A Tribute to Sister Madeleine Sauvé, s.n.j.m.
The year 2003-2004 not only marked the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the University of Montreal and the Faculty of Theology (1878-2003) but also celebrated a stellar year in the history of the Congregation of The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, as Sr. Madeleine Sauvé, one of their own, received more than one tribute from this University.
Theology professor at the Institute supérieur de sciences religieuses from 1962, Sr. Madeleine became Department Head and then Secretary of the Theology Faculty from 1967-1974. She was a pioneer in her field and also became the university’s first grammarian. Throughout her career in these two fields she exercised considerable influence in promoting the French language: quality of expression, rigorous coherence of thought. Clarity and reasoned logic marked her writing in and for the University community and beyond, thanks to the publication of des Observations grammaticales et terminologiques (1972-1985).
This contribution, remarkable in itself, was applauded/highlighted/underlined more than once over the course of 2003. In the Fall of that year, Sr. Madeleine was informed that her name would appear among those who were to be celebrated as prestigious pioneers because of their “Important contribution to the development of the direction of the University, of its administrative sectors, and to their smooth functioning.”
On March 8, 2004, the Committees for International Women’s Day and for the 125th anniversary honoured 127 women for their work in specific fields. Sister Madeleine was recognised as Theologian, as Secretary of the Faculty of Theology, and as the university’s first Grammarian. On March 25, 2004 the University paid tribute to its pioneers without whom it would not have achieved its present status. Sister Madeleine was among the 15 women out of the 133 names chosen for their outstanding contribution since 1920 and especially in the last decade. On the Internet site created for the 125th anniversary, each person’s major contributions may be found.
Under Sr. Madeleine’s name it lists the following and more: Bachelor of Arts (1954), Licentiate in Pedagogy (1956) Masters in Philosophy (1966) PhD in Religious Sciences (1962). Noted also is an extended sabbatical year (1969-1971) during which Madeleine Sauvé continued her studies in Theology and in the Philosophy of Language at the Sorbonne and at The Catholic Institute in Paris where she received her Master’s degree in 1971.
Lastly, the site indicates that Sr. Madeleine began her present work as the University’s Grammarian, part time in 1972 and then full time by 1974. In the exercise of this function, she took on the formation of secretaries/editors, the revision of all styles of texts for diverse sectors and services within the university, formulated notices/advice and recommendations, and most importantly established a powerful formula in the publication of des Observations grammaticales et terminologiques. Her extraordinary work as grammarian set the standard and continues to influence the quality of the University’s official texts.
This tribute is an honour that reflects on the whole Congregation. The SNJM’s of Quebec are proud of Sr. Madeleine and grateful for the work she has done.
Francoise Lafortune, s.n.j.m. secretary
Secretary