Autobiography of Brother Alberic Houle, C.S.C.

Brother Alberic, C.S.C. (Robert Houle)

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………...………

Chapter I

Formative years: My Family......................................................

Chapter II

Studies (K.G. to Grade X)…………………………………….....

Chapter III

A Fresh Start (Novitiate – 1938-1939 & Studies at St. Joseph’s Scholasticate – 1940-1944) ………..……….

Chapter IV

Teacher at St. Joseph’s Scholasticate (1944-1948) …………...

Chapter V

A Marvellous Journey (from Montreal to France, Italy & Calcutta).................................................................

Chapter VI

A New World (East Pakistan)………………………………. ....

Chapter VII

A New Start (Studying Bengali Language)..............................

Chapter VIII

The Companions of Chittagong (details to be found in his 157-page book published separately in the past)...............

Chapter IX

A Severe Crisis (Sabbatical leave, mother’s death, etc.)...........

Chapter X

Work as Headmaster - First Part : October 26, 1960- 1966…

Chapter XI

Work As Headmaster – Second Part: 1967 -1971…………....

Chapter XII

Work as Headmaster - Third Part : 1972 -1978……………...

Chapter XIII

Work as Headmaster - Fourth Part : 1980 – 1982…………...

Chapter XIV

Work as Headmaster – Fifth Part: 1983 -1988……………….

Chapter XV

Mr. Paulinus Guda, Headmaster………………………………

Chapter XVI

A New Orientation (Writing books:1999-2008)…………….....

Chapter XVII

Semi Retreat (More writing of books: 2009-2010)……….…..

Chapter XVIII

My Stay in Canada………………………………………….....

Chapter XIX

Saint Joseph at Work……………………………….................

Brother Alberic, C.S.C.: A Complete List of Works……………………………........

INTRODUCTION

After hearing many requests from some confreres, I have finally decided to write my biography. At first, I felt quite reluctant to do so. The main reason was that I would have to speak a lot of myself and I felt quite reluctant to do so. Nevertheless, after second thought, I was overwhelmed at the remembrance of all the numerous blessings of Divine Providence in my regard during all these past years; hence the title of the book.

One day, a journalist asked Mother Teresa how old she was. She answered: “Externally, I am 81; internally, I am 18.¨ I started writing this text at the age of 89 after working 62 years in Bangladesh, from 1948 to 2010. I write mainly from memory from 1923 to 1959. I wrote a detailed diary of my journey to East Pakistan when I traveled from Montreal to Padrishibpur with Rev. Bro. Narcisse, the first Provincial Brother of the new Canadian Province founded in 1945. In 1950, I was a teacher at St. Placid‟s High School and I used notes taken from my diaries of 1950 - 2012. I have also with me a copy of my journey to Bangladesh and of the book I wrote about my first year, 1949, in the mission field. The second reason is still valid to-day. In fact, the Bengali Brothers of Holy Cross in Bangladesh hardly know anything about the diocese of Chittagong where I worked from 1948 to 1999.

Well, let us hope that my biography will provide useful information about the conditions of work prevailing in those years in that diocese, the work of the Brothers involved in the education of the youth, and the many problems they had to solve outside the classroom. I did not intend to write a formal biography. It is rather a collection of souvenirs and basic facts which, I hope, will prove useful, and, at times, even entertaining. I hope my readers will enjoy reading this late composition and derive some benefit from it.

Yours truly, Bro. Alberic, C.S.C.

Chapter I FORMATIVE YEARS MY FAMILY I was born on January 24, 1923 in Joliette. My father (Damien Houle) was born at St. Cuthbert and was brought up on a big farm. Later on, he took in marriage Yvonne Gouger, who was living in Joliette on her father‟s farm. Their marriage was celebrated in the beautiful cathedral of Joliette. When I was two years old, the family came to live in Montreal, at Hochelaga.

My father lost his mother when he was only three years old. A terrible loss which had lasting effects on his personality! Fortunately, Mr. Houle was an excellent father for his five children, four boys and one girl. He brought them up with kindness, great love, but also with good discipline. Before his marriage, my father worked for the Shawinigan Company as an electrician. Many years later, he confided to me how he loved to travel on a small trailer on the railway lines, to fix wires on the electrical posts which brought electricity to different villages.

After his marriage, his repeated and long absences from home were very hard to bear for his young wife. Therefore, he left that job though he was assured of good pension after his retirement. A very tragic decision which caused him a lot of trouble in future years! Then he bought a store in Joliette. Some years later, he sold that store and bought another in Montreal, on Orléans and Adam Streets. When I was about three years old, I noticed a post at the back of the grocery store with an opening on top leading to a room on the second floor where my father kept the sweets he sold in the grocery. I often climbed that post as pastime and after reaching the second floor, I filled my small pockets swith sweets which I shared with my many friends outside. After some months, my father suffered a very serious attack of fever. He was bedridden on the second floor and my mother had to take care of him.

In the absence of the manager and of his wife, the employees stole a lot of cash and valuables. When my father recovered his health, he realized the poor condition of the grocery store. He then decided to sell it, and later on found work at Claude Néon, an important company in the western part of Montreal, where he worked as a tinsmith. A new trade which he learnt very fast as he was very good in manual work! He then rented a dwelling on the third storey on Moreau Street, over a forge on the ground floor, in the parish of Hochelaga. He drew a good salary which he always handed over to my mother who was a perfect administrator. In 1927, at the occasion of Christmas, my father bought us small felt boots covering half our legs. Willie, Paul and I would take pride in parading in the house, exhibiting our beautiful brown boots.

My mother was the eldest of six children. My mother was a living saint. She gave birth to ten children: seven boys and three girls: Willie, Robert (myself), Paul, Carmen, Roger, Guy, Thérèse, Georges, Jacqueline, and Bernard, who was born ten years after Jacqueline – my mother was then forty-eight years old. My mother later on told us that it was the easiest birth she ever had.

From 1928 to 1932, there was a severe financial crisis in Canada. There was just no work and many big companies had to reduce much of their activities. As a result, for a few years, my father had no work and every month had to collect a small sum that the government gave to such people.

A tiny sum which helped to keep body and soul together! My father kept on roaming the streets to find work. My mother would tell him not to do so because he was just spoiling his shoes. Nevertheless, as my father persevered, he, from time to time, found work from some private contractors for a few days or a week, and this income help the family greatly. One day, Mr. Major gave $150/ for his work. My father told him that he was giving him too much. Mr. Major was amazed. Then, my father asked my mother to hand him his small diary inwhich he wrote his hours of work. So many hours, so much per hour! Then my father returned a $10 / to his patron. Mr. Major then told my father: “I thought that, paying you for your work before Christmas, I was making you a gift, but I see that you are making me one.” Money was very scarce in those times. In fact, for a few years, we were rather poor, but we were never short of food and good clothing.

My mother was really the soul of the family. She was very pious. Every night, she would preside over the recitation of the rosary and of the Ten Commandments; all the while, my father kept on kneeling and resting his elbows on his chair. She attended an early mass on Sunday on the second pew of the church. The Brothers teaching at Adélard-Langevin School noticed that woman attending mass with so much piety and would tell one another: “She is Bro. Albéric‟s mother.” With her rosary in her hand, hardly reciting any Hail Mary, she kept staring at the celebrant, as if she was hypnotised.

She was a woman of deep faith. One day, when Jacqueline was about five years old, she fell seriously ill, due most probably to a severe attack of appendicitis. The doctor was called.

After examination of the patient, he told my mother: “It will be the hospital or heaven.” At once, my mother boldy replied: “It will neither be the hospital, nor heaven.” At night, when we were all kneeling down for the recitation of the rosary, she would ask us to pray the Blessed Virgin for our little sister who was sick. After a few days, the doctor came for a second visit, and was astonished not to discover any symptom of her former ailment. Jesus had graciously heard the fervent prayer of a loving mother to her beloved Mother.

She was a perfect housekeeper and an excellent cook. After meals she would at once wash the dishes, wipe the table clean. She would always keep our clothes neat, well mended, so that we always look smart and happy.

As for my father, he was a very jovial man. He had a very good judgment. His decisions appear to us, his children, to be very reasonable and made obedience rather easy. He was not tall, 5‟6”, 160 pounds. He had a solid frame, broad shoulders, bulging biceps, and great physical strength. He was a sportsman at heart. One day he confided to me that, when he was young, he could hit, with one or two pebbles, a partridge standing on a branch of a tree. During summer he would attend all the games of softball played by some famous teams in Hochelaga. Later on, he did the same whenever Willie pitched at high level. In winter, he listened on the radio the exploits of the Canadian hockey team which at that time had become the main attraction with the

famous punch line consisting of Maurice Richard, Toe Blake, and Elmer Lach, and another line with Jean Beliveau, Boom Boom Geoffrion, and Dickie Moore.

At home, he taught us how to play at draughts, different games of cards, and even kalimaya. The last game consisted in one of us keeping a bandage over his eyes and trying to catch one of the other players who were moving away in the drawing-room and the kitchen.

Hecould be serious in discussion with the elders, but at the same time, his conversation was full of witty remarks, good jokes, and merry laughter.

All my uncles and aunties enjoyed spending some hours at our home. They highly appreciated the gentleness of my mother as well as her good cooking, my father‟s jovialness, and the fine behaviour of his numerous children. I learned quite a few details from their conversations. One day, my father‟s younger brother, told me that my father did not tolerate any nonsense when had a grocery in Joliette. At times, some clients drank too much beer and became boisterous. My father then told them to cool down. If anyone carried on his nonsense, my father would catch him by the nape of his neck with his left hand and by the seat of his pants with his right hand; he would then lift him up and throw him out of the store. Then peace was restored.

I shall always remember a special meeting of my father with his three brothers I never saw so much brotherly love– an unforgetable souvenir!

One day, Henri Gouger, told me: “Your father taught me how to play violin. Your father played violin very well; he would play many Canadian reels while the assistants joined in a joyful dance.” Well, I never heard my father play violin because the family violin was kept at the paternal house at St. Cuthbert; at that time my uncle Joseph had inherited the family farm and the violin was kept there as if it was part of the house; my father never thought of asking uncle Joseph to hand over that violin.

One day, there was a gathering of close relatives and friends in a house where there was a piano. After a while somebody requested my mother to play the piano. My mother played “The Rosary”, a piece of music which she loved very much. I was stunned to see my mother playing the piano so well, because we never had a piano at home. I asked her: “Mummy, how is it that you can play the piano?” She answered that at home in Joliette they had a piano and that she had learned how to play it there.”

My father brought us with good discipline. He spoke but once and we soon realized that it was better for us to obey. Two examples come to my mind. Many years later when we were seven children, five boys slept in one big room and my two sisters, Carmen and Thérèse in an adjacent room. At times we started fighting for fun, wrestling with one another. Naturally our voices rose and we were making a lot of noise. My father, sitting in the drawing-room with my mother, would then come to our room and tell us to stop our nonsense. Usually, we did. At times, though, we again started the same noisy game. On his second visit, my father would not speak a word. He would just remove the blankets and give us some resounding slaps on our buttocks. It was sufficiently painful so that we would not need a third visit.

About myself, I remember three special events. At the age of four, I noticed my mother using a big knife to cut bread. I found that marvellous. I wanted to imitate my mother, who was otherwise busy in the kitchen. I grabbed the big knife in my right hand and moved it over my left hand. The knife cut a big gash under my left thumb. Seeing the blood coming out, I got scared and started shouting. My mother at once came to me and in an instant realized what had happened. She took care of the wound, wiped the blood and put a bandage over the big cut on my left hand. Within a few days‟ time, I was cured. Later on, my mother made sure that the big knife was out of my reach. Even after 80 years, whenever I look at my left hand, I can see a oneinch scar, as a result of my curiosity and inexperience.

I was about seven years old when I asked my father to buy me a violin on the occasion of Christmas and New Year‟s Day. He did so. I was very happy and kept on admiring the nice colour and shape of this small instrument. I also noticed a small piece of wood to hold the chords of the violin. Not seeing any way to use it, I opened the stove and threw it in the fire. After a while, I started to play on the new violin. No sound came out of it. I called my father and told him that my violin was not giving any sound. My father asked me where was the bridge. I told him that I had thrown it in the stove. My father could not retrieve it nor replace it. It was the end of my career as a violinist.

When I was ten years old, I went with some friends to a big empty field not far from home to catch big insects which we would keep in an empty pot. I saw a big insect in a bush. I knelt down to be able to catch it more easily. I had not noticed the bottom part of a broken bottle with a sharp edge protruding, partly hidden in the blades of grass covering it. As a result of my kneeling down on it, I felt a sharp pain on my right knee and some blood coming out. I rushed back home. My mother cleansed the wound and wanted to apply iodine on it. I strongly protested because I had heard that iodine would cause burning pain. Then, my mother asked me what she should put. I answered: “Put butter”. She laughed, and thinking that nothing bad would result, she agreed to my proposal and applied some butter on the cut and bandaged my knee. I found the treatment very refreshing and…after a few days, the wound had perfectly healed.

I remember also three games we played at that time on St.Germain Street or on the street behind Adelard Langevin School. We played softball on the street bordering that school and the railway line. The home plate and the second base were a circle drawn with a piece of chalk on the cement of the street; the first base and the third base were two posts, one next to the steel gate of the school and the other, next to the wooden fence of the railway line. If any player hit the ball over the fence of the school or that of the railway line, he was out. It was easy to form two groups of players because each family then counted six, eight, ten or twelve children.

Another game was “pe-gin”. As children, we often ask our mother if her broom was still good. If it was not, my father could cut the end of the broom, and cut five-inch sticks from the long stick and sharpen the two ends in inverted v shape; the remaining part was our bat. That game “pe-gin” (really, a nickname) was played like softball. There were two teams, the batters and the fielders. If any player hit the pegin (small stick) over the school fence or that or the railway line, he was out. When a batter hit the pegin at a certain distance, he would declare, “Hundred feet, three feet or more.” The fielders at times contested and started counting the feet

by putting one foot in front of the other till they reach the home plate. If the score was less than the one declared, the batter was out. The game went on for quite some time, each team fielding and batting in turn.

For the third game, we used an electrical post in front of our house. We formed two groups.

One had to keep the post so that no player of the other group could touch it. The defenders of the post tried to touch any of the attackers; if they succeeded, that player was out; if not, the score would be one for his team and so on. When the attakers were all out, the roles were changed. The attackers became the defenders, and the defenders, the attackers. Since cars and trucks were few at that time, we could play in the streets rather safely. We enjoyed playing these simple games for hours at a time, and this was very good for our health; moreover, it involved no special expense for our parents.

In winter we jumped in a big heap of snow from the second floor on our back veranda; later on, the more daring, and I one of them, even jumped from the third floor. We climbed the railing, stood outside on our toes on the little space left, took a good aim, and then jumped in the big heap of soft snow. After some effort, we came out of it, covered with snow all over the face, on the neck, in our mittens, and even some in our shoes. After each jump, we had to do a little clean up. But what a thrill! At school, we took pride in relating our exploit to our friends. After our games, the group often sat on the steps of our staircase leading to the second floor. I would read to them small booklets relating the captivating adventures of Pinkerton, a famous detective.

When I was about twelve years old, I, with some friends, pushed a heavy cart up the staircase leading to our veranda on the second floor. After some time I got the idea that it should be taken down. My mother happened to come on the veranda and, guessing my intention, told me: “Do not take it down; it is too heavy for you.” And then, she went inside the house. I suddenly got a bright idea. “If I cannot take it down, I will let it tumble down the staircase.” That cart had two long wooden handles fixed on its sides and a wooden horizontal bar linking the vertical bars. Seeing nobody near, I pushed the cart down the first step. As a result, the two handles went up; then, I put all my weight on the horizontal bar. As a result, the horizontal bar kept on rising in the air. When I found myself lifted above the cart, I got scared, left the horizontal bar, and fell in the cart which started tumbling down the stairs and landed with a loud crash against the railing separating our stairs from Mr. Gauthier‟s grocery. Hearing such a loud noise, Mr. Mondou, who was sitting on the veranda adjacent to ours, came down the stairs quickly. He found me lying on the last step, stunned and unable to move. He grabbed me in his arms and brought me on the second floor. In the meantime, my mother had come out on the veranda. I was taken inside the house and laid on the big table in the kitchen. My mother started checking the condition of my arms, legs, and back to see if I had any bone broken. I answered that I was just feeling weak; after some time, I sat on a chair…and soon after I left to attend the afternoon session in the school. That afternoon, I hardly heard what the teacher said, and, as soon as I reached home, I went to take one hour rest in my bed. My mother was quite happy over the good result of that accident. Was this the final result of that fall? Only the future would tell… many years later.

This is one of Godâ€&#x;s very great blessings that I was brought up in a large family, fully enjoying the company and love of my dear parents and of my brothers and sisters. Nevertheless, I have only one sad remembrance of those years: the sudden death of Guy, a younger brother, at the age of two. He was laid up on a big table in the living-room, all dressed in white. He was looking so beautiful. For me, at that time, I could not understand the meaning of death and kept on asking my grandmother, Mrs. Gouger, why Guy was not breathing, though he looked so good.

My grandmother explained to me that dead people do not breathe any more.This fact was beyond my understanding at that time.

Chapter II STUDIES

From 1928 to 1937, I studied at Adélard-Langevin School, from K.G. Class to CL. V111.

Bro. Raymond Desruisseaux was my teacher in K.G.Class (later on called Class I). This Bro.Raymond Desruisseaux became a legend for the people at Hochelaga. In fact, he taught these small children of K.G. Class for over thirty years. Fifty students in the morning session (9.30 a.m to 12.00 a.m.) and as many in the afternoon session (1.15 p.m. to 4,00 p.m.). During the cold days of winter or on a rainy day, he would check each small child, whether he was wearing his rubber shoes, whether he had his scarf well wrapped around his neck, or whether he had buttoned his jacket properly. Whenever he took a walk in the afternoon, the children who were playing on the sidewalks would leave their games and surround him calling him: “Bro. Raymond, Bro. Raymond.” He would gently caress them and tell them to go and play. It was a great pleasure for his former students to have a talk with him. Really, an unforgettable man in all his simplicity At the time of admission in September, one had to be six years old. I was nearly five months short of the regular age. As my elder brother, Willie, had been admitted the previous year, Bro. Bernardin Bergeron, Headmaster, agreed to the pleading of my father who mentioned that Willie, if needed, would help me in my studies. Finally, I was granted admission in K.G. Class. Anyhow, for a few years, I had to bear the consequence of this early admission.

In Class I, Mr. Vezina was my teacher, a fine teacher too.

In Class II, Bro. Henri (Houle) was my teacher. Out of 50 students, I secured the 12 th rank and at times the 24th rank. Then Bro. Henri would console me, would tell me not to cry, and that I would do better in the following term. He knew that I was trying my best. Maybe my young age played against me.

Mr. Bergeron was my teacher in Class III. I was always among the first five students. I never forgot what happened one day in the classroom. Mr. Bergeron was a very good teacher, a gentle man with refined manners. Nevertheless, one day he gave a good slap on the face of a big student, because the latter had showed him disrespect. Then Mr. Bergeron told him that a student must respect his teacher, because the latter represented his parents in the classroom. A teaching that sank deep in my young mind!

In Class IV, I was privileged to have Bro. Omer St-Yves as a teacher. It was his first year of teaching. As he was looking very young and handsome, we thought that we had a new Brother. Later on, Bro. St-Yves wrote a method of pensmanship, and a method to learn typewriting which became very popular. He also taught shorthand to senior people and office workers in the evening. This was very helpful because there was no computer at that time.

Therefore, from K.G. Class to Class VIII, I learned good penmanship because all the teachers had a good handwriting.

In Class V, Bro. Zéphirin was my teacher, an expert in teaching Mathematics. He had a reputation of being a strict teacher. We had to keep silence in class. After explaining a problem in Mathematics, he would ask: “Did you understand?” If a student said “yes” when he had not understood, Brother would call him in front of the class, take out his strap, and give him a few good strokes on his hands. The student would start crying. Then Brother would tell him: “Why do you say that you understand whereas you do not?” Soon I found out that Brother Zéphirin would never punish a student who confessed that he had not understood. As I was not interested to be punished, I acquired the good habit of telling the teachers whenever I did not understand his explanations, though afterwards I would stand first, second, or third in class. A habit that proved very beneficial in all my future studies! Many years later, Bro. Zephirin told me: “When you joined my class, you were not bad in Mathematics, but at the end of the year, you were very good.”

Since many Brothers had a poor knowledge of English, Bro. Wilfred Bibeau taught us that language in Classes V, VI, and VII. As he was a Franco-American whose parents had emigrated to Canada when he was young, he was equally at home in both languages, French and English. From Class V, he taught us the right pronunciation of English, which is quite different from that of French. That teaching remained a preoccupation in my future studies.

Bro. Liguori Lamothe was my teacher in Class VI. He was a wonderful teacher, but gave us a lot of homework and lessons. Every day, I needed at least two hours at home to do the homework, and to learn these lessons.

In Class VII, Bro. Sévérin Vermandere taught us the method of synopsis. We had to learn by heart the questions and answers of the Catechism of the Province of Quebec, a book of over 400 pages with many answers covering more than one page. I felt discouraged when I saw this big textbook. How to memorize it? Then Bro. Sévérin told us: “Do not try to learn by heart the answers word for word; write the main ideas of these answers and practice expressing them in your own words.” This judicious advice spared me much trouble and made the study of religion pleasant and profitable.

He was a most gifted man, very handsome, and a great musician. He started a students‟choir, which became known as “The Little Singers of the Wooden Cross.” That choir became famous in the province of Quebec, because in all the competitions with choirs in different schools, he secured the first place. Each time, it was a matter of pride for us, his students of Class VII. I still remember some words of a very beautiful melody that I heard many times: O Nuit, qu’il est profond ton silence!

Quand les étoiles d’or scintillent dans les cieux, Ton calme est infini, Ta splendeur est immense.

Ton calme est infini, Ta splendeur est immense.

O night, how deep is thy silence!

When the golden stars shine in the heavens, Thy calm is infinite, Thy splendor is immense.

Thy calm is infinite, Thy splendor is immense.

One day, Bro. Hilaire Nadeau, our Headmaster, announced that the government would start a public library for students, opposite the fire station on Notre Dame Street, a very short distance from our house on St. Germain Street. He strongly recommended us to join that library because of the very good selection of books for young people. I soon became a member, number 16, though later on that library counted hundreds of members. Soon I became a voracious reader. During the next three years, I read more than three hundred novels. I read all the novels of Jules Verne, Léon Ville, Comtesse de Ségur… That habit of reading remained with me throughout the years of my long life.

Bro, Eucharist Péloquin was my teacher in Cl. VIII. He was short of stature, but very energetic. He taught us all the subjects. I found his teaching very lively and interesting. He also wrote some dramas. Then, the stage was a source of wonder for me. To see some classmates suddenly transformed into soldiers, kings, doctors, thieves, etc, was a source of bewilderment. I was called at times to act on the stage as part of a group; two or three times, I had to say only a few sentences. Nevertheless, when I saw a play and some students in action, I often thought that I could do better than so and so. If someone had been able to read my thoughts and asked me to replace the actor, I would have run away because I was conscious that I did not know how to act.

In 1937, he had written a Roman play, in verses, “In Hoc Signo Vinces” which he directed, to celebrate the centenary of the foundation of the Congregation of Holy Cross in France. There was a prologue to it, “The Cross”, one hundred and fifty verses. He had already tried two actors, but had dismissed them. One day, he called me to take the part. I protested, saying that I did not know how to act. Previously, on a few occasions, I had acted very small parts; in fact, a few lines only. Well, he gave me the text on one Saturday, told me to learn it by heart, and that from the following Monday, he would start to give me special training in our classroom. This he did. One day, there was a general rehearsal on the school. I was asked to come on the stage to recite the prologue. Letourneau and Lepage were seasoned actors among the students. When they heard me reciting the prologue, they were astonished at my acting. This was like a shot of adrenalin for me.

When the troop gave the first performance of “In Hoc Signo Vinces”, the parish hall was full of people; among them was my mother. When the curtain opened, I was alone on the stage, all dressed in a long white robe, with a light blue mantle on my shoulders and a wig on my head.

I waited till all the spectators kept silence, and then I recited the prologue. After more than seventy years, I still remember its first verses: Dès les temps reculés des peuples et du monde, De leurs dieux, les humains, oubliant les bienfaits, M’inventèrent, hélas, pour punir les forfaits De ceux qui résistaient à leur pouvoir immonde.

Que de jeunes bonheurs dont j’ai brisé l’espoir

Et qui, dès l’aurore, ont rencontré le soir!

From the olden days of the peoples and of the world, Of their gods, the peoples, forgetting their acts of kindness, Invented me, alas, to punish the wicked deeds Of those who resisted their sordid power.

How many young people, whose hope I spoiled And who, from dawn, have met with sunset!

I felt intensely the emotions of this fine prologue. When the curtain fell, I remained there, motionless, still lost in wonderment. Bro. Eucharist rushed on the stage, caught me in a warm embrace, and, with a radiant smile, exclaimed, “Ah,Robert, how well you acted!” After leaving the stage, I quickly went to the green room to remove the makeup and to put on my own clothes. I returned to the stage and opened the door on the left to join my mother in the hall to see the play in her company. As soon as I appeared outside the door, Bro. Hilaire Nadeau, Headmaster, made a sign for me to go to him. With a radiant smile on his face, he warmly congratulated me. The main guests, Priests and Brothers sitting by his side, did the same. I was nonplussed to receive so much praise from such highly educated people. The presentation of this religious Roman play was indeed a great success. As for me, the only merit I had was to have followed the directives given during the rehearsals by Bro. Eucharist, a talented writer and stage director. On that day, an actor was born. That first big experience on the stage had lasting effects on my career, as the future will tell.

Since Bro. Eucharist had often to absent himself from the classroom for the numerous rehearsals of the big drama, Bro. Aldéric Danis, who had just returned from the mission of Bengal with his brother, Bro. Godfrey, would act as substitute. We often asked him to talk to us about Bengal. This he did willingly. Nevertheless, after a short while, he suddenly realized that he was there to teach us different subject matters and not to tell us stories about his adventures in the mission field. I enjoyed his talks about Bengal and felt a special attraction, thinking that his life was most worthy of imitation.

STUDIES AT CHOMEDEY DE MAISONNEUVE HIGH SCHOOL In September 1937, I was admitted in that school which was situated near Boulevard Pie IX, about a mile away from Hochelaga. It was under the direction of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. I would walk to school with my brother Willie, who was then a student of ClAass X. As he was much taller than I, I had difficulty to keep on walking at the same pace. I often preferred to go alone at my own speed.

There again, the Brothers and the lay teachers were quite good. I specially remember Mr. Smith, who taught us accountancy and English. He was a Franco-American and his parents emigrated to Canada when he was quite young. As a result, he was equally at home in the French and the English languages. I appreciated him for his teaching of English because he had a very good pronunciation. The reader must remember my eagerness to learn English properly; otherwise, I would not have a bright future.

In Class IX and X, I did not always secure the first rank because I, at times, lost it to Davignon, a very bright student, who with little study achieved surprisingly good results in the examinations. In Class IX Science, I secured the Ist rank. In Class X, a copy of my results tells the story. During these two years, I kept contacts with the Brothers played volleyball and handball with them, and often had private talks with them,especially with Bro. AldĂŠric.

One day, there was a big celebration in the school in honour of Bros. Godfrey and Aldéric, who were rerturning to their mission field in East Bengal (India). I did not fail to attend that function. Bro. Sévérin made his choir sing “O Canada” in four parts. Bro. Godfrey was so moved that tears came to his eyes. At the end of the function, he spoke a few words of thanks.

Then Bro. Aldéric, in a farewell speech, mentioned that they were not eternal and that some of the students present in the hall should think one day of replacing them. I was then standing on a stool against the wall. I clearly heard a voice in my heart, “Do not worry, Brother, I shall replace you.” It was a clear and strong call to become a missionary in our mission of Bengal.

In May 1939, I paid a visit to Bro. Eucharist who was very happy to see me. I put on a sad face and declared that I was fed up with studies, and that I intended to leave the school. He was simply dumbfounded to hear such words, because I used to stand first in class. He then asked me: “What will you do then?” I answered: “I want to become a Brother of Holy Cross.”

He was flabbergasted to hear such a reply. Then he told me: “Are you serious?” I then added, “Paul, my brother, also intends to do so.” He was overjoyed to hear such goodnews. A few days later, he took me on a visit to their novitiate of Pierrefonds, St. Geneviève. There I met with Fr. Vincelette, Novice Master, who told me to come back in the second week of July; this I did.

I can only conclude this second chapter with heartfelt thanks to Divine Providence for the very good time I spent in these two schools. I was taught mainly by religious and also by some lay teachers. I found their teaching very interesting, pleasant and most profitable. Since I came back from Bangladesh in April 2010, how many complaints I heard about the running of the schools. So many students find the school boring, and give up their studies before completing the regular course. Yes, my heartfelt thanks to God and to our teachers, mainly religious, for the wonderful eleven years of study spent in these two schools.

Chapter III A FRESH START In the second week of July 1938, my brother Paul and I left Hochelaga and travelled to St. Geneviève, Pierrefonds, to join the novitiate of the Brothers of Holy Cross. The separation from our fine family was very painful, because we had enjoyed so much happiness there.

Nevertheless, we received a hearty welcome at the novitiate and it helped to reduce our sorrow.

Fr. Richard Vincelette was then Novice Master, assisted by Fr. Adolphe Hudon and Fr. Alphonse Métivier; the latter was a former missionary in our mission in Bengal. During the year, much time was spent in prayer for our daily religious exercises: morning prayer, meditation, daily mass, recitation in common of the Office, visit to the Blessed Sacrament, daily rosary and night prayer; weekly chapter of accusation and a one-day monthly retreat. Fr. Vincelette would give us a daily conference, mainly on the Constitutions while Fr. Hudon gave us talks on spiritual life and Fr. Metivier on the liturgy. Fr. Hudon was rather of the serious type and could not bear at times the wild laugh of the novices during the recitation of the Office in Latin in the chapel.

We spent many hours working in the vast fields of the novitiate to produce vegetables and other eatables as to reduce the expenses for feeding so many mouths. I worked many months in our large dormitory; I swept the floor and cleansed the numerous wash-stands and the toilets.

As I worked alone in the dormitory, I would often sing in a loud baritone voice many canticles in honour of St. Joseph and also some Christmas hymns. At times, Fr. Vincelette would cross silently the dormitory, and after hearing me sing, he would just smile and never asked me to stop it, though we were supposed to work in silence. During recreation we played different games; softball and table tennis were very popular. In the softball game, I had become quite a good fielder, and a dangerous batter. As for table tennis, Alphonse Tetreault, a novice, was my great opponent. We also had some theatrical performances. I took the main part of Bro. Bequilles (Crutches) in that religious play, which had a very fine plot and an inspiring ending. One novice was very pleased with the play and with my acting, and confided to me: “Ah, if wecould have more plays like this!”

On July 15, I took the holy habit. As I wore a cassock for the first time, I also had to change my name. From now on, I would be known as Bro. Albéric and no more as Robert Houle. Why that name Albéric? As I could not take the name of Brother Aldéric since he was still living, I took a name which was very close to his; as for my brother, he took the name of Bro. Médéric. I searched the lives of the saints, and discovered that Albéric was the name of a real saint, a reformer of monasteries. It was a symbolical name since, in future, I would be called to reform high schools in the diocese of Chittagong, East Pakistan, now Bangladesh since 1971.

On August 16, 1940, my brother, Paul (now called Bro. Médéric) and I made our first profession. That very day, in the afternoon, we went to Côte-des-Neiges to start a four-year course of studies at St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate, situated just behind Notre Dame College.

The Second World War, 1939-1945 exploded and the Canadian Government imposed conscription to help fight the forces of Hitler in Europe. As a result, Willie, my elder brother, was called to join the Canadian army and to follow a military training before being sent to the front. Still, there were seven children left at home and my mother‟s health, still good, was not perfect. Therefore, my father stopped the studies of my sister Thérèse, to help my mother in the upkeep of the house.

STUDIES AT ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOLASTICATE (1940 – 1944) There the scholastics had to follow a four-year course of studies: the Elementary Course, the Complementary Course, Superior I and Superior II. Because of my studies in Classes IX and X at Chomedey de Maisonneuve‟s High School, I was admitted in the Complementary Course.

The course of studies during these three years of studies was very elaborate. It contained a lot of subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Calculus, Philosophy, according to St. Thomas Aquinas (logic, cosmology, psychology, epistemology, metaphysics, theodicy, and moral). We also started the study of Latin and Greek, both subjects compulsory to get a B.A. from the Montreal University.

During the first year, Bro. Germain De Serres was the Superior; he was a very spiritual man, and gave us regular talks on spiritual life and on liturgy. I was again privileged to have

mainly religious as teachers: Bro. Sylvester Crête, who was then preparing his thesis for his Master Degree in Science, Bro. Benoît-Marie, a real encyclopaedia, Bro. Viateur, a very bright man and an expert in the English language, Bro. Paul-André Lauzon, music master, Bro. Leonard, a born psychologist. I found their teaching very interesting and most beneficial.

For three years, I learned how to play the piano. Bro. Julien (Rémi Comeau) was my teacher for two years. He was the teacher of piano at Notre Dame College. One day he gave an hour recital on piano before the scholastics. I admired his ability in playing that instrument.

Then, Bro. Claude-Marie (later on known as Maurice Dela, as a composer) taught me piano for a few weeks, and afterwards I learned by myself. I could play many sonatas, the famous prelude in C minor by Serge Rachmaninov, a prelude composed by Bro. Claude-Marie, a few polonaises by Chopin, and many other compositions by famous composers, like Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Handel, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Schubert, Tschaikowsky. One day I felt very shy, because Bro. Claude-Marie asked me to play a prelude he had composed. To play a piece of music on piano before the composer was a novel experience. It seemed that Bro. Claude-Marie liked my interpretation of his own music. Very good!

At times, Bro. Paul-André Lauzon would take us to our community hall to listen to one of Beethoven‟s symphonies that he would explain to us, or to the very beautiful and touching Stabat Mater by Pergolese. Bro. Faustin gave us permission to attend a concert given by the famous Cossacks from Russia, and another concert by the renowned Family Von Trapp Singers.

Apart from studies, we had regular games and other activities. In summer, we played mainly softball, table tennis, handball and croquet; after supper, many took long walks on the compound or on the streets nearby. In winter, the main game was hockey on ice, and skating after supper.

After a year, Bro. Faustin Laplante replaced Bro. Germain as Director of the Scholasticate. He had acquired quite a reputation as Director of St. Césaire‟s College. He had a reputation of a very hard working man; he was much more robust than Bro. Germain, physically and mentally. He is the one who introduced the wearing of short pants and other professional equipment to play hockey on ice.

Bro. Sylvester taught us phonetics for a while; then Mr. Caplette replaced him. Mr. Gagnon gave us a weekly conference on the History of Art, starting from the pre-historical period up to modern times. He showed us many photos of the paintings and the sculptures of the most famous artists. On Sunday, for a few years, Fr. André Legault, C.S.C. gave us talks on the Bible. These extra conferences lasted from 1944 to 1948.

Every morning, the scholastics would go to serve masses, usually two, at St. Joseph‟s Shrine. On Sundays, our choir took charge of the singing. Bro. Ubald Parr was the organist. On special feasts, Bro. Placide Vermandere would replace him. Bro. Placide was a famous composer and his improvisations on the organ filled my heart and soul with great emotions and delight. Another great blessing of Divine Providence! In 1942, I obtained the certificate for the Complementary course of studies, and in 1943 the Superior Diploma of Primary Teaching from

the Department of Education, Quebec. I devoted my fourth year to the study of Latin and a few periods to the study of Greek.

As I usually got the first rank in the course of these studies, I had many occasions to help many scholastics who were a bit weak in their studies and needed some extra help. A confrere had given me a nickname, „le dépanneur‟ or „the resource man‟. “If you do not understand a problem in Mathematics, go and see Bro. Albéric. If you do not understand a text in English, go and see Bro. Albéric.” It was always a great pleasure for me whenever I could help my confreres.

We acted many theatrical plays, in which I often took the main part. Bro. Sylvester, then Stage Master, was busy with the rehearsals of a small comedy. As he had to complete his thesis for his doctorate degree in Science, he asked me to take charge of the rehearsals. On representation day, he found that the actors had done very well; there and then he appointed me Stage Master, though I was still a scholastic.

After two years of religious life, Bro. Médéric (my brother Paul) left the congregation.

When I asked him why he wanted to go, he told me: “I am always thinking of our family.” I replied, “In that case, it is better for you to go back home.” Referring to the scholastics, Br.Sylvester Crête, our science teacher, drily remarked: “Some leave and we would like them to stay; some others stay and we would like them to leave.”

In my last year as a scholastic, the Superior had a big problem about me. He wondered what kind of studies I should carry on at the university. To get some enlightenment, he sent me to Abbé Ethier, a renowned psychologist. The latter had me pass many tests, oral and written. I do not have with me a final copy of his report to Bro. Faustin, Superior of the Scholasticate.

Nevertheless, after more than sixty years, I still remember some main points.

1. The test on intelligence revealed that I had 139 as an I.Q.-it was a very high score, because 140 is that of “genius”. I then clearly understood why I so often stood first in my studies.

2. Another test revealed that I had great aptitudes for higher studies, but little ability or attraction towards different types of manual work.

3. A test also mentioned that I felt hesitant in facing new situations. I always remember that I was brought up in a parish of simple workers at Hochelaga, Montreal and that my father worked many years as an electrician and a tinsmith in two big companies.

I consider myself as an ordinary fellow, with no pretention for special consideration, though my further studies had much altered my previous condition in life. Whenever repairs were needed in the house, my father would do them. He would tell his elder sons, Willie, myself, and Paul, “Mind your own studies, I shall take care of the rest.”

For future orientation in my career as a teacher and headmaster, I did not have to worry.

Religious obedience was the big light throughout my career; doing the will of God my main inspiration.

Between 1940 and 1944, I remember a few facts which I would like to relate here. In my first year as a scholastic, I used to go to St. Joseph‟s Shrine where I served two low masses. To go to St. Joseph‟s Shrine was just a short walk since St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate was situated a hundred feet behind Notre Dame College just facing the Shrine. I was praying St. Joseph to bring back home my brother, Willie, from his training in the army so that he would not have to go and fight in Europe. Not long after, my wish was granted and Willie was dismissed from the army on very flimsy ground of health, though he was still in very good shape.

At the end of 1942, I was granted a special permission, that of going to Hochelaga to see Bernard, the last born in the family, and the condition of my mother.

Chapter IV TEACHER AT ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOLASTICATE (1944 – 1948) In the first days of August, at the end of the annual retreat, I went with Bro. Robert to St. Laurent College to receive our first obedience. As we came at the very beginning of the ceremony, we sat at the back of the chapel; Bro. Ubald Parr was sitting in the pew ahead of us.

Then, Fr. Emile Deguire, Provincial, started reading the obediences of the Brothers. Both of us listened attentively. Bro. Robert was appointed at Adélard Langevin School, and I heard the names of the Brothers appointed in other schools and at Notre Dame College. I was quite puzzled because my name was not coming out. Then Fr. Deguire read the names of those appointed at St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate: Bro. Sylvester, Bro. Benoit-Marie, Bro.Viateur. Bro. Paul-André Lauzon, Bro. Léonard, Bro. Albéric. I was so surprised that I remained like transfixed on my bench. Bro. Ubald Parr turned his head, smiling, and told me: “It is your name.

Go, and get your card.” I walked to the altar, received my card of obedience from the hands of the Provincial, kissed the card, kissed the floor, and came back to my bench, still feeling perplexed, overwhelmed at this nomination. I felt too young for such a post and lost at the prospect of joining such a group of learned, experienced, and competent teachers. As for the scholastics, in their great simplicity, they were quite happy over that nomination.

In September 1944, I was appointed to teach the scholastics studying the Elementary Course. I taught them mainly French, English, and Mathematics. As teaching was quite new for me, it took me some time to feel at ease and effective. The hearty response from my students was a great encouragement for me.

In 1945, I put up “The Proposal” (La demande en mariage) by Anton Tschekhov. The actors were rather nervous before the play because Mrs. Gagnon, our teacher of phonetics, would be present. I told the actors: “Just act your part well, and forget about Mrs. Gagnon. During the first act, Mrs. Gagnon often burst out laughing; she thoroughly enjoyed the acting of the scholastics. In her next lesson, she warmly praised the actors.

In 1946, I put up “Bernadette before Mary” (Bernadette devant Marie) by Henri Ghéon.

The first representation took place on December 7, 1946 at Notre Dame College on the occasion of the first celebration of ”Dujarié Day”. The second show was on December 8, 1946 in honor

of the Immaculate Conception. It was also to mark the collation of diplomas with Mr. Labarre, Acting Superintendent of the Education Department, as chief Guest. On December 10, there was a last show for the students of Notre Dame College.

In 1947, there were grand celebrations on the occasion of the centenary of the foundation of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Bro. Hamel, then a scholastic, had been put in charge to prepare a special programme on that solemn occasion. One day, Bro. Ulysse Hamel came to my room at night, holding sheets of paper in his hands. He intended to put up a great religious play, “The Three Children of Fatima”, written by a Sister of Three-Rivers. Two days later, I called him. I had read the play and found it quite interesting; therefore, I approved his plan and told him to go ahead. Then he requested me to take charge of the rehearsals. As I was the new Stage Master, I readily agreed to do so. Not only that, I typewrited a copy for all the actors. Then I rehearsed the actors for about two months. At last, the final day came. Bro. Faustin, out of prudence, had decided that the first representation would be for the scholastics along with the Sisters of the Holy Family working at Notre Dame College. The actors gave a superb performance. The play was a great success.

I was then recognized as a good Stage Master. That year, I also put up “The Irascible” by Chancerel. Its presentation was in honor of the Director of Boscoville and his boys who had come to spend the day.

In 1947, I put up “The Litigants” (Les Plaideurs), a famous comedy by Racine. During these four years, i.e. 1944-1948, I also translated many plays from French into English.

Apart from my many hours of teaching, I carried on private studies. Thus in 1945, I got my B.A. from the Montreal University and my B.Ed. in 1948 from that same university. During summer holidays in 1948, I followed courses from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 from St. George‟s Institute, affiliated to the Montreal University. Since many subjects were common from the other course followed for the B.Ed., I also obtained a certificate in Guidance from that Institute. In 1949, I also received a Certificate in English Literature.

I spent little time with the members of the Staff because I felt very shy to mix with such senior and competent teachers. I usually spent recreation time with the scholastics, joining them in their games, summer and winter. Nevertheless, the teachers of the Scholasticate were quite happy because one of them kept contact with the young scholastics.

In 1947, I had a very painful experience. I noticed Bro. Paquette who had been operated for a deviation on his spine and I asked him how he had discovered that he needed such an operation.

After listening to him, I found out that I had the same symptoms. I went to doctor Lafrenet, the right arm for operation of the famous doctor Samson. Doctor Lafrenet told me that he could give me braces to wear, that it would give me relief, but that it would not cure me.

When I asked him what to do to be cured, he answered: “The operation is the only solution. But if I operate on you, you will have to spend three months lying in bed. Think over it and let me know of your decision.” As I was still very eager to go to the mission field, I was ready to

sacrifice three months for that purpose. I told the doctor: “I have decided, and I want to be operated.” A few days later I was called to join Sacred Heart Hospital at Cartierville, and I was operated. They cut a big bone from the femur of my right leg and fixed it on the lower part of my spine. I did not want to spend three months in the hospital, and I desired to go home right away. Then the doctor put a plaster cast around my body, from the hips to the armpits, and to wear it day and night. I was strictly forbidden to sit down. I was to lie down in bed all the time, and to avoid twisting my body. I was taken by ambulance to the house of my parents on St. Germain Street, Hochelaga.

After a month, I was taken to St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate. Bro. Dieudonné, the nurse, took good care of me. During summer, at times the weather was very hot and I found that plaster cast very uncomfortable. I even started teaching the scholastics from my sick bed. A few days later, the doctor removed that famous plaster cast. A few days later, I had to wear a fibre cast; it was much lighter and I was allowed to remove it at night so that I could enjoy comfortable sleep.

The great lesson I learned from that operation on my spine was that all parts of the body are worthy of respect because each one fulfils a special function. There is no such thing as shameful parts. Private parts are called private, not because they are bad, but because their use requires privacy.

During my years of teaching, Bro. Faustin received complimentary tickets from Fr. Emile Legault whenever his dramatic society put up a show. Bro. Faustin would send a sheet of paper during supper so that those interested to see the play had only to sign their names. It was always with great pleasure that I signed my name and went in our van with other religious to see the last performance of the Companions of Fr. Legault.

These four years of teaching the scholastics were most enjoyable because these young Brothers were full of zeal to improve in their studies.

My sincere thanks to Divine Providence for these very happy eight years spent in St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate,four years as a student, and four as a teacher.

Chapter V A MARVELLOUS JOURNEY At the end of the annual retreat in July 1948, I was appointed with Bro. Jean-de-la-Lande Brunelle to our mission field in Bengal. During the summer holidays, Bro. Brunelle and I spent a month in the United States. Bro. Brunelle stayed at Notre Dame University whereas I went straight to Notre Dame Boys‟ Camp where about 150 American boys spent their holidays. I had to speak English all the time with the few Brothers running the camp and especially with the students. I spent practically all my time with these young boys talking in English, since it was the only language they knew.

What was the result of these holidays? I had become very fluent in speaking Shakespeare‟s language. On my return to Montreal, I welcomed the occasions of speaking English whenever a pilgrim at St. Joseph‟s Shrine asked me some information in that language.

A few days before leaving Canada, there was a farewell ceremony for the departing missionaries at St. Joseph‟s Shrine. Bro. Brunelle and I had to stand before the main altar, while the religious, Fathers and Brothers, came in turn to kiss our feet. The second religious who came to do so was our dear Fr. Desrochers who had just returned the previous year from the mission of Bengal after thirty-seven years of hard labor. When I saw this tall missionary, with his emaciated face, bend before me and kiss my feet, I felt absolutely miserable, thinking that I should be the one to kiss his feet.

I shall always remember the date of October 14, 1948, the day of my departure from Montreal. During morning mass I fervently prayed to God to give me and my dear parents the strength to bear the terrible pain of the separation. In the morning, I prepared my luggage and at 3.30 p.m. I went home at Hochelaga. It was understood that I would leave at 8.30 p.m. My brothers in turn came back from work and, at last, my dear father. All of them seemed very happy. Nobody wanted to think about the fatal hour. We had supper and spent the evening altogether. Till 8.00 p.m. there was still joy; then the conversation slowed down and the atmosphere became tense. Then 8.30 p.m. - the hour of departure. I went to my room to get my hat, and went to my mother to kiss her. Poor mother! Till the last moment she had the strength to hide the terrible pain which wrenched her loving heart. I put my arms around her neck, and kissed her cheek. She then removed her apron and I saw her eyes bathed in tears. I could hardly see her because of tears in my own eyes. My mother stood up, and I kissed her a last time – she did not hold me back. I felt terrible pain in all my being. I then murmured: “Courage, mummy!”

And she bravely whispered: “And to you, also!” Then I turned and walked straight to the door, leaving behind the most amiable, the most beloved person on earth. I thought about the words spoken by our dear Fr. Desrochers during the farewell ceremony at St. Joseph‟s Shrine: “How hard for the heart of a missionary to see his mother cry, maybe for the first time…on the day of his departure. The day of departure is really the day of the cross.” How true the words of that great apostle!

It was a great consolation to see so many Brothers who had come to the railway station for a last farewell. Special thanks are due to Bro. Faustin who allowed the scholastics to be present at this last moment. At 9.00 p.m., we had to board the train. While shaking my hand, my father told me: “Look at my old face. Perhaps, you will not see it again.” I told him: “No, daddy, we shall meet again.” I then boarded the train which soon after left Montreal.

We reached New York the following day at 7.30 a.m. Bro. Datien Corbett was waiting for us at the railway station. He took us to the Generalate. At 10.30 a.m., we went to visit the museum of National History. In the afternoon, we went to the Radio City Music Hall. At 7.45 p.m. Bro. Datien took us to the port where we boarded the Queen Mary. Bro. Gervais who arrived a bit later gave us very precious information about this huge transatlantic. Then Bro. Datien and Gervais left us at 10.30 p.m.We spent five days at sea, from October 16 to 21.

On October 20, late at night, we saw a very dim light in a faraway distance. Bro. Narcisse became quite excited and told us that it was the coast of France. On October 21, the coast of France, the land of our ancestors, could be seen very clearly. At 8.30 a.m. we left the Queen Mary and boarded a small ship which took us to the port of Cherbourg Farewell to the sea! To see only water on all sides of the ship during five days and five nights with only the sky above was an unforgettable experience. The Queen Mary which looked so huge in the port of New York, looked very tiny, like a toothpick on the vast ocean. I could not help thinking about the words of the Psalmist: “O Lord, what is man that you should think of him?”

We left Cherbourg at about 11.00 a.m. and travelled by train to Paris which we reached at 5.00 p.m. We left our luggage at Hotel Régent on Street Madame, and after a short walk in the streets of Paris we arrived at the Seminary of Foreign Missions on Rue du Bac. There we met with Fathers Leduc and Choquette, who took us to Hotel Lutetia for supper. We tasted the French wine during a supper which lasted one hour and a half! Afterwards we took a stroll in Paris. We passed in front of the Louvre and went along the avenue of Champs Elysées. On the following day, we walked under the Ark of Triumph and attended mass in a small chapel where the Blessed Virgin appeared to Catherine Labouré. After breakfast, Fr. Choquette took us for a long walk in the gardens of Luxembourg. These gardens are unique in the world for their extension, the beauty of their aisles, the sumptuous greenery, and the numerous sculptures which adorn this immense territory. We also visited the Pantheon and went down to the crypt where we saw the tombs of the great heroes of France.

In the afternoon, Bro. Brunelle and I went to visit the Island of France. After a long walk we felt tired; we sat down on a bench and admired la Seine and the many bridges which cross it.

For a Canadian, that river looked like a canal when compared to our large and beautiful St. Lawrence River. We visited the famous Notre Dame Church. Its striking beauty deeply impressed Gandhi. He remarked that those who built such churches were men of deep faith.

On our return, we prepared our handbags because Fr. Heston would travel with us by train to Le Mans. There, Fr. Gagnon was waiting for us at the station. When we reached our community house, we met with Frs. Choquette, Lecavalier and Aussant. We got acquainted with Fr. Paszek, a very original and charitable man. When he met us, he gave us three kisses: one on the forehead, and one on each cheek. We found his gestures rather amusing.

On October 23, we started our visit of Le Mans. At first, we visited the church built by our Founder, dear Fr. Basile-Antoine-Marie Moreau. That church had been renovated by Fr. Gagnon. That church is really very beautiful: the whiteness of the walls, the simplicity of its architectural lines, the play of the solar light reflected on the stained-glass windows create an atmosphere of piety. We stopped before one special stained-glass window showing Rev. Fr. Moreau and Fr. Dujarié, the founder of the Brothers of St. Joseph, later on known as the Brothers of Holy Cross. We also saw the crypt of Fr. Moreau in the basement of the church. Then Bro. Francis of Assisi took us to the Solitude of Saint-Sauveur. I have seldom seen such a poor house.

Weentered with deep respect in the small room where our Founder wrote our Rules and many other precious books and documents. Then we walked on the long alley used by our Founder for the recitation of the rosary.

In the afternoon, Fr. Aussant took us on a visit of Old Le Mans. The hovels in the city of Montreal are castles compared to the sad quarters we walked through. Some streets were in such a miserable condition and stinking that one felt risings in the heart. After a while we reached the cathedral Le Mans. Then we went to the small church of the Visitation where Rev. Fr. Moreau was ordained.

On October 25, Fr. Heston, using Fr. Gagnon‟s car, took us to Ruillé-sur-Loir for a short visit. There we saw the beautiful parochial church; on one of its walls, we read a plaque in honour of Rev. Fr. Dujarié, an eloquent testimony of his devotedness as parish priest. We had the singular privilege of meeting with the Sisters of Providence, an institute of Sisters founded by Rev. Fr. Dujarié. We walked across a splendid garden which led to his grave. We entered a very small chapel, went into a crypt and the first tomb on the right was that of our dear Father. I felt deeply moved and it was with great respect that I kissed his tomb.

Then, Fr. Heston took us to Précigné; on the way we stopped at Solesmes for a short visit of that wonderful monastery. At Précigné, we spent some time in the room which contains the relics of dear Fr. Moreau: we saw some bones, the wood and the nails of the coffin, a lock of his hair, the statue of the Child Jesus, a gift of Pius IX, the famous armchair on which Fr. Moreau used as a bed, his surplice, his biretta, and a wonderful painting of the Founder.

Afterwards, we came back to Orveau. On October 26, we spent about twenty minutes at the school of Rougé where a few Brothers do wonderful work. Then, back to Orveau. In the afternoon we went by car to Chiché, a new acquisition of great repute. In fact, Chiché is a real castle which was given to the Holy Cross so long as our religious kept on working in the school, which is separated from the house of the religious. That house is also used as a Juniorate where already six juvenists follow a special training. After more than two hours on the road, our car was back at Orveau. Everywhere we went, we were received like kings, with plenty of food to eat, real banquets. It was evident that the religious, who had known Bro. Narcisse during his five years of apostolate in France, held him in high esteem; they were eager to offer him the best welcome.

On October 27, we came back to Le Mans. In the afternoon, Bro. Narcisse and I took a long walk in the large graveyard close to our house.

The following day, Bro. Brunelle and I served at a mass celebrated in our intentions by Fr. Paszek at the tomb of dear Fr. Moreau. At 12.00 a.m. there was a great banquet in our honour. At the end, Fr. Lecavalier, in the name of the Canadian confreres studying in France, spoke words of welcome; then Fr. Aussant began to sing “O Canada”; all joined in a big banquet where we tasted again the heavy wines of France.

On the following day, after sincere thanks to all the confreres for their fine reception, we left them at 9.45 a.m., and travelled by train to Paris. On the way, we did not fail to admire the French countryside and its numerous churches pointing their delicate steeples in the sky.

In Paris, we stayed at Hôtel de Bretagne where Fr. Leduc had reserved two rooms for us.

On October 30, we went to visit Montmartre. We went up the dome from where we admired the

main buildings of Paris: the Panthéon, the Invalides, the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards we visited le Louvre. I am short of words to describe all the artistic treasures we saw in that great museum. we made a short visit of the Palais de la Découverte, a huge building containing the apparatus of so many scientists.

On October 31, we went to the theatre Biarritz to see Hamlet with Lawrence Oliver as the main star. At night, Bro. Brunelle and I went to Comédie Francaise to see Britannicus. The interpretation from these French actors was good, but I am convinced that the Companions of Fr. Emile Legault would have given a better performance.

November 1 was our last day in France. The next day was spent on the train. In the afternoon of November 3, Fr. Patenaude took us on a visit to a number of churches in Rome.

On the following day, Bro. Narcisse and I, accompanied by Fr. Gagnon, took a short walk to St. Peter‟s Basilica. As I opened the central door of the basilica, the first impression was that it was quite vast. We kept on walking and it seemed as if we were not really progressing. Our surprise turned into admiration.

It is impossible to describe all what we saw. We also visited the Basilica of Holy Cross where we venerated the precious relics of the passion, the very old basilica of St. Jean-de-Latran, the palace adjacent to the church where we admired the Christian sarcophagus and their touching symbols.

On November 5, we visited the Morghese Museum where we saw other masterpieces.

Afterwards Fr. Barosse took us to the Basilica of St-Paul-hors-les-Murs. The most ancient basilica after that of St. Peter‟s!

November 6, 1948 will always remain a very special day, because on that day, I saw a Pope for the first time. Fr. Heston took us by car to Castel Gondolfo, the rest house of the Pope.

We were led to a big hall. Pope Pius XII appeared at the door. As the audience was coming to an end, Bro. Narcisse asked the Pope to bless us, our parents and all the members of the Congregation.” Then the Pope answered: “Yes, yes.” Pius XII raised his head, closed his eyes, spread out his arms to give us his benediction which flowed from the bottom of his heart. I thanked God because on that day, I saw a real saint. At the moment of writing these lines in 2012, the cause for his beatification has already been started in Rome.

On November 10, we visited the Vatican Museum. That night, recreation time was extended because Fr. Gagnon had organized a soirée in our honor.

On November 12, we left Rome. At 5.40 a.m., Fr. Heston took us by car to the airport.

We thanked him again for all his help and he left us. We boarded the plane. After four hours in the air, we landed at the airport of Istambul. We spent the night in a hotel of the company. At 2.30 at night, their bus took us to the airport. We boarded the plane at 4.30 a.m. and after two hours and a half we reached Damas. After a rest of more than two hours, at 10.15 a.m. we boarded another plane which took us to Karachi. At 2.45 at night, we took the plane for the last flight which took us to Calcutta. After a three hour flight, we reached it, early morning, at 5.30

a.m. What was not our surprise not to see Bro. Godfrey waiting for us at the airport! A complete mystery!

There was a flight Calcutta-Chittagong at 8.00 a.m. that very day. Unfortunately, there were no free seats left. I then made reservations of two seats (Bro Narcisse and Bro. Brunelle) on Monday, and one for myself on Tuesday. Afterwards we took a taxi and the driver, who knew the residence of the Irish Christian Brothers, took us there. These Brothers were happy to meet with us and gave us shelter for the day. Then Bro. Narcisse recovered his calm, since within twenty-four hours he would meet with the Canadian confreres working in Chittagong. Well, this was our plan, but it was not to be so. As the proverb goes, “Man proposes and God disposes.”

We attended Mass at 9.00 a.m. During dinner with the Brothers, the conversation was rather dull because Bro. Narcisse could hardly speak and understand a conversation in English.

Suddenly the door of the refectory flew open and the tall Bro. Godfrey appeared. Seeing us, he raised his arms and in a stentorian voice, exclaimed: “Ah! Here they are at last!” With a big smile on his face, he came to us, warmly shook hands with us, and gave us a fraternal embrace. As Bro. Godfrey knew these Brothers, he asked permission of the Superior to speak to us in French. Then the whole situation became clear. He had heard that our plane would arrive at 10.20 a.m. and he had gone to the airport to receive us. He did not know that our plane had reached Calcutta at 5.20 a.m. Nevertheless, at the airport, he heard that three passengers wearing black cassocks had come at 5.30 a.m. He was sure that we were the ones. Then for nearly two hours he had searched for us in different places in Calcutta. He felt very mortified for his absence when we arrived at the airport of Calcutta. Now he was overjoyed to meet with us at last. As for Bro. Narcisse, he was completely happy and immensely relieved on seeing Bro. Godfrey. After dinner, Bro. Godfrey cancelled our reservations for a flight to Chittagong, and told us, “To-morrow, we will go to Padrishibpur by train.”

In the morning we were happy to join a big procession on the occasion of Corpus Christi (Fête Dieu). Since Independence, it was the first time that a religious procession was allowed outside the church compound. A large number of faithful joined it and their touching piety greatly impressed me.

On the following day we visited the Oriental Institute. Back home, we had our dinner and then bid farewell to the Christian Brothers, thanked them for their kind hospitality. We were on our way to a new destiny.

Chapter VI A NEW WORLD On that day, after dinner, we had to rush to the railway station because Bro. Godfrey had heard that the train would leave twenty minutes before regular time. Speaking in Bengali, he urged the coolies carrying our luggage to go faster, signed a form for it while his sweat fell on

the paper. We ran on the platform of the Sealdah station and finally reached the train. All out of breath, Bro. Narcisse was the last to enter it.

The train left at once. At each station, we look at the people getting inside the train. Old people and women entered by the doors, but some climbed through the windows and then were pulled inside. A new sight for us!

We left the train at Khulna and traveled by a small steamboat to Nalchiti. That night, Bro.Godfrey spread his tall frame on the dining table. Bro. Narcisse shared a room with a Hindu passenger; Br. Brunelle and I slept on benches.

On November 18, we travelled from Nalchiti to Backergunj by another small steamboat.

From there, we boarded the big naouka (country boat) of Bro. Godfrey. After an hour in that naouka which a mazi (boatman) pulled by oar, we finally reached Padrishibpur. Fifteen minutes later, the Brothers, who had gone for the recitation of the rosary, left the church. Then the feast began. Firm handshakes, long embraces, warm wishes of welcome, teasing. The Bengalis around us laughed seeing us laugh. Everybody was very happy. Our joy was complete. We had at last reached the Brothers‟ residence at Padrishibpur. Most sincere thanks to God for this wonderful journey from Montreal to Padrishibpur. May we become worthy apostles of Christ in our new land!

Here, even short historical notes will prove very useful to the readers to understand the rest of this history. On August 15, 1947, India won its independence from the British.

Independent India was divided into two great countries: Hindustan and Pakistan. Moreover Pakistan is made of East Pakistan and West Pakistan, separated from one another by more than a thousand miles of Indian land. The mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross is in East Pakistan, (called Bangladesh since 1971), and is composed of two dioceses since 1927: the diocese of Dhaka with Mgr. Graner as Bishop, and the diocese of Chittagong, with Mgr. Alfred LePailleur as Bishop. Apart from Chittagong as its main centre, there are many sub-centres: Padrishibpur, Barisal, Gournadi, Narikelbari, Noakhali, Haflong, and Badarpur.

In December 1932, Bro. Godfrey, assisted by Bro. Flavian, started a new school in the village of Padrishibpur; in the course of time it developed into a high school which is now well known as St. Alfred‟s High School.

As the building of Dujarié House for the new missionaries was not yet completed, we took shelter in St. Alfred‟s House, the big residence of the Brothers. Within two days‟ time, Bro. Godfrey had already engaged Mr. Peter Shaha as my teacher of Bengali.

I really started from zero because Bengali is written in the devaganari script, not in the roman script. Therefore, I could not even read a letter of that language. What a complete change for me, after teaching four years in St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate! Each day, I spent about eight hours in that study, because I was determined to know Bengali to be able to communicate with the people.

On Sunday, February 6, 1949, Rev. Bro. Narcisse, inaugurated the Brothers‟ House of Studies at Padrishibpur, and named it Dujarié House. Behind St. Alfred House, a corridor, eighty feet long, leads you to it, a more humble building than the previous one, but of pleasant appearance.

The first students were Bro. Jean-de-la-Lande Brunelle, Bro. Alberic Houle, and Bro. Jarlath D‟Souza. The latter was the first indigenous Brother and would study for his university degree while we would concentrate on the study of Bengali. At the moment of leaving East Pakistan, Bro. Narcisse wrote that the inauguration of Dujarié House had been one of his greatest consolations.

Bro. Jarlath‟s first profession filled Bro. Godfrey with great happiness. Fostering vocations had been Bro. Godfrey‟s preoccupation from his early years of religious life. We formed a new community at Dujarié House. Bro. Godfrey was our Superior.

After a few months of hard study of Bengali, I could read and write Bengali, and I also started talking with the people and especially with the boarders in the hostel close by. I read the story books on the program for the students of the primary section. I discovered new heroes worthy of admiration. Yes, a new world, new heroes, and strange customs.

I mixed with the students in the afternoon for a game of soccer, a new game for me. At the end of the year, I had become a fairly good player. Then mixing with the students and the people became very pleasant and most profitable. Three great men left an indelible mark on contemporary history: Mahatma Gandhi, the spiritual leader, Rabindranath Tagore, the famous poet who expressed so well the feelings of the Indian people, and Jawaharlal Nehru, the genial political leader.

Even when the number of the Canadian Brothers was reducing because of the poor recruitment in Canada, the Authorities in the diocese of Chittagong maintained a religious headmaster in five high schools. In 2010, the number of religious Brothers was about 85, and they worked in three dioceses.

Chapter VII A NEW START In December 1949, at the end of my year of study of Bengali, I wrote a small book, “First Contacts with the East”.

Then, I went to Chittagong for the annual retreat and to get my first obedience in Bengal.

I was hoping to remain in a Bengali milieu, in the villages, in order to improve my knowledge of Bengali. Well, I was then appointed as teacher at St. Placid‟s High School in Chittagong. That school was an English medium school, with the Matriculation Course and the Senior Cambridge Course. The standard of English was quite high in the Senior Cambridge course, because the teaching of a play by Shakespeare was compulsory.

From January 1950, I started my teaching career there. What a new and wonderful experience for me to teach these small kids! The student population was composed of a few hundred Anglo-Indians, a majority group of Muslims mainly speaking Urdu, many Hindus and a few Buddhists.

Towards the end of 1950, I put up a big play by Molière, “He Would Be a Lord”. I had to take the main part because the students found it too difficult for them. The play was a tremendous success. There were raving reviews in the local newspapers. One critic from Calcutta in his evaluation highly praised the good acting of the students and wrote: “It is evident that their director, who acted the main part, is a seasoned actor.” It was a great encouragement for me to carry on the good work.

Chapter VIII THE COMPANIONS OF CHITTAGONG An important work (157 pages) has already been published earlier on this particular topic.

Chapter IX A SEVERE CRISIS In 1957, I was granted a sabbatical leave in Canada after nine years of work in Bangladesh. I travelled with Mgr. Raymond Larose, who was very sick at that time and was badly in need of medical care.

My brother-in-law, drove my father to the airport with some of my brothers. Near the airport, he went to a big hall, but it was not for the passengers arriving from abroad. He was then shown the right direction to reach it. My father had grown very impatient and told Guérin: “My dear fellow, if you make me miss him, I shall never forgive you.” At last they reached the big hall in the airport. There were so many religious present, especially to receive the ailing Mgr. Larose, Bishop of Chittagong. My father then met with Bro. Faustin, who at once told him: “Do not worry about your son; his plane is just coming down. He will be with us within half an hour.”

Fair enough! I went quickly through the customs because I had nothing to declare. As I entered the big hall for the visitors, I saw many religious, and my father who was coming forward to meet me, smiling and most welcoming. I gave him a warm handshake and I embraced him. How happy we were! And then I wished all the religious present, in particular my dear Bro. Faustin, Bro. Major, Director of the Missions, and so many others. Then, we travelled by car to Hochelage which I was very eager to reach to meet with my mother. It took us about an hour to reach our house at 1704 St. Germain Street. As I came out of the car, I

looked to the window on the second floor; I saw a curtain closing and I was sure it was my mother, who had seen me coming across the street.

As I entered our house, she was there standing; we looked at one another; we were both so moved that nobody spoke. Finally, I told her: “How are you, mummy?” With tears in her eyes, she simply said: “Very well.” Then everybody started talking. We spent the rest of the day in all happiness. After a few days, I went to St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate where I would spend a few months. I kept on reading the textbooks for my course on education and guidance and other religious books and reviews. Months passed quickly and in December 1957, I went back to East Pakistan.

During the last six months of 1958, I thought seriously about opening a Guidance Centre at St. Placid‟s High School and I had many exchanges of views with the Religious Superior.

Finally, it was decided that I should go ahead with this project. On December 16, 1959, I was appointed Guidance Counsellor at St. Placid‟s High School. During the last days of December, I was busy preparing the local of the new Guidance Centre.

One of the first services given by the Centre was to help the students of Cl. VIII promoted to Class IX to make a judicious choice between two courses of studies: Senior Cambridge or Matriculation. I met many students and guardians for that purpose. Moreover, some students of Cl. IX needed guidance to solve personal problems.

“Mother dead…” The first two words from a telegram which reached me on January 9, 1960, at 8.15 a.m., left me dumbfounded. I could not believe my eyes. How could that be? The last Christmas postcards from my brothers and sisters had assured me that my parents were in good health.

I put the telegram on my desk and I continued to receive the students who had absented themselves because of illness ...and also the late comers. They had to have their diary signed by me before going to class. Then, my pen just slid on the paper, because my mind travelled to Hochelage, 1704, St. Germain Street. What a great sorrow for my father! This sudden death, this violent separation after a happy union of more than forty years!

After a while, I went to our chapel. With a heavy heart, I thanked God to have given me such a good mother, and to have left her with us till the age of 66. She would have been 67 on February 4. I beseeched God to take her at once to heaven. With an aching but submissive heart, I tried to adjust myself to this new situation. It seemed as if a part of me was falling away. But no! Slowly, my mind came to term with that new situation and I found the words of Our Lord in the Gospel most comforting: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He, who believes in me, even if he dies, shall live. He, who lives and believes in me, shall not die forever. I shall bring him to life again.” In the mass of the dead, one reads: “Life does not end, it is only changed.”

That very night, I sent a telegram to my people at home to let them know that I had got their message. For long six days, these two words: “Mother… dead”, was like a nightmare. At every moment of the day and night, these words came back to my mind.

At last, on January 15, I received a wonderful letter from Bro. Faustin Laplante, in which he briefly told me the cause of my dear mother‟s death: a coronary thrombosis. He wrote also about the visits of the confreres to the parlour of Sansregret where my mother was exposed, and also of those who attended her funeral service. That letter, full of sympathetic feelings, was really a healing for my heart. I stop here, because the purpose of this writing is mainly to thank God for His goodness on this particular occasion, and the religious who have expressed their sympathy to my afflicted family.

First of all, to thank God! He has acted in such a way so that everything would work in an ideal manner.

On January, Abbé Marcel Houle, my father‟s nephew, presided the funeral mass and the choir was excellent – all was really first class. Now, my mother rests in the Cimetière de l‟Est where a humble monument keeps her memory. Really, God has been very loving, very nice in his dealings with me.

In Chittagong, on January 10, Fr. Claude Brouillard, C.S.C., celebrated a funeral service and the religious of St. Placid‟s High School took charge of the singing. On January 11, 1960, there was another religious service in the cathedral attended by a large group of three hundred students. Yes, really the good God did his part in great style!

Mummy shall remain for all of us, her children, as the most perfect symbol of what is beautiful, great, and lovely in life. The thought of my mother in heaven is now my ultimate consolation.

I started giving private courses to a fisherman boy of Bro. Flavian. He had to sit for the examinations of Matriculation in a few months‟ time, and he was very weak in algebra. After a few private lessons, he was surprised and told me: “With you, Brother, algebra is very easy.” As a joke, I replied: “I am here to simplify it, not to complicate it.” I felt very happy to help that wonderful youngster, a future leader, one of our dear Bro. Flavian‟s candidates. After a month, I had to stop these special courses because of the heavy work at my new Guidance Centre.

One day, a very clever student, came to my office and complained about the poor teaching of three teachers. He was so disheartened that he thought of giving his Matriculation Examinations as a private candidate. He told me that another bright student, had left the school for the same reason. I comforted him and after a while, he decided to remain in the school. I had to enquire this matter.

From April 2 to 9, 1960, I had to replace a teacher in Classes IX and X: six periods daily. I had no more time for guidance. As for the study of Urdu, I had to learn how to write it, if I wanted to be able to read it.

From the end of June, I was given four periods daily, I had little time for guidance. As usual, “Man proposes and God disposes.” On October 25, 1960, I was appointed Headmaster of St. Placid‟s High School, Superior of the house, and Prefect of Studies for the community of Brothers.

Chapter X WORK AS HEADMASTER: FIRST PART -- OCTOBER 26, 1960 - 1966 HEADMASTER OF ST. PLACID’S HIGH SCHOOL — OCTOBER 25, 1960 – DECEMBER 1963 A TUMULTUOUS START On October 31, 1960, there was the most terrible cyclone in the history of East Pakistan.

It lasted forty-five minutes. The wind blew at 140 miles per hour. In the city of Chittagong, the electrical posts were broken, the big trees hiding the court of justice were flattened, tins of many houses were seen flying – it was very dangerous to move out of the house. This very strong wind bent into two the German cranes in the port of Chittagong, and lifted from its anchor in the sea a transatlantic, 300 feet long, which landed on the sand near a paddy field at Sonail Charail.

Ten days after the cyclone, I went to see it …and walked around it on dry land. Absolutely incredible!

A terrible gush of wind lifted the roof of the Brothers‟ residence, turned it over and was left hanging over the veranda at the back of the Brothers‟ rooms …and those were left sky opened. The tiles on both wings of the school building and of the white house lay broken on the floors and verandas. The white house was a two-storey building next to the tennis court. It contained the offices of the Headmaster, of the Headmistress, of the accountant, a parlour for the parents; on the second floor, there were classes for the students of the primary section. All the rooms of the Brothers needed much cleaning because the wind had carried much dirt flying from all around. We needed seven days to clean our residence and the school compound. At first, big blocks of cement had to be thrown down from our veranda on the second floor and then from there had to be carried behind the Guidance Centre and thrown in a big tank close by. Naturally there was no electricity because in the city all the electrical posts had been broken. All the Brothers had to use a lantern, or a table lamp. After seven days, we reopened the school. At first there were many students absent…and within a week, the situation had become somewhat normal.

That very night, I sent an urgent letter to the Canadian Authorities about the terrible destruction of our residence. They at once responded and sent me a generous sum of money to repair the damages. A great blessing from Divine Providence! We at once started building a new roof for the Brothers‟ residence.

DAILY OCCUPATIONS During the months of January, February, March 1961, I gave many talks to the Brothers during the weekly Chapter of Accusation. They were mainly considerations about our Constitutions¨ (Councils, Regular Discipline, Silence, Nature and End of the Congregation, Direction, Recreation, Conversation, Spirit of Faith, Zeal, Chapter…). As Superior of the House, I insisted that the religious attend regularly all the religious exercises, daily, weekly, and

monthly. Moreover, on the occasion of the monthly retreat, I met with each religious individually. I then inquired about their apostolate, the difficulties they had to face, how I could help them… I would also tell them that they were welcome to meet with me whenever they felt the need.

Yes, it was very pleasant for the Brothers to live in harmony in the community and to work as a team in the school. I started teaching Algebra, ten periods a week to the students of Classes IX and X. I also met with anumber of students who asked my help to solve personal problems. As usual, I joined in the games of the students: table-tennis, soccer, and tennis.

1964 – NOAKHALI On January 1, 1964, I was appointed Headmaster of Bro. André‟s High School. I was so happy to go back to a Bengali milieu. Since 1950, I had to speak in English with the AngloIndian students or Urdu with the Muslims; therefore, my Bengali had become rather poor. I devoted all my spare time to an intensive study of Bengali.

As usual I organized teachers‟ meetings. I checked all the report cards of the students from Class VI to Class X, asked advice from the teachers about the students who did not do well in their studies, gave a warning to the lazy ones, and punished some of them. I preferred that students shed tears during the year rather than see them fail and cry at the end of the year. It was also a big saving for the guardians who would not have to pay the fees for an extra school year.

A novel way to help the poor! From June to December 1965, I took a sabbatical leave in Canada.

During the summer holidays I followed a course on Community Development at St. Xavier‟s University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Apart from the learned lectures from the professors, I did much reading. I obtained a degree on Community Development from that University. I studied privately the textbook “Modern Bookkeepîng and Accountancy”, which was taught during the academic year.This book of 500 pages had two copybooks of exercises. I covered half the book and completed the first copybook of exercises within a month. The teacher was utterly surprised.

He corrected the exercises, put the score of 92%, and wrote the following remark, “You have a good understanding of accountancy.”

On August 16, 1965, there was a wonderful celebration of my Silver Jubilees of First Profession in my parish at Hochelaga.

In December 1965, I resumed my work at Bro. André‟s High School. What was the result of such persevering work done in collaboration with all the teachers? On two consecutive years, four students secured places in the Commerce Group in the Matriculation Examinations held under the Comilla Board. It was a crowning achievement, a glorious tribute to the devotedness of the teachers and the hard work of the students. From July 1966, I left Noakhali to follow a refresher course in Bengali at Sagardi. I was supposed to come back to Noakhali after these few months, but I was suddenly appointed as Heasdmaster of St. Alfred‟s High School. As usual, “Man proposes and God disposes!”

Chapter XI

WORK AS HEADMASTER: SECOND PART -- 1967 - 1971 1967–1971: HEADMASTER OF ST. ALFRED’S HIGH SCHOOL, PADRISHIBPUR On my first visit of the school compound, I was astounded by what I saw. I discovered that St. Alfred‟s High School was situated on two wide compounds. In front of the school were two playgrounds where the students played soccer. One was next to 250 feet long for the seniors and behind it there was a smaller playground for the juniors, and behind it, the village post office. On the left side of the road, there was Wheatley‟s residence, a huge brick house, so called by the name of its former proprietor, the residence of the Sisters of Holy Cross, and the girls‟ hostel.

Then the road turned to the left and passed in front of the second wide compound.

Opening the gate, one could see an old monument to St. Joseph, Dujarié House, and eighty feet further St. Alfred‟s House, the former residence of the Brothers, whose ground floor had become the office of the Assistant-Headmaster, and the teachers‟ room. Behind that building were the classrooms of the students of the primary section. Still further behind, the boys‟ hostel; in front, there was a big tank and vast paddy fields.

Therefore when the Headmaster wanted to meet with his Assistant in the primary section, he had to walk a distance of six hundred feet. A most cumbersome arrangement!

In my first month as Headmaster, I discovered that there had been far too many failures in the previous final examinations from Class VI to Class IX: 37.6%. Many parents complained about the standard of studies.

I organized weekly meetings with the teachers to study our problems for the good running of the school. God was good in providing me with many good teachers and especially with good assistants. Working closely with the Teachers, I made it a point to examine all the progress reports of the students in their first semester.

In April 1967. I decided to change the morning session for the afternoon session. As we had no electricity in Padrishibpur, our students would then be able to study two hours in broad daylight before coming to school, instead of studying at night with a lamp. This decision had been previously thoroughly discussed with the teachers and unanimously accepted.

On May 27, I also took action with the students who were caught cheating during some tests in class; I advised them not to do this and later on, I punished some for repeating the same mistake, or neglecting their studies. I used to talk privately with the students after punishment.

After such work with the teachers and the students, is it any surprise that one of our candidates got 1st Division in the S.S.C. Examinations; the others did also pretty well.

Now the question of prayer and the teaching of Diniat to the Muslim students became very urgent and needed solution. The Authorities in West Pakistan told the bishops: “We have very good relations with the Christian community, but we would like very much that you teach

Islam in your educational institutions.� In fact, the Christian community, though not even 1% of the population, was well known because of the excellence of its educational institution.

During Vatican Council, the right of an individual to be educated according to his own religious beliefs was recognized, and this made the adaptation of a new system easier. Formerly, when there was a period of religion, the Christians would go to a classroom and the Muslims and Hindus in another classroom where they were taught Moral Science, containing basic principles for a good moral life.

I applied for a grant of Tk 2000- to the D.D.P.I. of the Barisal District and he granted my request. At once, a new classroom was built next to the Headmasterâ€&#x;s office. During a class of religion, a Christian teacher would teach his students in their own classroom, a Maoulvi would teach Islam to his students in their new classroom, and a Hindu teacher would teach his students in a spare classroom.

In the first months of 1969, I often thought of building a new school so that the two sections, primary and high, would be on the same compound. I wrote a plan and send it to the Canadian Commissioner, praying to God to bless this new venture. On June 14, God granted my request because on that day I received the news that the Canadian Commissioner agreed to pay for the building of a new high school, in L-shape. We started digging the ground on all the length of the new high school so as to put solid foundations; it required quite a few weeks of work. Then, we made the cement floor of different classrooms.

When our candidates sat for the S.S.C. Examinations, they created history. Out of 34 candidates, 5 secured First Division, and 3 of them got places in the Agriculture Group on the Board of Jessore. It was the best results in the S.S.C. Examinations since the foundation of the school. When I went to school on the following day, the students were all lined up on the veranda leading to my office; as I opened the gate, they all started clapping and showed irradiant faces.

On January 9, 1970, we were very happy to receive the Canadian High Commissioner who had come to visit our school. He saw the new school under construction and the practical work in agriculture done by the students. He was very pleased by what he saw. He told me that he could dispose of a private fund for those who wanted to realize small projects. I never forgot these words. I gave holiday on the following day in honour of our guest. On January 12, the High Commissioner sent us a letter of thanks and congratulations.

I continued to have regular meetings with the teachers and the students, to study the results of the students in the semester examinations. On January 6, 1971, I received a kit for Science, Physics and Agriculture from UNICEF. I can say that God does not rest and is always coming to my help whenever needed.

In the first months of 1971, there was a lot of unrest among the people of East Pakistan.

Since 1947, West Pakistan had received plenty of money from western countries, but it was used for the development of industries, schools, roads, in West Pakistan only. When Md. Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, visited East Pakistan, he declared before a huge crowd of people that

Urdu, and only Urdu, would be the official language of the country. During the meeting, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman vehemently protested. He was arrested and was jailed along with some other students. Later on, he was released. At that time, there were 55 million people, nearly all Bengalis in East Pakistan and 45 million people in West Pakistan, mainly speaking Urdu. It is good to remember that Bengali is a very beautiful and rich language; in fact, the mother tongue of the world renowned poet, Rabindranath Tagore.

On March 5, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the Awami League, gave a stirring speech in the Race Course of Dhaka before over a million people. He called for the independence of East Pakistan. He was arrested and sent to jail in West Pakistan, far from his own people. That very night, Liaquat Ali Khan, the Prime Minister of West Pakistan, returned to West Pakistan. Ninety thousand soldiers had come to East Pakistan the day before. Then the genocide of the people of Dhaka began. These soldiers, armed with guns, killed thousands of people in the capital, many intellectuals, artists, and most outstanding personalities; it was as if they wanted to decapitate the new state. Dhaka became a deserted city. Thousands of Bengalis sought refuge in India, mainly Calcutta.

The financial burden of receiving and caring for millions of refugees put such a heavy burden on the finances of India, that Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, toured the countries of Europe and America to get financial help. It was a voice crying in the desert. By force of circumstances, she had to declare war against West Pakistan. Her soldiers spoke Bengali like the people of East Pakistan whereas the soldiers of West Pakistan speaking Urdu could not get themselves understood. In no time, the Indian pilots destroyed the war planes of West Pakistan and after a few weeks of fighting, with the help of the Freedom Fighters of East Pakistan, they defeated the Pakistani army. The people of East Pakistan had won their independence on December 16, 1971, and became known as the people of Bangladesh. In that hopeless situation, the schools remained closed the whole month of March and would probably remain closed for a much longer period.

After five yearsâ€&#x; work abroad, a missionary could enjoy a sabbatical leave. Therefore, I decided to go to Canada and do some studies at the Dominicansâ€&#x; Institute. A student of Udayan High School accompanied me from Padrishibpur to Calcutta. A very dangerous and complicated journey by bus and rickshaw for the main part! My heart overflowed with gratitude to God who had protected us all along the way. On May 1, feast of St. Joseph the Worker! I spent a wonderful night ; I attended mass; it was difficult to believe that everything was not a dream.

From Calcutta, I took the plane which brought me to Madras. On May 6, I flew from Madras to Bangalore. On May 10, I bought shoes and socks. On May 19, we flew from Bangalore to Rome. On May 22, we went to Assissi which is full of the souvenir St. Francis of Assissi.

On May 24, I travelled to Paris. Then, on May 27, 1971, the last part of the journey: Frankfurt- Bonn- Montreal. My father, brothers and sisters, along with many religious gave me a warm reception at the airport. During the next six months, I did a lot of travelling to Joliette, Toronto, Ottawa, Grande-Baie, Quebec. I met with uncles, aunties, and renewed links with old acquaintances.

I even followed a course on Pastoral at St. Albert the Great, run by the Dominicans. I got a certificate on Pastoral Studies from that Institute. After many months of visiting parents, relatives, friends, and the different institutions run by the Brothers of Holy Cross, it was time for me to come back to our new country Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan.

Therefore, on December 5, 1971, I left Montreal on a flight to Amsterdam. From Amsterdam, flight to Rome, then Bombay to Calcutta, and finally, on December 7, I reached Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. Naturally, I expected to go back to Padrishibpur, but Providence had other plans for me. From January 1, 1972, I was appointed Headmaster of Udayan High School, Barisal. As usual, “Man proposes and God disposes.”

Chapter XII WORK AS HEADMASTER: THIRD PART – 1972 – 1978 1972 At the end of 1971, there was a lot of pressure for admissions at Udayan High School. I admitted new students in K.G. Class and I put them on the stage at the end of the big hall on the ground floor.

I had a plan in mind. I had noticed at the end of the Teachers‟ room, there was a classroom with walls and a roof of bera (bamboo), covered with tin sheets in an inverted V shape. If we put up a two-story brick building, we shall have two new classrooms with two electrical fans fixed on the ceiling of each new classroom. I wrote a Development Project which I sent to the Canadian High Commissioner. As he knew me quite well, because I had realized many projects in the past and my accounts were always most satisfactory, he at once approved that new project and provided the funds needed.

1973 Due to many students seeking admission, I decided to build four new classrooms. Bishop Joachim agreed to pay for two classrooms on the ground floor. I then wrote to the Provincial of the Brothers in Canada, to contribute the funds needed to build two new classrooms on the second floor. I asked him as a special favour as I was about to celebrate my Silver Jubilee of missionary life. He answered: “Since before you never asked for money, we are pleased to provide the funds for your new classrooms on the occasion of your Silver Jubilee of missionary life.” There and then we started building these new classrooms; then the big hall on the ground floor was free of its occupants.

In Barisal, I followed the same policy to improve the school: regular meetings with the teachers, checking the presence of the students, their results in the semester examination, private meetings with the students to encourage them and to help them solve personal problems. I kept on teaching Algebra in Class IX and X. The students very much appreciated my teaching and the help I gave to some in the afternoon.

Everything was going fine, but suddenly it took a sudden change. Towards the middle of 1973, there was much turmoil in the village of Narikelbari, about 35 miles from Barisal. The population of Narikelbari was composed of a majority of Hindus with a strong Muslim minority.

The Hindus became very excited over the breaking of a statue and thought that the Headmaster, was somewhat responsible for this mischief. I had gone to Chittagong to meet with Bishop Joachim and showed him a new development plan for Udayan High School. He did not object to it, but asked me to read Fr. Tourangeau‟s letter. I did. Fr. Tourangeau had written: “In this serious trouble at Narikelbari, I see only one solution: “Appoint Bro. Alberic as Headmaster of the school there and the people forcibly will have to cool down.”The Bishop asked me if I was ready for that change.

I did not oppose the proposal. I had heard so much about that mission and I was rather eager to know the reality. Soon after Bishop Joachim came to Barisal and met our teachers. The Bishop explained that he had no way out, and the change became official. Our students were very sad. For me I spoke a few words to them in the assembly. I became so moved that tears came to my eyes. I could not speak any more, feeling so sad at the thought of leaving my dear students of Udayan High School.

1974 In January 1974, I was busy with my possible appointment as Headmaster in the Government High School of Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. Some Sisters of Holy Cross were already working there. The Government was in need of a headmaster for its high school.

Thimpu is situated on a very high plateau in the Hymalayas. During my stay in Thimpu, I took a lot of information about the school, the culture of the Bhutanese, as a preparation for my future apostolate. I would form a small team with the Sisters of Holy Cross. Suddenly we heard that the Princess, in charge of education, had gone to a far outpost and nobody could tell when she would return. Therefore, I came back to Udayan. Suddenly on February 22, l974, I was appointed Headmaster of Narikelbari High School.I noticed a tremendous lack of discipline among the teachers and the students.

1975 In January 1975, I started a rice stocking fund and planned to acquire a plot of land to make the school self-supporting.

From February 11, I sent groups of students, under the supervision of a teacher, to different villages to help the poor farmers in their work. CARITAS supported that program called Test Relief Work. The additional income of these students was a great help to their parents to pay the school fees.I had often meetings with my two assistants. On August 15, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman died. There were tumultuous demonstrations of grief. Fearing indiscipline, the new President, imposed martial law.In the first days of October, I started to realize a pet project, i.e. the making of a football playground.

In front of the school, there was a huge empty tank, 180‟ by 110‟ which often contained dirty and stinking water. The tank of the parish was 110‟ by 75`. I greatly enlarged that tank – I made it 300‟ by 110‟. I needed a lot of earth to complete the filling of the tank in front of the school to get a football field and the new road.

About two hundred villagers found work on our compound during two months. As it was a period of flood, they were quite happy to work and get a daily salary. They kept on digging, carrying on their heads baskets of earth and throwing it in the big empty tank in front of the school. The work was completed on November 6, 1975; the school had then a wonderful football playground (180‟ by 110‟), and the parish a much larger tank, thanks to the hard labour of many poor workers. I also made two ghats, i.e. a cement staircase going down the tank, so that the students bathing there would come out without dirtying their feet in the mud: one for the school and another for the parish. A ghat for the students right in front of the football playgraound and another in front of the parish house for the parish workers and people around.

Many villagers came every day to see our students play a game of football. After the game, the players enjoyed a good swim in the tank. No problem! Our Bengali children swim like fishes.

Since the road in front of our house had become a public road, the Parish Priest, asked me to make another road on the other side of the new parish tank. Therefore, a new road, 500‟ long (base -10‟, height – 6‟, breadth – 5`) was made and became the new public road around the new big tank of the parish. Caritas provided the funds to realize the whole project. One day, a villager confided to me:”No one of us in Narikelbari would have dared to realize such a huge project.”

1976 On January 5, I had the first Teachers‟ meeting. I was very happy to meet them all again.

I told them that the Head needs active and vigorous arms to help him. I do not know how to flatter. I also declared that, from now on, the meetings of the high school and the primary school would be held separately. The union will be achieved by contacts between the two heads.

I also informed the teachers that Bishop Joachim had approved the building of a second storey (cement and bera) in our high school.. As Our Lord said, “Ask and you will receive.”

On January 29, I received very bad news. A mad woman, a former nun, came to our residence and holding an open telegram in her right hand, started shouting: “Who is that Robert Houle? His father is dead.” I told that woman:”I am Robert Houle.” Then she gave me the telegram...and it is in this way that I learned about the death of my dear father. The students in the school expressed their sympathy and on the following day a big crowd of people attended the funeral service in the church.

Then on my next journey to Canada, I shall not be able to see him again. After mass, I remained some time in the church, meditating and praying to God for the repose of his soul. The students passed me by in deep silence. I had lost my mother when I was in charge of St. Placid‟s High School in Chittagong, and now I lost my father when I was Headmaster in Narikelbari High School.

On April 23, I noticed a high rate of failures in the First Semester Examinations. As for the assembly at the beginning of a new day, it was a complete failure. Half the teachers were absent and the others stood wherever they liked. The poor results of the first semester examinations should have been an eye opener for them; they had to improve their methods of teaching.

June 25 - The results of the Matriculation Examinations were published. The results of the Board showed 54% success and Narikelbari High School, 77%. We had no First Division, but four Second Division, thirteen Third Divison, and five failures. Though the results were much better than those of the previous year, it was nothing much to be proud of. On September 8, the Bishop gave me Tk 11,000- for the transfer of the Primary section at present located on the church compound to the school compound. It was a very wise decision because if ever the government nationalised our schools, a part of the church compound would be saved.

1977 January 4 - I had a first meeting with our teachers. We were very happy to meet again. I advised them to be careful, not to be overconfident. They must ask themselves questions. They must try to control the students from the very first days; they should try to bring each student to his maximum level.

February 2 – There was trouble in the school. During the assembly, some students of Cl. X started shouting slogans, some of them communal. Most probably, feeling disgusted with the bad atmosphere among the students and a large part of the public, my Assistant in the Primary section, tended his resignation. Some outsiders stopped our students from coming to school.

They tried to enter the classrooms, but our teachers put them out. The disorder did not last long.

June 10 – C.R.S. (Catholic Relief Service) approved a Tiffin Program for the students of the primary section. I, at once, contacted Brother Smith, an American Brother, who was in charge of that program from Dhaka. He told me that, in order to get funds, I had only to provide him with the number of students in each class of the primary section. Quite easily done! The tiffin program consisted in giving a glass of milk and a banana to each student during recess after the fourth period. It was a very fine program and badly needed. I remember that one day a student fainted during the Assembly in the morning. The students picked him up before he fell on the ground and brought him to my first aid room adjacent to my office. I then asked him if he had eaten something before coming to school. He answered that he had not eaten anything…and he was the son of my assistant. The funds provided by C.R.S. proved very useful for all these poor students.

A Christian leader of Narikelbari, came to see me because he wanted that tiffin program for the students of some primary schools in some villages. I told him to give me the number of students of those primary schools. Then, I got the funds for the tiffin program in those schools also. I was always so happy when I could relieve the sufferings of these poor children.

On July 26, 1977, the project of building “naoukas” (small rowboat) was approved by CARITAS. Our students came to school by country boats (naoukas) and many poor students had

a hard time to pay the boatman; it was a great strain on the family budget. The committee started his work at once. In fact, we built 122 “naoukas” and repaired 22 badly damaged “naoukas”. It was a tremendous saving for the poor guardians On February 15, an Ansar (soldier), not wearing his uniform, met me as I was coming out of the church. He asked in a very rough voice: “The keys of the school!” I raised my right hand and told him: “Can‟t you speak more politely.” He then felt offended, declared that he was an Ansar, and that he was not to be answered in that way. He went back, furious, to the camp and reported to the other Ansars that I had given him a slap on his face. A perfect lie! Suddenly a group of Ansars came to our residence and asked me to follow them. Then, an Ansar raised his gun to my head as if he were about to shoot me. As I remained quite undisturbed, he lowered it and some Ansars tied my hands in front of me, and two of them started hitting me with sticks on my back, shoulders, stomach. and legs. The beating lasted quite some time but I did not protest, nor emit any plaint. Then I was brought to their office and after a while their leader set me free.

Then, I walked back to our residence, and went straight to bed to take rest. I tried to calm down, since I never had such a painful experience. My body was covered with dark bruises.

The following day, I visited our hostel and learned that some Ansars had gone there and beaten thirteen boarders. A few days later, I went with a group of people and that poor boy to meet with the mainofficer of the Ansars. I lodged a complaint about the misbehaviour of many Ansars who had beaten some of our boarders, while the others had fled in fear.

March 5 – Different government officers came to Narikelbari to solve the problem of the Ansars. Many villagers spoke to the visiting officers of the misbehavior of the Ansars. Finally, the Ansars were found guilty of misbehavior, not only with me, but also with the public at large.

They were ordered to leave Narikelbari to the great relief of the population.

A week later, I had to go to Dakha for school matters. The Bishop also was in Dakha for a meeting. He had heard of my mental state after hearing such bad news, and insisted that he wanted to meet with me at all costs. He met me on April 18 and he was very nice while talking to me. He told me that there had been a serious misunderstanding. He said that, at the meeting, some had mentioned that I was very tired. He encouraged me very much to carry on; he said that he would take steps to clarify the situation with the other members present at that meeting.

After a short while, I left Narikelbari. The boarders came to the khal (canal) where I boarded a naouka which would take me to Barisal. They were feeling very sad about my leaving.

Then after a short while I cast a last glance at my dear mission of Narikelari. Suddenly, I noticed my former Assistant in the primary section, standing on the shore and staring at my naouka. His face was pale, and he looked perplexed and grieved at my departure. I raised my right hand as a last farewell. Then I could not see him any more.

CONCLUSION In spite of all these adversities, there were many happy days at Narikelbari. I enjoyed teaching these young people.

I tried my utmost to give proper education to these students and I pray to God to forgive my offenders, and to shower them with choicest blessings for a bright future. I left Narikelbari, feeling physically exhausted, but with a clear conscience that I had tried my utmost to improve the School and its people. When I studied Philosophy in 1943 - 44, a thesis of St. Thomas Aquinas impressed me very much, i.e. hylemorphism, that is matter and form, or in more simple language, body and soul. In whichever school I worked, I always tried to improve its body (the material structure) and its soul (the teachers and specially the students).

On April 28, I left Narikelbari to go to Chittagong. Then I travelled by Biman Airlines to Montreal which I reached on the following day. As usual, my brothers and sisters and a good number of religious gave me a warm reception. On October 10, 1978, I became Prefect of Studies at St. Placid‟s High School till December 1979.

Chapter XIII WORK AS HEADMASTER: FOURTH PART -- 1980 - 1982 On January 1, 1980, I was appointed as Headmaster of Myriam High School, Diang.

1980 – Headmaster of Myriam High School, Diang. A few days later I met with the teachers and set the policy I wanted the teachers to follow, and the actions to be taken to solve the most urgent problems.

June 20 – In a meeting, I spoke about the absence of some teachers and of their lack of discipline. In another meeting, I invited Bro. Flavian to be present. Bro. Flavian had then become the hermit of Diang. I wanted him to express the very purpose of the hostel and the school which he had started for the welfare of the children of this poor class of fishermen. July 23-24 – We were privileged to have the visit of Mr. Gauvreau, the Canadian High Commissioner. I presented three projects: Library – Laboratory- and Stage. Later on, Mr. Gauvreau approved the three projects. Electricity was brought to the laboratory; a new cupboard was made and then filled with two hundred new books; we bought a harmonium and two tablas (drums) for entertainment in the hostel and during celebrations in the school.

I had a wall erected between the different classrooms of the primary section located on the ground floor of our big hall. Then the teachers could teach without being disturbed by the noise from adjacent classrooms.

October 28 –I was called to replace the Headmaster of St. Placid‟s High School from January 1, 1981.

1981 August 20 – Some miscreants put fire to the school. It was the work of some former unruly students who had been dismissed from the school. As a result, the roof over the classrooms on the third floor was destroyed. I took immediate steps to repair the damage done.

At once, the Managing Committee formed a Fire Relief Committee which set a target of.

Tk 5,00,000-. I wrote an appeal to the guardians and till December, we received Tk 30,000. In December 29, 1981, another meeting of the Managing Committee was held and it was decided to ask for donations at the time of admission in January 1982. Since there was always such a rush for admission, the guardians would not hesitate to contribute generously for the building of a new concrete roof.

1981 was the year dedicated to the disabled. Providentially, a representative of the Society for Care and Education of Mentally Retarded Children approached me to get the free use of a local where specialized education could be given to a small group of retarded children by expert educationists. Our teachers were in favour of that project which was approved by the Managing Committee. It was decided to start it on an experimental basis for a year.

Personally, I felt it a privilege and a sacred duty to help a neglected section of our people.

The former scout den would then be used for the purpose.

1982 On January 31, the school had 1302 students on the roll: 564 in the higher section and 738 in the primary section.On May 6, the school was closed. Flight: Chittagong- Dacca-Delhi Karachi.

On May 9, I spent the evening at Torab Ali‟s residence where thirteen Old Placidians had gathered. We spent three hours together exchanging souvenirs about the happy years they had spent at St. Placid‟s High School. Hours passed quickly. Photos were taken. What great joy it was for me to meet many of my former students! An evening of heavenly happiness!

May 12 – Flight Karachi – Amsterdam! Then from Amsterdam we flew to Paris. On May 13, we enjoyed a guided tour of Paris. On May 14, we travelled by bus to Lourdes where we visited the paternal house of Bernadette, the dungeon, and the village. At 4.00 p. m. we attended mass in the basilica, a beautiful mass and heard a very inspiring homily. At 8.00 p.m. people recited the rosary in many languages and then we joined a procession with 20,000 participants carrying lighted candles. A very impressive manifestation of faith! Our hearts full of gratitude to God for such a fine ceremony.

May 16 – Journey by bus to Le Mans! We first visited Versailles, only a small part of it; then we went to Chartres; we visited the cathedral and heard the famous grand organ.

On May 17, we went by bus to Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix. An unforgettable visit! We saw the church built by our Founder, Reverend Father Basil Moreau. It is really a very beautiful church with its simple stained-glass windows reflecting a soft light. Fr. Jambon opened the grand organ of the church but no member of the group wanted to play the organ. Finally, I volunteered and I played with great fervor the famous hymn to St. Joseph: “Grand saint que l‟on vénère.” I pressed the pedal down and the volume filled the church. I was very pleased with the rich tone

of the organ. I ended the melody with five accords, the last one in the main scale. An unforgettable experience for all of us, and especially for me!

We visited the little house where Fr. Moreau retired and the small room where he died.

We saw the famous armchair where he sat at night and spent hours writing different documents.

We visited the Solitude of Holy Cross where we saw some relics of Fr. Moreau: his chalice, his biretta, and the cross he wore on his chest. Really, an unforgettable day!

May 18- Journey to Ruillé! We visited the chapel of the convent, and the parochial church where Rev. Fr. Dujarié worked for thirty-three years as Parish priest. Visit to Fosse Garnier – it is where good Fr. Dujarié said his mass in hiding during the Revolution. Visit to the Little Providence. There we saw the rooms of the postulants and novices and of Rev. Mother General. A terrible set up! Visit to the Great Providence. The Sisters of Providence of Ruillé gave us a very warm reception and Reverend Mother General was kind enough to sit at table with me.Visit to the cathedral of Le Mans. It is a very beautiful building, quite a change with the old streets of the town.

May 19 – We went to Rennes. We visited our school there giving education to 340 students. On our return, we made a short stop at the Monastery of Solesmes. There we attended mass and were privileged to hear the monks sing Gregorian chant. Most ravishing! The silence and recollection of the assembly greatly edified us.

May 20 – We travelled to Paris. On the way, we saw Mont St. Michel. A real marvel, really. At 3.30 p.m, we made a short stop at Lisieux. We attended Mass in the crypt which is very beautiful. Then we visited the basilica, a splendid sanctuary.

May 21 – Flight to Rome! In that famous city, how many beautiful marvels to see! We visited St. Paul outside the Walls. In Rome, we met with Bro. Louis, and with Fr. Lalande and Fr. Grisé.

May 22 – Visit to the churches of St. Mary Major and of St. Peter‟s; in the last, we admired the very famous and most ravishing sculpture, “La Pieta”, by Michael Angelo. In the afternoon, Bro. Sergius gave us a wonderful conference about the beatification of Bro. André, which would be celebrated on the following day.

May 23- At 9.00 a.m., we travelled to St. Peter. As we did not come early enough, we were given seats 150 feet away from the altar, on the right side. St. Peter‟s Square was crowded with people to see this very beautiful ceremony. The singing of the choir was superb. When the Pope declared Bro. André blessed, the veil covering his immense photo was lifted and we saw the huge photo of Blessed Bro. André hanging high up on the wall of the church.

May 24 – Mass at Transtevere! A very beautiful ceremony! The singing was excellent and the piety of the people deeply impressed me. In the afternoon we met a good number of Holy Cross religious, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters at the Generalate. Another very beautiful day – a real spoiling from Divine providence!

May 25 - Bro. Louis Leduc took us for a walk to St. Peter‟s. Visit to the basilica and the tombs of the popes. At 4.30 p.m. we attended mass in St. André‟s Church. Another very beautiful ceremony! At 7.00 p.m. we had our supper at the International School, directed by the Brothers of Holy Cross.

May 26- Flight from Rome to Amsterdam and from Amsterdam to Montreal. I spent the next four months on visits to my brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and to the religious working in our institutions. On September 9, I returned to Chittagong, Bangladesh.

October 1 – I was appointed Headmaster of Udayan High School.

Chapter XIV WORK AS HEADMASTER: FIFTH PART – 1983 - 1988 1983 - HEADMASTER OF UDAYAN HIGH SCHOOL, BARISAL January 8- First Teachers‟meeting! I told them how happy I was to work with them again. I informed them of the policy I intended to follow. As usual, I insisted on good teaching, had regular meetings, maintained good discipline, regular attendance and control of students.

There were 1370 students on the roll: 902 students in the Primary section and 468 in the Secondary Section.

June 16 – Journey to Canada!

July 15 – For the next ten days, I kept on reading the 3000 letters Bro. Flavian had written to his sister Eva during his forty-nine years of missionary life.

Two weeks later, Bro. Aquila gave me the letters Mr. Trudeau had written to Bro. Flavian.By the end of September, I already completed Bro. Flavian‟s biography for the first twelve years of his life. I then met with Eva, his sister; she read the text, and was quite pleased with my composition.

1985 At the reopening of the school, I announced that there would be a uniform for all male students: white shirt, pants, but no jeans. Throughout the year, I had plenty of private contacts with the students.

1986

On April 10, I left Dhaka with Bro Luke. From there, the plane took us to Dubai and then to Rome.

June 10 – I went to St. Césaire, and the Superior promised to give me twelve typewriters.

A week later, I returned to St. Césaire and brought them to Montréal. During the annual retreat at Nominingue, Bro. Luke gave a talk to the religious about the youths in Bangladesh. Then I gave a conference about Bro. Flavian; it was well appreciated.

August 12- I am back at Udayan High School.

August 25, 1986 remains a memorable date in my life. In fact, it marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of headmastership in different schools in Bangladesh. I reproduced here an article which I wrote on that occasion.

“On October 25, 1960, I was appointed Headmaster of St. Placid‟s High School in Chittagong. I then assumed the direction of all our high schools in the diocese of Chittagong.

When I came to Bengal on November 16, 1948, I stayed a year at Padrishibpur for the study of Bengali. The local superior was then our dear Bro. Godfrey, a giant of a man from all points of views. At that time, he had already spent twenty-two years in the mission field. I found that very impressive. And now, here I was; I had already spent 38 years in the mission field and 25 years as Headmaster in different high schools: St. Placid‟s High School, Chittagong (1960); Bro. André‟s High School, Noakhali (1964); St. Alfred‟s High School, Padrishibpur (1967); Udayan High School, Barisal (1971); High School Narikelbari (1973); Miriam High School, Diang (1980); St. Placid‟s High School, Chittagong (1981); Udayan High School (1982).

God has been very generous in my regard, even at the time of great hardships...and they were many. It is said of Joseph in the Old Testament that in his time of exile in Egypt that God was with him, and blessed all his works. It is a word that I make mine and which makes me proclaim:”God is great. His plans are unfathomable, his love infinite and lasting.”

What I appreciated most in that feast was the simplicity, the warm feelings expressed and the deep affection of our dear Bengalis among whom I lived already since many years.

I am short of words to express all my feelings of gratitude to God. Silence is often the most eloquent language in such circumstances. I feel a tumult of emotions at the souvenir of so many graces received. I have been able to realize works which naturally were beyond my own talents. The reason is that, in the course of all these years, I have learnt to work with many laymen whose devotedness and talents were simply remarkable. God had been a great help throughout these twenty-five years.

Nevertheless, the numerous material improvements of these last years cannot conceal the essential part of my work. While making sure that the teenagers received excellent teaching, which is not so common here, I always stressed their spiritual life. I tried to form responsible citizens, faithful to their duty in the state, honest workers of impeccable behavior.

In the course of these twenty-five years, I kept contact with large groups of students, thousands of Muslims, Hindus and many Christians. Always I tried to develop in them love for one another, mutual understanding, and the joy of working together.

I have often been appointed in schools “at the time of crisis”. After the solution of often difficult and serious problems, relations became more fraternal and lasting friendships also developed.

Nevertheless, one of the most remarkable and recent benedictions of the Lord was the inspiration he gave me to write our dear Bro. Flavian Laplante‟s biography. I started it in January 1984 and completed the work in July 1986. I already knew him well and this prolonged and intimate contact with such a great missionary was a great inspiration for me. Bro. Flavian was a man of exceptionable stature. Only an indomitable faith made it possible for him to undertake an impossible task, that of the regeneration of the poor, ignorant, and exploited class of the Hindu fishermen of East Bengal. And what a life of prayer throughout his long days of hard labor!

Dear readers, you will agree with me that the summary story of many events during this last quarter of a century really fills my heart with feelings of joy and gratitude towards the Lord.

Some years ago, I read a book “Je suis capable” by Ben Sweetland. Among many interesting topics, the author mentioned that it would be normal to live up to 120 years. Recently, I read the same teaching in “The Joy of Stress” by Peter. G. Hanson.

This encouraged me to carry on my work for a good many years because at the age of 64, I am only half way through. With my practice of Yoga in the morning, I hope to be able to keep in good shape at the service of the Lord. At that rate, I have still many years before taking my retirement.

It was a great pleasure for me to share my joy with you all. This message comes from my heart. As faithfulness is never won once for all, I commend myself to your fervent prayers so that I may carry on my work according to the views of Divine Providence.

1987 January 17 – I received a copy of “La barque de l‟espoir” (400 pages). Wonderful!

1989 May 2 – I had a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner and I talked about the future development of our primary section. He gave me a sympathetic hearing.

August 23 – There was a farewell function before my departure to Canada. The students of Classes VI to X assembled in the big hall. The singing and acting of the participants was excellent. There was also a game of soccer.

August 28 – I travelled to Rome which I reached on the following day.

September 7 will remain a very memorable day for me. On that day, the formators in Rome were to be received by Pope John Paul II, and they had invited me to join them. They stood as a group, the Pope on one side and I, on the opposite side.

September 9, I was admitted at the International Institute for Islamic Studies (PISAI).

December 21 – The Institute remained closed because of the sudden death of Fr. Garon, its Director. He had died suddenly of an infarctus. A week later, I got the first letter from the Acting Headmaster of Udayan High school, as well as letters from the Teachers and from eleven students. Splendid!

1990 On January 6, I wrote twelve letters: many to our teachers at Udayan High School, and some others to relatives and friends. I had already started my studies on Islam.

During that year, I spent many hours learning Italian. After some months I could hold short conversations with the people of the house. At the end of the year of study of Islam, I obtained a Certificate in Islamic studies from PISAI, Pontifical Institute of Islamic Studies.

During my year of study of Islam in Rome, God granted me a very special favor. At that time, the Sisters of the Holy Family were working at the General House, cooking and keeping our residence in good order.

On April 6, I attended mass at St. Peter‟s. It was the most beautiful mass that I ever attended. What wonderful singing! There was a solist, a baryton who has a beautiful and powerful voice! The organist, from beginning to the end of the ceremony, kept on playing ravishing pieces on the organ. The director of the choir was also full of life.

June 11 – I attended mass in the private chapel of Pope John Paul II with the formators. I was edified by the piety and the deep recollection of the Pope, even when he celebrated mass for a few selected people.Four days later, I travelled from Rome to Montreal! The following day, there was a big family gathering. I spent three months and a half in Canada.

September 30- There was a grand celebration of my Golden Jubilee of Religious Life at Hochelaga. On that occasion, Bro. Conrad Auger gave a nice speech about the jubilarian.

On October 5- I travelled back to Bangladesh. I arrived in Dhaka on the following day, and two days later I reached Barisal. I went to the school where I met with the teachers.

1991 There were 1161 students on the roll at Udayan High School: 489 in the higher section and 672 in the primary section. Since a few months already I had been thinking of a big project for the primary section. These students were having their class in five individual classrooms with

walls of plaited bamboos covered by a tin roof. During the hot season, they would come out perspiring profusely. In September, I told the teachers about this wonderful project for the development of the primary section. Five classrooms would be built on the second floor, a new staircase for these kids with steps low enough to accomodate their small legs, and new toilet rooms on the second floor. On the ground floor there will be a big hall for them, similar to that for the students of the higher section. I was happy with the results of our students in the second terminal examinations. Great improvement, except for those of Cl. VIII-A! December 10- The Bishop and the Religious Superior, had no objection to the realization of the new development project of the primary section. At last, we had the green light to go ahead. There and then, I sent the Development Project to different people, relatives, and certain confreres. We were very badly in need of funds. I also sent a special request to our Canadian High Commissioner for a generous contribution of Tk 5,00,000/-. It was a daring request, though I knew that he was well disposed in our regard.

1992 February 2 - The Canadian High Commissioner paid us a visit, accompanied by Bro. Marcel. He was quite favourable to the project. Nevertheless, to get more information about its implementation, he sent two experts. Therefore, within a few days, the First Secretary, Development, and the Counsellor Aid Section, came to Barisal. I explained to them how I intended to proceed. These two experts liked my explanations very much, and were quite in favour of recommending the big project to the Canadian High Commissioner. The School made a contribution of Thakas 1,00,000- and took a loan of Tk. 90,000February 17 – The building work had to be stopped because of shortage of funds. There was hope that in a near future we would receive contributions from some benefactors, Then, the most popular teacher in K.G. Class, visited the shopkeepers of the town and collected Tk 67,000.

APRIL 7, 1992 – THE DAY OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE! That day, I received a letter from the Canadian High Commissioner. I had asked him for a contribution of Tk 5,00,000. He answered that he was pleased to grant…, then I stopped reading because I could not believe my eyes. He had granted us Tk 10,00,000- for the new project. Most sincere thanks to God, to Mr. Gauvreau, and to his two assistants! That night I could not sleep –I kept on thanking God for this wonderful gift. Soon after, I went to Dhaka to thank Mr. Gauvreau personally. I did it with so much fervour, that tears came to his eyes.

Then he explained why he had made such a contribution. Many people had taken money for projects that they did not complete, or did not use it properly. At the end of the financial year, he could still dispose of a large amount. Since in the past, I had realised many projects and that my accounts were always very satisfactory, he had then decided to grand me 10 laks takas instead of 5 laks takas. Then the work of building proceeded at high speed.

1993

January 8 – I met with Mr. Gauvreau, Canadian High Commissioner. I gave him a financial report with photos of the work done. He was extremely pleased. A week later, I formed different committees because I never worked alone. In the Teachers‟ meetings, I always asked the opinions of teachers about the work to be done, and this practice proved to be very useful.

On January 28, there was a meeting with the Development Committee! Due to shortage of funds, the work had to be stopped. My contractor maintained that, with another Tk 1,00,000-, he could complete the building of the last two classrooms. I proposed to take a loan Tk 50.000from the school, and the plan was unanimously approved. Within a month, the complete building work was over. The students of the primary section enjoyed playing in their new big hall on the ground floor, and occupying their new classrooms with electrical fans on the second floor.

February 2 – I met with Mr. Gauvreau, Canadian High Commissioner, before my departure to Canada. He told me when to apply for other development projects.

February 22 – March 5 : Journey to Canada: Dhaka- London- Rome- Montreal. After a three-month‟s leave, I returned to Bangladesh and reached Dhaka on June 8.

On August 14, I found that the cost of the new laboratory would amount to Tk 5,60,000- I asked our Teachers for suggestions to raise more funds.

1994 January 7 – I formed different committees: games, discipline, library, entertainment.

On April 29, I travelled to South India for a consultation with Bro. Madore about the final draft of Bro. Godfrey‟s biography. I met him in Salem and Yercaud. I had consultations with Bro. Madore about Chapter VIII dealing with the administration of Bishop Larose. He felt that no changes were needed. Bro. Madore, then District Superior, was fully aware of the situation prevailing in East Pakistan during the year 1946 to 1948.

May 6-10 – Journey to Montreal!

On July 29, I left Montreal and two days later I was back in Dhaka; from there, I went to Barisal. I met with my Assistant in the higher section, and he told me what happened in the school during my absence. On September 17. I gave a lecture on education at Oxford Mission.

1995 July 28 – I had an exchange of views with Bishop Patrick D‟Rozario, Bishop of Chittagong. Since recruitment was very poor in Canada, we had not received any new missionary since a few years. We had then to think of preparing some laymen as future headmasters in our high schools.

April 25-26 – Journey to Canada!

For the next four months, I worked at the archives of the province with Fr. Grisé. The latter helped me much to find out documents which could prove useful in writing the history of the Diocese of Chittagong.

On November 3, I received an invitation to attend a meeting of headmasters in Bangladesh. I left for Dhaka that very day. The meeting was held at Osmani Memorial and presided over by Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh. When I entered the hall, it was full of people. After some time, a call was heard on the mike: “We request the Headmaster of Udayan High School to come here on the stage.” I at once left my seat and proceeded forward up to the stage. Then Sheikh Hasina read from a document and proclaimed that Udayan High School was the best school in the district of Barisal. She handed the certificate and a nice shield to me, as a reward for such an accomplishment.

That night I travelled by steamer from Dhaka to Barisal which I reached it early morning on the following day. At 7.30 a.m., I went to school. Many guardians and students had aleady arrived. I noticed that there was a lot of excitement among the students. Maybe they had already heard the good news on the radio or the T.V. We had a special assembly: the students were asked to stand in front of their classrooms and I along with some teachers stood on the playground in such a way that everybody could see us. Then my Assisant in the higher section, read the document stating that Udayan High School was the best school in the whole district of Barisal.

Loud clapping of hands from the students! Then he handed over the document to me and I held it high so that all the students could see it. I did the same when another teacher handed over the shield to me. Each time, there was loud clapping of hands. Then I spoke to the students. I said that this shield was an eloquent testimony to the good teaching of our teachers of both sections, to the application of our students to their studies, and to the fine supervision of their guardians.

At each announcement, there was warm clapping of hands. Finally, I declared that after the first period, class would be over. I also requested the Game Master, to organize a special football match between two soccer teams composed of the best players of our highschool to give special entertainment on that great occasion. After the first period, I stood on the verandah in front of my office and I never saw so many smiling faces, with shining eyes full of happiness and pride.

1998 The Teachers of Udayan High School celebrate my 75th anniversary. The photo shows them in high spirit and happiness on that occasion.

2007 In January, I realized that another amount of Tk 1,00,000 was needed to complete the building of the new laboratory. Three weeks later, I received Tk 75,000 from a welfare organisation, Facilities Department. Within a few months, the new laboratory became a reality to the great joy of the science teachers.

On May 6, at last, the school acquired a computer, a MacIntosh.

On September 30, I received a letter from Bishop Patrick D‟Rozario appointing Mr. Paulinus Guda as Headmaster of Udayan High School from January 1, 1998.

Chapter XV MR. PAULINUS GUDA, HEADMASTER Bro. Auger gave me $ 250- for the translation in Bengali of “The Great Flavian”.

May 15 – I was stunned to hear of the sudden death of Fr. Labbé. He had a serious accident on his motorcycle on his way from Barisal to Gournadi. What a big loss for the diocese of Chittagong!That month, I completed the writing of the biography of Fr. Desrochers. I left Canada on June 12, and arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 14; I reached Barisal two days later.

On December 16, I asked for a three-day leave. I reached Montreal on December 22, 1998.

I told my relatives that I had finally decided to stay in Canada. They were very hapy to hear such news. I had already worked fifty years in the mission field. Many religious also advised me to do so. Then I started working at the archives to find documents about the diocese of Chittagong. On December 15, I started writing the “History of the Diocese of Chittagong”.

Chapter XVI A NEW ORIENTATION 1999 PUBLICATIONS On January 5, I completed the writing in French of the life of Fr. Omer Desrochers, under the title “L‟apôtre des marais”. A month later, I started its translation into English. On May 6, I gave to Fr. Grisé, C.S.C., the English version, “The Apostle of the Marshes.” On Sepember 9, the versions of Fr. Desrochers‟s biography, in French, and English, were over. At last!

In 2002, I completed writing “The History of the Diocese of Chittagong” after four years of hard work. A book of 600 pages! On December 31, I completed the biography of Fr. Dujarié; that of Fr. Moreau was nearly over.

MISCELLANEOUS In June 1999 – Fr. Lecavalier was fully in favor of my return to Bangladesh. Fr.HenriBernard. C.S.C., encouraged me to do so. Though he was 80 years old, he was about to take charge of another parish. I also received a letter from Bro. Binoy who was in favour of my return to Bangladesh. I could teach English and good handwriting to our scholastics at Rampura, to the young candidates at the Oblate Juniorate and to a group of boarders at Notre Dame College.

During the annual retreat, June 29-30, I submitted my project of returning to Bangladesh to Bro. Réginald Robert, Provincial Superior. He was fully in favour. Wonderful!I left Canada on September 23, 1999, and reached Dhaka on September 25.

December 9 – I travelled by plane from Dhaka to Barisal. I met with Mr. Paulinus Guda, Headmaster, and the teachers in the school and had lunch with them. I was very happy to meet with many old students.

2000 PUBLICATIONS July 17- The reprint of “The History of St. Placid‟s High School” was over as well as the composition of “Probhati High School”. Later on, I saw a printed copy of the biography of Fr. Desrochers. Splendid!

MISCELLANEOUS January 12 – I had a long talk with Fr. Ponen Kubi, C.S.C. He invited me to come and live with him at Rampura from January 18, after finishing the cleaning of the house. This I did, and Father gave me a hearty reception. Fr. Ponem Kubi was the Superior of the Scholastics; he felt that my presence would be highly beneficial to all these young seminarians. Soon after my arrival, I started teaching them English and good handwriting in two groups. A very pleasant task since they all showed great interest in learning. In fact, I stayed five years at Rampura. One day, I heard a rumor that Fr.P.Kubi had been appointed Bishop. When I contacted him in his room, he just smiled. A few days later, the nomination became official and he was consecrated Bishop of Mymensingh.

In February, I acquired a computer IBM. And I gave my old computer MacIntosh to the Scholastics for practice.

November 8, 2000 – Neo Mendes, Director of Enem Omni, covered the cost of sending 150 copies of “The Apostle of the Marshes” to Bro. Auger then living at Maison St. Joseph in Côte des Neiges, Montréal, P.Q., Canada.In November, there was a large assembly at Banani of 300 youngsters, future priests and religious. It was a most pleasant gathering.

2001

PUBLICATIONS February 17 – I received gifts from Canada to pay for the translation into Bengali of “The Great Flavian” and for its printing.I received a wonderful letter from the niece of Fr. Desrochers.

She enjoyed reading “L‟apôtre des marais”, her uncle‟s biography. She congratulated me and thanked me for writing such a biography.

April 30 – I received 500 copies of “Confidence in Divine Providence”. Wonderful! It was in fact the English translation of “Confiance en la Divine Providence”, a famous classic by Father Jean-Baptiste Saint-Jure.

MISCELLANEOUS At Narinda, I taught two groups of young candidates to religious life.May 1-2 – Journey to Canada! Four days later, in Montreal.

On July 18, –Soon after my operation for cararact, I left Canada and returned to Bangladesh which I reached on the following day. I at once started teaching English to two groups of juvenists.

2002 PUBLICATIONS January 8 – The printing of Bro. Flavian‟s biography in Bengali, “Mohan Bradar Flavian” was over. I also completed the writing of “The History of the Diocese of Chittagong.”

In November, I finished checking the translation in Bengali of “Confidence in Divine Providence.”

MISCELLANEOUS From the end of April 29-30, I enjoyed a three month‟s leave in Canada. On my return, I stayed at Rampura.

2003 January 18 – I went to Notre Dame College where I started teaching good handwriting to a group of boarders.

April 12 – Pope John Paul I! declared Rev. Fr. Moreau venerable, in a consistory. This was a great honor for all the religious of the Congregation of Holy Cross. There were celebrations in different parts of Bangladesh because of this honor conferred by the Pope to our Founder.

2004 PUBLICATIONS July 24 – I started the work of editing “Our Founders” and “The Sampan of Hope”.

On August 1, I sent a request for a contribution of $500- each to the Provincials of the Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters.

On September 26, I received 200 copies of “Our Founders” and 220 more copies a few days later.

November 7 - I completed the translation in English of “La barque de l‟espoir” – “The Sampan of Hope”. Then, I started the composition of a new book “The Companions of Chittagong”, and completed the first draft ten days later.

MISCELLANEOUS November 13 – I kept busy with the evaluation of the seminarians. These last days I felt very tired, maybe because of the hard work for all these publications.

2005 PUBLICATIONS On April 27, I received 300 copies of “The Companions of Chittagong” and a month later 300 copies of “The Sampan of Hope.”

June 18 – I began the composition about Bro. Severin‟s famous choir, “Les petits chanteurs à la croix de bois”. I completed it on August 23.

MISCELLANEOUS March 4, 2005 – I left Rampura and went to live at Mohammadpur, the Provincial House, and the residence of the Brothers teaching at St. Joseph‟s High School on the same compound.

April 12 – I started teaching our scholastics English Grammar and handwriting, a fine group of post-matric students. It was very pleasant to teach them. I got thirteen new friends.

Wonderful!

May 27 – I left Dhaka and travelled to Canada which I reached on the following day. On June 18, there was a grand celebration in honour of the Jubilarians: 70, 65 and 60 years. I was in the group of 60 years of religious life with Bros. Yvan Sarrasin, Georges Sarrazin, and Marcel Lafortune. It was really a wonderful feast with the celebration of a high mass, a plenturous banquet and many speeches.

August 26 – I left Montreal on August 26 and arrived in Dhaka two days later. I started teaching handwriting to a new group of boarders at Notre Dame College. I also taught handwriting to a group of young candidates, future Oblates.At the end of August, I received a letter from Fr. John McMahon. In November, the book of Bro. Severin‟s choir was ready for printing. On November 23, I received 200 copies of “Les Tempéraments”.

2006 PUBLICATIONS June 26 - I sent “A Bold Challenge” to the press. In fact, that book is an adaptation for the non-Christians of “Modern Youth and Chastity” by Fr. Kelly. In order that many young readers may not feel embarrassed to read a book about chastity before their companions, I changed the title for all readers, and the photo on the cover, showing a youth looking on a high mountain.

August 17 – I started the English translation of Cardinal Rinse‟s book, “La Divine Providence”.

MISCELLANEOUS I started teaching English to a group of boarders at Notre Dame College. Fourteen students were present out of twenty-five. October 8 – I went to Bangalore to buy a new set of hearing aids. After a long time, I started again my practice of Yoga. Throughout the year, I met with many students privately.

2007 I started teaching handwriting to the female teachers of Sage Academy. Throughout the year, I had private meetings with many students from Notre Dame College, Narinda, and Mohammadpur.

MISCELLANEOUS July 4 – Journey to Canada – stop in Rome. A few days later, I met with Dr. Ambrosi and his secretary to give them information about Bro. Flavian. I had a one-hour talk with both of them. Dr. Ambrosi speaks Italian and French, and his secretary, a young lady, speaks Italian and English. As I speak French and English, I translated to Dr. Ambrosi and to his secretary the conversation between the three of us.

September 9-13 - Journey back to Bangladesh via Rome!Since I came back, I followed the same routine: teaching the juvenists (Oblates) and the boarders of Notre Dame College on Friday. I also kept regular contacts with the boarders of the Christian Hostel next to St. Christina‟s Church. I had many private meetings with young people, even outsiders. I helped them in different ways.And now, I would like to mention some events which took place between 2008 and 2010 and throw some light on the problems which worry the major superiors.

2008 January 13 – We got the very sad news of the death of Fr. Lecavalier. A tremendous loss to the community and to me specially! We worked many years together in East Pakistan. He was a personal friend and my spiritual director for some years. What a great loss for the diocese of Chittagong !

January 18 – There was a grand celebration in Ramna in honor the beatification of Rev. Fr. Moreau. A fine cultural program!

February 20 – Reception of the newly professed at our residence at Mohammadpur!

Then, Bro. Binoy introduced me as the most senior Brother, who is always ready to help our young people.

March 12- Fr. Lachapelle gave news about the cause of beatification of Flavian. I gave a copy of “The Sampan of Hope” and “La Barque de l‟Espoir » to Bro. Binoy who would send them to Rome.

Chapter XVII SEMI RETREAT 2009 PUBLICATIONS May 2 – I gave Bro. Binoy 8 copies of “The History of the Diocese of Chittagong”, 6 copies of “The Sampan of Hope”, and 20 copies of “The Great Flavian”. Two weeks later, I received 500 copies of “The Temperaments” and on October 12, 555 copies of “A Bold Challenge”.

MISCELLANEOUS January 1 – At the close of the Provincial Chapter, there was a grand celebration to commemorate special anniversaries: Bro. Alberic‟s sixty years of missionary life in Bangladesh, Bro. Donald Becker‟s golden jubilee of religious life, Bro. John Rozario‟s birthday. A special mass was celebrated at 6.30 p.m. during which I was asked to do the first reading. There were speeches, garlands, bouquets of flowers; I was given a nice shield on that special occasion.

Really, a wonderful celebration!

January 19 – I had my dinner with Fr. Schlaver, C.S.C. I gave him a copy of “The History of the Diocese of Chittagong”, “The Sampan of Hope”, and “The Apostle of the Marshes”.I went to Padrishibpur for the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of St. Alfred‟s High School, where I spent many years. I met many former students, though it was difficult for me to

recognize some of them, after nearly forty years. Many students of the primary section gave a wonderful display of physical drill led by a Sister.

There was also a film where the photos of Mgr. Alfred Lepailleur and of the former headmasters, mine included, were shown. Many old boys expressed their deep gratitude for the wonderful education they received at St. Alfred‟s High School. Thanks be to God! February 13 – Bishop Patrick D‟Rozario declared Br. Flavian “Servant of God”. A first step on the way to his beatification!Stay in Canada: May 2 – July 5.

June 10 – I had a very short meeting with Rev. Fr. Aumont, Provincial. It was my first meeting with him. what about my contribution as teacher, counsellor, and the kinds of medical help I gave to so many youths!

On July 3, there was a meeting at Le Grand-Saint-Joseph, our house for aged and sick religious! Rev.Fr. Aumont gave a talk about the decisions taken in the last provincial chapter July 5-7 - Journey from Montreal to Dhaka!On my return, I stayed at Mohamadpur, Dhaka, the Provincial House of the Brothers in Bangladesh. The printing of “Mohan Bradar Flavian”, in Bengali, was nearly completed; 450 copies would be sent to Diang and 50 will be used here. I started teaching handwriting to a new group of ten students Oblates. A very fine group !

October 10-13 – I accompanied Bro. Francis to Narikelbari, his native village, in order to join a big celebration on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of Narikelbari High School. Bishop Patrick D‟Rozario, Bishop of Chittagong, was also present. During the celebration, the main guests were sitting in the football field and thousands of people attended the ceremony. At one time, Mr. Manindro Theta, social worker and former teacher of Narikelbari High School, informed the people who were comfortably sitting in the big football playground, that the person gave it to us, was today present with us. He pointed out at me where I was sitting with the guests on the terrace three feet above the football field. I stood up and bowed to the assembly – the spectators warmly clapped their hands in a gesture of thanksgiving.

CONCLUSION I can no more work as teacher in any school, first because of my age and also because of a huge loss of energy. Throughout the academic year, I taught handwriting to different groups: Juvenists (Oblates – their Juniorate is just next to our residence at Mohammadpur) - to a group of boarders at Notre Dame College, and to a few boarders at the hostel next to St Christina Church at Mohammadpur. After each class, a number of them came to see me.

2010 PUBLICATIONS January 30 – I completed the translation into English of Fr. Gagnon‟s book, “L‟existence de Dieu,” “The Existence of God”.

February 15 – Bro. Provincial received for me 500 copies of “The History of the Diocese of Chittagong”. Very nice presentation!

December 10 - After ten days, I finished typing “Le grand Flavien” (110 pages) – Ouf! Events On February 16, I received my new birth certificate from Canada; without that document, it was impossible to get my new passport. During the month of February, I went five times to the Canadian Embassy. All formalities were completed on February 28, and I would receive my new passport on March 21.

March 10- I received a letter from Rev.Fr. Aumont, Provincial asking me to come back to Canada by the end of February 2010.”

March 13, 2010- I sent a E-mail to Rev. Fr. Aumont to let him know that I would leave Bangladesh on April 12, 2010.

From January 2000 to April 12, 2010, I paid three visits to Udayan High School after leaving it on December 30, 1999.

March 20 - Very fine celebration of the feast of St. Joseph at Narinda. About 100 young people, scholastics and juvenists, were present. On the following day, the travelling agent, gave me my travelling ticket and said that he would pray for my return to Bangladesh. It was also my last class with the juvenists Oblates before going to Canada. They brought me to their refectory, garlanded me, and offered me tea and cake. Then we left the refectory and all of them accompanied me to their gate, and requested me to come back to Bangladesh. A very touching scene!

April 12 – I travelled by van to the airport. I reached Montreal on the following day. I stayed at Basile-Moreau during my sojourn in Canada…and I am still there in 2013.I left Bangladesh with a clear conscience after 62 years of devoted service. I am very much greatful to God who has given me the opportunity of working so many years in that country. Since my health is still quite good, I would be ready to spend there a few more years in Bangladesh. I keep an excellent memory of all the youths I have been able to help as spiritual guide, guidance counsellor, teacher, and male

Chapter XVIII MY STAY IN CANADA

May 26, 2010 - I began to classify the photos of our missions. A very interesting work!

On June 9, I met with Dr. Tessier. I discovered that I suffer from diabetes and that my thyroid was not functioning normally. In three months, there will be another evaluation. From that day, I had to take four pills a day: three before breakfast, for diabetes, for the thyroid, and for memory, and one pill before supper for diabetes. Since that time, the rate of glycaemia had become normal.

A week later, I received an E-mail from Bro. Taren. He gave news about the scholastics and informed me about his examinations at the end of March. He asked to pray so that he could write them nicely. He wrote that he and the scholastics missed my presence in Bangladesh because of the help I gave them to learn English and its good pronunciation. He advised me to take good care of my health and to keep in loving touch with him. Taren often would come to my room after night prayers for a short talk about studies and some personal problems.

August 22 – There was a great assembly of the admirers of Bro. Flavian at St. Louis de Richelieu. I travelled with Bro. Julian and we could talk freely on our way. At St. Louis, I met with some people who had read “La barque de l‟espoir”. They really enjoyed reading the biography of Bro. Flavian and warmly congratulated me for writing such a book.

2011 EVENTS One day, after supper, I went to recite my rosary at St. Joseph‟s Shrine. On the way back, I was walking with small steps and then faster. Suddenly I fell and managed to rise. I had only scratches on my knee and elbow on the right side. At home the nurse put a bandage on those minor wounds. Thanks be to God! August 4 – I am still thinking about Bangladesh. It should not surprise the readers. One has only to remember the cases of Bishop Larose and that of Bro. Flavien. When Bishop Larose returned to Bangladesh after his last visit to Canada, he was quite sick. When the custom officer in Dhaka saw his Canadian passport and finding that he was not in good physical shape, he asked him, “Why didn‟t you not stay in Canada and receive proper medical treatment?” Bishop Larose simply replied,”I have come to die among my brethren.” The custom officer, rather nonplussed, just let him pass. Bro. Flavien‟s case is similar. He was suffering from severe stomach trouble. He never mentioned it to the Provincial in Canada for fear that the latter would detain him there. He went back to Bangladesh and served for about seven more years and five as hermit in his hermitage in Diang.

August 20 – Death of my sister, Thérèse! On the same day, Bro. Nadeau gave me a phone call from Le Grand-St-Joseph, to inform me of Bro. Hamel‟s death; two great losses on the same day. Absolutely terrible! Nevertheless, God be blessed! Bro. Hamel‟s funeral service took place at St. Joseph‟s Shrine. Many people – very nice ceremony.

September 1 - Funeral service of Thérèse at Nativité Church at Hochelaga! I was afraid that there would be very few people present since there are only six of us still living. On the contrary, there was a good crowd. She had worked many years as cook for the priests and was also a member of the choir. During the mass, I was called to read the Epistle and the prayer at the offertory. I was very pleased to do so, thinking that it was the least I could do on that solemn occasion. There was an urn containing her ashes and her photo, surrounded by her two children, Pierre and Diane. Wonderful!Two deaths within two days! Therefore at night, I could hardly sleep, only a few hours. It would take some time before everything becomes normal again.

September 28, 2011, Rev. Fr. General has approved of a gift of $5000- from the heritage I received from Jacqueline, to Bro. Auger to cover the expenses of printing the Bro. Flavian‟s biography.

October 3 – I got the permission of giving $50- to Bro. Jarlath to cover partly the cost of publishing his autobiography.

2012 - EVENTS JANUARY 24 - MY BIRTHDAY I got a phone call from Bernard, my youngest brother, who offered me his best wishes for a happy new year. In the morning, best wishes from Bros. Nadeau, Gougeon, and Ouellette, c.s.c. At dinner time, at least 15 résidents at Basile-Moreau offered me their best wishes as well as Rev. Fr. Aumont, Provincial. At 4.30 p.m. Thomas Gomes, seminarist, paid me a visit for the same purpose. At spper time, best wishes from the servants and our nurses. Really, so many good wishes on that very day!

February 28 – I started writing my biography (pp. 1-16) On March 9, Thomas Gomes invited me to return to Bangladesh with him next July. It would be wonderful, but as usual, “Man proposes and God disposes.” Much sleep in the morning and the afternoon. I hardly do any work on the computer. A secretary from Basile-Moreau read “Le grand Flavien” and greatly enjoyed it. She gave it to read to two friends who also liked it very much. Their conclusion after reading the book: “Bro. Flavian is really a saint.” Just great!

May 22 - For the last two weeks, I worked day and night writing my autobiography. I slept three or four hours, woke up, worked, and slept again…: Years: 1923 - 1983 completed.

May 29 – I met with Dr. Benoît, orthopedist. After developing the X-Ray on disk on a special instrument, he discovered that I need to have my right knee operated. He intended to do so during summer. Later on, I got the news that he would operate my right knee on July 30.

July 6 - Visit to St. Grégoire, the birthplace of Bro. André.Thomas Gomes, seminarian, drove the car; Fr. Hemonto, Kajol and myself travelled with him. There Fr. Landrault made us visit the church, the chapel and the residence. We saw the place where Bro. André was born and

the monument where the paternal house was burnt. Then we came back to Montréal.From June 2 to 18, 2012, I had no regular night sleep, and on June 19 I had one at last.

July 26 – Bro. Hurtubise accompanied me to Jean-Talon Hospital. From 7.45 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. I passed different tests and attended two lectures, one by an infirmarian and another by an orthopedist. At 5.30 p.m. we wanted to come back to Basile-Moreau. We were not allowed to do so. The doctor detained me in the hospital to fix a pace-maker. I was given a room on the second floor with a senior lady. On the following day, Bro. Hurtubise and Bro. Nadeau paid me a visit in the hospital.

On July 28, I was told that the operation for the pace-maker would take place on July 30.

That day also Bro Hurtubise paid me a visit with Bro. Aurèle Tessier. In fact, the operation took place on July 31. I did not feel any pain though I was conscious when they fixed the battery below the collar-bone on the left side. My brother and sisters paid me a visit. On August 1, thedoctor granted me leave from the hospital.

I was very happy to be back at Basile-Moreau, our residence on Côte-des-Neiges. I had gone to the hospital for an operation on my right knee and I came out with a pacemaker for the heart.

A major occupation of mine since August 3, 2012 was the writing of my biography. I worked practically day and night. I started its writing on February 28, 2012 and completed the first draft five months later on July 23, 2012. Why did I work at night also? At that time, I kept on thinking that I might have forgotten to mention certain events. On December 23, 2012, I felt much relieved because I completed the first version of the composition of 248 pages.

August 26 – Journey to St. Louis de Richelieu, the parish where Bro. Flavian Laplante was born. We attended mass as 11.00 a.m. In the parish hall, some of my books were on sale: “Le grand Flavien”, “La barque de l‟espoir”, “The Great Flavian”. Many people bought books on Bro. Flavian and asked me to sign my name in those books. Some others congratulated me for writing such books on Bro. Flavian.

On September 6, Bro. Bourassa took me to Maisonneuve Hospital. We walked nearly an hour in that big hospital before we found the office of the doctor who would check the condition of my pace-maker. Finally, we reached his office. Within a few minutes, he finished checking the condition of the pace-maker. He was pleased with the result and told me to come back in six months.

On September 28, the infirmarian at Basile-Moreau received a special message from the hospital. For the operation of my right knee, the advice of a radiologist rather than that of the orthopedist, was necessary.

December 24 – From 11.45. to 1.45 p.m., I saw on television Pope Benedict XVI celebrating the Vigil Mass at St. Peter‟s Basilica. During two hours, I saw the Pope dressed in a white cassock, the Cardinals wearing their red robes, and the immese crowd filling St. Peter‟s.

The lay people were dressed decently and had their hair combed properly. What reverence and

piety this Pope showed throughout the whole ceremony! He left the basilica by moving round in both alleys on his mobile. The reader has to remember that St.Peter‟s Basilica is 185 metres long; the Basilica of St. Joseph‟s Shrine could be set on the right side of St. Peter‟s Basilica.

Pope Benedict went up the three steps of his mobile which took him round the two alleys. Then he could easily be seen by all the people on both sides. He looked much more fragile at the age of 84. He kept on blessing the people, raising his right hand in a very short sign of the cross while his left hand rested on the railing of the mobile. He smiled gently at the faithful, still with a face reflecting prayer and reverence. I shall never forget such a wonderful and beautiful celebration.

2013 On January 2, I went to Forget Store and later on to Renault Library, altogether about ten streets from our residence. Naturally, I had to wear winter boots and a heavy jacket. I found out that walking in the snow was very tiring. When I came back to our residence, I was simply exhausted. I then realized that I had lost a lot of physical energy. It was my first and last outing during winter. St. Joseph speaks loud!

February 7 – I made a first choice of photos to enliven the text of my biography. Later on, I realized that it was only a first choice because I added many others. Moreover, these photos had an influence on the text itself because it brought to my mind certain events that I had not written anything about.

On Thursday, February 28, Pope Benedict XVI left his apartment in the Apostolic Palace, and greeted his oldest collaborators who looked moved to tears. Three hours before his pontificate ends, Pope Benedict will lift off in a helicopter from the highest point in the Vatican gardens, and fly to the papal summer villa at Castel Gondolfo, near Rome. From the balcony, Benedict XVI blessed the people gathered in the town square after his arrival in Castel Gondolfo.

It was his final appearance before he drew his papacy to a close. “I am a simple pilgrim who begins the last stage of his pilgrimage on this earth,” he told the crowd.

And with the breaking of the ring will come the end of the Pope‟s authority as successor of Peter, to “bind and loose” –the authority given by Jesus to Peter, in about the year 30 A.D. in Galilee, now 1800 years ago. It will be the first time that the papal ring will be broken in this way, with its wearer still living, in nearly 700 years. So, after 8 p.m., Benedict will no longer be “Peter”, the Bishop of Rome and the head of the Universal Church.

He will be called “Pope Emeritus” or “Roman Pontiff Emeritus “. He will still dress in white, as a Pope does, in a simple white cassock. And he will keep his title of address “His Holiness Benedict XVI”.

Chapter XIX SAINT JOSEPH AT WORK!

March is the month dedicated to St. Joseph, protector of the Church! This month, I feel that St. Joseph must have been very busy because many important events happened for the future of the Catholic Church.

March 4, 2013 – On that day Pope Benedict XVI met with the people of Rome assembled on St. Peter‟s Square. The vast crowd of pilgrims carried flags and burst into shouts of acclaim at the sight of the Pope; many shed tears. That night, I could not sleep because I had developed a great love and admiration for Pope Benedict XVI. From March 4 to March 11, 2013, 152 cardinals (voters and non-voters) assembled in the new Synod Hall to get acquainted with one another and to discuss the main problems facing the Church. On the first day, they sent a message of greetings and gratitude to His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus. Finally, the beginning of the conclave – Tuesday, March 12 – was decided and approved by the cardinals by an overwhelming majority during the ninth General Congregation.

The conclave that led to the election of Pope Francis began on Tuesday, March 12. On Wednesday, March 13, Cardinal Tauran made the announcement: “Habemus Papam.” – “We have a Pope.” He is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He will be known as Pope Francis.” An unprecedented name for a pope! Ten minutes later, the Holy Father Pope Francis, preceded by the cross, appeared on the basilica‟s Loggia to greet the people and impart his first “Urbi et Orbi” Apostolic Blessing. He was dressed in a simple white cassock without any special ornament; he was wearing ordinary black shoes, and not the red shoes usually worn by the preceding popes. Before the blessing, the Pope addressed the faithful present and those watching from around the world in very simple words.

This simple speech of Pope Francis touched the hearts of the vast crowd of pilgrims and they exploded in shouts of acclaim and praise in honor of the new Pope. The name “Francis” is unprecedented in the line of popes. Moreover, it was the first time that the Jesuits ever counted a pope in their ranks. The new Pope took the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi (1181=1226). It is also a signal that Pope Francis wishes to chart his own course, break new ground.

MY STAY IN CANADA It is as if I am living in a foreign country. Why? The province of Québec I knew in 1948 was a catholic province, whereas now it has become a laicized and secularized province. The majority of the Brothers are over 70 years. The residemces of Basile-Moreau, and Le GrandSaint-Joseph are houses for aged and sick religious. Many members of the community whom I knew have died. Many walk with canes, or use wheel chairs. The reader will easily understand that this milieu is far different from that of Mohammadpur with a community of young Brothers, the scholastics living next door and over one thousand young students studying at St. Joseph‟s High School, which is on the same compound.

For the last three months, I have been praying to Saint Joseph to show me the way through daily events. And he has started doing his work. I still have a very great desire to go

back to Bangladesh. Above that great desire, St. Joseph has granted me the favor of doing the will of God in all circumstances. Since then, I live in perfect peace of mind.

October 6– Blood test. Nine days later, I got the results. Dr. Tessier prescribed a more powerful pill for the thyroid. For two days, for a short while, I felt very uncomfortable; afterwards, the situation became normal again. A month later, I noticed that since quite a few days I often feel very tired during the day. My thyroid does not function normally. As a result, I sleep much in the morning and in the afternoon. Hardly any work during the day! I have been told that the new pill would show some effects after two months. I started again working on the computer after a break of fifteen days.

2013 January 4, 2013 – I still make some small corrections to the text of my biography. I still have to select a number of photos to enliven the text. An easy and very pleasant task!

January 24, 2013- My birthday- 90 years old.On that day, St. Joseph was at his best! The previous day, Bro. Auger insisted that I should be present at 3.00 p.m. for a meeting with him and a few confreres in his new lodging in the basement of Camille-Lefebvre Residence.

Therefore, I went there to attend that meeting. Were present Fr. Sylvio Jean, Fr. Landriault, Bro. Donald Nadeau, Bro.Julien Hétu, and Thomas Gomes, a young Bengali seminarist who after a few years in Canada can speak fluently English and French.

When I entered the reception room, I noticed a big almirah where Bro. Auger had exposed sixteen of my books on two shelves of that almirah. It was rather an impressive sight which even surprised me because, in Canada, I have only three books among the 22 which I wrote. We sat at a round table which was covered with glasses, two bottles of wine, and two small shields which the Bengalis had given me during my long career in Bengal.

Then the party started. Bro. Auger explained the reason of that meeting. He also gave the attendants a printed programme and two cards of good wishes. The printed program was Bro. Auger‟s work. A beautiful program of four pages printed in blue and red! On page 1, there was my photo showing me sitting at my desk and dressed in a white cassock with the inscription:

Homage to our beloved confrere, Bro. Albéric, C.S.C. Bro. Flavian‟s Committee, January 24, 2013 After the meeting, I gave heartful thanks to those present. I spoke only a few words because I was very much moved with this beautiful gathering and the fine feelings expressed by the assembly. Special thanks to Bro. Auger, the organizer of that meeting and for his wonderful printed programme.

On January 25, I met with Bro. Fernand Bessette at our residence of Basile-Moreau. As soon as he saw me, he came to offer me his best wishes on the occasion of my birhday. He explained to me that he could not be present on that day because he was busy that whole afternoon mixing with groups of poor people to whom he also distributed food.

On January 30, on the occasion of the anniversaries of Bro. Morier and mine, there was a gathering of the confreres in our community room. They all came to offer me their best wishes on this occasion. Bro. Gilles Ouellet then offered his best wishes to both of us and gave me a card with a gift of $30.These good wishes and words of appreciation from so many confreres were like a balm on an aching heart.

Therefore, I live in perfect peace of mind. My health is good, but not perfect. I walk more slowly due to the arthritis in my right knee ...and to my advanced age, but my thyroid now functions normally.

I am now 90 years old since January 24, 2013. Many people advised me not to undergo the operation of my right knee. Since I do not feel any pain, just some inconvenience when I go up and down the staircase. At Basile-Moreau, we have a lift and I use the stairs very little. I have practically given up the idea of that operation.

I often feel sleepy during the day, and the nights are often disturbed at the thought that I may have forgotten to mention certain facts or events in the writing of my biography. Well, I completed the second version on December 22, 2012. Since then, I enjoyed comfortable nights and I expect my physical condition to improve considerably.In the meantime, some misunderstandings with the higher authorities have been clarified. Most probably, God permitted them to purify my soul. Though I suffer much from the separation of our Bengali people, this suffering cannot be compared to the terrible sufferings of Our Lord during his Passion.

Since January 1, 2013, I have made some slight alterations in that final text. The work was completed on May 12, 2013. An easy and pleasant task still remains, the selection of photos!

Finally, I have asked some former missionaries, like Bros. Conrad Auger, Julien Hétu, and Donald Nadeau to read the autobiography and to make suggestions for its improvement. I owe special thanks to Bro. Juliem Hétu and to Bro. Nadeau for their readings of that autobiography at different stages of its development. It has greatly helped me to improve even its content.

Since January 28, 2013, my physical condition has much improved. The doctor had told me that the effects of the new pill for the thyroid would take effect after about two months. I feel much stronger, I sleep better at night and less during the day. I feel no pain at all; just my walking is slower due to the arthritis in my right knee... and to my advanced age. Another of St. Joseph‟s sign! On that day, Bro. Auger gave me good news. He told me that he had a budget for the Committee Bro. Flavian, that he was ready to print my autobiogrsphy and to supervise its publication.

Some weeks ago I bought two books from the book store at St. Joseph‟s Shrine: the Holy Bible and la Bible commentée. I shall spend many wonderful hours in reading both, comparing the commented version with the original.

April 17, 2013 – Sudden death of Bro. Berthiaume in the hospital! He was my former student in St. Joseph‟s Scholasticate and used to sit with his wheel-chair next to me in the refectory at Basile-Moreau. It reminded me that I, also, was getting older. The funeral service took place at St. Joseph‟s Shrine; the ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Aumont, Provincial, and Bro. St. Michel pronounced the homely. That very day, I heard about the sudden death of Bro. Donald Becker. He was sitting next to me at table at Mohammadpur. He had spent many years in Bangladesh and did differend kinds of repairs there and in other houses of the community. He had a grand funeral service in Dhaka, presided by Bishop Patrick D‟Rozario, and assisted by Bishops Michael Rozario and Theotonius Gomes. It was attended by a large crowd of friends, former students, and faithful.

March 3 – Thomas Gomes pronounced his final vows in the crypt of St. Joseph‟s Shrine.

The ceremony was simple but beautiful. I warmly congratulated him on that occasion. Then he requested me to be present when he would be ordained as a deacon on June 15. I assured him of my presence.

May 7, 2013- Rev. Fr. Aumont has asked me to give him my autobiography because he wanted to read it. Two priests at his residence who are experts in English will help him to read it.

I was very happy to hear that, because he will learn many things about me; moreover, these Fathers will be able to correct any mistake of English in the text itself.

May 23, 2013 – Check-up of the pace-maker at Maisonneuve Hospital! Everything is fine. The doctor told me to come back in six months.

June 15, 2013 – Ordination of Thomas Xavier Gomes, C.S.C. as a Deacon at St. Joseph‟s Shrine! The ceremony took place in the basilica itself. I had never seen it since my return to Canada in 2010. I found it immense with its very high walls and beautiful semi-circular vaults. I took a pew in the first half of the basilica. Since we had come half an hour before the beginning of the ceremony, I had plenty of time to exmine the place. I found a lot of space between the altar and the many pews on each side of the wide altar. There was a mike for ordinary announcements and a tribune a few feet high for the preacher. In a few pews in front of ours, I noticed a few Sisters of Holy Cross kneeling down. At 4.30 sharp a long procession started from the side, a procession of many co-celebrants and last, Thomas-Xavier Gomes dessed in liturgical vestments followed by Archbishop André Richard, C.S.C., of Moncton. The co-celebrants were Fr. JeanPierre Aumont, Provincial of the Canadian Province, Fr. James Cruze, Provincial of the Province of the Sacred Heart of Bangladesh, Fr. Claude Grou, C.S.C., Fr. Laurent Landriault, C.S.C., Fr. Mario Lachapelle, C.S.C. The ceremony started with the singing of two hymns in Bengali. The first reading taken from Jeremias 2 was done in Bengali, and the second reading, Ephesians 3, in English. The Gospel from St. John, Ch. 20 was also read in English. Then Fr. Mario Lachapelle called the candidate to stand forward. Archbishop Richard asked him if he knew the candidate to be worthy. Two people came before the mike to give their testimonies»: Fr. James Cruze, C.S.C.

and Bro. Fernand Bessette, C.S.C. Then Thomas Gomes stood in front of the Archbishop who had put on his mitre and by different questions the Archbisop asked Thomas to make a formal public profession whether he was willing to live the religious life and to accept his new responsibilities as a deacon. Thomas gave the simple answer in a firm voice, ”Yes, I want it.”

This profession was followed by the singing of the Litanies of the Saints. Then the Archbishop imposed his hands on the head of Thomas and recited the long prayer of the ordination. Thomas received the stole of a deacon and a copy of the Gospel of Christ. All the co-celebrants went to give him the kiss of peace. During the offering of the host and chalice, Thomas played a main part as co-celebrant and the choir sang a hymn in Bengali. During the elevation of the calice and the host, the choir sang another hymn in Bengali. During the whole ceremony, the gestures of all the participants were perfect and Thomas did his part very well. After the mass, dressed as a new deacon, he came in front of the assembly; many faithful came to kiss his hands as a mark of respect. The ceremony lasted from 4.30 to 6.45 p.m. I did not find it long but very captivating.

Then I left the basilica with Bro. Auger who took me by car to the inn of the shrine. As I entered, I noticed so many tables and hundreds of guests who had gahered for a meal there, a Bengali meal on that special occasion. It was very well organized. We were given a table at the end of the hall where the Holy Cross people, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters were sitting together. I sat at the end of the table; Bro. St. Michel and Bro. Auger sat next to me. Three Sisters of Holy Cross sat in front of me. The Sister sitting in front of me had still a youthful and beautiful face which was well known to me. Finally, I asked her name. With a big smile, she answsered: “Sister Francesca.” Then, everything became clear in my mind. She was the Headmistress of the Primary School in Jamalkan when I was Headmaster of St. Placid‟s High school in 1960 to 1964. I noticed Sr. Agathe who stared at me with a look of surprise at my appearance because I have still a good crop of brown hair getting grey. While we were waiting so that many were getting served, suddenly McLean Belasso, the son of Alley Belasso who had succeeded Bro. Lemire as Director of St. Joseph‟s Press, came to me, gave me a warm embrace, and told me that I had taught him Mathematics at St. Placid‟s High School. I could not make him up because he had become quite tall and well built. The reader must remember that I write these lines in July 2013, and meeting some old boys after 30 to 40 years, it is not easy for me to remember their faces as youths. Soon after, Sr. Lucy came near me, gave me a wam embrace and went to meet other guests.

After a short while, Bro. Auger and I took our plates and lined up to get food served by some Bengalis. On the way, I noticed a Bengali lady with two small children. I spoke a few words in Bengali with them. They looked at me, very surprised to see a stranger speaking to them in their own language. The mother gave me a beautiful smile. Then, I proceeded forward. I accepted rice, some meat and vegetables, and, as there were lot of people in the aisles, I did not return to our own table. I spotted an empty table close by and sat there. Fr. Vachon came to sit in front of me and Bro. Auger next to him. After awhile, Fr. Aumont sat a few feet away from us with some other people. Suddenly, I noticed Bro. Binoy sitting at the the end of that table. He came to wish me, gave me warm handshake across the table. I told him that I was very happy to meet with him after such a long time. He just smiled at me, and returned to his place. I never saw him again. I enjoyed eating rice and curry again, and soon after Bro. Auger and I left the place; he took me back in his car to our residence at Basile-Moreau. What a beautiful day!

June 19 – 2013- Meeting with Dr. Tessier! Good news! She required another blood test to check the state of the thyroid. I also asked her if it was safe to travel by plane with a pacemaker.

She then told me: “No problem at all!” Her answer greatly pleased me.

On the way, I met Thomas Gomes, and warmly congratulated him as a new deacon. He thanked me and gave me a beautiful smile. Then I proceeded forward. As I entered the guests‟ room, I saw a man, nickname Banu, and I did not remember his real name. He was an old boy from St. Alfred‟s High School. I recognized him at once, though he had a crop of graying hair and a few white hairs under his nose. He gave me a long embrace. I also saw another old boy from St. Pladid‟s High School with his wife and his small son about ten years old. That former student was rather plump and quite loquatious. He spoke much of my ability in playing soccer, and tried to imitate my different positions in the field when I was kicking the ball. He also mentioned my fast calculations when I taught him Mathematics. The wife kept on smiling and looking at me while Banu who had invited me to sit close to him, kept his left hand over my right hand on the chair and smiling broadly at me. I told them about the trick I had leant in Cl. V with Bro. Zéphirin, how to multiply the square of a number ending with the digit 5. Brother had told us that there were two parts in the answer, the last one being 25. As for the first part, one had only to muliply the other two digits after adding one to the other digit. As an example, if somebody asked me to multiply 15 by 15, I had only to calculate 2 multiplied by 1, the result is 2 and 25, i.e. 225, 35 x 35, then I would multiply 4 by 3 and add 25 to get the answer, i.e. 1225.

That former student found it very amusing and told his son to take notes of the proceeding. All along, Banu kept staring at me, with a big smile on his face. Later on, other former missionaries were also called. Fr. Sylvio Jean was the first to come in, followed soon after by Fr. Benoît and Bro. Nadeau. The meeing lasted about an hour, and then our guests departed after a last embrace. I went out on the verandah and waved my hand in a last farewell as their car passed by.

They lowered the glass of their windows and waved at me. What a wonderful meeting wih these old boys! Most pleasant and cordial! I am happy to end my autobiography with this fine souvenir! I had started its writing on August 3, 2012; later I completed the choice of photos and replacing the photos in black and white with photos in colors. It certainly added life to the text itself. The whole work was completed on July 11, 2013. Ouf! What a relief! And now I shall be able to do a lot of choice reading!

Last news! In a previous meeting. Thomas Gomes told me that he would go back to Bangladesh in the first days of December 2013 for his ordination. He invited me to accompany him in Bangladesh on that occasion. I would like very much to do so. With proper autorization I would like to spend the rest of my life with our Bengali people and help our youngsters in different ways as I explained in different chapters of my autobiography. Fr. Benoît is now on three-month leave and will return to Bangladesh on August 2013. He lives in a residence close to ours and takes his meals wih us at Basile-Moreau. I often meet with him. One day, he told me that the Brothers have put up a four-storey building behind the Brothers‟ Provincial House. It has a lift; therefore going up and down the stairs in the new building will not be a problem for me. I was vey happy to hear such good news.

I live in great peace of mind at Basile-Moreau with a group of more than thirty religious, Fathers and Brothers. About ten of them are religious of Holy Cross and the others fromdifferent orders. They are very charitable and pleasant company. The workers, nurses, cooks and servants

are very devoted, likeable, and friendly. The food is excellent and the daily routine, very simple.

Moreover, there are shelves of beautiful books to read in different halls of the residence. With the help of St. Joseph, I have become assuaged at the prospect of remaining in Canada, though the desire to return to Bangladesh is still very strong. « Nothing happens without the permission of God; everything comes to being to the timetable of the goodProvidence.» (St. Francoise Cabrini)

My heart is full of gratitude to God for his wonderful help and the innumerable graces granted me during my long life, and especially during my sixty-two years of missionary life.

I can only repeat the words of the Psalmist : “My soul glorifies the Lord, My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.

The Almighty works marvels for me.

Holy his name!”

Brother Albéric, C.S.C.: A Complete List of Works 1.

Journal de voyage (Montreal, Canada to Padrishibpur, East Pakistan), cyclostyled.

2.

Premier contacts avec l’Orient My first year in Bengal: November 16, 1948 –December 20, 1949.

3.

History of St. Placid High School: 1853-1953; 114 pages. (First Edition out of print), Translated from French (L’Histoire de l’École Saint Placide) by Father Augustine Mascarenhas, C.S.C.

4.

Biographies of Bro. Godfrey Danis, C.S.C.: A) Le Géant de nos Missions (in French).

B) A Giant of a Man (in English – 264 pages).

6.

Biographies of Bro. Flavian Laplante, C.S.C.: A) La Barque de l’Espoir (in French) – 400 pages.

B) The Great Flavian (in English) – 169 pages.

C) Mohan Bradar Flavian (in Bengali) – 180 pages, translated by Mr. Anthony Sukhen Mondol.

D) The Sampan of Hope (in English) – 464 pages.

11.

Biographies of Fr Omer Desrochers, C.S.C. : A) L’Apôtre des Marais (in French) – cyclostyled – l11 pages.

B) The Apostle of the Marshes (in English) – 176 pages.

13.

The History of the Chittagong Diocese – 667 pages.

14.

A Bold Challenge (Brother Alberic‟s adaptation of Father Gerald Kelly, A.M., S.T.D.‟s book -- Modern Youth and Chastity – for the people in the East), 112 pages.

15.

Ah! The Children of this World! (in English) – 96 pages.

16.

Confidence in Divine Providence (Translated into English by Brother Albéric, C.S.C. from the French book by Father St.Jure, S.J.), 96 pages.

Oisho Prottadeshe Driro Biswas (translated into Bengali) (I do not

remember the translator‟s name).

18.

Our Founders in Holy Cross – 68 pages.

19.

Personal Spiritual Discernment (translated by Bro. Albéric, C.S.C. from the French book by Father Roger Cantin, S.J.).

20.

The Companions of Chittagong – 157 pages.

21.

La Manécantrie des Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois d’Hochelaga – 148 pages.

22.

The Temperaments (translated into English by Bro. Albéric, C.S.C. from the French book by Father J. Rutché, C.S.Sp.) –30 pages.

23.

Heartfelt Thanks to God! My Life! (An autobiography by Bro. Albéric, C.S.C.) –66 pages in Microsoft Word.

---See next pages for photos of Brother Albéric, C.S.C.---

MY FAMILY MY MOTHER WITH YOUNGEST BROTHER, BERNARD

My Youth !

BERNARD WITH MY SISTER JACQUELINE

MYSELF GROWING UP!

WITH MY PARENTS AND MY BROTHER GEORGES AT NOTRE DAME COLLEGE IN MONTREAL

MY FIRST RELIGIOUS PROFESSION

THE COMPANIONS OF CHITTAGONG IN THE «FATIMA» PLAY YEAR OF BENGALI STUDY WITH BRO. GODEFREY AND BRO. BRUNELLE

IN CHITTAGONG !

WITH SPS FOOTBALL TEAM

«THE COMPANIONS OF CHITTAFONG» IN A PICNIC

THE COMPANIONS IN «THE ROGUERIES OD SCAPIN»

I AM WITH MY URDU TEACHER MR. AMIRUL HOQUE (on the left)

I AM WITH MY EX-TEACHERS MY FIRST HONDA MOTORCYCLE

ACK IN CANADA!

WITH MY DAD ON MY FIRST RETURN FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH MY FAMILY AFTER TO

CANADA NINE YEARS

I AM WITH MY SISTERS CARMEN AND JACQUELINE

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF MY RELIGIOUS PROFESSION