Quebec - Sœurs Auxiliatrices

Activist Sisters Fighting for Social Justice

The Congregation of the Helpers of the Souls in Purgatory, which now consists of only six Sisters in Canada, was established in Quebec in 1949 through the efforts of a family and Monsignor Arthur Douville, Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe. Having known the Helpers for a long time, he was aware of their desire to establish a presence in Quebec. When a benefactor offered to donate land in Granby, east of Montreal, for a religious community, the bishop immediately turned to the Sisters. On April 4, 1949, five Helpers (three French and two Canadian) settled in Granby.

Subsequently, around thirty Helpers would relentlessly dedicate themselves to supporting the most vulnerable: impoverished families, welfare recipients, migrants, and former prisoners. As activists and participants in major labour struggles in Quebec, as well as various social missions, the Helpers have made the fight against injustice their core mission as a vice-province, inspired by Luke 4:18.
The Helpers have also been involved in catechetical renewal, feminist movements, municipal politics, and international solidarity organisations.
It is important to highlight the prolonged international presence of Quebec Helpers in countries such as China, Japan, Rwanda, Chad, the Philippines, Mexico, and within the service of the Generalate. Over time, the Helpers settled into a residence for the elderly in Montreal. Since 2022, they have been waging another struggle there, fighting to prevent their eviction along with other tenants.
Despite their advanced age, the six Sisters in Quebec continue their social commitment to defending the rights of marginalised individuals.

Sisters

Community located in Montreal

“Solidarity to the end!”

Our missions

From the moment they arrived in Quebec, committed to denouncing injustices and defending the impoverished, excluded, and migrant populations, the Helpers have engaged in various missions.

Defending the Housing Rights of the Elderly

The Sisters of Quebec, concerned about the eviction of residents from the Mont Carmel residence where they live in Montreal, are involved in the “Sauvons le Mont-Carmel” committee. This struggle raises awareness among the Quebec population about the rights of the elderly, and tenants in general, to have access to suitable housing.

Defending Women’s Rights

Recognised as feminist religious figures, the Helpers of Quebec have led numerous actions to promote respect for women’s rights and their dignity. They were present at the historic “Bread and Roses” march held in Quebec in 1995. Thousands of women walked 200 kilometres over ten days to denounce poverty and violence against women. This event sparked a broad movement of solidarity among women worldwide and preceded the World March in 2000. The Helpers have remained actively involved in its actions ever since.

Campaigning Against War and for Peace

Since 2000, the Helpers have been involved in the Quebec-based collective Échec à la guerre. This collective is a coalition of Quebec civil society organisations concerned about the rise of militarism in Canada and around the world, marked by the multiplication of wars, skyrocketing military budgets, and the lucrative arms trade. Canada’s foreign and national defence policies are not immune to this militaristic trend. As members of the collective, the Helpers support its efforts in fighting against war and advocating for global peace.

©Bread and roses – 1995 – FFQ

1949-1955

Five Helpers settle in Granby, Quebec and later in Montreal.

1960

The Sisters establish a home care service in Granby.

1974

Creation with other partners of a help center for young drug users and parolees

From 1974 to 1985

Presence in Sept Iles (North coast) in public school catechesis, social work and union involvement; setting up of a country house for the right to vacation for all.

1999

Celebrations of 50 years of presence in Quebec and publication of the book Femmes de convictions.

2019

Release of the documentary Ainsi soient elles, directed by Maxime Faure, which followed the Quebec Helpers from 2013 to 2019.