On February 2, 2015, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, present in Longueuil since its founding in 1843, welcomed many consecrated people from the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil. The diocese has some thirty religious Congregations of women and men, as well as several lay consecrated people. 

Three inspirational figures

During his talk, Father Michel Proulx, o.pream. president of the Canadian Religious Conference, spoke about three inspiring figures for our time. They are: Mary of Bethany, the woman who poured out perfume; Noah, the patriarch, reformer of a world in a state of collapse and the prophet Isaiah reduced to silence in a social environment that was unfriendly.

A call for today

What then do these individuals tell us? Undoubtedly, there is a call to courage and hope. The action undertaken by them, as discreet as it may have been, has repercussions for the future. Mary’s perfume continues to embalm after His death. Noah takes good care of the little that remained and would lead to the beginning of a new life. Isaiah did not get discouraged. Lacking words, he is content to be a sign and an omen for Israel.

The child in the temple

During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Lionel Gendron spoke on the Word of the day: 
“Simeon took the child in his arms”. The Spirit was acting with power: Anna and Simeon were guided by the Spirit to go to the temple... a great moment of joy! They recognized in this child filled with authenticity, his capacity to purify, to spiritually renew, and to bring a future to the world!

In their turn, consecrated people are invited to allow themselves to be led by the Spirit and to be purified by the Word; to be signs without any need for words. 

Photo album: courtesy of Claire Dumesnil