REV. ADELARD FAFARD.
Leon Adelard Fafard, as the name denotes, was a French Canadian, born
at St. Cuthbert, in the County of Berthier, Province of Quebec, on the
8th of June 1850. He was a son of Mr. Charles Fafard, cultivator, St.
Cuthbert, and brother of Dr. Chas. Fafard, Jr., Amherst, Montreal. He
entered the College of the Assumption on September 1st, 1864. From
early years, he was devoted to his religion, and an enthusiastic
student. He entered a monastic life on the 28th of June, 1872, and
took his first vows on the 29th of June, 1873, one year later, and his
perpetual vows on June the 29th, 1874.
In the Catholic Mission No. 839, July 3rd, 1885, Monseignor Grandire,
says, Poor Father Fafard belonged to the Diocese of Montreal; he
entered our congregation in 1872, and received his commission for my
missions in 1875. I ordained him priest on December 8th, 1875, and
sent him successively on missions to the savages under the direction
of an experienced father. He was always distinguished for his zeal and
good tact. For nearly two years he was Superior of a district, and by
superhuman efforts succeeded in making a fine establishment by working
himself, as a hired laborer, in order to diminish the expenses of his
district.
Rev. P. Lebert speaks of him as a pious, humble, subdued, very
obedient, full of good will and courage. He adds that he had talent
and showed a good disposition for preaching; his voice was full and
strong, and his health robust. He was beginning to see the fruits of
his labors, when on the 2nd of April, 1885, he was so fouly murdered
while administering consolation to dying men.
--Two months in the camp of Big Bear
by Theresa Gowanlock and Theresa Delaney (Primary source documents / Timeline)
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