Abraham S. Joseph, OFM
The Franciscan community of Trois-Rivières welcomed a number of friends and volunteers for a festive buffet to celebrate the Blessed Frédéric Janssoone.


He was born in northern France in 1838, and he was beatified by John Paul II in 1988. In Canada, his feast day is celebrated on August 5, the day after his death, which occurred in Montreal on August 4, 1916.
Sent to Canada as a delegate for the works of the Holy Places, he made a profound impression on all who listened to him. A tireless fundraiser, he travelled on foot through the parishes of Quebec, selling small books to support the Custody of the Holy Land. He also organized, on the banks of the Saint-Maurice River, the country’s first outdoor Way of the Cross. Frédéric was both a contemplative and a man of action. He is credited with the following words: “One must give oneself entirely, without holding anything back.”
This year, the solemn Mass for his feast day was celebrated at the Bon Père Frédéric Shrine in Trois-Rivières. It was presided over by Sylvain Richer, OFM Cap., Minister Provincial of the Capuchins of Quebec, accompanied by Jean-Pierre Ducharme, OFM, Minister Provincial of the Franciscans of Canada, and Bishop Martin Veillette, Bishop Emeritus of Trois-Rivières and Vice-Postulator for the cause of canonization of Blessed Frédéric Janssoone.


