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".