Welcome

We are Catholic religious women in a community founded in France in 1921, with the purpose of being a missionary in the midst of the world: living in small communities in a regular house or apartment, and working as professionals, involved in the Church as lay people, without a specific habit…

The community in Toronto, our first in an English-speaking context, was opened in 2007.

Passionate about Christ and passionate about the world, we want to listen to how God is calling us to praise, respect and serve in this city and this country Canada.

A short video about us:

The Xaviere Sisters in Toronto and throughout the world

We are about 115 sisters worldwide: it’s a “small family” so we get to know everyone, even if our communities are widespread.

Our way of life

Living together We share a house. We put all we have in common : our incomes, our skills (special recipes, guitar playing…). Every week, a community meeting is the opportunity for us to discuss something important to us, to go to a place together, to invite friends… Every month, a community week-end helps us to… Continue reading Our way of life

There is magic in crêpes…

I like to make crêpes at least three times a year and especially in this season. On February 2, I like to make crêpes as part of the tradition of Candlemas. A few days later on Shrove Tuesday and mid-Lent which falls on Thursday March 7 this year. It brings back good memories from my… Continue reading There is magic in crêpes…

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024!

Feast of St. Francis Xavier and Entering the Advent Season

Albeit St Francis Xavier is not the founder our community, he has a special place in our life and heart. He was with St Ignatius of Loyola and St. Peter Favre, at the beginning of the Society of Jesus in 1534. He met Ignatius during their theological studies in Paris. He dreamt to travel… but… Continue reading Feast of St. Francis Xavier and Entering the Advent Season

Desert Day – A Glimpse into Our Spiritual Life

“La Xavière aspires to a religious life that is flexible and intense; flexible enough to adapt to the new needs of the apostolate; intense enough so that Mary’s role does not give way to that of Martha and that apostolic activity is only the radiance of the inner flame.” – Claire Monestès, our Foundress. Being… Continue reading Desert Day – A Glimpse into Our Spiritual Life

Receiving the Fruits of our General Chapter

The first fruit of the Chapter is the newly elected government: Only Sr. Laurence and one councillor, Sr. Christine Magnin, were part of the previous government. We truly receive each government team as a good surprise from God to us, for where we are in time, and this one is not an exception! Capitalizing on… Continue reading Receiving the Fruits of our General Chapter

The General Chapter 2023 – Deepening Fraternity

This summer, for the month of July, I had the privilege to be part of our General Chapter. I was elected as a capitulant by my sisters in October 2022. As one of 29 Xaviere Sisters, the mandate given was to elect the next government of our congregation and to reflect, discern, and define the… Continue reading The General Chapter 2023 – Deepening Fraternity

Communal Prayer during the Season of Creation

In his message for this year’s Season of Creation, Pope Francis evoked his 2022 pilgrimage to Lac Sainte-Anne, Alberta, Canada, which is known as “a place of healing, consolation and love, a reminder that fraternity is true.” When we “seek first the kingdom of God” (Mt 6:33), maintaining a right relationship with God, humanity and nature,… Continue reading Communal Prayer during the Season of Creation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Not being a bystander

Yesterday was the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is also known as Orange Shirt day as one to remember and to honour the memory of indigenous children who were forcefully sent to residential schools all over Canada.

Journeying towards Our General Chapter – July 2023

This July, we Xaviere Sisters, will have our General Chapter (as we do every 6 years). Although only 29 sisters (capitulants) – elected and by right – will participate in the general chapter, all of us are involved in its preparation. The goal of the chapter is first to elect a new Superior General and… Continue reading Journeying towards Our General Chapter – July 2023

Catholic Sisters Week: Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World

March 8-14 is Catholic Sisters Week. The theme this year is Celebrating Traditions Changing the World. Sr. Marie-Noëlle and Sr. Blandine share some of their experiences: When I (Sr. Marie-Noëlle) arrived in Toronto in July 2006, I met a sister from the Congregation of Notre Dame, Sr Ann, who she told me right away, ‘Save… Continue reading Catholic Sisters Week: Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World