The future of the Monastery:
thinking big for future generations
The Monastère des Ursulines de Québec is being converted as part of a process that safeguards the functions it has sustained throughout its existence as an educational setting; a hub for culture; a sanctuary of peace, contemplation and spirituality; a place of service and sharing; and a living environment.
This transformation is conducted with a concern for building on the Monastery’s history and remaining faithful to its spirit: a living whole, characterized by community life, interrelationships, interactions and sharing.
A living
Photo Geneviève Thibault
An educational setting
The monastery is home to the École des Ursulines de Québec , founded in 1639 by Marie de l’Incarnation. The school’s mission is to contribute to students’ intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, and emotional development, following the tradition of educational excellence inherited from Marie de l’Incarnation and Angela Merici, founder of the Ursulines. The Monastery also houses the childcare centre Les Petits Murmures.
A hub for culture
The Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines is a non-profit organization created by the Ursulines in 2016. The mission of this cultural centre is to preserve, showcase and promote both the tangible heritage (collections of artworks, ethnological objects, and historical archives) and intangible heritage of the Ursuline Sisters. In addition, offering a vibrant cultural program within the iconic heritage spaces is part of the project to repurpose the Monastery with a view to preserving the spirit of the site by highlighting the foundational principles of the Ursuline Sisters’ work.
Collections | Cultural Center of the Ursuline Monastery
Photo Geneviève Thibault
A sanctuary of peace, contemplation and spirituality
The Ursuline Chapel, which is open to the public, best embodies this role of the Monastery. The Monastery also hosts the activities of the Centre Marie-de-l’Incarnation, whose mission is to interpret and convey the message of Saint Marie de l’Incarnation. Finally, offering access to the Monastery’s gardens – an oasis of peace, silence and greenery in the heart of the city – is another way of inviting the public into this sanctuary.
A place of service and
sharing
The Monastery currently houses a unit of the City’s administration. Additionally, the possibility of redeveloping the refectory is being explored. The dining service project is to offer healthy, varied and affordable meals to people living and working near the Monastery, as well as to visitors and regulars.
Collections | Cultural Center of the Ursuline Monastery
Photo Geneviève Thibault
A living environment
The feasibility of converting some of the unused wings of the Monastery into rental housing is also under consideration.