Father André Morency can’t believe he’s seen Pope Francis in person, let alone in a rehabilitation center in Quebec.
The priest held back tears Thursday as the pontiff stopped at the Fraternité Saint-Alphonse, a facility for people suffering from substance use disorders in Beauport, Que., northeast of Quebec City. That same day, the Pope celebrated mass in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
“He was smiling. His eyes were shining,” said Morency, who founded the fraternity about 30 years ago. “For me, it’s a great wink of God for the Saint-Alphonse Fraternity.”
Pope Francis spent about 20 minutes at the center handing out gifts, including rosaries and an icon of Mary and Jesus.
During the secret stop, Morency says, a bodyguard introduced him to the Pope. It was then that the pontiff handed him envelopes containing a $20,000 donation to the fraternity.
“He took my hand and put this in my hand. He said: ‘This is for the poor, Father Morency,'” the priest recalled.
Only after the entourage left did Morency realize what was in the envelopes.
“We’re still trying not to cry,” she said.
Promise fulfilled
The priest says the center owes the visit to Quebec Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, who promised to bring the Pope to the organization if the pontiff ever traveled to Quebec.
The Fraternité Saint-Alphonse received this icon of Mary and Jesus as a gift after the visit of Pope Francis. (Louis-Philippe Arsenault/Radio-Canada)
When Morency heard that the Pope would be touring Canada, he wrote to the Archbishop of Quebec to remind him of his promise. And the archbishop kept his word.
To ensure the presence of volunteers and residents, Morency invited them to a special dinner to thank them for their involvement in the center.
He says the Pope’s surprise visit moved residents, even non-believers.
“There were some who were crying, who were teary-eyed. His presence in the house may have triggered something within these people,” Morency said.
Support is available for anyone affected by their experience in residential care or recent reports.
A National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line has been set up to support alumni and those affected. People can access crisis and emotional referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
Mental health counseling and crisis assistance are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by chat at line a www.hopeforwellness.ca.