Why do we see Sisters with and without makeup in Montréal?
Well, the truth is that our founding Sisters in 1979 in San Francisco didn’t wear makeup at all. It was one of them—who was also a sex worker—who started using makeup to avoid being recognized by her clients while doing community work. This experience significantly shaped the Sisters’ actions (and their enjoyment too), by giving rise to a true “Sister face” for public appearances.
From this, two traditions emerged: one followed by some American Sisters, our Australian Sisters, and some of our English Sisters who serve without makeup; and another followed by the majority of Sisters around the world who choose to wear makeup.
The Montréal convent considered this question early on and chose to be a mixed-tradition house. Each Sister can learn to apply makeup if she wishes or is able to (some of us live with motor challenges or face financial constraints—makeup can be expensive!). But ultimately, every Sister is free to take action with or without makeup.
Most of the time, it comes down to logistics and how much time we have to get ready. But it can also be a personal or collective decision, depending on the context. Sometimes, we feel that wearing makeup might limit rather than enhance our interactions during certain events or actions.
Why are your ceremonial veils trimmed with white?
The large black veil we receive during our elevation as a Sister—used primarily for major ceremonies—is always trimmed with white as a reminder that, no matter how long we’ve been part of the Order, we remain novices throughout our lives as Sisters. It reminds us to stay open, attentive, and always in a posture of learning.
This tradition, unique to the Montréal convent, was inspired by an act of Sister Marie Thimothy Simplicity in San Francisco in the 2010s. She chose to wear her white novice veil under her black veil on all occasions, as a way to remind herself—and her fellow Sisters—that being elevated to the rank of Sister of Perpetual Indulgence is not about gaining power or reaching a destination, but rather a step on an ongoing path of growth.
In tribute to this gesture and to continue its message, we decided to trim our black veils with a white border.
Why is “Being a Sister for Your Sisters” the first rule of the Montréal Convent?
Over the years in France, Germany, and the U.S., Sister Mystrah observed a great deal of internal conflict within convents. She became deeply concerned by the often short-lived commitment of Sisters—many staying only a few years before stepping away from the work.
There are two main reasons for this:
- The violence Sisters face—whether homophobia, political or physical aggression during actions, or the heavy stories and realities shared by our communities—often leads them to break down emotionally, sometimes turning that pain on each other. Repetitive harsh humor, disproportionate authority, and excessive radicalism among Sisters have led to serious and unnecessary interpersonal conflicts.
Our response has been to commit to caring for our fellow Sisters with at least as much attention, kindness, and affection as we aim to give during our actions. - The personal traumas many new members carry can lead to behaviors that aren’t compatible with the group life and teamwork essential to a convent.
This is where the discernment work of the Godmothers, the Novice Mistresses, and the entire convent comes into play—during postulancy and novitiate. It’s crucial to distinguish between situational behaviors and deeper patterns, and to have the collective courage to help someone take the time to heal before integrating fully. Saying NO—for the good of the group and the individual—is incredibly difficult, but absolutely necessary for both sustainability and well-being.
Building an internal culture that aligns with the best of what we hope for our communities is one of our greatest challenges. To respond to these issues—and to remain vigilant—the Montréal Sisters made “Being a Sister for Your Sisters” their first rule, embracing the saying of the Compagnons du Devoir: “To serve without seeking to be served or to dominate.”
Sex and Substance Use Among the Sisters
We are often called to work in spaces and at events where sexuality—and sometimes the use of alcohol or other substances—is very present. It is absolutely essential that each Sister be clear with herself on these topics.
Sex while in habit is strictly forbidden.
As long as we are in Sister persona, acting as a Sister or representing the Convent or the Order, we do not engage in any sexual interaction. Of course, what happens afterward or elsewhere—over coffee or otherwise—is each person’s choice… but during an action, it’s a hard NO.
We are deeply committed to ensuring the physical integrity of our fellow Sisters, and it is just as important that all our physical gestures remain rooted in tenderness and empathy, never open to misinterpretation.
Substance use (including alcohol) is up to each individual.
Some of us are sober for various reasons, others consume occasionally. Regardless of the situation, our guiding rule is:
“Handle yourself, and Heaven will help you!”
Consumption must never interfere with our work.
The Secret of Confession
Everything shared with a Sister is held under the strictest confidentiality.
If a Sister wishes to share something she has received, it may only be done with other Sisters, and always in a way that preserves the anonymity of the person.
To protect the mental health of our members, we regularly take time for “heart-check” moments during our monthly chapters, and we ensure that no Sister is left to carry a confidence that feels too heavy alone.
The trust you place in us is one of the most precious gifts you can offer; we are as proud of it as we are responsible for it.
How old are the Sisters?
Well, eternally young, of course!
In reality, the average age at the Montréal convent is around forty, but to become a Sister, you simply need to be of legal age or emancipated. Our eldest member is over 70!
The intergenerational aspect of our community is one of our greatest strengths, and we cherish it with joy!
Diversity and Inclusion at the Montréal Convent
The Montréal convent has always been something of a laboratory, and we are all particularly open to experimentation. The Sisters make a point of supporting and standing in solidarity with the causes that matter to each other.
Among ourselves, we engage in a kind of ongoing peer education across a wide range of social struggles, drawing on each Sister’s knowledge, experience, and activism. We also strive to be available to support each other in the widest possible diversity of actions.
We have taken a vow to engage in social justice, and we do our best to honour that promise across as many areas as we can—encouraged by the personal passions of each Sister.
Why is there no Mother Superior at the Montréal Convent?
Because we do not recognize any hierarchy among the Sisters or within the Order of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
Some of the more experienced Sisters may share their wisdom and care with the newer ones—but just as often, the reverse can be true.
We understand and respect the importance that this role may hold in other convents’ traditions, but at Montréal, we have never felt the need for it, nor found it useful.
Why are the Sisters political?
We are political but not partisan. In fact, the Sisters are much more politically diverse than one might think. Each of us has our own history, commitments, and political views—which sometimes differ greatly.
We believe that who we are and what we do is political in the sense that we are united by a desire to generously serve the broader society and respond to the needs of our communities.
We come together around core values that guide our actions, and by embodying the identity of a Sister, we represent a vision of living together in harmony, defending individual freedoms, and fostering both personal and collective empowerment.
We all believe in non-violent action, and in the power of Humor, Memory, and Love.
