On July 4, 2012, in the Cathedral of Three Rivers, Bishop Luc Bouchard presided at a Mass celebrating the introduction of the cause of beatification and canonization of Father Eugène Prévost (1860-1946). "We thank Jesus our High Priest, present in the Eucharist and in his priests, for giving us his servant Eugène," said Bishop Bouchard in his homily. In the afternoon, people involved in different aspects of the case (diocesan bishop, postulator, ecclesiastical tribunal, theological commission, historical commission) carried out the usual canonical formalities. That day marked both the culmination of over 60 years of work, and the beginning of the canonical diocesan inquiry.

Born in Saint-Jérôme, province of Quebec, Eugène Prévost studied in the Montreal area before embarking for Brussels, where he became the first Canadian novice of the Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament. He had a fruitful apostolate as director of the association of Priests Adorers. With the support of Pope Leo XIII, he then left his community to found two new congregations, the Sacerdotal Fraternity and the Sisters Oblates of Bethany. His goal: to help the clergy, especially those experiencing difficulties of any kind, while glorifying Jesus Priest, source of all priesthood. Members of the Fraternity and the Oblates continue to offer their lives for priests, through discreet assistance and daily Eucharistic adoration, in Canada, France and Colombia.

Since 2000, the Sisters Oblates of Bethany have been responsible for Father Prévost's cause. They requested Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, a Roman lawyer specialized in causes for sainthood, to act as postulator and oversee the process. Without prejudging Roman decisions, they continue to ask the Lord, if it is his will, to allow that one day, they and thousands of friends of Father Prévost may not only be inspired by his example, but also pray through his intercession.

Claude Auger

 

Mgr Luc Bouchard, bishop of Trois-Rivières, preceded by Mgr Raymond St-Gelais, bishop emeritus of Nicolet, and by Mgr Martin Veillette, bishop emeritus of Trois-Rivières, at the mass for the opening of the Cause of Father Eugène Prévost, in the Trois-Rivières Cathedral, July 4, 2012. (Photo: Denise Morneau)

 

Some of the people in the Trois-Rivières Cathedral, at the mass for the opening of the Cause of Father Eugène Prévost. On the right, the Sisters Oblates of Béthany; on the left, Sr. Suzanne Allard, s.a.s.v., chancellor of the diocese of Trois-Rivières, and Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, postulator. (Photo: Denise Morneau)