There are several reasons why the remains of Mother Marie-Rose, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), are in the Co-Cathedral.
Since 1925, the tomb of Mother Marie-Rose has been at the Motherhouse in Outremont. At the time of the sale of the latter in 2004, those in charge of the Congregation wanted Mother Marie-Rose to return to her roots in Longueuil. It must be said that their foundress and her two companions pronounced their vows in the church of the time. It is also in this place that the funeral of Mother Marie-Rose took place on October 8, 1849, where the population, moved by this tragedy, gathered.
Longueuil was the cradle of the Congregation, whose educational work quickly spread beyond its borders. The presence of the SNJM in Longueuil has always been maintained since its foundation in 1843.
Finally, on May 23, 1982, Mother Marie-Rose was beatified by Pope John Paul II. This consecration presents her henceforth as an inspiring figure to the people of God.
“Her example enlightens our path, stimulates our courage and sustains our hope,” said Bishop Bernard Hubert in his homily during the celebration of thanksgiving in Rome, three days after her beatification. The relocation of Mother Marie-Rose’s tomb to the chapel named after her, in the co-cathedral, is part of this desire. It facilitates access for pilgrims who can pray to her, express their requests or thank her.
Such a decision required many administrative and legal steps (exhumation, new burial place, transfer of the remains…) A memorandum of understanding binds the Congregation and the parish of the diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and specifies the responsibilities of both parties. It confirms the ownership of the tomb, the permanent objects related to Mother Marie-Rose and the exterior monument, to the parish.
