Celebration of Thanksgiving at St-François-d’Assise Parish
On October 9, 2011, twenty Sisters responded to an invitation to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Parish of St-François-d’Assise, in the east end of Montreal where our Sisters lived and worked for many years.
One parishioner said that the “love story” began in 1921. Msgr LePailleur had invited eight SNJM Sisters to be administrators and teachers at “Boucher de la Bruère” School. The daughters of Mother Marie-Rose taught there until 1964.
The Sisters returned in 1985 and lived on Honoré-Beaugrand Steet until 2011. During those years they were a welcoming presence, took part liturgical animation and social activities in the parish. Their house became a haven of peace and their presence and their prayers gave support and comfort to the people of the area.
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mother Marie-Rose, this day of thanksgiving beautifully expressed through the Eucharistic celebration was truly “a hymn of gratitude and praise to the Lord.”
Following the Mass, the Sisters were offered a family-style meal in the Church hall where they enjoyed reminiscing with the parishioners and the laughter reflected the joy of all those gathered. The pastor, Father François Baril, delighted in serving the Sisters. A heartfelt thank you was given by Sister Jeanne Dagenais on behalf of all the Sisters present.
