The Lord calls Fr. Yvon Lafontaine to his glory

Canada. . Fr. Yvon Lafontaine, Major Superior of the Claretians of Canada, died in the morning of December 23, after a long sickness carried with admirable serenity and conformity from the first moment when he received the news that his malady was incurable and he had a very limited time of life.

During this time he followed his life with absolute normality, without renouncing any of his commitments as Major Superior, including his participation in the General Chapter celebrated in Rome in August – September. He participated in encounters in and out of his Province and has made evident his integrity, joy and good humor. Conscious that the end of his days was approaching he has given an admirable example of his acceptance of death.

He has already met the Lord Jesus, for whom he always lived, who permitted him to have this long and painful personal advent. The Lord has come to him in this advanced and happy Christmas.

When a missionary dies, we should celebrate the last rites with devotion, fraternal love, and simplicity. We should remember all our brothers who have gone before us in the service of the Gospel, commending them to the Lord with the prescribed prayers, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist.

We should show the same reverence and respect for our departed parents and for deceased collaborators of the Congregation.

(Constitution 19)