On February 2, I remember
It is on February 2, 1630, that Jérôme Le Royer, after having been consecrated to Joseph, Mary and Jesus, was inspired to found an order of hospitaliers, who would devote themselves to serving the sick under the special protection of Joseph. It was the first step towards the project of Ville-Marie. Marie de la Ferre, who will work with Le Royer, to help with the foundation of the hospital, had received from within, also on February 2 (in 1634), details of her participation in the work, which were exactly in agreement with those of Le Royer.
For his part, Mr. Olier, on February 2, 1636, felt himself called to work for the missions in Canada. He was offered a prestigious position, but he refused in order to support Mr. Dauversière's project in Ville-Marie.
It is also on a February 2 (1659) that Jeanne Mance's arm was healed, while on a trip to Paris, to venerate the heart of Mr Olier*.
On February 2, we celebrate the event when Joseph and Mary, in accordance with the Jewish custom of offering one's firstborn to God, went to the Temple to present Jesus. There they met Simeon, an old prophet, who cried out upon seeing Jesus: "A light for revelation to the Nations".
What is more relevant for the leaders of the Société de Notre Dame de Montréal, than to choose February 2 to dedicate, in 1642 in Notre-Dame de Paris, the island of Montreal to Joseph, Mary and Jesus!
All these events? Much more than a mere coincidence. They made of February 2 a real mystical feast for the city of Montreal, a feast that celebrates its foundation and the spirit which animated it: three persons so dedicated to God that the prophet Simeon recognized a light for the nation…
Joseph, the name given to the first person baptized in Ville-Marie,
Marie, the name of a city founded for the first nations,
Jesus, a vibrant cross on Mount Royal…
Josée Lacoursière
* Mr Olier died in Paris in 1657.
Article from the website Tendances et Enjeu (Trends and Issue), published on February 2, 2013, and adapted for this publication.
