An ever timely “flame of hope”
On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the beatification of Mother Marie-Rose, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in her honor at the Co-Cathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue in Longueuil. Actually, it was on May 23, 1982, that His Holiness Pope John Paul II proclaimed the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), Marie-Rose Durocher as "Blessed".
Of course, it was not only an unforgettable day for the entire community, but also for the many pilgrims who had a devotion to this woman, who was singled out by Pope John Paul II as a "flame of hope". The simple ceremony, like this woman who was a model of voluntary simplicity well before the term would become fashionable, was enhanced with hymns directed by Sister Lisette Boulé, SNJM.
The homily, by the presiding priest, recalled the path traveled by Eulalie Durocher. He emphasized that it was a road strewn with pitfalls, but lived in faith by a determined, committed woman of great humility who "believed in the future."
As the first Canadian foundress of a teaching community of women religious, Mother Marie-Rose devoted all her energy into educating young girls in the countryside. With this beatification of Mother Marie-Rose, the Church has revealed the story of a "soul choosing to follow Christ, albeit with her difficulties and successes, so as to help us find our own path, our own way to embody the gospel in the different living milieus that define our existence,” said Father Angelo Mitri, OMI, postulator for the cause of beatification.
After the ceremony, several of the faithful went to pay tribute to her at her tomb which is located in the Marie-Rose Chapel set up inside this historical place of worship. Some picked up booklets about the beatification of Mother Marie-Rose as well as leaflets and relics, while others came to pray to her.
