WELCOME SITE PLAN LIFE OF LOVE THE WORKS THE LADY E-MAIL	FATHER DENIS LAPRISE Biographical Note Denis was born at Garthby in the province of Quebec on June 2, 1938, the first child of Armand Laprise and Thérèse Houde. Other little ones arrived to enrich that inestimable treasure which is the Christian home. Soon the family would number ten children, nine of whom are still living: four boys and five girls. Sympathetic, dignified, devoted, Armand exemplified the finest virtues. Inured to sacrifice, he acknowledged no obstacle. His day always began with prayer in the morning and terminated with the rosary in the evening. He was admirably seconded by his spouse, who gave herself in an unflagging devotion.

From his earliest days, Denis felt God’s call and became interested in life in religion. After completing his elementary schooling, he continued his secondary studies at the Sherbrooke Seminary. He opted for the Camillian Fathers and completed a year of novitiate at Lyons, France. He studied philosophy at Tournai in Belgium and completed his theological studies at the International College of the Camillians of Marino, Rome. Authorized to return to Canada for his solemn profession of vows on September 27, 1962, he then returned to Rome until June 1965. On July 17 of that year, he was ordained a priest in the cathedral of Sherbrooke, Canada. After various postings in Sherbrooke, he became chaplain at the Enfant-Jésus Hospital in Quebec City on September 5, 1969 where he found again his confrere, Father Victor Rizzi.

Father Denis Laprise, Camillian

But Father Denis was soon called to be with his family, for his father was very ill. This latter died on January 14, 1970 at the age of fifty-five. When Father Denis returned to Quebec City, he replaced Father Victor who himself had fallen ill and it was then that he met Marie-Paule who was still hospitalized. He learned of the existence of a Marian Group, became interested in it and drew his entire family to this Group which would shortly become the Army of Mary.

The Work aroused an élan, a renewal, a very strong awareness, to the point where the entire family committed itself to the apostolate. Father Denis’ sister, Sister Louise, a Sister with the Sisters of the Cross, was transferred to Manitoba where she established the Army of Mary. Two other married children in the United States founded the Army of Mary in their area. The other children who were still pursuing their studies devoted themselves tirelessly for this Cause.

Father Denis and Father Victor, both of whom were chaplains at the Enfant-Jésus Hospital, are two pillars of the Marian Work who gave themselves wholeheartedly to the founding of new Centers.

On May 31, 1981, the official founding of the Community of the Sons and Daughters of Mary took place, consisting of two separate branches. Three years later, with the consent of the Camillian Superiors, Father Denis became responsible for the group of Sons of Mary religious who aspired to the priesthood and, in October 1984, he accompanied fifteen Sons of Mary who were going to study at the Angelicum in Rome.

At the request of the Holy See, the Archbishop of L’Aquila, His Excellency Archbishop Mario Peressin, accepted, on January 1, 1986, to take the Community under his protection. Thus, the Community of the Sons of Mary settled in the diocese of L’Aquila where, on the following May 31, the founding of the missionary branch took place, in the presence of Mother Paul-Marie. Father Denis became the founder and Superior General of the missionary branch of the Sons of Mary, while his mother, who had entered the Daughters of Mary in 1982 as Sister Thérèse, became the foundress and Superior General of the missionary branch of the Daughters of Mary.

Father Denis Laprise, Son of Mary

Relieved of his responsibilities as Superior General of the Sons of Mary in 1989, Father Denis became the chaplain of a community of contemplative religious at L’Aquila, Italy, while giving himself to Mary’s Cause in the region.

Having returned to Quebec in January 1997, he continued his activities within the Work, preaching retreats in Canada and Europe, helping souls in their ascent to God.

Then it was especially at the Eucharistic and Marian Center Spiri-Maria in Lac-Etchemin that, from the year 2000, he would devote his time to preaching to the retreatants and the members of the Work.

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From the fifth volume of Life of Love, and on through the Appendices are set down the many details of the spiritual itinerary of Father Denis Laprise.

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