As Manitobans were preparing to celebrate the province’s 150 birthday in 2020, the Nellie McClung Foundation called for nominations for the 150 Manitoba Women Trailblazer Awards. These Trailblazer Awards were to “honour Nellie McClung’s vision by recognizing the spirit of her life’s work being advanced by women leaders of today or throughout Manitoba’s history.” The 150 Manitoba Women Trailblazers recipients were announced on January 28th, 2021, the 105th Anniversary of most Manitoba women being the first in Canada to receive the right to vote.

We are proud to report that the Manitoba community of The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary has been selected to receive recognition as a Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer award recipient.

We are also pleased that six of our Sisters have been selected individually as Trailblazers: Sister Angelica of Mary, Sister Luc d’Antioche; and four others who are alumnae of our schools – Sister Carol Peloquin (St. Jean-Baptiste, Duluth, Minnesota), Sister Geraldine MacNamara C.M., LL.B, (St. Mary’s Academy ’55), Sister Agathe Dorge (Ste Agathe) and Sister Léonne Dumesnil, C.M. (Ste Agathe).

Former students from our SNJM schools were well represented in the 150 Manitoba Women Trailblazers recipient list:

Catherine Mulaire, (nee Lacerte, Couvent de Longueuil, P.Q., circa 1858)

Mary Dyma (nee Sawczak, St. Mary’s Academy ’22)

Joan Mary Harland (St. Mary’s Academy ’32)

Eira “Babs” Friesen C.M., (nee Charles, St. Mary’s Academy ’36)

Leanne Boyd  (St. Mary’s Academy ’69)

Honourable Judge Kimberly Prost LL.B., (St. Mary’s Academy ’76)

Senator Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M., (St. Pierre Jolys)

Gabrielle Roy, C.C., F.R.S.C., (Académie St-Joseph ‘28)

Also worthy of recognition are the Sisters and alumnae who were among the more than 300 nominees:

Aglae Lorena “Dollee” Chevrier (St. Mary’s Academy 1895)

Dr. Reeni Soni (nee Bose, St. Mary’s Academy ’85)

Parusia Purohit, N.P., (St. Mary’s Academy ’91)

Johanna Seier, (St. Mary’s Academy 2011)

Congratulations to all!

Due to pandemic restrictions there will be no public celebration but the Nellie McClung Foundation will publish a virtual book recognizing award recipients and nominees.

Read about the Nellie McClung Foundation and the Manitoba 150 Trailblazers at https://www.nelliemcclungfoundation.com/about

 

In April, when the pandemic lockdown was starting a second month the Archdiocese of St. Boniface recognized there was a need to reach out to people feeling isolated and anxious. The plan was to provide a telephone hotline that people could call to talk to a friendly, compassionate person at the other end.

Volunteers for this listening service were recruited from various religious congregations, including from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Sisters Cathy Laviolette, Yolande Marion and Carmen Catellier responded to the invitation. Sister Cathy describes her reaction:

“COVID is real!  In prayer I said to the Lord … Show me how I can serve during this lockdown time! The phone rings!  Diane, one of the coordinators from the Archdiocese of St. Boniface is on the line. “Cathy what do you think of this idea … setting up a roster of Compassionate Listeners for those who are isolated, anxious or needing to talk to someone.  Would you be available?”

What a great idea, I say, and yes, I am available … and I am sure other Holy Names sisters would be too.

Diane explains that she has also asked other communities to join in this effort.

So, I contacted two of our sisters, Sr. Carmen and Sr. Yolande to join in this endeavor. Within a day or two, flyers were posted here at Despins Residence and in all the seniors residences in the area. Another way to be attentive to the needs of our times!”

The Compassionate Listeners outreach service launched April 21st. Sisters have now spent one month talking to strangers in need, offering comfort, friendship, and prayers.