Par les chemins

AUTHOR: SYLVAIN-ALEXANDRE LACAS

The title Par les chemins sets the tone for this account of the life of a humble Franciscan who crisscrossed the lands of Europe, the Near East and America. Frédéric Janssoone was a nomad, a kind of spiritual acrobat, always on the move until the final encounter with his “immortal” Jesus, the inspiration for his missions. A tireless and fascinating preacher, writer of books, numerous letters and travel accounts, builder, his peregrinations had the sole aim of leading souls to God. He is credited with unexplained healing powers.

Born in northern France in 1838, from the very start of his ministry he drew crowds. Fulfilling his dream of working in the Holy Land, he re-established the use of the Way of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, interrupted since 1621.

He visited Canada for the first time in 1881, returning for good in 1888 to found the Commissariat de la Terre sainte in Trois-Rivières. He was its director for 28 years. One day, he witnessed the “Prodigy of the Eyes” in the Petit Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame-du-Cap. This event changed his life. He spent the next 14 years of his ministry as director of pilgrimages to the Shrine, where he attracted huge numbers of pilgrims.

He died on August 4, 1916. People immediately devoted great devotion to him. His body rests in the Saint-Antoine chapel in Trois-Rivières, a permanent place of adoration and prayer for peace in the Holy Land. The Canadian Church is preparing his canonization.

Author Sylvain-Alexandre Lacas holds a master’s degree in classical versification and theatrical interpretation. A stage director, he currently runs the Théâtre La Caravelle. He teaches theater to young and old, and leads workshops on the art of communication. He has also hosted the program “Les bâtisseurs de lumière” on Radio VM.

Éditions Médiaspaul
2024
216 pages