Echoes of Emilie - Les Soeurs de la Providence
Transcription
Echoes of Emilie - Les Soeurs de la Providence
Echoes of Emilie Volume 37 No. 2 - July 2014 In this issue issue: Page - "Les Discrètes" , the documentary - Coming soon at the Museum : "Les Journées de la Culture" 1-2 2 - St. Marie-de-l’Incarnation and St. François de Laval - The Leadership of Emilie - Two Popes were canonized 3 - Gratitude to Emilie 4 Redaction: Emilie Gamelin Centre Nancy Prada, Coordinator Bureau of the Cause of Blessed Emilie Gamelin Sr. Yvette Demers, SP, Secretary Translation, edition, graphic design and diffusion: Emilie Gamelin Centre Lorena Otero, Adm. Assistant / Museum Tour Guide Proofreading: Sr. Linda Jo Reynolds, SP PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO 40046221 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: EMILIE GAMELIN CENTRE 12055 GRENET STREET MONTREAL (QC) H4J 2J5 CANADA LEGAL DEPOSIT - 2006 National Library of Quebec National Library of Canada ISSN 1203-987X Request your electronic copy of our bulletin at: [email protected] Echoes of Emilie on the Web: www.providenceintl.org To submit a comment, a new address or to place an order at our Boutique Providence, please contact us at: Emilie Gamelin Centre 12 055, Grenet Street Montreal, Qc H4J 2J5 Canada Phone: (514) 334-9090 [email protected] A documentary about the Sisters of Providence The premiere of the documentary Les Discrètes (Emilie’s Daughters) took place on February 22, 2014 as part of the Les Rendez-vous du cinéma quebecois festival. The auditorium of the National Library was crowded! There were moments of laughter; the room was full of emotions… some more touching. In simplicity, worthy of the title of this documentary, Les Discrètes presents the Sisters of Providence, who for over 170 years continue the work of their foundress, Emilie Gamelin, as they respond to the needs of the poor, drug addicts, prisoners and those marginalized by society in Montreal and beyond. It all began in the fall of 2011, when documentarian Hélène Choquette visited our Museum, in a discreet manner, but with a project in mind... to make a documentary about the Sisters of Providence, who despite their age, continue to daily demonstrate in their actions harmony with their mission of helping the poor. At this point, Hélène knew little about the details of Emilie Gamelin’s life, a lay woman, who became a widow at 27, and who lost her three children. However, she desired to know and understand these women so devoted to the neglected in society. For over a year, she worked with the sisters; she followed them in their daily life. She came to see us at the Museum and the Archives, always full of curiosity. For a while, the Emilie Gamelin Centre became her "headquarters"; the museum rooms were used as the film set for interviews. On the part of the Sisters of Providence, they had to trust in Providence and let "this young and unfamiliar woman" pry in an "indiscreet" manner... Sister Simone, SP and Hélène Choquette, the producer of the documentary Les Discrètes Les Discrètes is primarily a social documentary that takes us into the everyday life of the Sisters of Providence. By means of interviews and archival documentation, but with a different perspective, the documentarian presents the major stages of the life of the community since its beginning. It also presents the commitment of the Sisters of Providence, who since the Community’s foundation continue today their work in the utmost discretion. These women, who worked in the shadows all their lives, have contributed to the development of social services and the creation of a better society, here in Quebec and elsewhere in the world. By means of this documentary, Hélène Choquette has contributed to the spreading our heritage, which is a mission of primary importance for our collective memory. Newer generations need to learn and older generations be reminded about the heritage and contribution of the Sisters of Providence in Quebec and elsewhere in the world. By Nancy Prada The Museum of the Sisters of Providence will participate in the September 26 & 27, 2014 10 AM to 3 PM Our program includes: Presentation of the documentary “Les Discrètes”. Magnificat! This documentary, which plunges us into the heart of the community of the Sisters of Providence, is the ultimate testimony of these women who have profoundly influenced Quebec and who continue to show altruism and compassion. Hélène Choquette, director of this documentary, will be present to discuss the film after its showing. For more information regarding free visits to the Museum and our special program, please contact the Emilie Gamelin Centre . 514.334.9090 (#217 or #223) Saint Marie of the Incarnation 1599 (France) - 1672 (Quebec) Open Monday to Friday - 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Self-guided or guided tours available Reservations required for guided tours or outside our opening hours (evenings/weekends) 12055 Grenet Street Montreal, QC H4J 2J5 Canada Information: (514) 334-9090 [email protected] Admission fees: Free Saint Francis-Xavier de Montmorency-Laval (François de Laval) 1623 (France) - 1708 (Quebec) We join the Church of the Diocese of Quebec to thank God for the recent decrees of Sainthood issued by Pope Francis on April 3, 2014 in favor of Saint François de Montmorency-Laval (Bishop of Laval) and Saint Marie of the Incarnation. The Lord is wonderful in his Providence! The Bureau of the Cause of Blessed Emilie Gamelin The Leadership of Emilie From an early age, Emilie Tavernier showed assertiveness, a talent for organization, and an ability to find collaborators. People perceived these skills in her, when, at 18, she lived in the house of her recently widowed brother and she opened the "Table of the King" to accommodate the beggars knocking at the door. There was always a table set for them at which she served them. In 1823, Emilie married Jean-Baptiste Gamelin. She strived to work with him to relieve the needs of the city’s poor. She supported him in his activities and endeavors. their locals and she herself assisted the Sisters appointed to these foundations. Everywhere she was recognized as a "Veritable Providence", "Angel of Prisoners". She was requested to be at the bedside of the sick and dying and she was praised for her dedication and generosity. Unknowingly, she trans-mitted her leadership charism particularly to two great women she welcomed to the novitiate: Venerance Morin, on May 11, 1850, and Esther Parizeau, on December 26, 1843. The first became the foundress of the Congregation of Providence in Santiago, Chile; while the second was the pioneer of the missions in the Western U.S. and Canada. In 1828, after she had become a Bishop Bourget and the Ladies of Charity (1841 ) widow and while contemplating the image of the Virgin at the foot of the Cross, she discovered the mission that God had entrusted to her: in The day after the sudden death of Mother Emilie Gamelin the future, her husband and children will be all those who on September 23, 1851, it was not surprising to read in the suffer in some way. Familiar with the city environs of the newspapers: "Glory be to God forever, for giving such a time, she welcomed into her home the most vulnerable heroine to our century, such an example to our people! elderly and sick women. Volunteers assisted her in caring for those in the house and helping out in various tasks. She Sister Yvette Demers, SP also relied on relatives and friends to help her in her charitable work. As a business woman, she decided to sell the properties inherited from her husband in order to meet Two Popes were canonized: the needs of those whom she protected. She organized John XXIII,“the Good Pope”, and bazaars, visited the closets of the rich... which made many Pope John Paul II, the “Pilgrim Pope” people say: "Giving things to Mrs. Gamelin is worthy because I know that everything will be properly used for the poor." When Bishop Ignace Bourget decided to ask the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul to take over the work of Providence, Emilie did all that was necessary to obtain the Certificate of Incorporation of the Maison de la Providence (Providence House), which was obtained on September 18, 1841. Then she offered to assist the bishop in begging for the necessary funds needed to build the house of the future "Sisters", which later became Providence Asile. However, the Sisters of France announced to Bishop Bourget they had to abandon their plans in Canada. The Bishop of Montreal took a decision based on prayer and reflection: to found a religious community – The Sisters of Providence - in Montreal on March 25, 1843. On July 8, when one of the novices left the group, Mrs. Gamelin felt called to replace her. On March 29, 1844, Bishop Bourget invited her to be the first to pronounce religious vows. For a long time her organizational and leadership skills had been recognized. She was elected Superior the day after her profession, on March 30, 1844. She formed the novices and young sisters for the works of charity and Providence; she made herself available to answer all of the numerous needs that arose; she sought to respond to bishops desiring houses of Providence in Pope Francis canonized Blessed Popes John XXIII and John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2014. The Congregation of the Sisters of Providence, and particularly the Bureau of the Cause of Emilie Gamelin, rejoices on the occasion of the canonization of Pope John Paul II, since he was the Pope who approved the main stages of the Cause of their Blessed foundress. Here are the dates of those stages: December 5, 1980 December 23, 1993 December 18, 2000 October 7, 2001 The obtaining of the Nihil Obstat for the Introduction of the Cause in the Diocese of Montreal The signing of the Venerability Decree The signing of the Decree on the miracle Proclamation of Beatification Praise God for giving these two Saint Popes to the Church: St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II! Gratitude to Emilie Blessed Emilie, always attentive to those who ask her intercession... Mother Emilie Gamelin is very well known for the sale of houses. More than a year after signing an offer of purchase, a religious community looked forward to the moment of concluding the sale. Finally, the notary settled the meeting date to sign the contract: Monday, September 23... the day of the liturgical feast of Mother Gamelin. The Sisters saw this as a sign from heaven, from where Mother Gamelin assures her protection and invites them to trust in Providence. S.L.D., OP, Montreal, QC Many thanks to Mother Gamelin; the surgery for skin cancer was successful. D.F., Longueuil, QC Thank you for praying for me. Mother Gamelin listened to our prayers for I got the job I wanted for an improved quality of life and also for my financial situation. I entrust my whole family to her. C.G, Louiseville, QC Thank you to my good Mother Gamelin for relieving a persistent abdominal pain. Here is my contribution. R.B., La Baie, QC. I am sending you Mass stipends to thank Mother Gamelin who answered my prayers: my son was finally called to work at the Sûreté du Québec (Police of Quebec). C.L., Ruisseau-a-Rebours, QC Thank you to Mother Emilie Gamelin, thanks to the prayers for her intercession, a baby survived at birth and father and mother are very happy. Grandma D., Shawinigan-Sud, QC I confided to Mother Gamelin the thyroidnodule exams I had to undergo; the results showed no signs of cancer. I’m deeply thankful! J.V., St-Justin, QC Thank you to Blessed Emilie to whom I prayed. My niece healed from complications after a cesarean. In addition, the trip I entrusted to Emilie went safely. M.C., Edmonton, AB Thanks to Emilie for the sale of my son’s house. S.H. St-Edouard, QC Thank you, Mother Emilie Tavernier Gamelin for granting my wishes about the outcome of the case concerning my daughter's house. N. M.-M., Port-au-Prince, Haiti I want to thank Emilie for a favor received: the healing of B.D., who was very ill. L.V., Montreal, QC I confided my daughter to Blessed Emilie Gamelin because of her separation. Thank you Emilie, because everything was peaceably resolved. Now, she only needs to obtain the custody of her children, ages 3 and 5. B.B., Quebec QC Thank you to Emilie for the job that my son found. B.P., Drummondville, QC Enclosed you will find my offering to thank Mother Gamelin. She granted improved health to my mother, brother, and even me. B.C., Bronx, N.Y., U.S.A. I assure you that Mother Emilie Gamelin watches over our daughter; she got a very good job in Ottawa. C. and G., Cornwall, ON I'm sure Mother Emilie Gamelin, to whom I prayed, listened to me and helped me recover my health. Many thanks! K.G., St- Basile, QC I asked Emilie to help me find a good job and she answered my prayers. I hope she will be proclaimed a Saint very soon. M.L., Joliette, QC Thank you, Mother Gamelin, for interceding during the open heart surgery of my son A. F.B., St-Lambert, QC My son-in-law’s employment contract was renewed for a period of six years. Thank you to Blessed Emilie, to whom I prayed. G.B., Yamachiche, QC Every night I say a prayer to Emilie Gamelin; she surely interceded in the healing of my daughter who had been injured. Thank you! P.F.-R., St- Ephrem-de-Beauce, QC I have great confidence in Mother Gamelin. I was healed and obtained a special favor for my daughter. H.B., Val Morin, QC After praying to Blessed Mother Gamelin, my blood pressure improved. E.T., Colorado Springs, CO, U.S.A. Thank you for your prayers through the intercession of Mother Gamelin. My wife has gotten better since she returned home. R.C., Repentigny, QC I have great confidence in Mother Gamelin and I want to thank her for making it possible for my daughter to find a good job. D.J., Alma QC Through the intercession of Mother Gamelin our son-in-law B. found a job which was beyond his expectations. He feels appreciated and that he is contributing to society. Thank you to Emilie. L.G. and B.A., Laval, QC Blessed Emilie Gamelin, Pray for us! Sister Yvette Demers, SP Secretary Bureau of the Cause of Blessed Emilie Tavernier Gamelin Gratitude to Emilie Please address all favours obtained to: Bureau of the Cause of Blessed Emilie Tavernier Gamelin 12 055, Grenet Street Montreal, QC H4J 2J5 Canada Sr. Yvette Demers, SP, Secretary Phone: (514) 334-9090 (Ext. 208) [email protected] To Blessed Emilie we confide all the intentions that you carry in your hearts, both spiritual and temporal; she will certainly know how to lend an attentive ear to all your needs.
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