Whispers of devotion echo through the stones of Couvent des Capucins. This Montreal landmark holds stories of faith. It also has tales of service and a unique brotherhood.
The Capuchin Friars Minor founded this order. Their origins trace back to 1525. Some friars sought a life closer to Saint Francis of Assisi’s original ideals. They emphasized prayer and poverty. The Capuchins wished to live a simple and humble life among the people. Their name came from the long capuce or hood they wore. Initially, it was a mere nickname. It soon became the order’s official name.
The Capuchins are not monks. They do not live in monasteries. They follow the rule of Francis of Assisi. Their order emphasizes a fraternal spirit. They value simplicity and closeness to the people. The Capuchins stress penance and prayer.
Let’s jump back to 1890. Some friars from Toulouse France settled in Ottawa. They established a house of study. The friars took charge of the Saint-François d’Assise parish. They established strong roots in Canada. Alexis de Barbezieux is considered the founder. He established the Capuchin province of Eastern Canada. The friars wore strange attire. They had shaved heads long beards and brown robes. They walked barefoot in sandals. Despite this the friars won the sympathy of locals. Their energy transformed the land. They extinguished fires in the neighborhood.
In 1908, they opened the Collège séraphique d’Ottawa. This ensured the training of young men. These men felt called to their way of life. Other houses were founded to ensure a lasting presence. The brothers wanted new fields for their apostolate. Brother Alexis had connections with French-speaking bishops. This brought an offer from the bishop of Rimouski. He wanted a religious community to serve the Micmacs of Ristigouche. The brothers settled there. They remained for about one hundred years.
The Couvent des Capucins presence grew. They established themselves in Quebec. This was in the working-class district of Limoilou in 1904. The brothers founded the Sanctuary of Reparation. This was at the Sacred Heart in Montreal in 1921. They founded the Saint-Antoine Hermitage at Lac-Bouchette in 1925. This humble sanctuary became a place of renewal. It is open to all.
Throughout their history the brothers were present with the marginalized. This presence reflects their spirituality. It also embodies their charism. The brothers distributed meals during the crisis of 1929 in Ottawa. They maintained this tradition. They served meals to anyone who came to their door.
In 1967, friars established a fraternity in Vieux Hull. This was at the request of the bishop. The project aimed to evangelize an urban population. It focused on those with low incomes. The brothers addressed family money housing and health issues. This fraternity still exists. It continues its popular presence.
Today each brother strives to answer God’s call. The brothers live in fraternity. They pray individually. They also pray together. They share meals and their time. The Capuchins help each other grow. Their communities are places of joy. They offer hospitality. This is the enduring legacy of the Couvent des Capucins.