The Misericordia Family

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2 The Misericordia Family THE ROOTS The Misericordia Sisters deeply rooted in the charism and the mission of Rosalie are represented by the roots. THE TRUNK The Centre Rosalie Cadron-Jetté (CRCJ) is symbolized by the trunk run across by the sap that nourishes and brings life to all parts of the tree. R C J C Misericordia Sisters THE BRANCHES The branches symbolize the various groups that form the family. THE LEAVES The mothers and their children are represented by the leaves. THE COLOR The color represents the distinct "Family spirit" that describes the Misericordia Family: privileged basis of communion and fraternity. THE SAP The sppirituality of mercy that comes from this intimate relationship with God lived by Rosalie and that still inspires us today.

3 THE CREST OF THE MISERICORDIA SISTERS MEANING GOLD Signifies charity lived in the wake of Rosalie Cadron-Jetté called Mother de la Nativité, Foundress. THE THREE ROSES Express the love, the tenderness and the compassion of the Misericordia Sister for the mothers and their children. THE AZURE COLOUR ON THE LEFT SIDE Indicates the nobility of sentiment which should guide the Misericordia Sister in her mission. THE LETTER «M» WITH A GOLDEN CROWN Recalls the protection of Mary and the initial letter of the name of the Institute. THE BROKEN REED Represents those in need of love and mercy. THE SILVER BACKGROUND ON THE RIGHT SIDE Symbolizes the purity and the simplicity of heart. THE OAK BRANCHES Are the emblem of courage, audacity and moral strength. THE MOTO «DERELICTIS MISERICORDIA» Signifies the charisma of mercy. This crest was designed in 1897 by the Canon G. Bouillon of Ottawa

4 The Misericordia Sisters of Montreal 1848 History and Mission The Institute of the Misericordia Sisters has its head office in Montreal (Quebec). The Institute was founded in this city in 1848 by Mrs. Rosalie Cadron- Jetté, a widow. Rosalie was born in Lavaltrie, Quebec, in She married at the age of 17, had eleven children, six of whom reached the age of adulthood. She became a widow at the age of thirty-eight. While the family was living in Montreal, she dedicated her life to caring for expectant single mothers rejected by society. At the request of Bishop Ignace Bourget, she founded the community to perpetuate the work. The very name Misericordia Sisters, received from Bishop Bourget, exemplifies the community charism of the Congregation. It identifies its particular spirituality and charts the course of its apostolic activity. Extension of the Mission Since its foundation, the Institute has steadily developed, spreading out its services in Canada, the United States, in the Cameroun, Africa and in Ecuador, South America. Rosalie Cadron-Jetté inspired her followers by the courage and the audacity which animated her in meeting the challenge of founding the said Institute. The Misericordia Sisters have operated residences for single mothers and their children, maternity shelters open to all women, and general hospitals. In the early 1970 s they withdrew progressively from hospital care and shelters to operate mainly Day Services Centres. Involvements Because of their particular ministry, the Misericordia Sisters are involved in a society where, still today, women heads of single parent families feel disadvantaged. Very often, they live on the fringe of society and struggle to meet their needs and those of their child. On this difficult path, support services are made available to help them recover their autonomy, rediscover their strengths and regain their self-confidence and confidence in others.

5 The accompaniment they receive is lived in a spirit of authenticity, hospitality and compassionate listening. Then, with the desire to improve the situation, they take part in projects of solidarity and collective promotion in a struggle together for greater justice, especially for the rights of children and women heads of single-parent families. Today, the sisters are still present on Boards of directors of La Petite Maison de la Miséricorde in Montreal and at the Carrefour de la Miséricorde in Gatineau. Moreover, they keep the direction of the Centre d Accompagnement Éductif in Montreal. The Misericordia Sisters work with lay people who extend the mission through their deeds in the same spirit of love, compassion and justice. These persons form a large spiritual and apostolic family called The Iternational Misericordia Family. 2

6 The International Misericordia Family Since the beginning of the foundation of the Institute of the Misericordia Sisters, lay people have collaborated to their mission of service in its works throughout its history. Unity of mind and heart was established between persons, which later gave birth to a spiritual Family. The Misericordia Family is made up of different groups of christians who feel called to live the spirituality of mercy in their lives and in their respective milieu. Each person is united to those touched by the same charism in order to be hospitality for others within the Church and in the world. The members of this Family recognize themselves by a common Gospel characteristic, compassion: To live the Mercy of Jesus the Savior with young girls and women who are pregnant out-of-wedlock and with their children and, also, with married women who find it difficult to live their pregnancy. These people share the same charism. They are nourished by the same spirituality and are in solidarity with the same mission, according to different functions within their own state of life. Spirituality The contemplation of the merciful Jesus is the source of the spirituality, first part of this charism. Mission The mission is sustained by contacts with single mothers and their child, second part of the charism. Spirit The charism, lived in this manner, confers to those who live it, a spirit which is characterized by unconditional love, compassion, non-judgment and simplicity in their relationships with others. 3

7 Ispired by the breath of the Spirit, the different members of the spiritual Family are called to live in a closer communion in order to better answer the call they have received. Misericordia charism Gift of God Contemplation of Jesus Saviour Spirituality Mission Contact with single mothers and their child Spirit Groups of Members The Misericordia Family is composed of the following groups: Misericordia Sisters Misericordia and Life Group Hope and Solidarity Group Heritage Group Twin Works Misericordia Childhood Group Family Home of Rosalie Misericordia Friends Prayer Network Private Vows Collaborators Parent Groups Lanterns of Rosalie Modes of belonging for groups The members collaborate in the mission and may or may not take a commitment in the Family: The Misericordia Sisters commit themselves by perpetual vows and some lay people commit themselves by private vows to live one or several vows. Some members of the Misericordia Friends, Misericordia and Life, Hope and Solidarity, the Prayer Network, the Private Vows, the Parents Group, the Collaborators and the Lanterns of Rosalie choose to commit themselves personally to live mercy in the footsteps of Jesus Saviour according to the way determined by each group. For the Heritage Group as well as the Twin Works, it is incumbent upon the Board of directors of each organization to commit themselves to perpetuate 4

8 the mission with the spirit of Mother Rosalie, declared Venerable by Pope Francis, on December 9 th, The other groups do not make a commitment but they are part of the Misericordia Family like those mentioned above. The Family ties are at the level of the spirit, that is, there is no legal or canonical bond between the Institute and the members of the Family. Gatherings Celebration is present in the life of the Family. During the year, different groups gather together to celebrate on special occasions, for example on the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, September 24 th ; on the second Sunday of Easter for the feast of Divine Mercy and on the feast day of Rosalie Cadron-Jetté, privileged witness of mercy. The Motherhouse of the Misericordia Sisters is the gathering place where we find the venerated mortal remains of the ancestor of the Family, Rosalie Cadron-Jetté, whose cause of canonisation has been introduced in Rome. Misericordia Friends 5

9 1984 Who are the Friends? Misericordia Friends is a group of Christians who feel called to become Misericordia missionaries in the midst of the world in solidarity with the mission of the Misericordia Sisters. Where the groups are located There are groups of Friends in Canada: Montreal and Gatineau in Quebec; in Toronto, Ontario and in Pascuales, Ecuador. Apostolate These persons live their commitment in various situations and tasks according to their own state of life. The Friends are concretely involved in the mission either on a regular basis or from time to time, according to their availability. Way of functioning In Canada, a coordinator ensures the animation and the functioning of the groups in collaboration with a coordination committee and sub-committees. Although each group is autonomous, one or more members represent the group on the coordination committee to favour cohesiveness between Friends who live in different cities. Formation and spiritual renewal Sessions are offered to those who desire to join the Misericordia Friends in order to permit them to integrate the spirituality specific to the charism of Rosalie Cadron-Jetté, spirituality inspired by the Gospel. Spiritual renewal is offered to the groups according to various modalities to meet their needs. The spirituality of Rosalie remains a priority. However, the renewal may also consider the approaches proposed by the Institute on biblical themes or formation based on Ignatian spirituality. During the year, the groups also organize activities for fellowship and sharing. 6

10 Commitment After journeying for a certain period of time which may vary, each member makes a commitment to live the spirituality of mercy in relation to the mission of the Institute on the occasion of the annual commitments, within the Church. The commitment may be renewed as many times as the person wishes. Form for Commitment I,, as a Misericordia Friend, commit myself to live the spirituality of mercy and the charism of Rosalie Cadron-Jetté in the midst of the world in solidarity with the mission of the Misericordia Sisters. TOGETHER Mary, Mother of Mercy, guide our journey towards the fulfillment of the vocation to which the Father has called us in Christ Our Lord. Amen Prayer network 7

11 What is this group? The Prayer Network is made up of loving and charitable persons who participate in the Misericordia mission by praying for the mothers and the children entrusted to the Misericordia Family. They also pray for the intentions of the Institute of the Misericordia Sisters and the Misericordia Family. Where these groups are found The Prayer Network started in Ontario and in Québec, Canada. Since then, it has spread to Pascuales, Ecuador and reaches several other countries. Commitment Those who accept to pray for a mother and her child commit themselves to pray for a period of one year, two years or four years according to the areas where these groups are established. Way of functioning The way the group functions may vary depending on the location. When the duration of the commitment ends, the person is invited to renew it. Commitment form The commitment form varies depending on the location of each group. 8

12 What is this group? Misericordia and Life 1992 The group called Misericordia and Life is a small living cell which unites young people and adults, men and women, who are challenged by the mission and the charism of the Misericordia Sisters. The objective of the group is to help members integrate the spirituality of mercy in their personal life. Where the group is located Misericordia and Life is located in Montreal. Apostolate The members of the group are offered means to deepen the spirituality, adapted to the life of the group, and they meet regularly. A deeper understanding of mercy prompts them to live their commitment in their respective living environment. Formation and spiritual renewal The group lives the Community approach proposed for the Misericordia Family as a whole. During the year, the members receive spiritual renewal appropriate to the group. Commitment After journeying with this group for a certain period of time which may vary, each member makes an official commitment to live the spirituality and the mission of the Misericordia Sisters. The commitment is for one year and it can be renewed as often as the person wishes. 9

13 Form for Commitment I,, as a member of the group Misericordia and Life, commit myself to live mercy in the midst of the world in solidarity with the mission of the Misericordia Sisters. TOGETHER Mary, Mother of Mercy, guide our journey towards the fulfillment of the vocation to which the Father has called us in Christ our Lord. Amen. 10

14 Heritage Group What is this group? The Heritage Group is made up of works founded by the Misericordia Sisters. The corporation and administration of these organizations are now ensured by persons other than the Misericordia Sisters. Today, the members of this group perpetuate the mission of the Institute with the same spirit. Where the organizations are located The group is made up of organizations established In Canada: Toronto, Ontario Winnipeg, Manitoba Edmonton, Alberta In the United States: Milwaukee, Wisconsin New York, New York In Ecuador Pascuales Renewal A yearly meeting of 2 days gathers the delegates of these organizations to allow them to renew and deepen the spirituality of mercy which nourishes their action. These meetings also permit to increase the family spirit which unites them. 11

15 Commitment Each year, the President of the Board of directors shall present to the General Council of the Misericordia Sisters, a Board resolution which reads as follow: Board resolution: The Board of Directors annually commit themselves to perpetuate the Misericordia Charism handed down to them through the Sisters by adopting this Board resolution: confirming their strategic intention to continue to be active members of the Misericordia Heritage Group; affirming their commitment to provide support and resources, as required, to further the mission within the organization; directing the Executive Director or its counterpart to appoint a contact person, from within the organization, to work with the Herigage Group Working Committee; Including in his annual report the assessment of the undertakings of the contact person in regards to the mission, as part of the Board s strategic work. 12

16 Twin Works What is this group? Twin Works is made up of autonomous organizations which have the same objective and the same philosophy as the Institute of the Misericordia Sisters. Places where Twin Works are found There are Twin Works in Québec: Montreal, St-Eustache and Gatineau as well as in Ligueil, France. How to become Twin Work? An institution or organization, in keeping with the criteria established by the 1991 General Chapter, may be invited by the General Council of the Misericordia Sisters or its representatives to become Twin Work and therefore to be part of the Misericordia Family. An institution or an organization can also make a request directly to the General Council to become Twin Work. Commitment It is the Board of directors or its counterpart that commits the organization to maintain the Misericordia spirit in the work and to take the means to convey it to its staff. Formation Representatives of these organizations may, upon invitation, join themselves to the organized events of the Family, such as: the annual Colloque, the Communitary journeying, the festivities and others. 13

17 Collaborators What is this group? These are men and women employees or volunteers who carry out various duties in the works and residences of the Misericordia Sisters. They are nurtured by the spirit of mercy which, in turn, revitalizes their actions. Where the persons are present These persons are present in all the works and residences of the Misericordia Institute in Canada, the United States and Ecuador. Formation and Spiritual renewal These persons receive information about the foundress of the Institute, her charism, her mission, her spirituality and the spirit that results from it. They are also invited to take part in renewal activities organised by the Misericordia Family. Way of functioning What characterizes the Collaborators is their desire to accomplish their work by living the spirit of mercy. All are free to ask to officialize this desire making an annual commitment with the other members of the Family. 14

18 Private Vows 1995 What is a private vow? The person who takes a private vow defines the matter of her vow and determines its purpose. A vow may be in relation to chastity, poverty and obedience in the spirit of the Misericordia Family. A person can make one, two or three vows. A fourth vow can be added, that of being inspired by the Misericordia spirituality. Any Christian can make private vows. A vow, whether public or private, is made to God. Way of functioning The person makes one or more vows for one year, renewable each year. To take vows in the Misericordia Family, individuals must have had their call verified and have journeyed with someone designated by the Superior General over a certain period of time. The witness (priest, superior or other) is the intermediary between God and the person making a vow. The witness verifies the content and the authenticity of the action taken. Commitment Once the purpose of the vow has been determined, it is not necessary to mention all the details in the commitment form. This form must clearly state that it is according to the spirituality of the Institute and it should also mention that there are no canonical or civil bonds with the Institute. 15

19 Commitment form Merciful Father, I give you thanks for the love you have bestowed upon me from all eternity. In response to your call, I commit myself (I renew my commitment) by private vow(s), (the person names the vow or vows that he/she wishes to make) for a period of one year. If the person makes the vow of mercy, he/she will add what follows: Furthermore, I also make the vow to live according to the spirituality of the Institute of the Misericordia Sisters. 16

20 Parent Group 1997 What is this group? The Parents Group is made up of mothers and fathers of families who live as a couple or as single parents. They define themselves as follows: Group of Christian parents who are presently or have benefited from the services of the Misericordia Sisters and who feel called to live the spirit of Rosalie in their daily life. Apostolate The Christian faith journeying of these people has prompted them to put into practice the spirit of Rosalie in their daily life, especially with their children, their family and friends and in their workplace. Their profound motivation to integrate the spirituality of Rosalie is consistent with their desire to transmit it to the people they encounter. Commitment The members of the Parents Group already involved in some of the works of the Institute may become volunteers and their openness in welcoming other parents into their group, indicate their real concern for commitment. This commitment may be done in an official way after journeying for some time in the group. The commitment is made for one year at the beginning and can be renewed as many times as the person wishes. Which Institute s works are the parents linked to? There are two Parents Groups in Quebec. One is linked to the Centre d Accompagnement Éducatif in Montreal and the other to the Carrefour de la Miséricorde in Gatineau. Form for commitment I,, as a member of the Parents Group of the Misericordia Family, commit myself to live mercy in daily life, inspired by the life of Rosalie Cadron-Jetté and in solidarity with the mission of the Misericordia Sisters. 17

21 TOGETHER Mary, Mother of Mercy, guide us on our journey towards the fulfillment of the vocation to which the Father has called us in Christ. Hope and Solidarity

22 What is this group? This group is made up of young people between the ages of 17 and 25 who have been baptised in the Catholic Church. They share the common desire to grow in spiritual life and to share the charism of Mother Rosalie. The objective of the members of the group is to be bearers and messengers of God s mercy according to the charism and the mission entrusted to the Misericordia Sisters. Where the group is located Hope and Solidarity is in Pascuales, Ecuador. MISSION These young people are invited - to accompany with love and tenderness the children of the group Misericordia Childhood made up of 3 sub-groups. - to firmly believe that this is a work of God and not of humans and that our Father of tenderness does wonders through them. Commitment Following a journeying, the length of which can vary, these young persons present to the Selection Committee their request to commit themselves officially to live the spirituality and the mission of the Misericordia Sisters. The commitment is for one year and is renewable from year to year. Form for Commitment I, commit myself for one year, as a member of the group Hope and Solidarity, to live mercy in our world in solidarity with the mission of the Misericordia Sisters. 19

23 TOGETHER Mary, Mother of Mercy, guide our journey towards the fulfillment of the vocation to which the Father has called us in Christ Our Lord. Amen. Misericordia Childhood 2004 to

24 What is this group? This group is made up of children who have attended the Child Development Centre. Seeds of tomorrow (Semillas de Mañana) welcomes children between the ages of 5 and 8; New dawn (Nuevo Amanecer) welcomes children between the ages of 9 and 12; Let us continue our journey (Seguimons Caminando) welcomes teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16. They meet once a month and the animators of these groups are young people of Hope and Solidarity (Esperanza y Solidaridad) and adults of groups such as Misericordia Friends, Madre Rosalia Prayer Group or the Collaborators. At the age of 17, the teenagers are invited to move on to the group Hope and Solidarity. Where the group is located Misericordia Childhood is located in Pascuales, Ecuador. Vision of the Animators Committe The animators consider each child as one who is growing physically, psychologically and spiritually, and to do so, they participate in each one s development, accompanying them so that they become good Christians and good citizens. Mission Their mission is to create a fraternal atmosphere so that each child can accept himself or herself and accept others. To this end, they show them the way so that they too will become bearers and messengers of God s mercy and respond to the Lord s call to participate in the mission entrusted to the Misericordia Sisters. 21

25 Objective To become messengers of LOVE, TENDERNESS and COMPASSION by participating in all the group activities and by being bearers of the charism of Mother Rosalie in their daily life. The family home of Rosalie

26 History of the House The house in which the Foundress of the Misericordia Sisters was born was built in Lavaltrie in In it, you will discover the daily life of Rosalie Cadron and Jean-Marie Jetté and their six children back in 1822, shortly before they left Lavaltrie. Description of the House In this family home you will see: A large kitchen with furniture and antiques. The bedroom of Rosalie and Jean-Marie converted for visitors meditation and prayer. In the basement, there are temporary exhibits and craft displays. Mission The mission of the Corporation of the Rosalie-Cadron House is: To safeguard, restore and bring to life the birthplace of Rosalie Cadron- Jetté. To make known to visitors the traditional way of life at the beginning of the 19th century. To perpetuate the memory of this famous Lavaltroise, mother of eleven children and foundress of the Misericordia Sisters. Activities Various activities are held in relation to that period of time, the history and the mission. Where the house is situated Rosalie s family home is situated in Lavaltrie, Québec, Canada. Lanterns of Rosalie

27 What is this group? The Lanterns of Rosalie s group bring together men and women inspired by Rosalie, foundress of the Misericordia Sisters and model of mercy lived daily. Her legacy of love and hospitality guide their life and they wish to share it by making it known. Mission The mission of the members of this group is: to transmit the legacy of Rosalie by making her known, loved and prayed to, to support the cause of canonization of Rosalie, to be close to people who pray for her intercession. Apostolate The members of the group make Rosalie known by speaking about her in their surrounding, by distributing novenas and books on Rosalie, by doing volunteer work at the Rosalie Cadron Jetté Centre (where there are various activities related to the cause of canonization) and, in a general way, by supporting in prayer those who request the intercession of Rosalie. Where the group is located This group is in Montreal, Quebec, Canada Commitment Inspired by Rosalie, I, of the Group Lanterns of Rosalie, commit myself to make Rosalie known and to be attentive to the requests for her intercession passed onto me. TOGETHER Mary, Mother of Mercy, guide our journey towards the fulfillment of the vocation to which the Father has called us in Christ. ROSALIE-CADRON-JETTÉ CENTRE

28 Considering the major role that Rosalie-Cadron-Jetté Centre plays presently in conveying Mother Rosalie s charism, a role which should expand in the future, the 2013 General Chapter has placed the RCJC within the trunk, at the base of the tree, the tree being the symbol representing the International Misericordia Family. The Centre assures the continuity between the past, present and future of the Misericordia Sisters Institute. Mission The Rosalie-Cadron-Jetté Centre, inaugurated in 1988, is dedicated to the canonization cause of Rosalie Cadron-Jetté. The RCJC is committed to make Rosalie known, loved and prayed to as well as to help in their inner journey those who feel called to live her spirituality of mercy. Moreover, by its specific mission, the RCJC has the mandate to ensure the sustainability of Mother Rosalie s charism throughout time within the Misericordia Family and beyond. It has the responsibility to stay well rooted in the history of Rosalie Cadron-Jetté and of the Misericordia Sisters in order to transmit with fidelity, the charism of mercy, a gift of the Spirit, to the persons engaged in this Family. Location The RCJC is located in Montreal. Apostolate The RCJC founded by the Misericordia Sisters is at the service of the International Misericordia Family, at the service of the Church and of our society. By its mission, the RCJC is the guardian of the charism bequeathed by Rosalie so that this spiritual heritage be faithfully passed on to future generations. Consequently, it assures the solid foundation of Rosalie s charism thus offering a stable basis to those involved in the Misericordia Family. In doing so, it makes sure that all are imbued with the spiritual values of Rosalie and are motivated to pursue God s Work with perseverance, audacity and pride. 25

29 The call to live Rosalie s charism is a commitment to incarnate the mercifulness of God the Father for and with the mothers living a difficult situation of maternity, their children and their close ones. Interventions In the Representation of the International Misericordia Family, the RCJC is at the heart of the Misericordia Family, (within the trunk of the tree). This contact with the life of the large International Family enhances the deepening and the actualisation of Mother Rosalie s charism beaming in all the spheres of the charism (mission, spirituality, fraternity). Moreover, it permits this life to be spread with audacity. The vitality of the charism is manifested by the mutual sharing and communion lived among the members. The RCJC enhances the interrelationship within the International Family. In this solidarity, this family spirit, this mutual support, everyone brings creativity, audacity and collaboration to offer a better world to mothers in difficulty, their children and their close ones. Prayer and trust in the Holy Spirit, who enlightens, guides and creates something new, are at the heart of the life of the RCJC. Commitment The people working at the RCJC are committed lay people in the Church with a special call to live the spirituality of mercy. These people must have basic training in Theology and in spiritual accompaniment. They must follow a continuing education program. 26