In its November publication, the Water Ecology Committee reminds us of the harsh reality of a water crisis that is only getting worse with climate change. The bulletin lists various situations: droughts, floods and famine, highlighting the words of Laudato Si’ “clean and pure water is a matter of primary importance, because it is indispensable for human life as well as for sustaining terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems…”

In this newsletter, there are several links, some of which lead to video clips, reports and a film produced by the Laudato Si’ Global Movement. These are relevant resources to explore the multiple facets of this global crisis. You can consult it on the committee’s page, under the tab 2022 – Animation and reflections. It is available in English, Spanish and French.

At the same time, the Water-Ecology Committee welcomes a new member to the group, Ms. Sharon Elliott, SNJM Associate (WA). She joins Associates Dorothy Guha (QC), Pat Iwata (OR) and Sisters Josephine Chudzik (Manitoba), Mary Annette Dworshak (U.S.-Ontario) and Yvonne Massicotte (Manitoba).

On the occasion of the Religious Heritage Days, the Marie-Rose Center offers two outdoor tours to visitors on Sunday, September 11 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Visitors will be able to discover the particularities of the heritage site of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) with its buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The guides will welcome them at the various stations with facts, sometimes unpublished, and anecdotes to enhance the presentation. A great way to better learn about a part of Longueuil’s history and heritage and to understand the evolution of the religious congregation that has contributed to the education of thousands of young people.

On the same site, a spiritual journey is proposed in the form of a silent pilgrimage. With the help of a small guide, participants will be able to immerse themselves in the site at their own pace and stop at various points of interest. This route leads to the Marie-Rose Chapel, located in the right transept of the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral.

The presentation of these two outdoor routes is open to all. Come to the SNJM heritage site, located at 80 Saint-Charles Street East in Longueuil, on Sunday, September 11, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. It is free of charge. Please note that the event will be cancelled in case of rain.

Twenty-two Holy Names Sisters, Affiliates and Partners attending a congregational gathering in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on June 11, 2022 organized a March For Our Lives rally against gun violence.

The rally, held in conjunction with gatherings organized all across the United States, condemned the epidemic of gun violence in the United States and urged gun reform legislation. The March For Our Lives website provides information and suggestions for activism against gun violence.

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) has joined with many others in the international arena to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to call for peace.

Download the PDF file.

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary’s (SNJM) 500 Actions Against Human Trafficking in 20 Days campaign ended on February 8, with a total of 606 actions being taken, including prayer, education, advocacy and other activities.

The call from the SNJM Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC) to reaffirm our commitment to our SNJM Corporate Stand on Human Trafficking, was heard throughout the Congregation. Our elder sisters participated enthusiastically, organizing daily prayer activities and increasing their knowledge on the issue through video education. All across the Congregation, Sisters, Affiliates and Partners engaged in a variety of actions including prayer, education, advocacy, and support for survivors.

The SNJM action campaign was a way to continue the work of awareness, education, and vigilance against human trafficking that has been underway since 2004, when the SNJM corporate stand on this issue was adopted. It was part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the United States (January) and extended to the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Trafficking on February 8, in honor of St. Josephine Bakhita.

While the 20-Day action campaign has ended, our work to eradicate human trafficking continues. Join us by taking action to end human trafficking. You can find useful resources through the following websites: 

• Talitha Kum (French, English, Spanish, Portuguese)
• S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (English, Spanish)
• CATHII (French)
• (English, French)

A call to take 500 actions against trafficking by February 8 was issued in the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) SNJM newsletter. This campaign is a way to renew the Congregation’s collective stand against human trafficking, adopted in 2004.

The call coincides with Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the United States (January) and will run through to the International Day of Prayer and Reflection on Trafficking on February 8. This day honors St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of trafficking survivors.

Actions accessible to all

The actions can take the form of prayer (consult the calendar of suggested prayers –  also available in Spanish), of reading to deepen one’s knowledge on the subject, of demands to the authorities concerned (petition) or in any other way.

To participate in this campaign of 500 Actions Against Trafficking in 20 Days, you just have to record the action(s) you have taken using this form, each time you take action(s) during the next 20 days. Click here to follow the total number of actions taken across the congregation, as we progress towards our goal, in real time.

Check out the JPIC newsletter (and share it with your contacts) for some suggested actions, readings and prayers, and to learn about the latest activities within the congregation.

At the beginning of the year 2022, the members of the Water-Ecology Committee have prepared a new reflection on the issues surrounding water. These issues are just as crucial and deserve sustained attention, as evidenced by this short document, available in three languages: English | Español | French.

It includes a reading, elements for reflection, litanies and two appropriate songs in video format.

Sisters Josephine Chudzik (Manitoba), Mary Annette Dworshak (U.S.-Ontario) and Yvonne Massicotte (Manitoba) and SNJM affiliates Dorothy Guha (Qc), Pat Iwata (OR) and Sharon West (FL) initiated this new communication from the Water Ecology Committee.