Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal paid a pastoral visit to Les Pionnières on May 28, a care residence on the historic Sisters of Holy Cross campus in Saint-Laurent dedicated exclusively to women religious from multiple congregations. The visit was the latest in his ongoing pastoral ministry to the diocese's elderly and infirm religious communities.

The day began with a welcome address by Sister Claire Vanier of the Sisters of Holy Cross, pastoral coordinator of the residence, followed by a gathering with the sisters during which the Archbishop spoke about the life of the Church in Montreal, today's pastoral challenges and the signs of hope he sees in the diocese. He then celebrated the Eucharist before joining the residents for the midday meal.

In his address, Archbishop Lépine expressed his deep gratitude to the sisters for their faithfulness and decades of living witness to the Gospel.

"It is not a matter of success, but of fruitfulness," he said, recalling that the many years these women devoted to education, healthcare, ministry to the vulnerable and pastoral life continue to bear fruit today.

The Archbishop spoke of the many young adults who are increasingly turning to parishes and Christian communities in search of meaning, truth and hope. This spiritual renewal, in his view, is rooted in the unbroken witness of generations of consecrated persons.

"God continues to work in hearts," he said. "What we see today is also the fruit of lives faithfully given through the years."

Archbishop Lépine also shared his conviction that the Church in Montreal is experiencing a time of genuine hope. Despite the challenges of recent decades, he sees a new spirit of mission driven by the desire of many to rediscover the Christian faith and the person of Jesus Christ.

In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on how baptism draws all the baptized into Christ's own mission as priest, prophet and king, and on consecrated life as a particular expression of that call. He reminded the sisters that religious life is above all a response of love to Christ, lived in self-giving and trust.

Addressing the sisters directly, he said: "Your lives are lives given. They bear witness that it is worth living, worth loving and worth giving oneself to God for humanity."

Following the meal, Archbishop Lépine made his way through each floor of the residence, visiting and praying with the infirm, before gathering with the other sisters for a time of warm conversation.

The visit was coordinated by Sister Jacqueline Tchamgbade, sndt, director of the diocesan Office for Consecrated Life, and her assistant, Sister Guerla Alexis, sp, together with Martina Arapovic, Director of Operations at the residence.

This pastoral visit reflects Archbishop Lépine's commitment to maintaining close ties with the religious communities that have shaped the history of the local Church and who, through their prayer, their presence and their witness, continue to sustain its mission today.

The Archdiocese of Montreal gives thanks for the invaluable contribution of the sisters of Les Pionnières and of all religious communities who, by their faithfulness to Christ, continue to be witnesses of hope for the local Church.

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Joanne Dorcé
Content Manager and Assistant Director,
Communications Department
Archdiocese of Montreal