Dear Brothers,

It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the death of Fr. Eugene Barrette from the Province of Mary, Mother of the Americas. For many years he suffered from cancer, and ultimately succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage.

We remember him with affection and with the great awareness of the important contribution made to the Congregation in the many years he spent at the General House, first as director of scholastics, then as General Secretary and Councilor, and finally as Superior General, with his writings, his studies in La Salette, and his research into our charism and the huge dossier for the revision of our Rule of Life.

We thank the Lord for having given him to us as a member of our great religious family of La Salette, for having made him known, loved and appreciated by us. Now that his earthly journey is over, we recommend him to the mercy of the Father so that he might grant him the reward of the just for all the service given to his Church and to our Congregation.

We are certain that the Virgin of La Salette, who loved him so much in life, has welcomed and invited him into Paradise with the same words she used with Maximin and Melanie in her apparition at La Salette: “ Come near, my children, don’t be afraid….”.

Fr. Barrette was 75 years old, lived 54 years in religious life and had served 48 years in priestly ministry.

Rest in peace, Fr. Gene, and do not forget us, your brothers.

Fr. Silvano Marisa

Superior General