Eulalie Durocher, an inspiring figure for today's catechists!
The recent launch of the publication "Six inspirational figures for catechists" (in French only) highlights the valuable contribution of six witnesses to the faith who have left a mark on history, one of whom is Eulalie Durocher, the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. The latter is grouped together with Jean de Brébeuf, Marguerite Bourgeoys, Mary of the Incarnation, Elisabeth Turgeon and Adolphe Chatillon.
This project, carried out by the Council of Evangelization and Christian Life (CEVC) of the Assembly of Quebec Bishops (AEQ) for several years now, is aimed at meeting the needs of today's catechists. Aware that the work of evangelization is very different from what it once was, the members of the committee responsible for this project were nevertheless convinced of the importance of presenting the remarkable work that was carried out in the past.
Reconnecting with the richness of our history and raising awareness of the energy that was expended by these luminaries from another era, were some of the CEVC’s motivations for carrying out this project.
Discover the innermost inspiration for these witnesses
"It is important to make known the passion that animated these witnesses and the complete faith that they had in their work," says Francine Vincent, Diocesan Head of the Catechumenate at the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and a member of the editorial board of this publication. "It is an inspiring document for the catechized, as well as for the catechists," she added.
At this point after careful reflection, it was decided to acknowledge some inspiring figures from the past. It is a beautiful way to reconnect with history and to remedy the loss of cultural reference points.
The selection of these witnesses was certainly not easy, and was carried out according to specific criteria:
- To have been active in Quebec /Canada
- To have been directly involved in the world of catechesis (awakening, initiating, deepening)
- To have been involved in catechesis in one way or another (teaching, pedagogical approach, accompaniment, establishing institutions for education, formation of catechists, and promoting it in the Church and society)
- To be deceased and to have led a life that was fairly well-known and for which information can be accessed through written materials and to be able to ascertain their accomplishments
- To have been recognized for their commitment, during their own era or later
Visit or revisit these exceptional journeys
Judging by the first favorable comments, this publication that was distributed in all the dioceses in the province of Quebec will most likely have a sequel. For the time being, efforts are being made to bring it to the attention of all the catechists, and all the catechized.
Please contact the dioceses or you may get the electronic version available here, free. http://www.eveques.qc.ca/documents/2016/00FiguresInspiratricesWEB-1.pdf (in French only)
It is a wonderful opportunity to visit or revisit the journeys of exceptional individuals, one of whom is Blessed Eulalie Durocher, whose story was written by Francine Vincent. The latter also wrote the life story of Sainte Marie de l’Incarnation while Sister Lorraine Caza, CND wrote those of Saint Jean de Brébeuf and Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys. Daniel Cadrin, OP wrote the life stories of Blessed Élisabeth Turgeon and of Venerable Adolphe Chatillon.
