Scotstown-Dell Marsden Priests-Religious Men and Women Part 3

Scotstown

Part 3

Pastors

 

Achille Rousseau 1888-1898 The first pastor of Scotstown is a dedication: it organizes not only the spiritual life of his people but also the social, cultural and moral
	Joseph-Eugène Lemieux 1898-1906 His ministry with us will be an extension Bountiful everything the priest Rousseau has sown.
Louis-HonoréNicol 1906-1912 TheNicol priest is a pastor enjoyed people even if it does not seem a very good financial. . He founded the order of "Knights of Temperance
	Joseph-AlcideVaudreuil 1912-1924 Vaudreuil Abbot is a stern man who never half measures: all must contribute to the glory of God and all that deserves to be done, must be done to perfection. His ideal was to make the church an open book before God
Pierre Rodrigue Desnoyers 1924-1927 latter is organizing it so take advantage of his passage restore order in the different records of the parish
	Joseph-Eugène Leblanc 1927-1934 LeblancThe priest left with us the memory of a very human man who loved to tease his assistants in their playing different towers. It was loud, it had a great voice and was a good actor and a good storyteller
Antoine Leon Ledoux 1934-1943 He worked very hard with us: he left us the best of himself he wanted to build a community united in brotherhood and joy. live
	Anatole Bachand 1943-1948 This man is distinguished and aristocratic: it is said of him that he had designed for the pastoral care of large urban parishes. He was embarrassed, so annoying
AdelardBelval,pastor 1948-1970 Not only does he served the longest tenure with us (22 years), but it has worked hard to rebuild the church, the rectory and the bowling alley. And he fought fiercely against poverty
Father Adelard Belval In 1836, the first church was built in this area in the village ofVictoria.It served to every religious denomination. A Protestant pastor or Catholic priest passed: the village people gathered to listen to his preaching irrespective of religion. When the Catholic priest wanted to celebrate Mass, he retired to a private home with his people. Until 1888, Scotstown,small colony located in the township of Hampden, was served by the priests of Cookshire and La PatrieRousseau. In 1888, Bishop Antoine Racine appointed first resident pastor: Fr. Achille  however, the canonical erection of St. Paul parish is made ​​only on March 18, 1891. The young priest built a chapel and a presbytery. Marie-Ange Cyr Eldercare In the Haut St-François, 11 February 2002 died Madame Marie-AngeCyr,at the age of 91 years, daughter Philias Cyr and thelate Rose-Anna St-Cyr, residing in Scotstown. Mrs. Cyr buried in the cemetery of St-Michel Sherbooke. Ms. Cyr was a servant of the priest Adelard Belval for 24 years. She has been involved in all agencies of his parish. She never counted the hours given to other especially less affluent.She gave a lot of nursing care for several families.	Father AdelardBelval, arrived on 3 May 1948, founded a housing cooperative in February 1949. He built a new presbytery, completed at the end of October 1949. 21 March 1954 Bishop Georges Cabana authorized the construction of a new church, completed on August 28, 1955. On July 19, 1974, lightning struck the church; the damage was limited to the roof. In this parish there since 1932, at the initiative ofpriest, Joseph-Eugène Leblanca shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Victoriesimprovements.; this place of prayer has benefited over the years, many  August 15 is celebrated there, in a big way, the feast of the Assumption of Mary intoheaven.From 1985 to 2001, this parish was part of the St. Joseph Area; in 2001 it was dissolved and the Saint-Joseph-des-Monts La Patrie wasfounded. This fund can discover the history and the events that marked the parish of St. Paul of Scotstown. It also reflects the pastoral activities and its territory. The fund consists of a plan, financial reporting, from a historical album and documents relating to the erection of the Congregation of the Holy Virgin for girls and Congress of the Ladies of St. Anne.
	Lionel Ayotte 1970-1980 Abbot Ayotte is a priest in the heart of gold that has several skills: music, photography, sports, home, being diabetic, his illness is gaining more and more ground on his health
Ange-Aimé Montminy 1980-1985 He comes to us with the sum of its experiences as a teacher, chaplain, pastoral animator: Some say he was leading us like school children, but at least we know where to go 1985.
	"LionelLisée -1991 His reputation is that of a sage who can drive us in the ways of the Gospel. Many like to compare it to the Curé of Ars. It reflects perfectly the "sweetness of being" one can to assign entirely inhabited by God souls.
Paul Duncan 1991-1995 He opened the doors of the presbytery and those of his big heart to accommodate the less fortunate and those who needed it. We said after his death: "A saint is spent at home."
Gilles Baril 1995-1996 Gilles Baril is a dynamic man and totally given to the work of God. He is a man of challenge, easy communication and daring foolproof.
	François Paré 1996-1997 His time with us was short-lived. The parishioners were able to welcome him as a man of God,
Daniel Gilbert 1997-2009 dynamic young priest, passionate, thoughtful, who knows where he wants to go. He is a hard worker who never count the hours to serve his parishioners. It is having great inner life and is deeply human.

 

Madame Irène Mercier

A big thank you tributes and openness that you have  Mr. done,Daniel Gilbert priest at the ceremony of burial of our mother Madame Irène Mercier wife of Emile Laprise in May 2009. On the part Laprise family of children who lived in Scotstown

   

Leo Durocher 2009-2012Priest

Jocelyn PlantePriest 2012 in ourdays

religious vocations  Scotstown

Laval Girard son of Antonia Dion and Albert Girard, born October 26, 1916. He was ordained priest the Society of Jesus. From 1952 to 1954 he taught at St Ignatius College in Montreal. From 1955 to 1969 at the Collège Ste-Marie in Montreal as well. From 1969 to 2001 he was prefect (priest) of the Church of Gesu in Montreal. He is now at the retirement home of St-Jérome Jesuits.
	Yves Girard-Antonin son of Antonia Dion and Albert Girard, born May 12, 1927. He took his vows on 1 November 1956 in the Cistercian Abbey of Oka. He held several positions, including beekeeper. It was he who had taken over in 1965 the beekeeping production Trappe. Then he wrote at least 10 volumes on interiority and many tapes of his many lectures were sold in both Canada and France. For seven years, he deals with Trappistines in St-Romuald, near Quebec City.
Bertrand Girard son of Antonia Dion and Albert Girard, born February 5, 1921. Ordained June 21, 1944. Until 1951, he occupied the gardener painter based in Montreal from 1951 to 1991, he served as cook function in Montreal, St-Jérôme and Akwesasne where it is stillin 2004	not availablePhoto
	Lucille Désilets daughter of Yvonne Perreault and Georges Désilets born on December 4, 1931. She pronounced her vows of religious life with the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. She has worked in education from 1953 to 1982 in Stanhope, Acton, Coaticook and Drummondville. In 1982, she went to Cap Rouge, where she practiced the efficient and anchor position until 1987. Since then, it combines the functions in community services to the Motherhouse Rivier de Sherbrooke.
Clément Roy son of Delia Busque and Ferdinand Roy, born on 28 October 1933. He was ordained priest in the Cathedral of Sherbrooke Bishop Georges Cabana May 23 1959. From 1959 to 1964 he was vicar at St. Joseph Valcourt. From 1964 to 1969, vicar at St. Agnes Parish of Lac Mégantic. From 1970 to 1983, the hospital chaplain Brother André Lac Mégantic and animator School ministry. In 1983-1984, vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Sherbrooke He became pastor of St. Gabriel Stratford in 1984 and St. Gerard in 1985. He then combined the 2 courses until 1999 . He is now retired in Sherbrooke.
	Richard Désilets Son of Yvonne Perreault and Georges Désilets, born September 18, 1937. In 1958, made ​​his profession in the White Fathers of Africa community. He died December 3, 1974 to Sumbawanga, Tanzania, where he spent most of his religious life. See below the history of missionaries in Tanzania Sumbawanga
Jean Lebeau Son Agathe Blanchette and Émile Lebeau, born on 28 December 1944. He joined the Priests of Foreign Missions in Pont-Viau, and ordained deacon on June 18, 1972. His community sends in Tokyo, Japan, where he is responsible for a homeless center. John is now director of a center for undocumentedshelter Sanyukaïin Tokyo.     Jean Lebeau working in Japan	Developed and rich countries obviously do not escape homelessness. Thus, Japan, yet3rd worldeconomycan not afford adequate housing all his people. JeanLebeau,Quebec deacon associated with the Society of Foreign Missions(MEU),worked for 30 years in a district of Tokyo, Sanyaat SanyukaïCentre.This organization offers free clinic, a consultation room with social workers, a team that deals with soup kitchens, in addition to house twenty people. According to Mr.Lebeau,"theterm 'homelessness' does not reflect any the reality of homelessness in the region"of the Japanesecapital,a city of 13,222,760 inhabitants, of which the urban agglomeration count ... 38 million! Five million more people than the Canadian population in 2011 to 33 476 688 000 000 -. Pressed within 70 kilometers The majority of Japanese homeless are former day laborers who have lost their job - for several reasons - some of which have bankrupt."Manyof them have made ​​loans during the economic boom of the 70s and80s,"says Mr.Lebeau."Duringthe recession of the 90s, they were overnight unable to repay debts or eveninterest."This is why"the unemployed are saved in Tokyo, under a false name, and are unable to find work because of age or lack ofskills." So they find themselves on the street. Jean Lebeau also indicates that the country has been slow to react,"becauseJapan has not history of social services and social welfare"provided by the government. Previously, it was the family or the company that took care of those in need. "Underpressure from the media, the government has started to move, with errors or failures at thebeginning,"continues the deacon. "It was also the phenomenon of thousands of blue plastic tents in parks or on the banks of rivers. "Today,Mr. Lebeau believes that there is a decrease of 70% of the homeless,"because of the services of the country, such as new welfare services and also the services provided by civil organizations. "Finally,what is the social judgment that it deals with these people?"Thejudgment of the Japanese on it varies according to the status of persons. There are those who work hard and who see them as lazy or drunkards, and others are more sympathetic to the problem, but with a rather superficialview,"he says.

Marcel Poirier Son of Roy and Lucienne Dorès Poirier, born October 3, 1941. On July 13, 1968 in Scotstown, he was ordained a priest in Assomptionnistes Community. He has worked in the field of education and training (1973 to 1985) as CEGEP teacher at St-Augustin Seminary in Cap Rouge as Director of Residence (1975 to 1981) still in Cap Rouge. In 1981 he was appointed vice-provincial of his community until 1990. Father Poirier resided and was parish priest in the parish of Beauvoir from 1985 to 1993. He is currently in Rome, Treasurer General and Contact Communities Assumptionist already established in the Americas. His term will end in Rome in 2005. St. Augustine was baptized in 386 by St. Ambrose in Milan. He died in 430. He served as priest and bishop functions at Hippo. Although he did not base congregation in the institutional sense of the term, it was a men aiming the search for faith community. His writings relate his thoughts on grace, faith, reason, and many other topics. The founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption, Father Emmanuel d'Alzon, was inspired by Augustine thoughts to form a community of men sharing the daily life, the search for God and the Church service in 1850. Community life is an important element for the Augustinians of the Assumption. It is not just to be a member of the same association, but also to live under the same roof and live everyday life. In 2010, the Canadian Montmartre, two communities meet. One is made ​​up of 5 people aged between 29 and 42 years, of which 3 of them are students. The other has 5 people, including 3 senior over 80 years. Members of its communities recite the prayer in common and joint actionreceived. An individual is never the owner of the mission he has  "Even if there is only one individual involved in an action this remains a mission received from the community, in fact, a community action itself. "says Father Marcel Poirier. Member Accounts of its shares to the community and with it chooses the directions it should take. The day of an Augustinian of the Assumption usually begins with a meditation or Lauds. Meditation is a common activity taking place in silence. When it is not done in common, each is a time to do it. Lauds or morning prayer, are to recite a breviary of the passage. This book for the use of religious and priests contains psalms and antiphons, hymns, and other prayers. In the evening Vespers are recited in common from the breviary. This form of prayer unites the community to the universal Church. "Currently in the world there is certainly someone reciting his breviary." Says Father Marcel Poirier. The Eucharist is celebrated every day at 11:15 and to which the faithful join. There are therefore three times of common prayer. In some communities, there will be one. Because of their work, the Augustinians of the Assumption are not always present at each of the Eucharist and other joint activities. Marcel Poirier Nevertheless, it is important that at least once or twice a week they participate together in the Eucharist. The Eucharist sums up the faith and the approach of the Christians. The meals are communal. This is a relaxing, exchange news and relaxation. These various common activities ensure the cohesion of the group: "Everyone has chosen the community, but he did not choose individuals who are part of [...] [to] live with people we did not choose it needs to be something more that unites us. "supports Father Marcel Poirier. Some communities live part of their annual vacation in common. However, this is not the case in Canada where everyone has Montmartre at will of his three week holiday. Each year, an Augustinian of the Assumption must be at least a retreat than a week. The integration with everyday community begins before postulate. The person first meets the community and sharing daily life with the group for some time. Subsequently, he became postulant. He is then asked to think about the community and not according to himself, for example, informing of its outputs, and in preparation for the perpetual vow of obedience. It is then accompanied him throughout his journey. Later, he became the novitiate where he likens the rule of life and spirituality of the community before being integrated into the congregation, first by temporary vows and later by perpetualvows.

Monique Robidas Girl Alice Bergeron and Wilfrid Robidas, born on 17 March 1940. She was professed at the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary on August 22, 1961. After a few years at the Motherhouse in Outremont, it will teach School Sherbrooke St. Joseph from 1962 to 1965. The year 1965 will live seminary of Outremont. Back in Sherbrooke in 1966,el taught at theBuissière school until 1991. Despite his operation for breast cancer on 1 November 1990 and its treatments that followed, she will teach a few months full time and then two days a week; she would not leave her students and recent either. She died on 1 February 1992

Madeleine Tétreault daughter of Marie-Claire Beaudoin and Félix Tétreault, born June 15, 1942. On March 30, 1964, she took her religious vows . She labored in the Mary Religious Community in the Provincial House of Jesus and Mary in Sillery. For over fifteen years, she was a teacher at both the elementary and secondary levels to become director of the boarding school Beauceville. It remained there until 1982 and was then transferred to the Collège Jésus-Marie de Sillery, where she was director of resident and teacher part-time in high school until 1993. From 1993 to 2002 she was director of the only school. In August 2002, she was appointed to St. John Chrysostom, where she works in the parish, help the sacraments of Forgiveness and the Eucharist, Eucharistic Youth Movement, service to support, choir, and always available to meet the needs of the parish.

Colette Beaudoin Daughter Gracia Turcotte and Gerard Beaudoin, born on 12 May 1946. She joined the Daughters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Sherbrooke, where she made ​​her profession on August 19, 1967. After a seminar (1967-1971) at the University of Sherbrooke, she taught for 12 years in this city. In 1983 she returned to school in Montreal. In 1984, she came to live at the Maison Prunier Sherbrooke and teaches at Champlain School until his retirement on Holy Thursday 2002. In 1995, she devoted herself to the Chaudronnée and was part (for several years) choir "The Curse". In summer, she kept residential gardens sisters. (She had the go "green" and there has even planted trees). In 2003, she remained in La Résidence Jean-Maurice and was transferred to the House Rose-Giet March 19, 2004 where he died on 7 April. It is buried in the cemetery of the Daughters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bowen Sherbrooke.

Marcel Dumoulin Dumoulin Son of Leo and Marie-Paule Baillargeon. Was educated at the Séminaire de Sherbrooke and lived with his grandmother in Scotstown Arzélie. Priest and parish priest in the Diocese of Augusta (Maine) for several years. He is retired from the end of April 2004. Canton-Reverend Marcel L. Dumoulin, 78, a priest of the Diocese of Portland, Who died Wednesday, July 30th at the Victorian Villa Rehabilitation & Living Center in Canton, ME. Fr. Dumoulin HAD Suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for several years. Born to Leo J. and Marie-Paule (Baillargeon) Dumoulin in Lewiston, Maine, on October 3, 1934, Marcel completed His clerical studies at the Grand Seminary in Montreal. He Was ordained to the Priesthood at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on May 27, 1961 by the Most Reverend Daniel J. Feeney, Seventh Bishop of Portland. Fr. Dumoulin's assignments included: St. Joseph's Parish, Old Town - Parochial Vicar (June 1961-January 1966) Holy Family Parish, Lewiston - Parochial Vicar (January 1966-June 1972) St. Rose of Lima Parish, Jay (Chisholm) - Parochial Vicar & Temporary Administrator (June 1972-September 1975) St. Joseph's Parish, Biddeford - Parochial Vicar (September 1975-June 1976) St. Philip's Parish, Auburn - Temporary Administrator (June 1976) St. Ann's Parish, Bradley - Pastor (July 1976 -September 1977) St. Gerard's Parish, Grand Isle - Administrator (started September 1977) Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lille - named Pastor of Both parishes (January 1978-January 1979), St. Francis Xavier Parish, Winthrop - Administrator (January 1979 -June 1979) Our Lady of Peace, Berwick - Pastor (June 1979-June 1985) St. Augustine Parish, Augusta - Pastor (June 1985-June 1990) Augusta Mental Health Institute, Augusta (June 1987 - sacramental care) Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Fairfield - Pastor (June 1990-until His retirement For Reasons of health on May 3, 2004) In addition to parish and institutional assignments thesis, Fr. Dumoulin aussi served the diocese in The Following Capacities: Father of the Columbian Squires Prior Old Town; member of the Diocesan Priests' Senate (two terms) and the Council of Priests (1 term); volunteer staff member of the Diocese Marriage Counseling Program and team member for Marriage Encounter weekends; member of the Advisory Board to the Vicar for Religious; Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus Council, Waterville; Friar Faithful to the Knights of Columbus Assembly, Waterville; and Confessor to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, Holy Cross Convent, Lewiston and to the Ursuline Sisters of the Mount Merici Convent, Waterville; Please pray for the consolation aussi de son family, Especially His Sister Louise Smith of Rumford, and his brother, Robert, of Worthley Pond, Peru. He Was predeceased by Both Parents de son and his niece, Jane L. Jacques. Fr. Dumoulin Will Be Remembered For His humility, a gentle and joyful spirit, a wonderful wit, and for His kind, uplifting homilies and pastoral leadership.

Fourteenstudents happily motivatedspent 24 hours to books and copyright. Started normally, their schedule has been packed with quizzes and games related to this celebration. A heart stroke rally for a writer has strengthened their knowledge of the concept of copyright. Alphabet soup has sustained him for the greedy appetites (there remained no "letter" in the bottom pot ...). But! The highlight of the evening ... Chantal Rhéaume, Emeritus storyteller, gave them three stories from the traditions of different countries. They extended the evening pajamas listening to Marc-Olivier Poulin and Ariane Valcourt read their turns one last story. Finally, the film "Neverending Story" was able to sleep the last festival.

Chantal Rhéaume

Specializing in the art of storytelling and lead workshops introduction to reading, it spread the joy of reading for over twenty year old. True itinerant teacher, she is on a mission to stimulate the imagination of young preschool and elementary levels and awaken the readingradius.

action  Estrie, Montérégie and Central Quebec

Training:

University Quebec at Trois-Rivières

• Bachelor of Recreation
• Certificate in Gerontology

Cégep de Sherbrooke

• Attestation of College Studies in Early Childhood Education Child

Profile:

From 1989 to 2003, Chantal Rhéaume went to school in the field of children's literature by working at the Municipal Library Éva-Senécal Sherbrooke, among others, as the host of storytelling, as well as the manager responsible for organizing and managing the literary and cultural activities characters library. She also developed an innovative program of guided tours of the library, for school groups of primary school, and has been responsible for driving for six years.

The many recognitions she has received since debut, both on the part of hundreds of children, parents and teachers as professionals working in the field of literature, the incentive to build on the expertise it has developed over the years . In 1997, she brings all her wealth of experience and offers professional services in schools and libraries as a storyteller and playing hostess. Since then, every year she meets about three thousand students.

Over the years, Chantal Rhéaume became an inspiration for hundreds of adults who have benefited from its training on storytelling and animate a group school to the librarycreations.

His

Sixteen animated storytelling shows

seven workshops of introduction to reading

Training in the art of storytelling

Training on animation library with school groups

For the Public Library Association Estrie (ABIPE):

• Onlinetales
• A collection oftitled activities 52 activity ideas to enliven all year
• A guide entitled Towards reading! Tips and tricks for animating the pleasure of reading

Jean-Claude Vézina

Led by their teacher, Chantal Pratte and the resource teacher EmilyCharest,children actively participated in the World Day events Book and Copyright (JMLDA). Since 23 April 1996, the Quebec celebrates this activity promoted by UNESCO the previous fall. It is appropriate to distribute roses on this occasion because a Catalan tale medieval knight Jordi reports that saved a princess from the clutches of a dragon which he cut the head. Roses came out instead of blood.

 

Ms. Rheaume has set a vocation to keep and pass the oral histories before the appearance of the book. "These stories knew transmit moral values ​​and favored the outbreak of the imagination," she recalled. She defended well to be forefront in these narratives. "I go into work to highlight the book and the author, she added."

 

The teacher Chantal Pratte pointed out that their class had received a small grant JMLDA to pay the narrator and offer some prizes for children. Ms. Charest, for his part, stated that young people were well invested in the activities of this day very special for them. Sleeping in school after living in, by and with the book is not current. Both ladies intend to replicate these 24 hours, maybe in two years, since next year the holiday falls on a Saturday, with new students as they wish dynamics.

Richard Desilets missionary to Sumbawanga in Tazanie

CHURCH HISTORY IN WEST AFRICA: THE BEGINNING In the mid-19th century, the Church in Europe is threatened by the hostility of the modern world. Religious congregations are prohibited and even driven out of France. This is also the century of discovery of Africa by explorers. It is in this context that the 19th century will be a century of evangelization and colonization of Africa, the two are sometimes mixed. It is good to expand a bit on North Africa, and in particular Algeria, for it is there that leave the great movement of evangelization within the African continent with Cardinal Lavigerie, founder of Missionaries of Africa and the Sisters of Our Lady ofAfrica. Abd El Kader We know that Algeria, like all of North Africa, was a Muslim from the conquest of the 7th century. But in 1827, the Dey of Algiers having hit a French representative, France took the opportunity to begin the conquest of Algeria. In 1830, Alger was taken and the whole country became a French colony, despite the resistance of the Arab leader Abd El Kader. Many French colonists settled in Algeria, which was once controlled by governors general. After numerous discussions with the French government, which then was rather hostile to Catholicism, Rome erected a bishopric in Algiers in 1838. Its first bishop was Bishop Dupuch who was succeeded in 1846 Bishop Pavia. At the latter's death in 1866, he left a large and a small seminar, 187 parishes and 273 priests. In 1867, Algeria became archbishop with Constantine and Oran as suffragan bishoprics. It is this situation that Lavigerie find arriving as Archbishop of Algiers in 1867. Pope Pius IX WhenLavigerie was appointed Archbishop of Algiers, in 1867, Algeria was under French occupation for 40 years. The Pope Pius IX, who succeed in 1878, Leo XIII. Both will Lavigerie high esteem. Lavigerie saw further. If he accepted the position of Algiers, it is because, beyond theAlgiersarchdiocese,he saw the entire African continent. Algeria was for him "a gateway to a continent of 200 million souls"missionaries. At the time of Lavigerie and Vatican I, virtually all African coast experiencing the presence of - Franciscans, Tunisia , Libya and Egypt -the Vincentians in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) -the Holy Ghost Fathers, Senegal, Gambia and Congo -African Missions of Lyon, on the coast of Guinea and Dahomey -the Jesuits ., Madagascar and Zambezi And there were also the diocesan clergy of Ireland in the Cape Colony; that of Portugal in Angola; celui d'Espagne au Maroc; et celui de France en Algérie. Mais si les rivages de l'Afrique avaient tous, plus ou moins, été touchés par l'Évangile, il n'en était pas de même de l'intérieur. C'est donc vers l'intérieur du continent que Lavigerie décida de faire porter son effort missionnaire. Des missionnaires pour l'Afrique Pour mettre à exécution son grandiose projet, Lavigerie fonde, en 1868, la Société des Missionnaires d'Afrique, qui sera plus connue sous le nom de Pères Blancs. Mais, conscient que l'évangélisation du monde féminin ne pourra être vraiment faite que par des femmes apôtres, il fonde aussi, en 1869, la Congrégation des Sœurs Missionnaires de Notre Dame d'Afrique, connue sous le nom de Sœurs Blanches. À tous et à toutes, Lavigerie donnera des orientations missionnaires, des principes et des méthodes. Les missionnaires devront s'adapter aux usages des populations rencontrées, en ce qui concerne l'habit, le logement, la nourriture, la langue. Mais il ajoute que l'Afrique ne sera évangélisée que par les Africains eux-mêmes, «devenus chrétiens et apôtres». D'où une pastorale progressive basée sur le catéchuménat. Au début, les missionnaires travaillèrent en Algérie. Justement, en 1867-1868, il y eut une grande famine en Algérie qui laissa de nombreux orphelins. Lavigerie revendiqua «le droit d'élever ces enfants sans père, sans mère, sans tuteur». C'est la première œuvre à laquelle il employa Pères Blancs et Sœurs Blanches. Puis furent fondées les premières missions de Kabylie, à partir des années 1872-1873. Mais, comme dans tous les pays sous influence musulmane, Lavigerie avait interdit toute propagande catholique directe. L'action des missionnaires devait se limiter à l'école et aux soins médicaux. Il installa aussi des missions au Sahara et en Tunisie en 1875. Ce faisant, il pensait surtout à une base de départ pour les caravanes qui iraient vers le sud à travers le désert... car il ne perdait pas son objectif de vue. En juin 1875, Mgr Lavigerie crut le moment venu de commencer la mission parmi les populations de ce qu'on appelait alors le Soudan. (appellation existant au temps de la colonisation et qui regroupe les territoires actuels du Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Guinée). L'objectif était d'atteindre Tombouctou à travers le désert. Il nomma une première caravane de 3 missionnaires; des Touaregs amis s'étaient proposés pour les guider. La caravane se mit en route le 15 janvier 1876. Mais les missionnaires ont été tués par leurs guides touaregs. Pour Mgr Lavigerie, ce fut un choc terrible. Mais quand il annonça cette nouvelle aux missionnaires en Algérie, tous demandèrent à partir pour aller remplacer leurs frères martyrs... En 1878. Léon XIII venait d'être nommé pape, et il inaugura son pontificat en confiant à Lavigerie et aux Pères Blancs la responsabilité des missions de l'Afrique centrale, immense territoire qui débordait largement le Congo actuel et qu'on prit l'habitude d'appeler «les Grands Lacs». En 1878, une caravane de dix missionnaires pénétra l'intérieur du continent à partir de Zanzibar jusqu'en Ouganda : un voyage de 10 mois! En 1879, une deuxième caravane de 18 membres prenait la même route: c'était le début de la mission équatoriale (ou centrale, ou des Grands lacs). L'Ouganda connaîtra très vite les persécutions et la merveilleuse épopée des «martyrs de l'Ouganda» (1886). Pendant que partaient les premières caravanes pour l'Afrique de l'est, Les Pères Blancs installés en Tunisie étudiaient la possibilité d'arriver au Soudan en partant de la Tripolitaine. Le 18 décembre 1881, après de sérieuses études sur les possibilités de traverser le désert, trois Pères quittaient Rhadamès pour le Soudan. Malheureusement, trois jours après, eux aussi furent massacrés par leurs guides touaregs. Il fallut momentanément renoncer à traverser le désert du Sahara. En 1890, la Préfecture Apostolique du Sahara-Soudan était devenue Vicariat Apostolique, sous la responsabilité du cardinal Lavigerie. À la mort de ce dernier, en 1892, c'est un de ses fils spirituels, Mgr Toulotte, qui devient Vicaire apostolique. Or, les progrès de la pénétration française sur le Niger et dans les régions soudanaises à partir du Sénégal allaient attirer l'attention de Mgr Toulotte et lui montrer la possibilité d'accéder, par là, aux territoires dont il avait la charge. Soudan Il désigna le P. Augustin Hacquart pour conduire la première caravane vers Tombouctou, mais à partir du Sénégal, et non à travers le désert. Le P. Hacquart parvint à Ségou le 1er avril 1895, et à Tombouctou le 2 mai 1895. Là, il fonda un poste de missionnaires où il resta lui-même pendant 3 ans. Mais cette mission fut fermée 15 ans plus tard. Il n'y avait aucun élément sérieux de succès possible. Par contre, la mission fut plus solidement implantée à Ségou en janvier 1899. A ce moment, Mgr Hacquart est nommé depuis un an Vicaire Apostolique du Sahara-Soudan. C'est à ce titre qu'il visita son immense territoire qui recouvrait l'ensemble de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, les pays côtiers excepté. Notons que les Pères du Saint Esprit, installés au Sénégal depuis 1843, avaient fondé la mission de Kita en 1888, et celle de Kayes en 1892 (actuellement au Mali). (Ces deux missions seront reprises par les Pères Blancs en 1901, lors de la division du Vicariat du Sahara-Soudan). En janvier 1899, Mgr Hacquart fonde Ségou où il était passé 4 ans plus tôt. Et tout de suite après, il continua sa visite par le Moogo, pays mossi. Il passa à Ouagadougou en 1899, mais sans s'y arrêter. Il jugea Koupèla plus favorable, et c'est là que le premier poste de mission fut ouvert dans ce qui est devenu plus tard le Burkina Faso. C'était en 1900. Malheureusement, le 4 avril 1901, Mgr Hacquart meurt accidentellement, noyé dans le fleuve Niger, à Ségou. Cette même année, son immense Vicariat est divisé en deux: Sahara d'un côté, Soudan de l'autre. C'est Mgr Bazin qui est nommé Vicaire Apostolique du Soudan. Et c'est cette même année, en juin 1901, qu'est fondée la mission d'Ouagadougou. Elle a le P. Templier pour premier supérieur. Mgr Hacquart Ainsi, en 1901, les Bambaras étaient évangélisés à partir de 3 postes: Ségou, Kati et Kayes. Et les Mossi étaient évangélisés à partir de 2 postes: Koupèla et Ouagadougou. La mission de l'Afrique occidentale avait commencé... Vous trouverez la suite de l'histoire de l'implantation de l'Église en Afrique de l'Ouest, soit en Haute-Volta (aujourd'hui Burkina Faso), au Mali, au Niger, au Ghana et au Nigeria et en Côte d'Ivoire en allant visiter chacun de ces pays que vous trouvez dans le menu principal. Texte tiré du livre du P. Georges Salles, MAfr., « De Jérusalem à Ouagadougou », troisième partie : L'époque contemporaine, tome 6, pp. 30-62.

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