Programme for a drama and musical evening by the students

Religious feast days, anniversary celebrations, distributions of academic awards, conferences, official visits were all occasions to organize evenings of theatrical performances or concerts prepared by the students. The convents’ study halls were often the only places in the town or village where social and cultural events took place. The day after an evening at the convent in Sorel in 1898, an article in the local paper stated: “Sorel society was invited Wednesday evening to a truly regal musical and artistic event at the convent of the Congregation. The students of this school imposed upon themselves a very demanding task in order to offer the audience such a rich programme. Their efforts, however, were crowned with success. A large and select audience filled the hall. Among them were members of the clergy of the city and of the neighbouring parishes, the mayor and the city’s most notable citizens. The ladies made up more than half of the audience.”