Released by the Assembl\u00e9 des \u00e9v\u00eaques catholique du Qu\u00e9bec (AECQ)<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n
May 6, 2025 – <\/b>More than 100 years after settling in Laval, the Quebec Foreign Mission Society (SM\u00c9) is transferring ownership of its property located at 180 Place Juge-Desnoyers, on the banks of the Rivi\u00e8re des Prairies. The enchanting site will soon become the property of the Catholic bishops of Quebec, who will turn it into a conference center for the Church in Quebec.<\/p>\n\n
In accordance with the wishes of the SM\u00c9, the building will continue to serve the Catholic Church while adapting to current needs. Conference rooms, modernized bedrooms, access to a chapel, and catering services will make it easier to welcome groups from across the province. In addition, Catholic organizations such as Development and Peace, the Office de la Cat\u00e9ch\u00e8se du Qu\u00e9bec, Mission chez nous, and the Lucien-Labelle Foundation will set up their offices there and share the infrastructure. “Like the SM\u00c9, we will make this a place conducive to collaboration and exchange.<\/p>\n\n
The new facilities will enable the Church in Quebec to bring together its driving forces while benefiting from an inspiring and welcoming site,” said Bishop Martin Lalibert\u00e9, Bishop of Trois-Rivi\u00e8res, President of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Quebec and member of the SM\u00c9.<\/p>\n\n
Construction will begin in 2027. During a gathering to be held on site on Friday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m., the SM\u00c9 will officially offer the property to the bishops of Quebec. They will take this opportunity to recognize the SM\u00c9’s missionary boldness and its hope for the future of the Catholic Church in Quebec.<\/p>\n\n
The Quebec Foreign Mission Society was founded in 1921 by the Catholic bishops of French-speaking Canada. The SM\u00c9’s house in Laval served as a training center, a pied-\u00e0-terre for missionaries returning home, and then a permanent residence for members. The SM\u00c9 is present in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Canada.<\/p>\n\n