Her works
As a benefactor of Ville Marie, Jeanne gave away her fortune over the years, assisting the poor, the churches and the Congregation of Notre Dame. She made clothing for the most needy and provided for the schooling of disadvantaged young women.
Her life now was now one of continual hommage to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrement, in union with the Virgin Mary and the Angels. Between her hours of adoration and rest, without cessing her prayer, she sewed and embroidered church vestments and worked for the poor.
Her church vestments and altar ornaments, embroidered with gold, silver and bright coloured threads, reflected her intense life of contemplation as well as her appreciation of the beauty of nature and of God’s creation. She is at the origin of the Oeuvre des Tabernacles which is still active today. (4120 Vendôme avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3N1)
Her contemplative life has been an inspiration to the Recluse Sisters a religious congregation founded by two former students of the CND.
Far from being indifferent to the outside world, she brought the concerns and suffering of her contemporaries to her fervent prayers. She prayed especially for peace in a war-torn country.
She died on October 3, 1714 at the age of 52 years "in great odour of sanctity." The entire population of Montreal attended her funeral there to pay their last respects.
The mortal remains of Jeanne Le Ber are preserved in Old Montreal, in Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, their position marked by a plaque on the wall.
Works of art and embroidery by Jeanne Le Ber are on display at Maison Saint-Gabriel, 2146 Dublin place, Montreal (QC) H3K 2A2, Tél : 514-935-8136
