Paroisse Catholique Saint-Josaphat

In 1909, a small, dedicated congregation gathered for their first mass in a modest chapel, three miles from Longueuil. This marked the humble beginnings of the Paroisse Catholique Saint-Josaphat. The chapel was named after Saint Josaphat, as the inaugural service coincided with his feast day. The area, initially known as “Petit bois,” gradually became synonymous with the growing parish. Paroisse Catholique Saint-Josaphat officially became a parish in 1944. The faithful, led by Father Romain Boulée, embarked on an ambitious project. On September 26, 1950, construction began on a new church for Paroisse Catholique Saint-Josaphat. The church’s 25-meter high bell tower, topped with a wrought-iron cross and a copper rooster, was completed in April 1951. The entire project, including a presbytery and offices, cost $150,000. Local craftsmen poured their hearts and skills into the building. Girard et Frères handled the roof, plumbing, and heating. Maxime Ducharme crafted the confessionals. Maurice Dumoulin donated a magnificent forged cross. Antoine Girard gifted the symbolic rooster. Sylvio Martin meticulously plastered the walls. The cornerstone, a gray granite block inscribed with “A.D.” (Anno Domini), was blessed on December 31, 1950. Inside, a lead casket held precious documents spanning the parish’s history from 1909 to 1950. On June 17, 1951, over 800 people witnessed the consecration of the new Paroisse Catholique Saint-Josaphat church by Mgr. Romain Boulée. Sadly, dwindling numbers led the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil to sell the building in 2003. Today, the Paroisse Catholique Saint-Josaphat building serves a new purpose, housing the organization La Mosaïque.