On Wednesday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m., in the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, the opening Ceremony will be held to initiate the diocesan tribunal proceedings in the cause for Jeanne Le Ber, Servant of God, mystical recluse and North America’s first recluse. 

Beginning in her earliest childhood, Jeanne Le Ber was drawn to Jesus and his presence in the Blessed Sacrament. This devotion deepened gradually, accompanied with a distinct inclination to silence and prayer. When she reached the age of 18, her parents gave their permission for Jeanne to live as a recluse in the family home. At that time, completely isolated from the world and hardly ever speaking, she would only leave her room to attend Mass. At the age of 33, she withdrew even further when, on August 5, 1695, she left the family home and retreated to the house of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, where she was joyfully embraced by Marguerite Bourgeoys and the sisters of that community. She lived out her seclusion there in an extremely small cell adjacent to the sanctuary in the chapel.   

Archbishop Christian Lépine will preside over this Ceremony with the assistance of Fr. Guy Chapdelaine. As well, we will have the pleasure of welcoming recluse sisters and others who revere Jeanne Le Ber.  

The cause for the beatification of Jeanne Le Ber is a worthy one, in addition to being significant for the light it will shed on the life of this woman of faith and her place in Canadian history.  As a contemporary of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, Jeanne contributed in her own fashion to the mission that was so important in that lady’s eyes.  Jeanne is an inspiration to all of us, year after year drawing many visitors who come to gather near her and pray in silence.  

Her existence was a continuous homage to the Blessed Sacrament, lived in unity with the Blessed Virgin and the Angels.  Between her hours of worship and rest, and constantly in prayer, she would sew and embroider liturgical linens and vestments or carry out work for the poor. Finally, aged 52 years and widely renowned for her holiness, Jeanne died on October 3, 1714. 

You are invited to take part in this Ceremony, which is open to the general public either in person or online at: https://www.youtube.com/@sitehistoriquemarguerite-b5675

Do not miss this important event in the history of our faith!