The Sisters at Maison Jésus-Marie were jointly involved in discovering another religious congregation present in the Saint-Jean-Longueuil Diocese: the Petites Sœurs de l’Assomption (psa). Sister Céline Héon, psa, gave a detailed description of her community during a talk on May 3rd.

Starting with the founders, Father Étienne Pernet and Antoinette Fage, the guest speaker spoke eloquently of the charism of this international congregation focused on free health care for the poor, the little ones and the sick. The mission was adapted to the cultural context of the time, which led to working with families and promoting the advancement of women, through animation and accompaniment of groups and deepening of the faith, while not forgetting caring for the sick.

The Congregation of des Petites Sœurs de l’Assomption (psa), one of the five families of the Assumption, is currently active in 20 countries and reaches out to 22 different nationalities.

Multiple responsibilities 

During her talk, Sister Céline Héon, psa, also spoke about her own roadmap, beset with responsibilities. This native of Shawinigan confirmed her definitive commitment to become a sister in 1967, in Paris. With a Bachelor of Arts, Pastoral Theology and training for spiritual accompaniment, she had developed her expertise which led her to assume multiple areas of responsibility, throughout the years.

She was subsequently the novice director, local superior, provincial superior and then worked at the General Administration in Paris for 18 years, after which she returned to Canada. She is presently local superior in charge of the elderly Sisters and bursar for the region, all the while continuing her apostolic work in Montreal and Sudbury.
 
The meeting promoted much discussion among those who were present. This dialogue continued during the light refreshments which were served after the presentation. We are reminded that this "meeting-conference" was part of the program of annual activities of the Recreation Committee of Maison Jésus-Marie, under the leadership of Sisters Maryse Moisan and Gisèle Lalande.

Report with photos – Photo credit: Sister Gisèle Lalande