LES PETITES FRANCISCAINES DE MARIE
The Little Franciscans of Mary

• The Sacred Heart Chapel
• Visit of the museum
• Visit of the patrimonial values

The Mother House of the Little Franciscans of Mary situated at “63, rue Ambroise-Fafard” in Bay-Saint-Paul, is the center of the community’s heritage. Several keepsakes that commemorate the actions and works of the eleven Foundresses of this Community are conserved with reverence.

This community was founded in 1889, in a New England parish located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was projected by a Canadian parish priest who intended to entrust abandoned children of the neighbourhood to their care. However, due to a combination of circumstances that were nothing less than providential, the charitable “seekers” of God found themselves in Canada. Here they found a wise yet daring advisor, Father Ambroise-Martial Fafard, pastor at Bay-Saint-Paul, who guided them to the realization of their mission. On August 12, 1892, with the approval of the Bishop of Chicoutimi, they officially became “Les Petites Franciscaines de Marie”.  

Inspired by the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and guided by the  the evangelical spirit of Francis of Assisi, their charitable mission quickly spread, according to the needs of the time and places where the community gradually settled. 

If you trace the apostolic itinerary of the Little Franciscans of Mary, you will see them:

• caring for orphans and poor children
• providing healthcare for the mentally ill
• caring for the elderly
• involved in education within elementary schools, as well as in higher forms of education
• involved in the healthcare system within hospitals and within private healthcare facilities
• actively participating in new pastoral needs such as evangelisation in distant countries like Madagascar and Haiti

 

LA CHAPELLE DU SACRÉ-COEUR
The Sacred Heart Chapel

The most impressive “relic” that still remains today as an original initiative on the part of the Foundresses of the Community is the Sacred Heart Chapel. It was constructed under the direction of Mother Marie-Anne-de-Jesus (Marie Bibeau) in order to fulfill the dream of Pastor Ambroise Fafard. The chapel was unfortunately completed after the Pastor had died and was solemnly blessed on August 17, 1904. Having been beautifully renovated in 2003, it still remains a very faithful likeness to the original chapel.

Of Roman style, the chapel is made of wood and covered by white plaster that is discreetely decorated in gold.  Eight columns and four pillars support the barrel shaped vault that dominates the pendant-shaped dome.

Above the main altar, six gilded columns surround the Sacred Heart statue that is painted in white, ochre and gold that invites you to a personal encounter with God. With respect to its interior décor, there are two statues : St. Francis and St. Claire of Assisi, the patron saints of the Franciscan orders, eight paintings by Sister Marie-Odoric-de-Jesus, a Little Franciscan of Mary, and a beautiful Way of the Cross signed by E. Cabane, a well-known artist in France who specialized in Ways of the Cross that are found in several churches throughout Quebec.   

Finally, an aera illuminated by 1150 small electric light bulbs arranged on double arches, illuminate the vault, diadem of flame wich enlightens and crowns the contemplative mood of this sacred place.

 

In this blessed sanctuary, the Little Franciscans of Mary have gathered, day after day, for the past hundred years, for both personal and community prayer offered for the intentions of the world. They are always pleased to share this place of prayer with those who are in search of God. 

 

The attractions :

·         Visit of the museum (opened in November 2006)

·         Visit of the patrimonial values

                                  

 

VISIT OF THE MUSEUM

2010 Schedule :

Saturday and Sunday starting on June 12, 1:30 – 5:00

 

June 21 to September 6

 

Visits to the museum :
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, from 11:00  to 5:00  Sunday : from 1:30 – 5:00

Ø      61 Ambroise-Fafard, Baie-Saint-Paul

 

Visit to the chapel with an audio-guide :
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,  Saturday from 11:00 – 12:00 AM and 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Ø      63 Ambroise-Fafard, Baie-Saint-Paul

FEES

Visit to museum : $3 ; visit to the chapel : $3 ;  package deal : both visits for $5 ; for children (accompanied by an adult) : free.

 

                                   

VISIT OF THE PATRIMONIAL VALUES

The visit comprises :

w     the chapel of the Sacred Heart and the Oratory of the Helpful Virgin

w       the museum

 

 

Schedule :

During the months of July and August, there will be a guided visit of all that is of patrimonial value : Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday : always in the afternoon at 2:00.

                         

Maison-Mère des Petites Franciscaines de Marie
63, rue Ambroise-Fafard
Baie-Saint-Paul (Québec)
G3Z 2J7

Telephone: (418) 435-3520
Fax: (418)435-5318