The Fiducie wins an award of excellence

On November 5, the Fiducie garnered an Award of Excellence in the “reuse” category for the accomplishment of its three-year priority project. Fiducie president Marcel Barthe accepted the plaque given by the Québec Religious Heritage Council during a gala held in the chapel of the Musée de l’Amérique francophone. He was accompanied by Sister Tanguay, Marie Rübsteck and Denis Robitaille. This honour recognizes the several years of work to restore the monastery that launched in March 2013 and ended just in time for the official public opening on August 1, 2015.

After having accepted the prize, Marcel Barthe spoke to guests gathered at the 4th Forum on Québec’s Religious Heritage. “The Fiducie is pleased that such a prestigious organization recognizes our project’s merit,” he said.

“We share this award with the Augustinians, without whom none of this would have been possible. This award means so much to us. First and foremost, the recognition of the years that it took to transform the Monastère de L’Hôtel-Dieu into a truly living memorial while conserving its historic character and spirit. Once closed to the outside world, this 17th century monastery is now open to the public. Its new programming is tailored to modern needs and realities—adaptation is an Augustinian tenet—while it also offers a welcoming place dedicated to renewal, health and well-being that is intended to care for those who care for others,” he added. He also took advantage of the opportunity to thank Sister Lise Tanguay and her fellow sisters for their audacity and trust. The audience rose upon these words, spontaneously offering the Augustinians a heartfelt ovation.

This award of excellence in the “reuse” category recognizes projects that restore religious heritage sites and bring new uses to historic buildings. TheMonastère des Augustines met these criteria by adding a museum, experience-based accommodation (in the Augustinians’ authentic rooms and contemporary rooms), an archive centre and multi-use rooms along with the overall upgrading of the building to meet safety codes while also preserving its authentic historical character.

Read the Fiducie’s press release (in French only):

Read the Québec Religious Heritage Council’s press release (in French only):

Seen from left to right: Bernard Émond, filmmaker; Denis Robitaille, project manager for the Fédération des monastères des Augustines; Marcel Barthe, president of the board of directors for the Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines; Dianne Maltais, head advisor for the co-operative project support service, Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins; Sister Lise Tanguay, A.M.J., superior general, Fédération des monastères des Augustines; Marie Rübsteck, general director at the Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines, and; Josette Michaud, architect and jury member.

Photo: Québec Religious Heritage Council