We pick up the narrative by the first RNDM Sisters, on their arrival in Grande-Clairière, MB Canada, in 1898:¹

On the eve of December 8, we received news that filled us with joy; Mother M. St Irene and Sisters, M. St. Peter, M. St Euphemie, and M. St Pauline, had arrived from Lyons to establish a house at Lac Croche, Saskatchewan, and were to be with us that same evening.

We wanted to give these dear companions, the most cordial reception and a much needed rest after the fatigue of their long journey, and to give them the most affectionate care.

A thousand plans were proposed. We spent the whole day preparing, although there was not much to prepare in our little house. At least our hearts were rich with sentiments of sincere, sisterly love, as well as overflowing with inexpressible happiness.

Having recited the divine office and evening prayers together, we waited for the arrival of our dear travelers. As it was getting late, we begin to think that they would not come so late on a winter’s night in this isolated country, and that the pleasure of a meeting would be postponed until the next day. Suddenly, about 11 o’clock, a heavy knock at the door made us jump. The missionary outside shouted “your sisters are here”. We rushed down the stairs, and to the rectory where their guide had left them to warm themselves. Oh, what a delightful meeting! What a consolation, that we would no longer be alone so far from our religious family. What good wishes we expressed for the well-being and success of the enterprise of these dear newcomers. Without further delay, we brought them home where, after a light supper, we had to offer them the sharing of our own beds, since there were no others in the house.

We then spent a few happy days with our sisters. Much too soon we had to think of separation, which was not without sadness or worries for they were going into the unknown. They left us Monday morning about 8 o’clock. A light snow driven by a violent wind, seemed to predict a blizzard. Again it was Mr. Quennelle who came to get them in a bob-sleigh drawn by two strong horses. To protect them from the intense cold, we gave them a large, gray blanket. A last “au revoir”, pray for us, write to us, and the vehicle was off.

Not without a few tears on the sly, we took refuge at the feet of our Lord, recommending to him, their trip and their future foundation. We were concerned about them in such cold and stormy weather. They had to travel 9 miles (14.5 Km) in a desolate area through many hills to reach the station at Hartney. From there they were to take the train to Brandon, where Father T. Campeau OMI, the missionary from Lac Croche, would be waiting for them. To our great relief, the wind, soon lessened, and we were convinced that Providence was watching over these humble servants on the way to their mission among the poor Indian children.

After this visit, which was a real event in the midst of our solitude, we continued our simple style of life preparing ourselves, as well as our pupils for a blessed Christmas. That day we spent with all of the solemnity possible. Our good colonists, and the Metis came from all directions to assist at the midnight mass. It was edifying to see the simplicity of the faithful, who, without any inhibitions, in the presence of all, were kneeling at the feet of the priest, seated near the communion rail to hear their confessions. It seemed that all of them approached the sacraments. How could we help being deeply impressed during our first Midnight, Mass, on Canadian soil, especially when, with one voice, the congregation intoned the hymn so familiar to us “Il est né, le divin Enfant”? We seemed to hear the simple accents of the shepherds of Bethlehem.