A woman of faith, of mission, and of heart

It is with deep sadness, but filled with hope, that we learned of the death of Sister Jacqueline Brage Garcia, m.i.c., on March 18, 2025 in Laval, at the age of 74.

Born in Camaguey, Cuba, Sister Jacqueline was a missionary of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (M.I.C.), deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and driven by an unwavering love for the Virgin Mary and for young people. She dedicated her life to serving others, with special attention to the poorest, children, young people, and every person she met, whom she always regarded with unique tenderness and dignity.

A sower of joy, faith and hope

Twenty-eight years ago, Sister Jacqueline launched a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary with the help of young Spanish Catholics from Montreal. What began as a simple missionary initiative has become a true Marian festival, celebrated year after year with songs, dances, catechesis and fellowship. She humbly affirmed:

“We work as a team, listening to each other's suggestions and to Mary, who was a woman like any other.”

This festival, like her mission to young people, was characterized by evangelical joy, listening, and faith lived together.

A faithful presence at Mission Jeunesse MTL

Sister Jacqueline collaborated for several years with Mission Jeunesse MTL, particularly through the Mond'Ami network, which brought together children and young people from diverse backgrounds around projects of solidarity, faith and fraternity. She actively participated in diocesan events, and her presence radiated simplicity, enthusiasm and love.

She also took part in several World Youth Days (WYD), the last of which was in Panama in 2019, which she experienced as an unforgettable pilgrimage of communion and faith.

A deeply human and spiritual woman

Sister Jacqueline knew how to take time. She knew how to listen. Sometimes she would just call to ask, “How are you?”

I will never forget our last call - a simple gesture to tell me that she was thinking of me and praying for me. It perfectly sums up who she was: an attentive, discreet soul, inhabited by prayer and turned towards others.

Isabel Correa
Director
Mission Jeunesse - Youth Ministry
Archdiocese of Montreal

Testimonials

On behalf of the catechesis of the Mission Santa Teresa de Ávila, the catechists, parents, children and young people who had the blessing of sharing the Mond'Ami project with Sister Jacqueline for several years, we would like to offer this testimony as a living legacy of her presence. I give the floor to Marianne:

"Sister Jacqueline was always kind to everyone she met. She helped each and every one of them. She wanted to change the world for poor children and encouraged us to get involved and help them.

I remember her as a joyful person with a big smile on her face.

I remember when she invited us to her home, the sisters' house. We shared breakfast, then she gave us a tour of the convent. She showed us every corner with such joy.

All this to say that Sister Jacqueline will always remain in our hearts. Every time we think of the poor and do something for them, it is certain that a smile will appear on her face, and she will be proud of it.

Rest in peace in Christ, Sister Jacqueline."

— Marianne Cacho (child)

— Edith Villalon

We also invite you to watch the video testimony of Fr. Pierangelo Paternieri, c.s., episcopal vicar and director of the Office of Cultural and Ritual Communities of the Diocese of Montreal.

In his tribute, he recalls how Sister Jacqueline Brage was “a great woman who leaves us a legacy of kindness, love, faith and commitment to others.”

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