The Monthly Note
June 2017
Since May 17th, Montreal celebrates the 375th anniversary of the founding of Ville-Marie. As the Archbishop of Montreal said at Notre-Dame Basilica, ‘’... we once again look to the men and women who crossed the Atlantic without ever knowing for certain if they would safely arrive on the shores of the Saint Lawrence. These pioneers founded Ville-Marie without any certitude that they would survive the elements, the winter cold, or the wars. What was experienced at the time of the city's founding has been courageously lived throughout Montreal's history.
The founding pioneers set out without knowing what the future would hold. Why? Because they had faith. Faith that God had called them, faith in the beautiful plan for a city founded on spirituality, community-living and solidarity. Their faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, opened their hearts to the sure knowledge of God's love and led them to rely on him by placing their entire lives in his hands. Their faith that Jesus, the Living Christ, is there beside us throughout every storm, gave them the confidence to proceed with hope and to base their lives on love and on the development of a city that radiates goodness, truth and beauty.
In the name of Jesus, Maisonneuve and Jeanne-Mance, the founders of Montreal, embraced values that were both profoundly Christian and profoundly human. These same values are timeless, because they are fundamental to who we are as human beings. Together, let us continue to focus on spirituality, community-living/"vivre-ensemble" and solidarity, so that Montreal may remain a place where the dignity of every human being is upheld. Together, let's build a society where individuals find fulfillment, where families flourish, and where the various segments of society experience respect, dialogue and peace.
Let's be inspired by these men and women, our ancestors, who, kneeling before God, allowed themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit, in the joy of faith in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. Let us look to the cross, source of reconciliation. In our personal, family, social and church lives, there are sunny days and dark, stormy ones. Let us thank God for his presence and have faith that he will never abandon us.‘’
Today, in 2017, rest assured that, in your stormy days, you can count on the prayers of the
Friends of St. Jude. Every Thursday afternoon, together at Mass, we pray for you and all intentions received during the week. Be confident, there's hope!
Fr. Henri de Longchamp, Friar Preacher (O.P.)
Director of Saint-Jude’s Apostolic Works