On October 28, the Archbishop Christian Lépine, took part in the inauguration and blessing of a stained-glass window dedicated to Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys at the church in Hiers-Brouage, in France.

This church, located near La Rochelle, in Charente-Maritime, already contains several Canadian elements: in addition to the stained-glass windows that trace a major portion of the history of New France, various souvenirs, symbols and relics decorate its walls. Brouage was the home town of Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City.

This unveiling coincided with the 35th anniversary of the canonization of Marguerite Bourgeoys by John Paul II, in 1982. Born in Troyes, France, she founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal after her arrival in New France, in the 17th century.

According to the local press, approximately 200 people attended the unveiling at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church. The ceremony was part of the festivities surrounding the 375th anniversary of Montreal's founding.

In addition to Archbishop Lépine, Bishop Georges Colomb, Bishop of La Rochelle and Saintes, Bishop Jean-Pierre Samoride, founder and host of the New France Memorial Committee, and Jean-Marie Petit, Mayor of Hiers-Brouage, were among the dignitaries present.

The stained-glass window was designed by master glassmaker Jean-François Bordenave and was a gift from the New France Memorial Committee, paid for with donations.