Emilie, Spiritual and Human Mother

Following the example of other blessed foundresses, Émilie Gamelin had previously experienced the joys and sorrows of married life. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother.

During some years of sheer happiness, dividing her time between her husband, her little children, her family, and her childhood friends, she never forgot her beloved poor who frequently knocked at her door.

Her happiness, however, was overshadowed by the sudden deaths of her husband and  her three children. Referring to these losses, she wrote the following:

“In 1828 Mr. St-Pierre presented me with a framed image of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, and from then on ,every day , I had a particular devotion to pray to her. I asked her for courage to bear, after her example, the crosses and sacrifices that the good God sent me in this world.  The greatest at that time was [the loss] of a cherished husband and child for whom I grieved every day; my heart was pierced with a painful sword, and I found solace only by meditating on her Sorrows.” (Retreat Notes)

Providence of God, we thank you for all mothers on this special day.

*Text adapted from Vie de Mère Gamelin by Sr. Rose de Marie Tessier, SP, Montréal, 1900