THE AUGUSTINIAN SISTERS WILL WALK FOR 20 DAYS IN SUPPORT OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS
The Augustinian Sisters of Québec are initiating a movement to show compassion towards healthcare workers and caregivers, through symbolic walks that will take place daily between June 15th and July 4th 2020. The nine sisters invite the public to join the movement by financially supporting Le Monastère des Augustines and its Trust (Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines) in helping those who care for the sick and most vulnerable among us.
“The work accomplished by healthcare workers during this pandemic is unprecedented,” says Isabelle Duchesneau, Le Monastère des Augustines’ General Manager. “These frontline workers need our support. Since 2015 Le Monastère has offered a respite and wellness program that targets these dedicated individuals. We therefore call on everyone’s generosity to help us welcome even more dedicated healthcare workers and caregivers. Together, we can help traverse this difficult period as well as highlight the continuing importance of nearly 400 year old mission!”
“The Augustinian Sisters founded Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Canada’s first hospital in 1639 and managed hospitals for more than 325 years. These women have devoted their lives to caring for peoples’ bodies and souls and they regard today’s healthcare workers as their natural heirs,” adds Nathalie Roy, General Manager of the Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines. “During the past year alone, more than a hundred healthcare workers and 275 health science students participated in various well-being activities and retreats. Over 200 caregivers took advantage of a stay that offered respite and fostered relaxation. We thus feel that it is our duty to perpetuate these gestures of mutual aid.”
HIGHLIGHTING 380 YEARS OF HISTORY
Each day that the Augustinian Sisters walk, represents various phases in their history. Milestones and themes ranging from the arrival of the three founders in 1639, through to the Augustinians during war time in 1759 and the opening of a first nursing school in 1904, will be found on the Compassion Movement’s platform. “These historical facts remind us that the monastery and the Augustinian Sisters have experienced many challenges,” adds Sister Lise, General Superior, at Fédération des Monastères des Augustines. “Despite the fires, pandemics and wars, our community has always been able to adapt with resilience and confidence and to thus perpetuate its mission of helping those in need.”
INHERITORS OF TRADITION
Since 2012, the public has inherited the legacy of the Augustinian Sisters. Indeed through this significant gesture, they wanted to ensure that current and future generations can perpetuate the values on which our health system was founded 380 years ago: compassion, respect and healthcare on the cutting edge of science. In 2009, the Augustinian Sisters created two non-profit organizations, La Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines and Le Monastère des Augustines. Since then, the rehabilitation of the Monastery of Hotel-Dieu de Québec has been completed and conservation and enhancement of this heritage site has been highlighted. In 2016, Le Monastère des Augustines hosted the annual Centers Gathering.
The material and immaterial legacies of the Augustinian Sisters are invaluable. Together they comprise some of Canada’s most important heritage assets, including the old wings of the initial hospital as well as 40,000 artifacts and more than a linear kilometer of archives and old books.
To visit the platform and to make a donation, go to Compassion Movement.
ABOUT LE MONASTÈRE DES AUGUSTINES
Le Monastère des Augustines is haven of heritage, culture and wellness. This completely restored and refurbished facility occupies the ancient wings of the former Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery (1695-1755) North America’s first hospital north of Mexico. This non-profit organization offers all visitors a unique wellness experience along with several ways to connect with the Augustinian heritage, in a secular environment: experiential accommodation, a museum, archive centre, a program of activities around holistic health and culture, a restaurant, a boutique, specialized treatments and services and event rooms.
ABOUT THE FIDUCIE DU PATRIMOINE CULTUREL DES AUGUSTINES
Created by the Fédération des Monastères des Augustines, the Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines is a Trust with charitable status. Its mission is to preserve and share the heritage and memory of the Augustinian Sisters of Quebec. Since December 12, 2012, the Fiducie has been the owner of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery, birthplace of the first hospital on the continent north of Mexico and one of Canada’s National Historic Sites and a Heritage Site under Quebec’s Cultural Heritage Act. The Fiducie will progressively be entrusted with the collections and archives of all 12 of the Augustinian Sisters’ monasteries. The Trust also has a social mission: making the order’s heritage accessible to all and giving support and respite to family caregivers and healthcare workers from the health and social services communities.
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