MESSAGE OF PAUL VI
ON THE OCCASION OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
SAINTE-MARIE AMONG THE HURONS

Sunday, 16 May 1971

It is with joy that We take part in the celebrations which mark the reconstruction of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and the inauguration of its new museum. We extend our congratulations to those who have promoted the restoration of this famous site. It was there that Jesuit pioneers, accompanied by generous lay persons, endeavoured to bring to the people whom they profoundly loved the faith which they themselves had received as a heritage. As We recall with admiration and gratitude these men of faith and the impressive chapter that they have written in the history of your country, We express Our confidence that their memory will indeed live on in the proud annals of the Canadian people.

Nous savons avec quel courage beaucoup d’entre eux scellèrent ce témoignage de leur sang. Mais aujourd’hui cette semence chrétienne a porté ses fruits et contribue puissamment a l’essor d’une civilisation pour laquelle Nous formons les meilleurs voeux de développement harmonieux et intégral. De grand cœur Nous implorons, sur les Autorités religieuses et civiles ainsi que sur tout le peuple participant a l’inauguration, les Bénédictions abondantes du Tout-Puissant.