Oblate presence: 1970-2007
Geographic location: near the city of Trois-Rivières, Quebec
The Gap is at the origin of the Ste-Marie residence in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. It was a pastoral animation group that initially brought together some Oblate directors and animators who were specialized in pastoral and audiovisual work. They offered their services in the following three sectors: production, technical advice and animation. In 1969, the team lived at the Oblate monastery in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. In June 1971, the Loranger Residence was “canonically” erected and became the Gap Residence with Yvon Poirier as director and treasurer. The nomination and installation were made by Yvon Isabelle, provincial. The official decree and the erection of the residence was dated June 4, 1971, with the title Group of Pastoral Animation and the civil name of Sainte-Marie Residence. (The appointment of the Director is dated June 13, 1971.
On November 10, 1975, a report from the Provincial Council of Notre-Dame-du-très-Saint-Rosaire (code 2D138 58) indicated that the residence lost its Gap name and became simply Résidence Ste-Marie.
On February 26, 1974, some documents state that the G.A.P. team was officially integrated into the Shrine team, while retaining its residence on Loranger Street. But finally, on March 11, 1979, it is noted that the Ste-Marie Residence would be closed in the spring.
Eugène Lapointe OMI
