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Paths of life, paths of grace…

Providence watches over us even if we are not fully aware of it.

I took my course in Social Service in the 1970s and then I worked at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital for three years. In my province, I was asked to go to Moffet, Témiscamingue, to do parish pastoral ministry.  Jesus spoke to me his Word: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.” This Word comforted me and gave me the necessary impetus to accept this new challenge.

I have always oriented my life by responding to the Lord’s calls. In 1977, with Sister Ghislaine Landry and Jérôme St-Pierre, o.m.i, we founded the Café Chrétien Centre-Sud, on Sainte-Catherine Street East, in Montreal. Those were beautiful years when I was able to proclaim Jesus Christ and to meet and love young people. In 1979, I was asked to help set up another Café Chrétien on the South Shore, in Longueuil.

In 1984, Sister Claire Lehoux, a social worker employed by the CSSMM*, asked me to come and help with the “blitz” of biological histories and reunions. This two-year experience gave me great joy, for I felt I was an instrument of consolation and peace for the mothers who were looking for their children and for the children who were looking for their mothers. I often invoked Emily to help us find the children and the mothers.

From 1985 to 1987, I became responsible for the formation of postulants and novices in Montreal. In 1987, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry, with an option for Counseling. I became a Provincial Councilor and Local Superior at 5175 Plessis Street, where I exercised a ministry of human and spiritual accompaniment for couples, families, youth, and people in difficulty. These were wonderful years that enriched me because I was able to recognize the action of Providence in people’s hearts.

In 1991, I founded a day center for women, l’Entraide Émilie, with Mrs. Claire Paquette, Providence Associate. What a beautiful experience of faith, trust in Providence and fraternity, until 2003! This organization was located at Saint-Urbain Street, at the corner of Bernard Street, thus, on “Terre Providence”. The Lord is not distracted, as I often say.

Since 2002, I have lived at the Residence at Chambly Street where I enjoy moments of intense community life where the atmosphere of mutual aid is always in the forefront.  In June 2011, the Provincial Council asked the members of our Community to share our house to host the novitiate, which we accepted with joy despite the obstacles and challenges.   I can tell you that this is a great blessing that the Lord has granted us, because we, who are getting older, come across the younger novices who, like us, wish to give their life to God and to continue the Mission of Emilie Gamelin in the heart of the Church. These younger novices share with us their enthusiasm and their joy; in turn, we offer them our wisdom and our friendship. In 2018, the members of the General Council asked me to be a member of the planning committee for the 175th Anniversary of the Congregation, which I gladly accepted, as Emilie is so close to my heart. It was an unforgettable experience of faith and community sharing. In 2020, I was part of the vocation formation team for one year and then I received the request to be the province leader of the Providence Associates of the Émilie-Gamelin Province. It is with joy that I accepted this ministry to serve the Church and the Congregation. Today, Providence watches over us and has need of lay persons to transmit its flame in our world.

Lucille Vadnais, SP

*Center for social services of Greater Montreal