La Pocatière: The Sisters of the Visitation close their monastery Present in the landscape of La Pocatière for 60 years, the Sisters of the Visitation were forced to leave their monastery to move to Rivière-du-Loup. The congregation does not leave happily, but has no choice. “Our decision is carefully considered. There is no replacement, and our nuns are getting older, comments the Reverend Mother, Sister Suzanne-Christine Proulx. The context is difficult, but we approach this stage with serenity, since this is our life. » The community, which once had around twenty members, now only brings together nine who are aged 66 to 92. They will settle at the Pavillon Reine-Antier, a residence for the elderly in Rivière-du-Loup located near the building which houses the Sisters of the Child Jesus of Chauffailles and the Poor Clares. “We will have a reserved section, with an environment adapted to our needs, individual rooms, a chapel, a kitchenette, a community room and an infirmary. It is obvious that it will be different from the monastery. We will have one mass per week. But we will be able to continue to live our faith in community, while benefiting from greater proximity to health services and other amenities,” notes the mother superior.
A mission that endures
Even if they leave their historic monastery, the Sisters of the Visitation do not intend to renounce their mission of working for the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by praying and offering their lives for salvation of the world. Their departure from La Pocatière marks the end of an era, but also opens the door to a new chapter in their history. It is with confidence and determination that they look to the future, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await them. The future of the monastery The Reverend Mother does not know what will become of the majestic building in La Pocatière. “We do not have a precise plan for the future of the monastery. » The Sisters of the Visitation will leave the monastery in June or July, leaving an indelible mark on the community of La Pocatière where, for more than 60 years, they welcomed, listened to and supported people in need, while contributing to the enrichment of the cultural and spiritual life of the region. The Sisters of the Visitation will continue to pray and offer their lives for the sake of the world.
Source: La Pocatière : Les sœurs de la Visitation ferment leur monastère – Journal Le Placoteux