A celebration commemorating the 40th anniversary of the beatification of Marie Rose Durocher will be held Saturday, May 21, with Bishop Claude Hamelin of the diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil presiding, assisted by Fr. Charles Mangongo. The event will be held at the Co-cathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue in Longueuil at 4:30 p.m., and will be followed by a welcome reception with the Sisters of the Saints Noms de Jésus et de Marie Congregation (SNJM).

Silent pilgrimage

In addition, a “silent pilgrimage” will take place from 3:30 p.m. and beginning at the historical site of the SNJM. Those interested in taking part in this aspect of the celebration will walk outside along a route from the Foundation house to the former Longueuil Convent, continuing from there to the cemetery of the SNJM and then to the monument and the Marie-Rose Chapel at the Co-cathedral. A booklet will be provided to participants to facilitate their meditation on the values of Marie-Rose Durocher.

Individuals by themselves, couples and groups are all invited to take part in the pilgrimage, which will take approximately 30 minutes. Those interested in this special experience on Saturday, May 21, must register by email at: lisegendron@snjm.qc.ca or by telephone at: (450) 651-3744, ext. 1410. Please note that the number of participants is limited and that this part of the celebration will be postponed in the event of rain.
We would remind everyone that the foundress of the SNJM was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Rome on May 23, 1982. The Holy Father’s act was the culmination of a long process which recognized a miracle that had been obtained through the intercession of Marie-Rose Durocher. For the occasion of this anniversary, the Sisters of the SNJM of Quebec have created a short video to illustrate their foundress’s charism, both past and future.