On Saturday, May 26, 2018, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) will welcome visitors to their Open House at the Congregational House (the former Longueuil Convent).  On this first day of free-of-charge activities, organized to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the congregation, you will find several new features, including thematic tours on heritage, the beatification of the foundress as well as a spiritual component.

Along with these explorations, guided tours of the Marie-Rose Centre (museum), some historic rooms and the Foundation House will be offered. Visitors may also take in the archives exhibition, Educate to Liberate, and discover the diversity of the work carried out on three continents by the first teaching order of women religious founded by a Canadian woman, Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. 

Weather permitting, visitors may also picnic on the SNJM grounds or in de la Baronnie Park located opposite the Congregational House. 

Opening up some pages of history

Did you know that the oldest original house on Saint-Charles Street in Longueuil, the home of a blacksmith and tool maker, is located on the heritage site of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM)? Would you be able to recognize an outdoor water stone?  

These are just a few of the discoveries you can make by registering for the guided heritage tour (1 hour in length), offered at 10:15 a.m. and at 1:15 p.m., during this day of activities open to the general public. 

History and heritage enthusiasts can enjoy an outdoor tour of the heritage site that offers a blend of architecture, archeology and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Saint-Antoine Brook.  In case of rain, this tour will take the form of an illustrated presentation indoors. Registration beforehand is required.

A breath of spiritual fresh air

In addition to the heritage aspect, the program includes two other thematic explorations for which preregistration is required. As part of this week marking the anniversary of the beatification of Mother Marie-Rose (May 23, 1982), a commented presentation will be given on the process leading to this consecration by the Catholic Church (45 minutes in length). Many topics will be presented, including the research work done, the miracle, the process and the numerous requests for favours that are still being made to the SNJM foundress. This presentation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and will be repeated at 1:30 p.m. Preregistration beforehand is required.

A spiritual pause will be held in the magnificent chapel built in 1846. A simple reflective process will be offered, focused on the theme of presence, in which participants will be invited to “see the chapel through Mother Marie-Rose’s eyes.” This 30-minute activity will provide a breath of spiritual fresh air in the hectic lives we lead today. On the occasion of this day, the chapel will be set aside exclusively for moments of quiet reflection, except for the two guided spiritual pauses at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Registration beforehand is required.

Celebration

This day of history and heritage activities for all will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Congregational House (the former Longueuil Convent) located at 80 Saint-Charles East, Longueuil. A Eucharistic Celebration commemorating the beatification of Marie-Rose Durocher will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue. This will bring to a close an important day of festivities for the 175th anniversary of SNJMs, an event offered as part of the City of Longueuil’s Journée histoire et patrimoine (History and Heritage Day) series under the cultural development agreement. 

To register for the three thematic explorations that require preregistration, please call 450-651-8104, extension 0 or send an email to reception@snjm.org. We look forward to welcoming all visitors who will come on May 26. Admission is free.

In this year commemorating 175 years of the existence of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), several activities and events are organized to make known the history and heritage of the first teaching congregation of women religious founded by a Canadian, Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. Here is an overview of some of the activities.

The inauguration of the archival exhibition EDUCATE TO LIBERATE on February 28 officially launched in Quebec the 175th anniversary year of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), the first teaching congregation of women religious founded by a Canadian woman. Many guests from all over the greater metropolitan area were present for this special event. As of now, the exhibition is open to the public of all ages, by appointment, at the Congregational House until January 25, 2019.

The evocative theme chosen for this archival exhibition, EDUCATE TO LIBERATE, is reflective of the spirit that inspired the foundress, Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, and the more than 10,000 sisters who have followed in her footsteps throughout these 175 years. In her presentation, Sister Denise Riel, Provincial Animator of SNJMs in Québec, recalled that “Mother Marie-Rose was deeply committed to helping young people develop their full potential. She firmly believed in education as a driver of social change, – a commitment that remains important to this day.”

The exhibition displays documents from the archives that trace the presence of SNJMs in the places across the world where they have lived and worked over the course of 175 years. The documents are grouped according to region. It is noteworthy that the exhibition highlights aspects of their commitments in domains that go well beyond teaching. 

Briefly stated, this exhibition of archival materials is an invitation to discover the diverse works, on three continents, of this congregation that has always sought, and still seeks today, to meet the needs of local communities in education, spirituality, respect for human rights and justice.

Recalling the courage and determination of the foundresses of the congregation, General Councillor Lorna Cooney emphasized their vision as well as their spirit of openness and cooperation with others in the milieu, qualities that remain operative to this day. A pioneer in several spheres of activity, as the exhibition EDUCATE TO LIBERATE demonstrates, the congregation remains active, both in the fields and through its public corporate stands, notably on issues facing migrants and refugees.  

Sister Cooney extended an invitation to the public, including former students, partners, employees and teaching colleagues, to take advantage of the anniversary year to participate in various activities that have been planned. “These events will be opportunities for sharing and discovering various facets of our congregation, as well as times for happy reunions.”

In addition to enjoying the exhibition on the 175th SNJM anniversary, lovers of history, culture, and religious and architectural heritage may also visit Marie-Rose Centre, a museum dedicated to the foundresses. It includes the Foundation House, the chapel and the historic rooms where Mother Marie-Rose lived. Tours focused on specific themes will also offered to those who would like to explore certain areas in more depth. To tour the exhibition and, if you wish, to complement your visit by including the other elements of Marie-Rose Centre, please call 450-651-8104, extension 0, or send an email to reception@snjm.org to make an appointment. Regular visiting hours are from Tuesday to Friday; the summer schedule is from Wednesday to Sunday. The Congregational House is located at 80, rue Saint-Charles Est, Longueuil. 

Special guest: screenwriter Marie Vien

Longueuil, August 1st 2016 – A talk* on The passion of Augustine, according to the SNJMs will take place, mainly in French, on Saturday, August 13 at 1 p.m. at the Congregational House of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). The address is 80, Saint-Charles St. East, Longueuil. Everyone is welcome to attend and meet several sisters who were involved in teaching during the 1960s. You will also be able to meet one of the screenwriters for The passion of Augustine, Marie Vien. Ms. Vien consulted the Sisters of the Holy Names during the preparation of the script for this film which won the best film award at the 2016 Gala du cinéma québécois.

A variety of activities

Part of the cultural activities presented during the City of Longueuil’s Archeology Month, this talk will be followed by a short concert at 3 p.m. in the chapel.

Visitors can also learn about the role played by the SNJMs in Longueuil’s schools and view a mini-exhibit on the lost Saint-Antoine brook, À la recherche du ruisseau perdu. This exhibit will be open all through August.

In addition, visitors can discover the Marie-Rose Center, dedicated to SNJMs foundress, explore several historic rooms and visit the house where the congregation was first established. The Marie-Rose Center is open all summer, Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.

About the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic women religious. In their mission, the SNJMs act with the cooperation of associates, lay consecrated persons, volunteers, colleagues and friends. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. Visit www.snjm.org

*As seating will be limited, it is recommended to reserve your seat prior to the talk by phone: (450) 651-8104 or e-mail: reception@snjm.org

Media relations: Odette Côté, (450) 443-8808

Longueuil, September 14, 2016 – The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are happy to announce their new Congregational Leadership Team elected recently by the delegates of the 34th General Chapter. With a five-year mandate from 2017 to 2021, this new team will take office on January 1, 2017.

• Sister Linda Haydock, Congregational Leader
• Sister Lorna Cooney, Councilor
• Sister Mary Ellen Holohan, Councilor
• Sister Kathleen Ross, Councilor

The Chapter was held at NAV Centre in Cornwall, Ontario, from July 8 to 29, 2016. Inspired by the theme, “An Adventure with the Spirit,” this assembly of sisters and associates identified the core orientation of the Congregation for the next five years.

About the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic women religious. In their mission, SNJMs act with the cooperation of associates, lay consecrated persons, volunteers, colleagues and friends. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the Congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. Visit www.snjm.org

Longueuil, September 12, 2016 — Last week, the Taillon Member of the National Assembly, Ms Diane Lamarre had a nostalgic return to Marie-Rose Centre, located at 80 Saint-Charles Est. Ms. Lamarre visited the chapel, the museum, the historic rooms and the foundation house, and then headed to the archives, where she found written evidence of her time at the old convent. “I have a deep appreciation for how carefully the nuns preserve everything here. What a joy it is to reconnect with my formative years, which had such a great impact on my future choices. Thank you to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, to whom I owe so much,” said Ms. Lamarre.

First season open for tourism

The MNA took the opportunity to congratulate the nuns on Marie-Rose Centre’s success over the summer. In July and August, the Centre welcomed close to 500 visitors. The increased traffic is the result of the centre’s expanded hours, a new partnership with the City of Longueuil and the inclusion of Marie-Rose Centre in the Saint Lawrence River Shrines route. Also the Centre hosted a popular August 13 event, La Passion d’Augustine…selon les SNJM, which featured a talk, a mini concert and an exhibit about the now-gone Saint-Antoine brook.

Historic sites to know and preserve

The experience was so positive that other similar activities are planned for next year. This policy of openness on the part of the Sisters is a deliberate approach to protect heritage. “Although we continue to actively use these historic sites as offices and a residence, we would like to make them more well-known to others. We think this is the best way to ensure they are protected in the medium- and the long-term,” explained Catherine Ferguson, Superior General of the Congregation.

About the SNJM

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic religious women. In their mission, the SNJMs act with the assistance of associates, lay consecrated persons, volunteers, colleagues and friends. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, Quebec, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. To find out more, visit http://www.snjm.org.

Longueuil, May 18, 2016 – Five religious heritage sites have come together to develop the Saint Lawrence River Shrines tour and present the public with a new tourist destination on Montreal’s South Shore.

The official launching took place at the motherhouse of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary with the support of a number of noted guests and local actors.

Members of the partnership include:

• The Saint Francis Xavier Mission and Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Kahnawà:ke
• The Cocathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue, Longueuil
• The Marie-Rose Centre, Longueuil
• The Sainte-Famille Church, Boucherville
• The Sanctuary of Saint Marguerite d’Youville,Varennes

Citations:

1. “The development of this unique experience is the result of a team work enabling us to combine our efforts with other spiritual centres by building on our offering”. Catherine Ferguson, General Superior, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

2. “Tourisme Montérégie is proud to have collaborated in the development of this new venture that presents the religious heritage of the Monteregie and contributes to promoting tourism in our fabulous region.” Josée Julien, General Director, Tourisme Montérégie

3. “This is the opportunity for small shrines like our own to be seen and heard. I invite all those that love history to discover and take pride in their heritage.” Nicole Fournier, a representative of the Gray Nuns of Montreal

4. “Religious tourism is growing throughout the world and our initiative is part of that trend. A group like ours contributes to promoting our heritage and ensuring its sustainability.” Kimberly Cross, Tourism Development Agent, Kahnawà:ke Tourism

5. “Each of the Saint Lawrence River Shrines is a place of welcome, of listening, of humility and friendship. With their individual personalities each blessed person or Saint, witnesses to Christ, invites us to life, to peace and to joy. Come and discover this unique experience!” Christian Rodembourg, pastor, Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue parish

6. “The staff and volunteers are already mobilized and committed to provide a welcoming atmosphere. They will do everything they can to satisfy the visitors every need, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the tourist.” Daniel Boivin, pastor, Saint Famille Parish, Boucherville, Quebec.

The Saint Lawrence River Shrines

The Saint Lawrence River Shrines brings together five sites to bear witness to the religious devotion of the times and the great talent of their creators. From the Mohawk community in Kahnawà:ke to Varennes, to Longueuil and to Boucherville, tourists and pilgrims are welcomed to visit the shrines, all of which are located less than an hour from Montreal. Visit www.sanctuairesdufleuve.com

About the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic women religious. In their mission, the SNJMs act with the cooperation of associates, lay consecrated persons, volunteers, colleagues and friends. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. Visit www.snjm.org

Seven days of intensive work

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, April 13, 2016 – the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are opening today the annual meeting of the Congregation’s Leadership Teams. From April 13 through 19, twenty seven members of the Leadership Teams will meet to review the previous year’s work. The units represented at the meeting will include the Congregation’s General Administration, the provinces of Quebec, Manitoba, Lesotho (Southern Africa), the US-Ontario, as well as its Mission Department. Superior General, Sister Catherine Ferguson, SNJM pointed out that “this will be the first opportunity for many newly elected teams to meet one another in person”.

July 2016, a major gathering

Beyond the normal reports on activities, representatives will discuss preparations for the Congregation’s 34th General Chapter, which will take place in July. It is important to remember that the principle task of General Chapter delegates is the election of the next Leadership Team and the adoption of the Congregation’s objectives for the next five years.

About the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic women religious. In their mission, the SNJMs act with the cooperation of associates, lay consecrated persons, volunteers, colleagues and friends. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. Visit www.snjm.org

On February 8, 2016, let’s pray and share against Human Trafficking!

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – January 30, 2016, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary invites the public, its members and friends to celebrate the Second International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.

February 8th is the date chosen for this day, because it is the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese slave who became a religious and was canonized in 2000.Saint Josephine Bakhita

On this occasion, the Holy Names Sisters will be organizing a number of sharing circles and discussion groups. A special prayer has been written for the Day and is available online here in five languages. This collective prayer will serve as the launching point for discussions and exchange of views. Everyone who is interested is invited to join!

About the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking

Organized by two Pontifical Councils and the International Unions of Superiors General for both women and men religious (the UISG and the USG), the Day will be celebrated in dioceses and parishes throughout the world. The Day is intended to increase public awareness about human trafficking and to promote reflection on the overall situation of violence and injustice that affects and makes “slaves” of the poor and the “voiceless”. To learn more

About human trafficking

According to the International Labour organization (ILO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), approximately 21 million people, often the most poor and vulnerable, are victims of human trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labour, organ theft, forced begging, domestic servitude, forced marriage, illegal adoption or other forms of exploitation. To learn more

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic women religious. In their mission, the SNJMs act with the cooperation of associates, lay consecrated persons, volunteers, colleagues and friends. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. This year, the Congregation is celebrating 11 years of commitment and involvement against human trafficking. Also, the SNJMs actively support two NGO involved against human trafficking: Unanima Internationa and Cathii. Want to learn more? Visit www.snjm.org

MAKE IT HAPPEN ON FACEBOOK!

Longueuil, February 8, 2016 – The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) are enthusiastically launching 2016 with an awareness building campaign promoting opportunities for volunteering with the community.

The objective of the campaign is to facilitate the recruitment of volunteers for six organizations that are connected with the Sisters or SNJM Associates. These organizations serve people on the margins of society. In all, the community hopes to fill 8 positions in four countries.The positions are:

1. Outreach Volunteer (Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa, Brazil)
2. Early Learning Assistant (Heritage University, United States)
3. Cultural Facilitator (Marie-Rose Children’s House, Canada)
4. Outreach Volunteer (Centro « Maria-Rosa » – Perú, Peru)
5. Research and Resource Assistant (IPJC, United States)
6. Kitchen Assistant (Heritage University, United States)
7. Studio Assistant (Artbeat Studio, Canada)
8. Library Assistant (Heritage University, United States)

These postings are part of SNJM’s Solidarity Projects, an exciting program offering opportunities to build a better world. Background information on one of these positions will be featured monthly on our Facebook campaign page.

Join in, “like”, share and promote the campaign

What can you do? Become an active part of this campaign by spreading the word. Help link the right volunteer to the right position. Go to the Facebook campaign page and click the “Like” button. Quick, easy and the most effective way you can keep the SNJM Charism alive! Let’s make it happen! Here is a link to the solidarity projects Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SNJMSolidarityProjects

About the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic women religious. In their mission, the SNJMs act with the cooperation of associates, lay consecrated persons, volunteers, colleagues and friends. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. Visit www.snjm.org