Do you remember Chalet Jésus-Marie in Saint-Sauveur? What memories do you still have of Cap Saint-Jacques or of Val-des-Lacs? Set out to discover or rediscover these places of rest with a nod from an exhibition from the SNJM Archives Department, entitled “A time of rest – the SNJM’s on holiday”, presented in 2015. A look back through pictures and interesting information…
It is a wonderful occasion, during this summer season, to recall some interesting and historical facts about an often ignored aspect of the life of the Sisters throughout the ages: a time of rest.
There is a time for work, for prayer, for mutual support, and for commitment, but there is also a time to recharge one’s battery.
It is important to remember that the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) was largely based in the countryside. This fact is easily explained by the impetus of the foundress Mother Marie-Rose, who wanted to ensure the education of girls and those who were underprivileged in rural areas, through small convents in each parish.
As a consequence, the Sisters who were working in these sometimes bucolic places were treated to waterways, meadows as far as the eye could see, without having to move very far to take some time out for rest. We think back to places like Beloeil, Sainte-Martine, Beauharnois, Waterloo, L'Épiphanie, Saint-Timothée and others.