Blessed Frédéric Janssone

Blessed Frédéric Janssone, also known as Frédéric de Ghyvelde, Frédéric de Saint-Yves, Frédéric-Cornil, and Frédéric-Yves, was born on November 19, 1838, in Ghyvelde, Nord, France. He was the youngest of 13 children in a wealthy farm family. While living in France, Frederic spoke Flemish at home due to his family background. Tragically, Frederic's father passed away when he was just nine years old.

From a young age, Frederic felt a strong calling to the priesthood. He pursued this vocation by entering the junior seminary in his diocese. However, he eventually left the seminary to become a travelling salesman in order to support his family financially. Frederic tirelessly worked to fulfill his family obligations, until finally, when he was in his early twenties, he joined the Franciscans.

Frédéric Janssone was ordained a priest in 1870 and soon found himself serving as a military chaplain in the Franco-Prussian War. After his military service, he was assigned to the Holy Lands, where he undertook several significant projects. He rebuilt the Stations of the Cross in the streets of Jerusalem, constructed a church in Bethlehem, and played a significant role in negotiating agreements between Roman, Greek, and Armenian church authorities regarding the use of sanctuaries in Jerusalem.

In 1881, Frédéric Janssone made his first trip to Canada as part of a fundraising mission. However, he returned in 1888, deciding to stay permanently. For the next 28 years, he dedicated his time and efforts to the people of Canada. He played a crucial role in developing the shrine of Our Lady at Cap-de-la-Madeleine in Quebec. It was during his time at this shrine that he witnessed the vision of a statue of Mary opening its eyes, a powerful experience that further strengthened his faith.

Besides his pastoral work, Frédéric Janssone actively engaged in various forms of writing. He authored biographies of the saints, wrote newspaper articles, and drew upon his childhood training to sell religious books door to door. One of his significant achievements was the distribution of thousands of copies of his Manual for the Third Order, effectively re-establishing the Franciscan secular order in Canada.

Blessed Frédéric Janssone passed away on August 4, 1916, at the Franciscan Infirmary in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He lost his battle with stomach cancer. He was laid to rest in the friary chapel in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. Recognizing his exemplary life of holiness, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on March 21, 1985, acknowledging his heroic virtues. Later, on September 25, 1988, Pope John Paul II beatified Frédéric Janssone, affirming his beatitude and the sanctity of his life.

Blessed Frédéric Janssone's life story demonstrates his deep commitment to serve both God and his fellow human beings. His unwavering dedication, missionary work, and accomplishments in establishing the Franciscan secular order in Canada continue to inspire and impact the faithful to this day.