“Imagine transforming society.” That was Marie Gérin-Lajoie’s vision. Today we stand before the Institut Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil de Montréal. It embodies that very vision.
This isn’t just a building. It is a testament to a century of social action. Marie Gérin-Lajoie founded the Institut Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil de Montréal in 1923. She understood the power of collective action. The religious community once had 250 sisters. Each sister was invested in a common mission. They combatted social inequalities on the ground.
Marie Gérin-Lajoie was a true pioneer. She was the first woman in Quebec to earn a bachelor’s degree from a French-speaking institution. She championed social action in Quebec. The Institut Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil de Montréal is her legacy. She was a model of commitment. She was determined to empower women. Marie was a visionary aware of social inequalities. She resolved to transform society.
The Institut Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil de Montréal continues her work. It accompanies women. It supports families. It aids young people and immigrants. They serve in a constantly evolving Quebec. They act in a Church that is open to the world. The community includes women. These women desire to serve God. They thirst for greater social justice.
Marie Gérin-Lajoie had a clear spiritual vision. She wanted to bring Christian truths to modern minds. She combined an intense inner life. She joined it to knowledge of the world. She united them with action. This spirituality inspires the community’s activities. They work for justice and peace. The Sisters of the Good Counsel are dedicated to Christian social action. They continue to recognize the signs of the times. They work together. They hasten the advent of justice in love.
The Sisters of the Good Counsel of Montreal actively contributed to many things. They created new social work methods. These methods better adapted to community needs. They reduced social inequalities. They founded dozens of community organizations. These were in several Quebec cities. Some were even in Cuba and Haiti. They defended the rights of women. They fought for cultural communities in our society. They supported families. They offered many activities. These helped families in their daily lives. They provided playgrounds and homework help. They ran daycares and vacation camps. They offered training plus diverse cultural and social activities. They shaped the family and social education system in Quebec.
Marie Gérin-Lajoie founded the Centre social d’aide aux immigrants in 1947. This was long before Quebec had an immigration ministry. Artist Dodo Ose created a mural to mark its 75th anniversary. It is called “Welcome.” It is on a wall of the organization’s headquarters. The mural’s elements symbolize freedom and courage. They show the courage of migrants. It represents caring leadership and collective support. It also signals hope for a better future.
The Archives of the Institut Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil de Montréal are here. They hold a wealth of information. They document the history. They preserve Marie Gérin-Lajoie’s aims. They detail the community’s social action and education. The archives illuminate the works that realized its mission. Social centers provided social services. They offered mutual aid. They housed residences for women and girls. They welcomed immigrants. They held popular education workshops. The Institut ran schools. They provided education in family science. They prepared young women to fulfill their roles. They supported charities for youth.
The Institut Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil de Montréal stands as a beacon. It represents social justice. It demonstrates unwavering dedication. It honors the enduring legacy of Marie Gérin-Lajoie. Her vision continues to inspire. It propels action. It transforms lives.