Christmas today

Even on a 25th of December, the news is bad: wars in different regions of the world are ignored, millions of human beings suffer from famine, a worldwide financial crash is causing havoc, a homeless man died in the cold, natural disasters are detected here and there, human beings are not recognized in their dignity, women die just because they are women, honest workers not able to provide food to their children, children are abandoned. And what else?...

Amidst all of this, speaks of hope shine forth. Volunteers give of their time for the less fortunate; ordinary people share the little they do have; children are becoming aware of the plight of the planet; women are reclaiming their rights and those of their loved ones; with many collaborators, a Dr. Julien devotes himself to social psychiatry for children, international workers are making a difference, trying to change unacceptable life conditions; women and men are turning to simplicity of life. And what else? ...

Hope for a better life lies dormant, deeply in each one’s heart. Christmas rekindles hope. This hope can be kept burning through each one of us. What if… Christmas occurred more frequently? …

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR

TO EACH AND EVERYONE!

Sr. Monique Thériault s.n.j.m.

Revision: Sr. Bernadette Lemire s.n.j.m.

Welcome to our SNJM Blog

December 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, is one of the most important days in our SNJM Congregation. Mary holds a major place in our spirituality. Throughout our history, this day has always been celebrated in a special way and it is also an occasion for the Sisters to renew their vows.

December 8, 1844 highlights three important events:

• the canonical status of the Congregation
• the religious profession of the first three members: Eulalie Durocher, Mélodie Dufresne and Henriette Céré
• the nomination of Sister Marie-Rose as the first superior of the community by Msgr Ignace Bourget

Back then, who would have imagined that this small seed would expand throughout the world into a giant tree?

Back then, who could have envisioned that, 164 years later, the Congregation would not only have physically spread to many countries in the world, but would also be a part of the world wide web?

This is what we are celebrating today by offering you our new website. Since 2001, the site found at http://www.snjm.qc.ca/ has been active and has attempted to maintain communication with relatives, friends and former students. You have been able to follow our community activities and ministries and you have seen the unfolding of our history.

Today, we are offering you, yet another way, to communicate with us in a new and dynamic way, we hope. We want to continue to share some of the important moments and events of our SNJM life with you.

We also want to hear from you and that is the purpose of this Blog. We are looking forward to your comments, reactions, questions and suggestions.

Welcome to our Blog!

Sr. Monique Thériault s.n.j.m.

Translation: Sr Pat O'Neill s.n.j.m.