Anniversary of the religious profession of Mother Emilie Gamelin – March 29, 1844
On March 29, 1844, the seven novices, among them Emilie Gamelin[1], entered the chapel of the Aisle (Shelter) of Providence, after being invited to “light their lamps and get ready to meet their Spouse”. Each novice was preceded by a small child dressed in white and wearing a crown of flowers. These children, who represented the orphans, carried upon trays, a grey cap, a black camail (shoulder piece) and the headdress of the future professed sisters. Each of the novices was supported on the right by a poor elderly woman (on their right as a sign of respect for the elderly poor for whom they served as protectors). On their left, they were accompanied by a Lady of Charity, a symbol of the need to carry out their works of charity in collaboration with lay people. Before the novices pronounced their vows, Bishop Ignace Bourget read aloud the decree for the establishment of the new Congregation.
1 Emilie Gamelin was the first novice to pronounce her religious vows, following Mrg Bourget desire, as he recognized in her the foundress of the new community. (Institut de la Providence, Vol. 1, p. 404- 417.)
Sr. Yvette Demers, S.P.
Vice-postulator
Cause of Émilie Tavernier Gamelin
Mother Gamelin “Providence for the Poor”
Pray for us and for the entire world!