On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Lokia Residence in Trois-Rivières, Canada, the Daughters of Jesus are celebrating eight jubilarians.

Opening

The celebration begins with a solemn Mass during which we renew our offering as we sing: “Here is my life in Your hands,

Take me, Lord, I belong to You.

May my prayer rise to You,

Here is my life in Your hands.”

Continuing the Celebration

After dinner, the celebration moves to the multi-purpose room. At the entrance, a video of the *Waltz of the Flowers* sets the mood, while the background music invites us to dance.

Our Superior, Sister Gisèle Lacerte, invites us to raise our glasses in congratulations to our jubilarians. She reminds us that the mission continues among the people—here in Lokia—through small gestures that reveal the greatness of God’s love for everyone we meet. In thanksgiving, we sing:

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Alleluia!”

In turn, our Regional Superior, Sister Micheline Cormier, expresses her admiration for all these years of faithfulness in our unstable world.

“At key moments in your journey, you heard Jesus ask you: ‘Do you love me?’ And you always answered, just as you do today:

‘You know everything; You know that I love You.'”

Testimonies

Next, Gisèle invites each jubilarian to speak and present an object that holds personal significance for her.

Sister Colette Jacob, marking 80 years of religious life, presents a crucifix, saying: “It has always been with me and has never forsaken me to this day.”

Clémence Bordeleau remarks: “Growing old means living in the past. My 75 years of religious life have been years of grace and wonder. As one of the founders of the Honduras mission, I was fortunate enough to take part in every project and witness its evolution. That less-privileged people taught me to see the true riches of the heart: generosity, trust in Providence, patience, love of family, and so on. The 45 years I spent with *Los Hondureños* help me live a happy retirement. Thank you to everyone who contributes to that!”

Mary McDonald, celebrating 70 years of religious life, chose a photo taken in 1992 in Edmonton, showing two men and a woman. Mary had the joy of witnessing the woman declare her love to one of these men, who was living in poverty. Mary prays for the grace to love the less fortunate.

Denise Limoges, marking 65 years of religious life, presents a CD by Robert Lebel. She once met the composer, an encounter that left a deep impression on her. The lyrics of his songs soothe her and accompany her spiritual journey, sustaining her prayer.

Angèle Désaulniers, with 70 years of religious life, shows us a poster of Jesus. Before this image, she feels a personal call from Jesus telling her: “Continue my humanity.” This picture makes Jesus come alive for her.

Gorgette Beaudry, with 65 years of religious life, proudly displays a family directory listing the 14 children and their descendants. She has been updating it regularly since 1994. Currently, a niece lives in the family home. The booklet is tightly bound, just as the family is closely knit; it reflects values ​​such as generosity and hospitality, among others.

Andrée Hamelin, with 65 years of religious life, has a fondness for a small angel that follows her everywhere and lovingly protects her.

Madeleine Lambert, with 60 years of religious life, has rolled a stone over to us. Several times in her life, she has experienced the Risen Jesus rolling away the stone of a trial or difficulty. She also connects this to the words of Psalm 96: “The mountains melt like wax before the Lord.”

A lovely follow-up

Sister Gisèle summarizes the testimonials, highlighting the depth of their lives, their rootedness in Christ and in family, and their missionary commitment.

As a communal gesture, the jubilarians renew their vows.

Sister Thérèse Normand adds a beautiful touch by performing Chopin’s *Fantaisie-Impromptu* on the piano.

Conclusion

Sister Madeleine Lambert offers warm thanks, and Sister Gisèle introduces a delicious spread… Finally, we get to taste the cake we had been feasting our eyes on since arriving for the celebration.

Adding up all these years, our jubilarian Sisters represent a total of 555 years of religious life lived within the charism of the Daughters of Jesus.

Thank you for loving in the manner of Jesus, whose heart was moved by the suffering of His people.

Sr. Angèle Lépine, fj

Trois-Rivières, Canada