BLESSED MARIE ROSE DUROCHER: BRIEF BIO, REFLECTION

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[Salvation]

BLESSED MARIE ROSE DUROCHER: BRIEF BIO, REFLECTION

Eulalie Durocher was born Born October 6, 1811 at St. Antoine (a small village near Montreal) in Quebec, Canada, the tenth of eleven children. At the age of 16 she felt she had a vocation to the religious life, but was turned away because of her frail health. At eighteen, following the death of her mother, her priest brother invited her and her father to come to his parish which was not far from Montreal . For twelve years she served as his housekeeper and facilitator of pastoral activities. In this capacity, she became known for her graciousness, her gift of hospitality, and her leadership skills. This position also opened her eyes to the great need for instruction of youth - especially for young women who received very little education at that time in Canada.

It was Eulalie's dream that every parish be blessed with an order of teaching sisters, although she never imagined that she would be the founder due to her poor health and family responsibilities. However, with the encouragement of both her spiritual director and at the request of Bishop Bishop Ignace Bourget, she went to Longueuil to found the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary with her companions Henriette Cere and Melodie Dufresne. On December 8, 1844, she made her religious profession, taking the name Sister Marie Rose. The Sisters of the Holy name of Jesus and Mary were dedicated to providing Christian education for the poor and the neglected. Today, the congregation's mission continues in Canada, the United States, Africa, Haiti, and South America with 1385 religious and 561 associates.

Sister Marie Rose died at the age of 38 on October 6, 1849 of natural causes. She was beatified on May 23, 1982 by Pope John Paul II.

Patronage: Bodily ills; loss of parents; illness; frail health.

Symbols: Lilies; lilies of the valley; white rose (these flowers are symbols of virginity); book (symbol of monastic rule).

Reflection: Although Blessed Marie was an unlikely candidate for founding an active order of teaching nuns due to her frail health, God worked powerfully through her despite and perhaps because of her weakness. Think of those "imperfect" babies who are being aborted today due to simple "defects" such as a cleft palate or other disability. God has a purpose for each one of them in this world and needs each of his children to preach the gospel message and convert the world through their own uniqueness and combination of individual gifts and talents. If He can give Blessed Marie Rose the grace of faith, courage, perseverance, and strength to transcend her health problems and accomplish such monoumental tasks, what graces does he have in store for the babe in the womb who may be slaughtered today? Every life is precious -- made in the image and likeness of God. Every life is a unique gift from God, created for a specific purpose. Every life is a manifestation of His unconditional and eternal love.

[Salvation]

The Sisters of the Holy name of Jesus and Mary were dedicated to providing Christian education for the poor and the neglected. Today, the congregation's mission continues in Canada, the United States, Africa, Haiti, and South America with 1385 religious and 561 associates.

[Salvation]

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[Salvation]

BLESSED MARIE ROSE DUROCHER: BRIEF BIO, REFLECTION
Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, Foundress of the Siters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

[NYer]

Sisters of the Holy name of Jesus and Mary

This is the community that once ran Academy of the Holy Names here in Albany, my new employer. They abandoned the habit back in the 60's. Yesterday, a smiling woman, dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, excused herself as she bumped a metal cart down the hall where our offices are situated. She stopped to introduce herself as Sister Beatrice .... "but you can call me Be!" I shook my head and said, "Sorry, Sister. I am from the old school. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sister Beatrice." She smiled and lowered her eyes. Our conversation was brief as we were both in a hurry. I happened to comment that the communities attracting a large number of vocations are those that have kept the habit. She shook her head in agreement then commented: "Yes, we still have to unpack that."

Well, at least they are aware of the growth in other communities. Perhaps with time, they will return to the vision of their foundress.

[Bigg Red]

Thanks for that info. I was just about to do a search on the order. Religious sisters in jeans. Most disturbing for this Boomer.

And I hate the practice of dropping “Sister” in addressing a sister and the nonsense of calling a priest FR. [first name].

Best of luch with the new job.

[Bigg Red]

luch = luck

[NYer]

Religious sisters in jeans. Most disturbing for this Boomer.

Ditto. Those I have met are sincerely involved in the work of educating children and providing services. I do not question it. However, a woman in jeans and a sweatshirt, could be anyone .. a mother, grandmother, a lay person. There is nothing to distinguish her from others who also serve. Had she not identified herself to me, I might have mistaken her for one of the cleaning staff. That is the point I hope to make with them, should the opportunity present itself. There is nothing to "unpackage" other than the fact that young women who are called to join religious communities today, seek some mark of identification that separates them from the everyday rabble.

[ought-six]

I went to St. Anastasia School in Los Angeles in the 1950s-1960s. Our nuns were SNJM. My favorite was Sr. Mary Francis Bernard, whom I had for 4th grade. She was a great teacher, and a wonderful person. She was ALWAYS smiling, always happy.