time, especially young girls from the countryside, to develop their full potential expressed the Sisters’ vision of the role of women and women's leadership in the family and society. An avant-garde approach, still relevant today, has brought forth much fruit.  A former student, during her visit, expressed this so well: "Thank you for the many wonderful things I learnt and which are still useful 40 years later.”

On the occasion of the birthday of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), a commemorative Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Claude Hamelin, took place on Saturday, October 6, at 4:30 p.m. in Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral. The public was cordially invited to attend.

 

 

 

Other activities

Following a few informal visits or pilgrimages, the festivities surrounding the SNJM’s 175th anniversary will end in the Quebec Province with a Eucharistic celebration on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, 

The general public will have free access to the “Educate to Liberate” archives exposition which will remain open until January 25, 2019.  At any time, by appointment, those interested in visiting the Marie-Rose Centre located in the Longueuil Convent are welcome to see the many artifacts in this heritage site.  For information or to make an appointment please phone 450-651-8104, extension 1209.

The SNJM Sisters have worked in a dozen dioceses in Quebec, including Montreal, Gaspé, Hauterive (North Shore), Joliette, Saint-Hyacinthe and Valleyfield. They founded convents and boarding schools, worked in public schools, taught all subjects including music, contributed to the advancement of social causes and worked in parish ministry.

Today, the Sisters are still involved in pastoral work, social justice and spiritual accompaniment.  They partner with others for the cause of migrants and refugees; work against human trafficking and forced labor; and promote sustainable development especially in the area of access to clean drinking water.

2018 has been a year full of events and moments of gratitude for the SNJM’s, expressed by alumni, partners and collaborators. "I’m happy to see what the Sisters have accomplished and are still involved in today", said a former student who attended a recent event.

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