The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary join in solidarity with people around the world in answering the call of Pope Francis in his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’. On this page, you will find some of the many ways that SNJM Sisters, Affiliates and Partners are working on the seven Laudato Si’ goals.
Goal: Response to the Cry of the Earth
Quebec: Letter Writting Activity for Climate Change
In the Quebec Province, Simon Lantz, one of the Justice and Peace Interns invited Sisters and Affiliates to participate in sending postcards to their Parliamentary Deputies sharing their concerns about the negative effects of climate change. Sisters and Affiliates gathered at the Maison Jesus-Marie to write the postcards and share ideas about how each one of us can make a positive impact by protecting the environment.
Goal: Ecological Spirituality
Congregation-wide: Planting trees as a symbol of life
SNJM Sisters, Affiliates and Partners stood together at the threshold of transformation as we began a Congregation-wide journey of renewal, reflection, and learning within a communal experience. We trusted that Ruah, the breath of the Spirit, would enliven and enrich us. Through Thresholds of Transformation (TT), trees served as powerful symbols of life, wisdom, and resilience.
SNJMs planted trees as we began TT. We resonated with the imagery of the sacred web of interconnectedness and communion.
Goal: Response to the Cry of the Poor
Manitoba: Holy Names House of Peace
Holy Names House of Peace, a refuge in the heart of Winnipeg, is an intercultural life-affirming community that welcomes all. Each day many groups and individuals attend programs which promote justice, peace and understanding. People from downtown Winnipeg who live in poverty also find in the House of Peace a sanctuary where they are treated with dignity.
Some of the women who called the House of Peace home in December 2024.
In the heart of the House of Peace is “Neighbours,” a home which empowers 20 newcomer women to begin life anew. Living at the House of Peace for a couple of years the women heal from trauma due to war, poverty, and abuse, learn English, identify strengths, articulate dreams, set goals, regain their professional status, find meaningful employment and further their education.
Recovering from leg surgery, Naziha welcomed guests at the 20th anniversary tea in 2024. Today Dr. Naziha completed her studies and obtained a licentiate from the Canadian Medical Council.
Many volunteers assist in programs and daily living and over 700 guests gather yearly for the Welcome Home Dinner in support of the brave women of the House of Peace. Since its foundation by Sr. Lesley Sacouman, SNJM, in 2004, this project has provided a place of refuge for over 180 newcomer women who found new life in this place of beauty.
In 2023 SNJM Sisters of Manitoba joined many other donors so that the Corporation of the Holy Names House of Peace could purchase the building and continue to offer this transformative ministry where “care for the poor” and “care for creation” intersect in many ways.
Goal: Ecological Economics
U.S.-Ontario: Mercy Greenbrae Apartments at Marylhurst
In, April, 2024, Mercy Greenbrae, an affordable housing residence (100 units) welcomed the first of low-income families to the campus next to the U.S.-Ontario Administrative Offices and on the campus of the former SNJM Marylhurst University.
It was in partnership with the Sisters of the Holy Names that the building obtained the rigorous, performance-based energy efficiency certification as a Passive House USA (PHIUS). The building will not consume fossil fuels and will use 40% less energy than standard buildings. This far exceeds the stringent minimum codes for new buildings. SNJM participation and funds empowered Mercy Housing to construct a building at this level; and SNJM participation with Mercy Housing NW through the years has helped empower countless low-income families to find a home with “wrap-around social services” and a warm spirit of welcome.
The photos show the finished Mercy Greenbrae apartments and the Sisters of the Holy Names at the groundbreaking ceremony, where soil from all other SNJM locations was mixed into the ground.
Goal: Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
Coming soon
Goal: Ecological Education
Brazil: Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa in Maceio, Brazil
After several sessions with the children about the Amazon and its abundance of fauna and flora, they made a model of a beautiful plant found in this biome. It is called Vitoria Regia and has a lovely perfume.
Raising awareness of the beauty of Nature at a young age is one way of ensuring that as adults they will continue to respect all life on the planet. The Director of Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa is Sr. Joanne Pundyk, SNJM. She has been serving in ministries in Brazil since 1987.
Goal: Community Resilience and Empowerment
Lesotho: Report on the National University of Lesotho Millennium Fellowship Students’ Tree-Planting Initiative at Roma Primary School
On October 20, 2024, the Millennium Fellowship students from the National University of Lesotho (NUL) together with sisters of the Holy Names (SNJMs) who are part of Millennium Fellowship, undertook an impactful environmental stewardship initiative at Roma Primary School. This endeavor, centered on tree planting, sought to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices within the local community. The students planted an array of indigenous trees across the school’s premises to help fight environmental problems like climate change and soil erosion.
Fellowship members and SNJMs also talked to the learners about why protecting the environment is important and how trees contribute to cleaner air, better soil, and a healthier planet. By involving young students, the project aimed to inspire them to take care of nature and understand the importance of trees in our lives. This initiative shows how young people can make a positive difference in their communities and support global efforts to protect the environment.
