Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, November 30, 2015 – The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) ask the general public, their members and friends to join them in praying that the United Nations Conference on Climate Change manages to come together to develop a fair, practical and legally binding agreement.

To pray in an informed manner

The SNJM’s Justice and Peace Network also encourages everyone to become more informed about and to reflect on the issue of climate change from a spiritual perspective. The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center, an SNJM sponsored NGO, has developed two educational guides to help inform and structure this reflection:

• “Climate Change: Our Call to Conversion” a booklet offering four training sessions on climate change
• A new “Laudato Si’ Reflection Guide”, which provides additional information along with extracts from “Laudato Si’ ” Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment and issues of human ecology. The guide is intended to help facilitate understanding of Pope Francis’ message.

These documents will be translated into French shortly. Click here for more information

Sister of the Holy Names in Paris

In 2008, the Sisters of the Holy Names took a position promoting universal access to drinking water, which is very much threatened by climate change, particularly for the most vulnerable. The congregation is also a founding and sponsoring member of UNANIMA International, an NGO that enjoys consultative status with, the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Barbara Spears, an SNJM representative on UNANIMA’s board of directors, is part of the organization’s delegation to the COP 21, the Paris Conference on Climate Change. During and after the conference, she will be continuing her advocacy work around this vital issue.

More about 2015 United Nations Conference on Climate Change

The Paris Conference on Climate Change will take place from November 30 to December 11, 2015 in Bourget, France. The participants in this conference are the nations who have signed the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and those who want to be involved in the negotiation of the convention to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The overarching goal of the annual meetings is to develop a Convention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit the global temperature increase to 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. For more information go to http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/

About UNANIMA International

UNANIMA is a coalition of 19 congregations of Roman Catholic Sisters which advocates at the UN for the improvement of the economic and social conditions of all peoples. Its members carry out various humanitarian projects on all continents. Through UNANIMA, marginalized persons are brought to the UN to speak their own truth. The UNANIMA offices are conveniently located in New York, near the United Nations Headquarters: www.unanima-international.org

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

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) say NO tho Human Trafficking

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – October 21 – An SNJM delegation of about 50 women, a good number over 80, join thousands of other women to walk the streets of Trois-Rivières as part of the 4th World March of Women. Colourful posters and a catchy slogan drew attention to their participation in the March.

Opposed to the traffic in human beings

The Sisters of the Holy Names use the opportunity to denounce the traffic in human beings. In an effort to promote human rights and to combat the traffic in women and children and their sexual exploitation, or forced labour, the Congregation took a position on the issue in 2004. Dedicated to the struggle, the Congregation works on its own and in collaboration with other organizations to promote policies and programs to put an end to the illegal traffic in human beings.

An ongoing struggle

During the March, the SNJM were particularly touched by the support and solidarity shown indigenous women. Sr. Denise Riel, the SNJM’s Quebec provincial facilitator, was particularly struck by one of the placards that read “If we are to stay standing, we need to keep moving”.

Sr. Lise Gagnon, who has been actively involved in the movement going back to the 1995 Bread and Roses March, was brimming with enthusiasm. “I feel a real joy every time I participate. It is exciting and encouraging to see that the values promoted by the World March of Women affect everyone, people of every ethnic origin, the young, and the not so young alike. More and more, we realize that we need to fight to preserve what has been gained. Indeed, the resounding success of the 4th World March should encourage all of the groups involved to intensify their work for equality and justice.”

Giving voice to the voiceless

Even if difficult to put into words, many of the SNJM’s 50 person contingent were moved by the solidarity and intense human chemistry that they experienced. There was a clear consensus that everyone was proud to have added their voices to the tens of thousands of women in attendance and to have borne witness to intolerable situations of poverty and violence around the world.

Perhaps Sr. Catherine Ferguson, the Superior General of the SNJM, said it best in concluding that “the World March of Women was a concrete way for us to express our solidarity with all of the women in the world suffering from violence and injustice. It was also an ideal opportunity to denounce all forms of violence perpetrated by the trade in human beings against women, men and families”.

Before becoming Superior General, Sr. Ferguson was one of the founders of UNANIMA, an international NGO with representative status at the United Nations. Sr. Ferguson has always been pleased and impressed to witness the strength of the Québec feminist movement’s solidarity. “In their representations to the United Nations, Québec women’s groups are a strong voice of solidarity for women’s equality. I have always sensed a good deal of affinity between it and the values of our Congregation. I am very proud and happy to have been able to join with the movement today.”

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

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – October 14, 2015 – Building on their commitment to advance the cause of women throughout the world, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary will participate in the fourth edition of the World March of Women, which will take place in Trois-Rivières on October 17.

The Sisters, many of whom are over 80, have chartered a 56 passenger bus to bring them to the March. The Quebec SNJM sisters will be joining an international delegation of sisters from Lesotho, Peru, the United States and Manitoba. Together, they will demonstrate their solidarity with the cause of women and with the theme of this year’s March, “Reclaiming Our Bodies, Our Territories, Our Communities!”

Preparations well under way

The Congregation and all of its participating sisters, consecrated persons and associates are actively involved in a solidarity campaign that will see thousands of women coming together at the Trois-Rivières event. At this point, the elderly sisters are actively involved in making their own banners that capture and symbolize the sisters ‘commitment to the March and to the cause it stands for.

The public invited to participate!

The sisters’ preparations for the March will reach its high point with a brief celebration on Saturday, October 17 at 8 pm. The public is invited to express its solidarity with, and give its blessing to, the elderly sisters just before they board the bus for Trois-Rivières. The departure and celebration will take place at the Maison Jésus-Marie parking lot at 86, Saint-Charles Street East, Longueuil.

More about the SNJM’s

Founded by Blessed Eulalie Durocher in Longueuil, Quebec in 1843, the Congregation of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) has always stood at the core of the cause of women with its devotion to the education of young girls in the rural areas. Today, this international congregation works in collaboration with associates, consecrated persons, volunteers, friends and colleagues throughout the world and is active on three continents. For more information on the Congregation and its international work visit www.snjm.org, orwww.snjm.qc.ca for information on its work in Quebec.

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – September 11, 2015 – Tomorrow, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) launches a consultation process leading to its 34th General Chapter. Chapter preparations will culminate in July 2016 with a major gathering of SNJM delegates and guests. The General Chapter is the opportunity for the sisters and Associates to actively participate in the development of the life and mission of the SNJM Congration.

A participatory process

The next few months will see a series of small group meetings within the five SNJM entities: the Lesotho, Manitoba, Quebec and U.S.-Ontario Provinces and the Mission-Sector. Participants will utilize video conferencing and other innovative technologies to ensure maximum participation.

The consultations will help situate the Congregation, identify future challenges and contribute to the General Chapter’s agenda, while identifying prospective candidates for the Congregation’s next Leadership Team. Background documents and process materials will be distributed and explained in an effort to promote participation and enhance the dialogue.

July 2016, the main event

General Chapter delegates will be meeting from July 8 to 28, 2016 with the task of electing the next Leadership Team and identifying the Congregation’s common objectives for the next five years. All major decisions will be made by consensus during this time of intense listening and of discerning God’s will for the Congregation’s mission in the Church and in the world.

About the SNJM

The Congregation of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic religious women. The SNJM pursues its mission in collaboration with its Associates, consecrated laity, volunteers, friends and colleagues. With a mandate to educate, the Congregation was founded in Longueuil, Quebec in 1843. It is currently active on three continents. For more information, visit www.snjm.org.

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – January 30, 2015 -the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary invites the public, its members and friends to celebrate the First International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. The Day will take place on February 8, the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese slave who became a religious and was canonized in2000.

 The SNJM Justice and Peace Committee encourages the public to get involved, to sign a petition, to demonstrate, to buy a fair trade product, to make a friend aware. Actions that anyone can do. Let’s have real impact together. The Congregation will be organizing a number of sharing circles and discussion groups. A special prayer has been written for the Day and is available online. Our collective prayer will serve as the launching point for our discussions. 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

About the SNJM Sisters

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) is an international community of Catholic women religious. Those affiliated with them include associates and lay consecrated persons. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. This year, the Congregation is celebrating 10 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

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, July 23, 2015 – After six days of concentrated activities and exchanges, the 50 participants in the SNJM -Youth Justice Forum left for home full of enthusiasm and ready to take action for social justice on the home front be it in Canada, in the United States, or in Lesotho.

The 2015 SNJM Youth Justice Forum, the third in the series, attracted dynamic young women leaders from 13 schools affiliated with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). The Forum proved an extraordinary and exhilarating experience of intercultural and intergenerational solidarity for the 15 to 17-year-old participants.

Exchanges, volunteering, learning, and yes enjoying!

Delegates shared their thoughts in group presentations on pressing Forum issues like the trafficking in human beings, the right to safe drinking water, and migration of peoples. Participants discussed and honed the social action work they had been involved with over the school year with their peers.

Forum participants enthusiastically devoted a full day to volunteering with one of six local charitable organizations:

• The St-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral
• The Maison Jesus–Marie, a seniors’ residence
• The Repas du passant, a soup kitchen
• The Beauharnois Maison des enfants Marie-Rose, a community centre for children
• The Step-up Centre for the intellectually handicapped, and the
• Moisson Rive-Sud, a food bank.

“I would like to thank the SNJM Youth Justice Forum for last Friday’s visit. This visit was greatly appreciated as it helped the Moisson Rive-Sud achieve its mission”, explained Lysa Villeneuve, Moisson’s events and communications coordinator.

As part of the Forum, participants were actively engaged in laying the groundwork for a social justice project back home. We expect to hear more about the impact of the student’s projects over the coming months.
However, all was not work and the delegates enjoyed free time, many laughs, and the opportunity to be together and to make new friends. Everyone enjoyed the “treasure hunt” in Old Longueuil and Old Saint Lambert. The tour of Old Montreal and the fireworks display will be fondly remembered for years to come.

Many thanks to the volunteers!

This unique event could not have happened without the dedicated work of a dozen core volunteers, and as many as three dozen supporters. While some worked with the teams in preparation for the Forum, others played support roles over the course of the event itself. Our committed volunteer team proved more than equal to the logistical challenges of organizing visits, accommodations and transportation, and of preparing the more than 900 meals that were served over the course of the event.

A Facebook event!

Friends and family were able to follow Forum participants and their activities on a daily basis through a special Youth Justice Forum Facebook page created for this purpose. The Facebook page is still active at SNJMYouthJusticeForum.  Feel free to visit!

A fourth SNJM Youth Justice Forum?

With such a huge success, can we dare to think about a fourth SNJM Youth Justice Forum, and if so, what country will play host? “We think it might be a little bit premature to make a decision on this at this time. Everything depends on the resources and collaborators available”, explained Yvonne Massicotte, SNJM’s Justice and Peace NetworkAdministrative Coordinator, and a key Forum organizer.

More about the SNJM Youth Justice Forum

The SNJM Youth Justice Forum is an international extracurricular activity developed in 2009 to promote collaboration between young people in the common effort to combat injustices and to work for the betterment of the world. It involves students from SNJM founded secondary schools.

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

SNJM Youth Justice Forum – 3rd Edition

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – July 13, 2015 – what do trafficking in human beings, the right to water and the situation of migrants have in common? All three issues are at the centre of the Third SNJM Youth Justice Forum which will take place from 15 through 20 of July at Durocher College in Saint-Lambert, on Montréal’s South Shore. 40 students from Lesotho, United States and Canada, have given up a part of their summer holidays to come to grips with and act on these key challenges to humanity.

The participants, female students from 13 schools affiliated to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), will be sharing their thoughts and knowledge with experts in each of the theme areas. The Forum has proven itself a real vehicle for intercultural and intergenerational solidarity by engaging young women between the ages of 15 and 17.

More engaged citizens

Organized by the Justice and Peace Network of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, this will be the third such Forum. The international component of the meeting will allow young women from various parts of the world to inspire one another and to become more involved in world affairs. “We hope to create links that will propel the students beyond their normal horizons to create more engaged citizens, citizens that are very conscious of the ideals of justice and peace upheld by our community. The Forum is also intended to pass on to young people the passion for others that was expressed by our foundress, Mother Marie-Rose”, explained Yvonne Massicotte, SNJM, Administrative Coordinator of the SNJM Justice and Peace Network.

In addition, Forum participants will share the experience of volunteering with various charitable organizations. These same young women from very different countries will also take up the challenge of organizing some sort of social action upon their return home.

Immigration, the traffic in human beings and the right to water… on the agenda:
The 2015 Youth Forum will be a veritable plunge into learning more about the realities facing migrants, a theme that will be dealt with on the opening day of the Forum. The other days will deal with two other global themes, the traffic in human beings and the right to safe drinking water about which the Congregation has taken clear positions.

In addition, Forum participants will share the experience of volunteering with various charitable organizations. These same young women from very different countries will also take up the challenge of organizing some sort of social action upon their return home.

Follow them on Facebook

To know more about the programming of the activities, to encourage the participants or just to follow their personal and collective experiences, all you need to do is to consult the SNJM Youth Justice Forum Facebook Page.

More about the SNJM Youth Justice Forum

The SNJM Youth Justice Forum is an international extracurricular activity developed in 2009 to promote collaboration between young people in the common effort to combat injustices and to work for the betterment of the world. It involves students from SNJM founded secondary schools.

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

Follow them on Facebook

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – June 18th, 2015 – Concerned about injustice in the world and ready to act, some 40 students from Lesotho, the United States and Canada will participate in the SNJM Youth Justice Forum. Thirteen different schools affiliated to the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) will be represented at the Forum, which will take place from July 15th to 20th at Durocher College in Saint Lambert on the outskirts of Montreal (Quebec, Canada).

More engaged citizens

Organized by the Justice and Peace Network of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, this will be the third such Forum. The international component of the meeting will allow young women from various parts of the world to inspire one another and to become more involved in world affairs. “We hope to create links that will propel the students beyond their normal horizons to create more engaged citizens, citizens that are very conscious of the ideals of justice and peace upheld by our community. The Forum is also intended to pass on to young people the passion for others that was expressed by our foundress, Mother Marie-Rose”, explained Yvonne Massicotte, SNJM, Administrative Coordinator of the SNJM Justice and Peace Network.

Immigration, the traffic in human beings and the right to water… on the agenda:
The 2015 Youth Forum will be a veritable plunge into learning more about the realities facing migrants, a theme that will be dealt with on the opening day of the Forum. The other days will deal with two other global themes, the traffic in human beings and the right to safe drinking water about which the Congregation has taken clear positions.

Forum participants will also be involved in volunteer experiences with various social organizations. They will use their time in Quebec to better understand the Francophone reality and will undertake a pilgrimage to the founding home of the Congregation, the Marie-Rose Centre in nearby Longueuil, Quebec.

Outside of their involvement in rituals and presentations on the themes, SNJM Youth Forum delegates from each school will be challenged to design and carry out a social project upon their return home.

Follow them on Facebook

To know more about the programming of the activities, to encourage the participants or just to follow their personal and collective experiences, all you need to do is to consult the SNJM Youth Justice Forum Facebook Page.

More about the SNJM Youth Justice Forum

The SNJM Youth Justice Forum is an international extracurricular activity developed in 2009 to promote collaboration between young people in the common effort to combat injustices and to work for the betterment of the world. It involves students from SNJM founded secondary schools.

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. Those affiliated with them include associates and lay consecrated persons. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. Visit www.snjm.org

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada – June 1, 2015 – Many tributes were paid to Sister Mariette Payment, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), at her funeral held on Wednesday, May 27th at the chapel of Maison Jésus-Marie, in Longueuil.

Among the great number of people present for this occasion were members of her immediate family, former colleagues and many sisters from the SNJM Congregation.

An extraordinary contribution

Catherine Ferguson, Superior General of the SNJM Congregation, highlighted the importance of Sister Mariette for her community. “Whether as a teacher, doctor of literature, churchwoman, missionary or member of a leadership team, she shared her many talents throughout her religious life. As Superior General, she promoted unity at a time when there were cultural and national divisions among us.”

A woman of unity

That Mariette “strongly desired unity in diversity for our whole congregation” was also affirmed by Florence Vinet, SNJM, during a tribute commemorating the time spent under her leadership. “Mariette, throughout these years, you have been a loyal, energetic, realistic, committed and efficient person who has brought people together… You knew how to welcome our differing opinions respectfully and how to trust us. “

A time for rest among her peers

The body of Sister Mariette Payment has been buried in the cemetery located behind the Congregational House where all the deceased former Superior Generals of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are buried.

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. Those affiliated with them include associates and lay consecrated persons. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents.
Visit www.snjm.org

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, 28 May 2015 — The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) are pleased to present an improved version of their new website at the address www.snjm.org.

A community that listens to its members

In April 2014, a first version of the website was launched. At the invitation of the Congregational Leadership Team, and with a view to continuous improvement, members and friends of the congregation were asked to give us their suggestions. In recent months, we have analysed all comments and made several changes.

A redesign inspired by the latest trends

With the help of a specialised company, the new structure of the website revolves around new lines of communication, which allows for a more targeted search engine optimization. In summary, the services offered by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are now easier to find and better presented.

Varied services

Whether the search is about social justice, education or spirituality, the website informs about:

• The opportunities for volunteering with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary;
• Using SNJM educational material about three important issues;
• Services and resources promoting spiritual development.

How to keep up-to-date with what’s going on
The SNJMs encourage all those interested in the activities of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to visit the new website and subscribe to the Newsletter of the General Administration.

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. Those affiliated with them include associates and lay consecrated persons. Founded in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada, the congregation carries out its mission of education on three continents. Visit www.snjm.org