Towards the canonization of Émilie Tavernier-Gamelin

On Sunday, October 20, a Mass was celebrated at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral to mark the opening of the diocesan investigation into an alleged miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Émilie Tavernier-Gamelin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence.

The Venerable Émilie Gamelin was declared “Blessed” on October 7, 2001 in Rome, following the inquiry of an alleged miracle attributed to her.

A beatified person must follow three steps before being canonized and declared a saint. First, a diocesan tribunal must find the alleged miracle to be legitimate, a decision which must be made based on irrefutable testimonies and solid documents.

Then the court must send the inquiry to the Vatican with a recommendation for further investigation. Finally, if the conclusion of the inquiry is positive, a recommendation for canonization is forwarded to Pope Francis who will take the appropriate actions.

During the opening of the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Christian Lépine highlighted the fact that Blessed Émilie Gamelin’s life and work are still a source of admiration and thanksgiving for us. He expressed his intention to make this celebration a song of love and gratitude to our Provident God for the gift of Emilie, for the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence, for the entire Providence Family and for all those who, today like in the past, wish to “become the face of Providence” in the future.

René Lefebvre, Providence Associate

Prayer to Our Mother of Sorrows

Our Mother of Sorrows, you whom

Blessed Emilie Gamelin so faithfully honored

and served on earth, deign to glorify your servant.

Amen

N.B. Some passages from the booklet for the Eucharistic celebration for the cause of canonization of Émilie Tavernier-Gamelin are used in this text.