On Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, a Farewell Celebration took place at the Motherhouse of the Brothers of Christian Instruction in La Prairie.
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Celebration time in the Main Chapel
The Theme was intended first and foremost to be one of Gratitude and Joy for all that has been experienced, and also of Confidence and Hope for all that was to come.
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Some of the Participants in the Celebration: Brothers Robert Smyth, Mario Houle, Hervé Lacroix
Brother Mario Houle, Provincial: “We first experienced a time of Sharing, Witnessing and Thanksgiving in the Main Chapel, followed by a Cocktail and the Traditional Barbecue. It was a very Rich Fraternal Moment at La Prairie. In addition to the sixty Brothers who came from everywhere, Daughters of Providence and Associate Members of Our Two Congregations, we were joined by fellow Priests who usually come to Celebrate at Our Place, people close to the Mother House; Long-time Friends and Faithful Employees who are Indispensable Partners for the upkeep of the House, the Care of the Brothers, their health, Our Archives, and I forgot some … And we were Magnificently received by Brother Hervé Lacroix and his Community.
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Many Guests………….. Happy to be there!
Brother Hervé Zamor, Superior General, through his welcome presence, revealed the importance of that Moment, of that passing of the “Baton.” See his full Message: : >>>
“Let us ask the Lord for the Grace of Boldness
when the Spirit asks us to take a step forward.
May He give us the Apostolic Courage to continue proclaiming the Gospel
through the Testimony of a life entirely given to Christ wherever He sends us.
May He keep us open and available to the creativity and surprises of the Holy Spirit.
A book closes!
But another opens: the Lord is waiting for us on the other shore to teach us
to love Him better and serve Him differently.
The important thing is to continue living for God Alone.
and to abandon ourselves to His Providence.”
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Everything was done to enhance the “Taste” (thanks to the Chef of the day!) and “Hearing” (thanks to the Musician of the day!) under the “Eye of Jean-Marie”!
It was a shame for those of you who missed the Delicious Mechoui and the Traditional Pouding Chômeur!
The nine Brothers residing at the Mother House would leave at the end of June. The Collège Jean de la Mennais would then continue the FIC presence in that Historic Location in a different way.
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A House steeped in History! On the left, part of the School Complex, where the Brothers live… and the Cemetery where more than 500 Brothers rested in Peace!
“The School Corporation would take possession of all the Buildings and Land that the Brothers have acquired and built over time. This Great School was performing Wonderfully Well Academically and has a very Enviable Reputation. It would continue to develop the Mennaisian Charism of today and maintain the Heritage received from the FIC. We wish them every success and offer them the help of Our Prayers.” (Brother Charles Desjarlais)
Students from the Collège Jean de la Mennais praise Father de la Mennais during the great novena of November 2024; here in the presence of Brother Hervé Lacroix
This is the new page that opens!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Testimonies collected from Brother Mario Houle, Brother Charles Desjarlais.