February 2, 1842
Today we remember an important part of Émilie Tavernier Gamelin’s spiritual journey. Since 1827, after the death of her husband and children, she had devoted herself to caring for those most in need. The ministry that Madame Gamelin began was on a solid foundation with her leadership of the established House of Providence (Asile de la Providence) and the Association of the Ladies of Charity.
On February 2, 1842, as a 42-year-old widow, she irrevocably consecrated her whole life to God in the presence of Monsignor Bourget and vowed to be servant of the poor for the remainder of her life.1 Madame Gamelin pronounced her private vow in these words:
“I, the undersigned, Widow Émilie Gamelin, for the greater glory of God and the honor of the Blessed Virgin, vow today, February 2, feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, to live the rest of my life in perfect continence, relying on my God and on Mary pure and immaculate for the grace necessary to be faithful all my life to this commitment, which I make whole-heartedly and with joy; I also vow to be servant of the poor for as long as my strength will permit; I make these promises in the presence of God and of the patrons of this chapel; I also promise to be more vigilant over myself in my conversations as well as in my clothing, avoiding all that could look luxurious or ornamental; I want to give myself to God for Him to do as He pleases with me; I submit to Him in all resignation; help me, O God, in these promises which I make to you today, February 2, 1842, at the age of 42”.
The original of this vow is preserved in the Archives of the Chancellery of the Diocese of Montreal.
As we know, Émilie’s spiritual journey would continue to unfold under the guidance of loving Providence, perhaps in ways she could not have imagined on the day of her private vows.
Today, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, is also the World Day of Consecrated Life. Let us pray for all the women and men who have consecrated their lives to God and who provide selfless service through private or public vows. Let us also pray for vocations to consecrated life.
Blessed Émilie, assist us to be faithful to the commitments we have made through our vows as consecrated women and servants of the poor.
Sister Karin Dufault, SP
Vice-Postulator
Bureau of the Cause Émilie Tavernier Gamelin
1 Denise Robillard, « Émilie Tavernier Gamelin » (1992). Pp. 151-152