Sister Marcelle Payant-Montcalm

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” Jn 10:14,15

April 6, 2011, Sister Marcelle Payant-Montcalm,
in religion Adélina-Marie,
went home to God.
She was 92 years old and had been professed for 69 years.

Born in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, Beauharnois, Quebec,
she was the daughter of Joseph Payant and Adélina Laberge.

After completion of elementary grades in the local parish school, Marcelle finished her 8th and 9th grades in a private school, before continuing her education at the Institut Familiale. At 20 years of age, she entered the SNJM novitiate in Montreal. Sister Adélina-Marie taught sewing and home economics mainly at École Baril, in Ste-Martine and St-Lambert; where she was also in charge of students. In all, she spent close to 30 years in education.

At 52 years of age, she became director of Services in the Diocese of St-Jean-Longueuil. She served in the area of Pastoral Services for the elderly and the sick. In 1983, Sister Marcelle became coordinator of Paroisse St-Josaphat whereby she undertook various tasks on the Pastoral team.  She also volunteered in Paroisse St-Georges with the mentally challenges, in catechesis, in faith-sharing groups and the justice committee.

Bishop Bernard Hubert, the Bishop of the Diocese of St-Jean-Longueuil, at that time, gave testimony to our sister whose apostolic life took place almost entirely in this diocese:
“Imbued with Mother Marie-Rose’s charism, Sister Marcelle had a constant, respectful and loving concern for the downtrodden. Those who were poor, either materially or mentally, found in Sister Montcalm a perceptive leader with a welcoming spirit, similar to the attention of the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep.”

While working in pastoral ministry, she was also the local superior of several SNJM communities. She eventually moved to the Congregational House in Longueuil. In her various commitments, Sister Marcelle served and listened to people, according each of them a warm welcome.

At the age of 83, she was welcomed into our infirmary, where she maintained her charming grace and her great elegance.

Mission accomplished, Sister Marcelle! “Generosity, wisdom, devotion, self-forgetfulness, gentleness...” testimony which characterized the fruitfulness of a life received and given while following in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd!