Introduction
We are brothers, we live in fraternity, we pray individually and in common, together we share our meals and our time, helping each other to grow, as in a family. Our communities that we call fraternities, are places of joy and hospitality.
We are an evangelical fraternity, Jesus of Nazareth is our guide, he calls us to a simple and humble life among the people. The life of Christ, the Holy Scripture, Saint Francis and his writings are the very source of our inspiration.
We have been sent by Jesus to proclaim the Gospel, but above all, by the example of our life, and also in different ways: prayer and contemplation, pastoral work, social services, presence to the poorest, missionary activities, publications and information, etc.
"
"And after the Lord had given me brothers, no one showed me what I should do, but the Most High himself showed me that I should live according to the form of the Holy Gospel."
(Testament of Saint Francis of Assisi, 14)
Origin of the Capuchins
The religious habit, the Rule and the Constitutions of the Order
The Order of Friars Minor, in its effort to remain faithful to the intentions of its founder, Saint Francis of Assisi, has endured many difficulties throughout its history, leading to disagreements and divisions.
The three most important branches of the First Order, the Friars Minor, the Conventual Friars Minor and the Capuchin Friars Minor, each developed their own organization and structure, but all claimed Saint Francis as their Father and founder.
The Capuchins are the most recent branch, from 1525, when some Friars Minor of the Marches wanted to live a life of prayer and poverty closer to the intentions of Saint Francis. Thanks to the support of the Pontifical Court, the new branch obtained recognition quite quickly and made disciples very quickly, first in Italy and then, in all the rest of Europe, from 1574.
Their name of Capuchins was given to them because of the long hood they wore; at first it was only a nickname, but it soon became the official name of the Order, which currently exists in 99 countries, throughout the world, with 11,000 brothers living in more than 1,800 communities (fraternities).
Simplicity, closeness to the people, fraternal spirit in our homes and in the apostolate, are the visible signs that characterize our style of life, to this it is important to add the importance given by the first brothers to penance and the life of prayer.
Beyond the male Capuchin order, there are also a significant number of contemplative female monasteries (Capuchins) and numerous congregations of women inspired by the Capuchin charism, founded most of the time under the leadership of a Capuchin brother.
The Secular Franciscan Order, for the laity, is an independent organization that embraces the entire Franciscan variety. Minors, Conventuals, Capuchins and other members of the Franciscan family provide spiritual support to the Secular Franciscan Order.
All these groups of religious, nuns, professed, together form the Franciscan Family.
The Capuchins in Canada
In 1890, brothers from the Province of Toulouse (France) settled in Ottawa. They opened a house of study there and accepted responsibility for the French-speaking parish of Saint-François d'Assise. Thus taking root in the country, the Toulousains opened other fraternities which, over time, constituted a new strong and enterprising province. Brother Alexis de Barbezieux can be considered the founder of the Capuchin province of Eastern Canada.
Despite the strange appearance of their attire: shaved heads, long beards, brown robes and sandals on their feet, these brothers attract the sympathy of the population by their energy in developing the land surrounding the church and the fraternity. We also admire their ardor in putting out the fire as soon as it attacks one of the houses in the neighborhood.
To ensure the training of young people interested in their way of life, the brothers opened the Seraphic College of Ottawa in 1908. Several of the current brothers of the Province studied there.
The brothers, who wanted to establish themselves permanently in Canada, considered it necessary to found other houses. They also needed new fields of apostolate. Brother Alexis's relations with the French-speaking bishops led to the Capuchins receiving an offer from the Bishop of Rimouski, who wanted a religious community capable of serving the Micmac natives of Ristigouche in Gaspésie. The brothers settled there and were present for about a hundred years.
Seraphic College of Ottawa
Over the years, the locations of the sanctuary diversified: Quebec, in the working-class district of Limoilou in 1904; the sanctuary of the Reparation at the Sacred Heart in Montreal in 1921; the Hermitage Saint-Antoine at Lac-Bouchette (Lac St-Jean region) in 1925. In 2007, we will celebrate the centenary of this sanctuary, initially so humble and now a place of renewal open to all.
Our history is full of examples showing the attentive presence of the brothers among the destitute and marginalized. This presence is an expression of our spirituality and our charism. From their establishment in Ottawa, the brothers ensured the distribution of meals during the crisis of 1929, and it is a tradition carefully preserved to serve a meal to anyone who comes to our door.
In 1967, at the request of the bishop, brothers opened a fraternity inserted in a working-class environment in Old Hull. The project aimed to evangelize an urban and low-income population. Upon their arrival, the brothers committed themselves to the many family, financial, housing and health problems of the people in the neighborhood. This fraternity in a working-class environment still exists and will celebrate its 40 years of presence in a working-class environment in 2007.
And our story continues today; it is illustrated by each brother who tries, in his own way, to respond to God's call.
Capuchins in the world
Testimonies of the brothers
Capuchin missionary work in India (1)
Being a Capuchin in a rural parish (1)
Toutes les vidéos
Frère Gilles Frigon
Frère Gilles Frigon
Frère Rodrigue Dion
Frère Alain Picard
(1) The testimonies of the brothers in audio or video format were produced by the Canada Research Chair in Ethnological Heritage at Laval University as part of its project to inventory the intangible religious heritage of Quebec (IPIR). All of the brothers' testimonies are available on the IPIR website .
Return from Haiti: Brother Rolland Bergeron
I left on February 19 to go and do some work for the people in Corail, a very poor place in Haiti where Brother Guy Bédard founded a mission. The benches in the church in Corail were uncomfortable and since those in a church in Quebec, Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, were available because it was closed, they were offered to Brother Guy Bédard. To transport them, we had to dismantle all these benches and then reassemble them in Corail. It was a big job. We also had to reassemble school desks.
Brother Rolland Bergeron
By living two months in the village of Corail, I was able to see a little of the immense poverty that reigns there. Everyone is in need. Young people aged 13 to 15 are blocked in their studies because they do not have the money to pay for their courses; they ask us to sponsor them otherwise their intellectual development is over. It is a vicious circle: this state of poverty limits the people of Haiti in their development and the population becomes even poorer and poorer.
They are a very pious people. God is very important in their lives and on Sundays the church is full and people sing enthusiastically.
We are just a drop in the ocean. There is much to do, but our sensitivity is limited and we must be content with small gestures that sow hope in those who benefit from them.
When we arrived in Corail, we were welcomed by a group of volunteers who work there, one of whom is a nurse and the other, responsible for aid projects for Haitians. The place where we lived was comfortable and we lived a fraternal life there. I woke up early. Then, around 6:30 a.m., we attended a service to start the day in prayer. There were eight of us and we had a beautiful fraternity that helped us live well. Two other people and I formed a team to put back the benches (70) and the desks (133).
I was enriched by the knowledge of this whole new world. I dove into this project by trusting in the Lord. Everything worked out well and I can say "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED"! I came back on April 16. I will never forget this beautiful experience, all that I lived.
De la brousse africaine au transport adapté :
frère Mario Soublière
After spending 28 years of his life in Chad, Africa, Brother Mario Soublière (Armand), a Capuchin, found a new mission in Gatineau. A member of the Capuchin fraternity of Gatineau, he found a new place of integration that gave him a new passion for life, following in the footsteps of Claire and François.
Sign of a God who accompanies
After sharing the life, dreams and pain of the African people in Chad for several years, Brother Mario Soublière, upon returning to his country, began looking for a new mission in Gatineau.
He was first part of a team of volunteers, the Good Samaritans, who visited the sick in their homes. He was touched by their situation and felt very drawn to them. Little by little, his action was inserted into a CHSLD called La Pieta where he began to provide pastoral services: giving communion and the sacrament of the sick, etc. Little by little, his action took other forms. While continuing his pastoral services, he now accompanies the sick who have to go to a clinic or hospital. In his mission in adapted transport, he is the sign of a God who listens and accompanies these people who experience anguish and solitude. He is the sign of a God who watches over his suffering people and he recognizes, in their way of the cross, that of Jesus. He loves his long moments of waiting where the word changes into the silence of presence.
At other times, he visits the sick in their rooms and gives them communion. He is even part of the choir… He has become a sought-after person in this environment where the sick have adopted him and only want to go out with him…
On a mission until the end
Brother Mario Soublière says he is lucky to have found this precious pearl at this stage of his life. Elderly people often suffer from loneliness and need attention and presence. They expect visitors who do not always come. In an aging society like ours, there is an important issue of humanity. In his action, he feels close to the life of Francis and Clare. He is also aware of living with these people important pages of the Gospel: "I was old and sick and you accompanied me!" These sick people, through his action, let themselves be told: Blessed are the poor.
In Africa, he shared the life of a people he loved. He admired their courage and solidarity in hunger and war. Now, the mission continues in another place but with the same breath. Brother Mario Soublière (Armand) went from the mission of the African bush to the mission of adapted transport but it is always the same seduction that makes him live in mission until the end.
Brother Benoît Fortin
Franciscan Saints
Saint Claire
Around 1205, the small church dedicated to Saint Damien was in ruins when the young Francis came to pray here to understand the new direction his life was taking. And after hearing the word of a large Byzantine crucifix, he began to restore this chapel. A few years later, in the spring of 1211, shortly after her decision to become a nun, the young Clare of Assisi settled here where she lived with her sisters until her death in 1253.
In the light of Claire…
The contemplative life, a beautiful adventure that involves challenges. Clare of Assisi can guide us on this path. A determined and audacious woman, she dared this adventure.
"
“Go, run with a light step without stumbling on the stones of the path, go confident, cheerful and joyful.” 2nd Letter to Agnes
His choice to follow Francis in his way of living the Gospel leads him into a vital experience that can become yours!
"
“Love God and His Son Jesus with all your heart; may His memory never leave your mind.” Letter to Ermentrude
Touched by this free love of the Lord, Claire contemplates and is transformed by it.
"
“Look at Him, meditate on Him, contemplate Him and have no other desire than to imitate Him.” 2nd Letter to Agnes
Claire and her sisters testify in the concrete of their lives to their universal solidarity with a preference for the poorest. In order to free themselves, they have refused the sources of monopolization, rejection, and fear. They live this dynamic of freedom with enthusiasm through dispossession. They radiate joy and they lend themselves to sharing. Imbued with faith in prayer, each of their gestures springs forth as if from a source.
In all their fragility, they rely on the unshakeable rock, Christ, and refuse compromises and half-measures. Their hearts turn tirelessly towards the Father's mission by welcoming the cross like Jesus to transmit the Good News.
"
“May the Lord always be with you, and may you also always be with Him!” Blessing of Claire
Source: http://www.clarissesval.ca
Saint Padre Pio
The events of his life
Francesco Forgione was born into a modest family in Pietrelcina in southern Italy on May 25, 1887; he had 7 brothers and sisters. As a child he tended sheep with the other children of the village.
He received the Capuchin habit on January 22, 1903 and, according to custom, changed his baptismal name; he became Brother Pio da Pietrelcina.
Four years later he took his perpetual vows in order to devote himself totally to God. In the years that followed, he continued his preparatory studies for priestly ordination.
On August 10, 1910, he was ordained a priest and celebrated his first mass in his native village.
From 1909 to 1916 he had to return to live in his native village because his fragile health did not allow him to live the austere life of the Capuchins. He was overwhelmed by an unknown illness. There was even talk of his leaving the Order because of his difficulties in living the common life.
In 1916, after some stays in different fraternities, he was appointed to the fraternity of San Giovanni Rotondo where he lived until his death.
On September 20, 1918, he experienced in his body the physical marks of the crucified Christ (the stigmata).
Padre Pio's popularity spread rapidly. Worried, the religious authorities forbade him from celebrating the Eucharist in public in 1923. Faced with pressure from the population, he was allowed to celebrate in the chapel of the fraternity.
On May 23, 1931, the Holy Office forbade Padre Pio from any priestly ministry; he lived in solitude, suffering and absolute obedience. The ban was lifted in 1933.
In 1940 he expressed the wish that a hospital be built that would become a place of care for body and soul. Work began in 1947 and on May 5, 1956, the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (House for the Relief of Suffering) was opened.
Over the next few years, his health declined.
He celebrated his last mass on September 22, 1968 and died the following night.
Saint Padre Pio.
A Capuchin, a brother,
A poor man who prays and loves.
Se recevoir de Dieu
En répondant à l’appel de Dieu à la vie religieuse franciscaine, Padre Pio accepte de vivre sa propre suite du Christ en s’inspirant de la vigueur et de la sainteté du Pauvre d’Assise. En professant de vivre toute sa vie en pauvreté, obéissance et chasteté, il se confie à Dieu ; il se reçoit de Dieu avec humilité.
Un capucin enraciné dans le quotidien
Loin de rechercher le sensationnel et le merveilleux, Padre Pio enracine sa vie dans la spiritualité franciscaine vécue au quotidien, car c’est dans le quotidien que s’exprime la fidélité à Dieu. Il en a fait l’expérience plus d’une fois comme, par exemple, lorsqu’on lui demande de restreindre, voire d’abandonner son ministère.
Les frères qui ont vécu avec lui ont témoigné de son sens fraternel profond, de sa bonté envers chacun et de son sens de l’humour. Enraciné dans la Règle des frères mineurs, il prêchait par son exemple.
Un capucin amoureux du Christ crucifié
Padre Pio ne se complaisait pas dans la souffrance; il l’accueille comme une soeur. Tôt dans sa vie il en a fait l’expérience et accepte de l’embrasser avec générosité. Pendant plus de cinquante ans il portera de façon physique les blessures du Crucifié.
Son amour du Christ s’exprime par une grande disponibilité à ceux qui souffrent moralement ou physiquement. Il passe de longues heures à recevoir le gens dans le sacrement de réconciliation et avec l’aide de plusieurs amis il voit à la construction de La Casa Sollievo della Sofferanza (Maison du soulagement de la souffrance), un hôpital où tous sont accueillis avec bonté et sans distinction.
La célébration de l’eucharistie sera son principal apostolat ; il la célèbre avec le sentiment d’une intime communion au Christ.
Jean-Paul II parle de Padre Pio
« Mais quel est le secret de tant d’admiration et d’amour envers ce nouveau saint ? Il est tout d’abord un ‘frère du peuple’, caractéristique traditionnelle des capucins. Il est un authentique modèle de spiritualité et d’humanité, deux caractéristiques propres à la spiritualité franciscaine et capucine ».
« Quel réconfort de sentir près de nous Padre Pio, qui voulut simplement être un ‘pauvre qui prie’ : frère du Christ, frère de François, frère de celui qui souffre, frère de chacun. Puisse son aide nous guider sur la voie de l’Évangile et nous mettre à la suite du Christ avec toujours plus de générosité ! »