Anniversary of the first procession and the canonical erection of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence

On March 19th 1844, the novices, including Emilie Gamelin, made their entrance into the Providence Asile Chapel.  They were invited to « light their candles and to process forward for their encounter with the Lord. Each novice was preceded by a little girl who represented an orphan.  She was dressed in white, wearing a crown of flowers and carried a tray with the gray collar, the black camail and the white cap of the future professed.  On her right she supported an elderly woman out of respect for the poor for whom she had made herself a protector by becoming their servant.  On her left, each novice was supported by a Lady of Charity to signify that the Institute’s work must be done in unison with charitable lay persons.Before the novices took their vows,  Mgr. Ignace Bourget read the decree of the erection of the Congregation.  Freely translated from L’Institut de la Providence, T. I, pp. 404-417

N.B.  Émilie Gamelin was the first novice to pronounce her religious vows in accordance with Mgr. Bourget who wished to recognize her as the founder of this new community.

We are celebrating this anniversary privately this year because of the special circumstances we are experiencing.  We entrust to blessed Émilie our prayers that God-Providence will bring an end to the pandemic, will comfort of those who are afflicted and will grant a prompt return to normal life, while, at the same time,  increasing our faith and confidence. Providence of God,  we believe in you!

Sister Yvette Demers, SP, Vice Postulator