(Translated from the original text in French)
Born in Hoofddorp (Netherlands) on October 26, 1934, Brother François is the son of Karel Louis De Ruijte and Antonia Clasina Vink. He completed his primary and secondary education in the Netherlands, followed by classical studies at St. Anthony’s Seminary in Trois-Rivières (1953-1956), philosophical studies at the Franciscan scholasticate of philosophy in Quebec City (1957-1960), theological studies at the Franciscan Seminary of Theology on Rosemont Boulevard in Montreal (1960-1964), and advanced studies in Franciscan spirituality at St. Bonaventure University, Saint Bonaventure, NY (1975-1978).
Entering the Franciscan novitiate on August 12, 1956, at the Assumption convent in Sherbrooke, he took his temporary vows on August 18, 1957, and his solemn vows on September 4, 1960. He was ordained a priest on April 4, 1964, in Montreal.
Shortly after his theological studies, Brother François returned to school to undertake studies at the Dominican Institute of Pastoral Studies and later in library science and archival studies.
From 1964 to 1975, Brother François collaborated with the Montreal Centre for Ecumenism and served as chaplain at Gerbert Reddy Memorial Hospital and the Metropolitan Nursing Home. During the 1967 World Expo, he served at Saint-Jacques parish and the Ecumenical Pavilion for Expo 67. He subsequently became a member of the Ecumenism Committee of the Downtown Montreal pastoral zone, president of the Interfaith Welcome Committee, spiritual director of the Secular Franciscan Order (English-speaking branch), of charismatic groups, and of pilgrimages. He was also President of the Dutch-Canadian Association and editor-in-chief and publisher of a monthly Dutch-language magazine. He moved to Vancouver from 1978 to 1981, where, in addition to his ministry, he conducted research in spirituality.
Brother François returned to Sherbrooke from 1981 to 1995 at the Assumption convent. He provided pastoral care to the Poor Clares and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Angels, and from 1987 to 1990, he became a member of the Provincial Franciscan Animation Service. In September 1989, he was appointed chaplain of the Knights of Columbus in Rock Forest. From 2003 to 2011, he served as archivist for the Les Marguerites movement in the diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe. In 2011, he moved to the Resurrection convent before joining the fraternity of St. Mary of the Angels (provincial infirmary) in 2014. In recent years, Brother François has led a telephone prayer service.
He passed away in Montreal on June 25, 2024, at the age of 89, after 67 years of religious life and 60 years of priesthood.
