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Devoted Missionaries in LaCorey
From the earliest beginning of LaCorey, our pioneers saw
to the development of their religious life and that of their
children by ensuring the presence of devoted missionaries,
priests and religious, in their midst.
| LaCorey
Church in the 1949's |
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The priests from Bonnyville,
namely Rev. Father Lapointe, ministered to these people
as early as 1919. Later, Rev. Father Connoir of Fort Kent
took over until Rev. Father Léo Thibault, first resident
priest arrived in 1937. (See the list of these devoted men).
While visiting in LaCorey, Rev. Father Boucher of Bonnyville
had made a small cross and had planted it on Mr. L. Dumaine's
land, saying: "This is where the church will be built."
But neither the first small church nor the actual church
was built on the designated site. In 1949, however, the
church was moved by Mr. Adolphe Pigeon and two assistants,
under the direction of Rev. Father Primeau and they unknowingly
placed it on the very location.
Rev. Father Lapointe ministered to LaCorey until 1922, and
it is he who blessed the first marriage in the new little
church on August 9th of the same year, that of Mr. Louis
Dumaine and Miss Nora Ouellette. On Dec. 8, 1923, Rev. Father
Connoir of Fort Kent christened Louis Dumaine's son, first
child to be baptized in LaCorey.
In 1937, LaCorey became the Saint Michel Parish, but it
is only in 1941 that Rev. Father Thibault and his parishioners
obtained, in answer to their request, some Sisters of the
Assumption for their parish and for their school. (See the
List of Missionary Religious
in LaCorey).
| Sisters in LaCorey |
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As soon as they arrived, the Sisters had their home built,
which they occupied as early as Dec. 26, 1947, even though
it was not quite completed. They immediately saw to having
music in the church and during their stay in the rectory,
they prepared the priest's meals. They later took charge
of the school, of the classes and all activities related
to the modern education: song festivals, J.E.C., Crusade
of the Rosary, preparation for the First Holy Communion,
Field Days, Christmas concerts and many other extracurricular
activities.
| LaCorey
Post Office |
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If the activities of each kept them breathless, troubles
and worries did not fail to crop up. In spring, a dried
up lake filled in and flooded the area. When this happened
in 1943, it caused extensive damage to the pumps, to the
furnace, and to everything stored in the basement; it resulted
in muddy roads to go to school, in excessive cold during
winter months and related difficulties in heating the school.
In spite of this, during their 23 years of service in LaCorey,
the Sisters have greatly loved and esteemed the people of
LaCorey, and it was not without reason, for they received
from them the necessary cooperation, friendship and help.
On May 16, 1949, for example, the parish priest and some
students, (the Nadon, Hoolahan, Martel and Lafrenière
children, to name but a few) completed the bridge spanning
the lake so that the Sisters might walk to school.
We parishioners want to express our gratitude and our appreciation
for their services rendered with generosity for their devotion,
their friendship and their testimony of love.
Click on the picture or on the link below to see the List of Missionary Religious in LaCorey
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