The theme of the third International Archives Week is “Empowering Archives”.
Virtual events are being held to address a variety of issues including the role of archives in strengthening accountability and transparency, the contribution of networking and collaboration, and challenging the way we do things to improve archival practice.
This week is also an opportunity to highlight the essential role of archives in our society. “Archives record decisions, actions and memories. Archives are a unique and irreplaceable heritage passed from one generation to another. Archives are managed from creation to preserve their value and meaning. They are authoritative sources of information underpinning accountable and transparent administrative actions. They play an essential role in the development of societies by safeguarding and contributing to individual and community memory.”(Excerpt from the Universal Declaration on Archives)
Let us recall that, since their foundation in 1843, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have taken care of recording the activities of the Congregation and thus making an act of remembrance. Even today, the SNJM Central Archives Department can count on the contribution of a few sisters who collaborate with the lay personnel in place.