PAUL GRÉGOIRE
He was born & baptized on 24th.Oct.1911, in Saint-Clément de Viauville, Quebec, Canada. When he was just a few months old, his parents, Marie Jeanne (Minnie) Lavoie & F. Albert Grégoire, decided to settle in Verdun, P.Q.
Paul, the oldest of three boys, attended l'Académie Richard primary school, played hockey & on 29th.Apr.1919, made his confirmation in Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Parish, in Verdun. Beginning in Sept.1925, for eight years, he attended the Séminaire de Sainte-Thérèse-de-Blainville, P.Q. His participation in student activities included being the director of a folk choir, as well as the president of the debating society, the Société Ducharme. He was elected president of the student body for the year 1932-1933. He entered the Grand Séminaire de Montréal in Sept.1933 where, once again, he participated in the debating society & was elected president of the student body in his final year.
His ordination took place on 22nd.May 1937, in the Cathédrale de Montréal. As his first ministry, he was appointed to the Séminaire de Sainte-Thérèse as Student Supervisor & teacher of Philosophy of Natural Sciences. During this ministry, he continued his education earning several degrees including, a Doctorate in philosophy, a Master's in history & a Diploma in education.
In Sept.1942, he was named Director of the Séminaire de Sainte-Thérèse. In Oct.1950, he was named Student Chaplain of the Université de Montréal. In addition to his ministry responsibilities, he was involved in every aspect of student life & was affectionately known as "l'abbé Greg".
Pope John XXII named Paul, Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal on 26th.Oct.1961 and he was consecrated on 27th.Dec.1961. He chose as his motto, "Caritas et Sapientia", Charité (Amour) et Sagesse, Charity (Love) and Wisdom. He was also named Diocesan Vicar General & Director of the Office of Clergy.
Pope Paul VI named Paul, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Montreal on 11th.Dec.1967, and Archbishop of Montreal on 20th.Apr.1968. The eighth Archbishop of Montreal, he was enthroned on 22nd.May 1968, in the Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World, Montreal, P.Q.
His accession to Cardinal was announced on 22nd.May 1988. He was inducted into the Sacred College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II, on 28th.Jne.1988, becoming Canada's sixth Cardinal.
It was at Paul's request, that the Vatican granted St.Patrick's Church the status of basilica in 1989. In keeping with his affection for this community, on the first day of his "retirement" as Cardinal Archbishop, on 18th.Mar.1990, he delivered his 23rd. St.Patrick's Day homily during mass, celebrated at St. Patrick's Basilica, Montreal, during his annual visit there.
The following reflects the fact that he worked 60 hours a week & represents just a few of his accomplishments:
Paul founded the Résidence Ignace Bourget, a priest's residence for rest & retirement. He made a special mission to Cuba in 1977 & another to Haïti in 1979. In addition to the numerous diocesan councils, offices & services which he created, he also founded the Maison du Père, a residence for transients, in 1969 & the Résidence du Vieux Port, a residence for men with problems too severe for other shelters, in 1988.
Cardinal Paul Grégoire died, aged 82 years old, in Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, P.Q. on 30th.Oct.1993, after a three-year battle with stomach cancer. His funeral mass took place on 3rd.Nov.1993, in the Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World, where he was buried in the Bishop's Mortuary Chapel. He was an avid skier who enjoyed reading history & listening to his collection of Mahalia Jackson recordings.
Sources:
L'Église de Montréal, L'Archevêché de Montréal, pub., No.45, 4th.Dec.1986.
L'Église de Montréal, L'Archevêché de Montréal, pub., No.41, 11th.Nov.1993.
The Catholic Times, Apr.1990.
The Montreal Gazette, 31st.Oct.1993.
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