Edward Sanger
Love, inclusion, respect and humor. When cornets are seen in the distance, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence of Montreal bring joy, education and support. This small group is one of those that stem from the headquarters in San Francisco. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were born in 1979. In 2013, that of Montreal began to be born with Sister Mystrah, originally from France, who came to settle there.
The first and only black French sister, she is joined by a black woman: Sister Emile of Scissorhood Nelson, one of the founders of the Dyke March, a march for the lesbian community, inspired by the 1992 feminist collective, The Lesbian Avengers.
On August 9, 2016, the initial team made up of 4 young founding sisters from Quebec officially announced the creation of the convent of Montreal. Today, this group is made up of 12 sisters, 1 postulant (sister apprentice) and 1 thigh guard (male character). Among them, there is, among others, the director of the LGBT+ Community Center of Montreal, Sister Marie Félicité du Mont Royal. Like their parent company, Les Sœurs de Montréal pursues the same objectives. Such as accompanying HIV-positive people, fundraising, distribution of condoms to promote sexual health, the fight against AIDS, as well as their presence at events such as the environmental walk, the Parade, the commemoration – Moration of Polytechnique or the attacks of the Pulse bar.
Like angels watching over the city, this mixed group with wacky make-up and classic nuns’ clothing gives hearts a boost to communities by listening and being there. Although the pandemic has hit their businesses hard, they have never given up. “We broke the virtual as soon as there were relief, to take a trip to the village and give comfort to local businesses who have struggled. These people use the title of Sister to defend rights, to fight against inequalities and to show that they are there for others. Their victories lie in their very existence and in the stability of the convent to fight against homophobia and transphobia. In the future, with many others, they tackle a major challenge: to avoid the disappearance of the village, its spirit and its community vocation. To do this, they keep an eye on things by creating safe spaces. Far from the economic and political stakes, it is in the community that they engage to give back its golden letters to the Village. It is through and for the love and efforts of all that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence of Montreal are always there, even when times are tough.
“Fishing with joy. If in doubt, add more. »
prayer of the sisters
As long as it takes Joy to erase the pain. As long as everywhere in the world our loves will not be recognized. As long as AIDS is not defeated, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be there, with you and for you. Be blessed.