In 1847, three valiant French brothers, supported by the Archbishop of Montreal, Msgr. Ignace Bourget, established the Viatorian charism in L’Industrie (Joliette). The community experienced rapid growth, which allowed it to send brothers to the four corners of the country, mainly in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba. Later, our brothers were drawn to mission work around the world. Thus, the province established the charism in the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan, Peru, Haiti, and finally, in Burkina Faso. Several brothers also collaborated with the community's international organizations and supported works in France and Ivory Coast.
The 1960s brought a true earthquake for the Church in Quebec and religious communities. The "Quiet Revolution" saw the State take back control of school and hospital establishments, as well as social and leisure services. Slowly, the community decreased in the number of brothers and locations of insertion.
Today, the province is responsible for local communities in Japan and Peru, and for two regions in Burkina Faso and Haiti.
The Province of Canada is animated by a provincial council composed of three members: Br. Jean-Marc St-Jacques, Provincial Superior; Fr. Gérard Bernatchez, Provincial Assistant; and Br. Yvon Rolland, Councilor. Ten brothers, elected by all the religious, form the Provincial Chapter together with the Provincial Council and the Provincial Treasurer. For its part, the Assembly of the Viatorian community brings together all the religious and associates of Canada. It has set up a council composed of the members of the provincial council and three associates elected by the assembly: Hernio Carrié, Lorraine Decelles, and Annie Perreault. Their mandate is to support spiritual life, the mission, and fraternal communion.
Works and commitments of the Viatorians
Several Viatorians have personal commitments in various places: schools, parishes and diocesan services, movements and camps, accompaniment of individuals, presence among the impoverished, support for community groups, etc. It is a valuable contribution to the Church and society.
Canadian Viatorians are responsible for two parishes: Ste-Béatrice in Laval (Archdiocese of Montreal) and Ste-Madeleine de Rigaud (Diocese of Valleyfield).
In the summer of 2024, the Service de Préparation à la Vie (SPV - Life Preparation Service) celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding, and in the summer of 2025, it was the turn of the Camps de l’Avenir (Lake Ouimet) to do the same. These two organizations propose an education in fraternity in the style of the first Christians (Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47). The SPV continues its presence in Quebec and other parts of the world (Haiti, Peru, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Togo, D.R. Congo, Madagascar, Uganda). Several religious and associates are committed to these two works in Quebec, as well as in Haiti, Peru, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast.
The Maison de la foi (House of Faith) in service to the world of deafness addresses people with hearing impairments, as well as professionals in this particular field. Pastoral activities and celebrations are at the heart of its service. A soup kitchen, "Marie-Paule’s Soup," regularly brings together about twenty people in search of food, but above all, of fraternal exchange.
The Viatorian Catechetical Service continues to offer its services with simplicity. It remains requested by numerous people and produces various documents to support the training of catechists.
The Shrine of Lourdes celebrated its 150th anniversary during the 2024 season. It continues to welcome thousands of pilgrims each summer.
