September 16, 2012. DOUBLE BIRTHDAY IMPORTANT TO YOKOHAMA: F. Claude Villemure celebrates 60 years of religious life and his 76th birthday.
(Contacts, 19 October 2012)
[Note from Sylvia: With the exception of Brother Lawrence’s speech the following is a google translation of all speeches given at the above celebration honouring Brother Claude (Marcel) Villemure. I realize that google translations are a bit of a disaster but for we who are unilingual English they do give us a general idea of what was said. The text is excerpted from the 19 October 2012 edition of Contacts, a publication of the Brothers in Japan]
F. Michel Beaudoin ( Shizuoka )
Each of us have a story to tell about one or the other feats of Marcel F. ( F. Villemure name that is known in Japan) , when climbing on top of a ladder and made acrobatics defy the laws of balance. Povidentiel a phenomenon , probably due to the Virgin Mary to whom Marcel has a special devotion has preserved any untoward incident so far, something we can surely mention today on the occasion of two anniversaries important celebrated in his honor. I do not want to limit myself to the well-known characteristic of F. Marcel , for whom no crow’s nest to undo is too high and no stone to carry or no wall is too big to be demolished . I would rather you thank Marcel for example religious life and work that you continue to give us, and pray to God and Mary that you remain as healthy spiritually and physically .
Congratulations, Marcel F. for sixty years of service and devotion to God and youth.
Philippe F. Ozawa (Tokyo)
I learned to Tokyo when Marcel F. taught at the International School St. Mary’s had the nickname “Tokyo Tower”. If he were here now he would surely receive the nickname “Sky Tree”, the tallest tower in the world that has just been completed. However, neither the height nor the Tokyo Tower Sky Tree can not approach in size the width of the heart of Brother Marcel. I can not count the number of times I have been encouraged by Marcel F. in my difficulties. And as the sole F. of Christian Instruction belonging simultaneously to Japanese Catholic Church, I want to be the spokesman of thousands of young Japanese to thank Marcel F. 50 years he spent to work for them.
Thomas F. Tremblay ( Yokohama)
Marcel , congratulations on your 60 years of religious life ! The promise you made it 60 years ago to put God above all was well kept , and a good example that you give us is always the first to the chapel at the times of prayers is a great encouragement for us to remain faithful to the religious duties of our daily lives . Since I am the one who has been longest in community with you, 47 years old , I feel strongly compelled to mention as closely as possible the characteristics of your personality which we have the greatest admiration. In the absence of time, I limit myself to two : your perseverance and your
serenity. In addition to highlighting all together here today your diamond jubilee, wonderful example of a religious faithful to its vocation , we must also mention the fact that perseverance you show in your community and professional life everyday is also something remarkable . Only F. Isidore and you remained after the age of 75 years old, standing in front of students in class. Thank you for this eloquent symbol of identity Mennaisian you continue to keep Seiko Gakuin , and our wish is that you can stay in front of these children as long as your health permits. Back at home, you are seen rarely without a tool in hand, with the certainty that nothing broken inside or outside the monastery not long remain . . In addition to the continuity of the muffler are you doing at school or outside or inside the home , as well as the long hours you spend at your desk or in front of the computer work to keep the accounts of the house in order, one important thing is that we enjoy the atmosphere of serenity and peace that preserves your presence among us. One can approach you frankly on any subject. We feel your absence for 5 or 6 weeks you spend in Canada every two years.
Again, congratulations, Marcel F., and a big thank you for all that you do for us.
F. Guy Morissette (Yokohama)
On my way to the TV room to my room, it ‘m often to see Marcel F. meditating silently, without any other lighting the lamp of the sanctuary. How much time does it in prayer and in the evening nobody knows. But it is a valuable example for us who prefer to remain on the TV to see the end of a movie, listen to music in our rooms or prepare to sleep by reading a favorite book. It is often mentioned in the Gospel that Jesus withdrew to the deviation from dusk to pray after the crowds had dispersed and his disciples were sleeping. F. Josu Olabarietta mentioned 17 times in the “Spiritual Diary” Father de Lamennais how our P. Founder himself liked to meditate alone in the evening , while the tranquil atmosphere of the deserted chapel and the absence of noise that he procured the nocturnal silence helped him to open his mind and heart to the divine word, ” thus allowing them to discover the truth and see the events as Jesus himself saw them . ” In the ” Memorial” Written by Father de Lamennais , it mentions that these silent minutes spent in the presence of God is the real way to engage in meditation. F. A praying alone in the chapel in the evening is a valuable asset to a community. Thank you Marcel for this example that you give us and the prayers that you do for us. And congratulations on your 60th anniversary of religious life. Your presence among us is a wonderful model for the Brothers of Yokohama and the members of our family Mennaisian .
F. Michel Jutras (Tokyo) [Brother Michel is the former Headmaster of St. Mary’s International School. In May 2013 he announced he would be retiring in August of that year. He retired August 2013. ]
Marcel F. hails from Grand-Mère like me. The house that housed his large family was located just to the line of the two parishes of St Paul and St -Jean- Baptiste . Her F. Gilles was in class with me. But I was too young to get acquainted with Marcel . It was not until I entered the juniorate I could see the seminary , especially to the gallery of the chapel where the beautiful stentorian voice of Brother Marcel , you can still hear today , dominated all part bass and tenor of the choir singing in the chapel of Pointe -du -Lac . I actually known the Marcel F. several years later in Japan, where among other things, He F. Roger and I tried a feat trying to develop a tennis court on the ground at the bottom of the slope to our summer house. How Marcel F. handled cables , pulleys and other gadgets for moving heavy and huge stones that littered the ground was a remarkable thing to see. Marcel F. exploits that made building large projects and moving things that nobody else could move remain a highly visible feature of his determination and his ability for big jobs .
But where Marcel F. is well known physical prowess does not hide the depth of his religious faith. I spent several holidays with him in Inawashiro , and keep a sense of admiration to the memory of long periods of time that I saw such an active man go to the chapel in silent meditation .
In addition, the amazing energy F. Marcel has shown all his life is not limited to the muscular effort that no one else would dare to imitate. His mind remained alert as not only has he mastered the mysterious Japanese language , a challenge for any foreign missionary , and he does not take ausssi on the alert youth
who still teaches Seiko Gakuin through his skilful use of the English language , but at the age of 70, he began studying the Spanish language , he speaks fluently now . For Marcel F. . concept “Retirement” does not exist in any aspect . I hope his health coninuera promote this important aspect of his personality, which is to continuously improve. Thank you, Marcel F. for your friendship that extends to all, for the example you give us religious and professional dedication that deserves to be highlighted on the occasion of your diamond jubilee of religious life.
Br. Guy Lambert (Tokyo)
[Brother Lambert’s address has been unofficially translated for us by Jean-Guy}
The most important memory I have of Br. Marcel is about the odyssey of our traveling
time to and from England for our two years sojourn. July 2nd, 1960 in Ploêrmel, for
Jean-Marie de la Mennaisʼ anniversary celebration, you, Br. Lessard and myself, while
we were only students in England, occupied a place of honor amongst the Japanese
delegates, while the veterans like Br. Thomas were away from the limelight in an area
reserved for members of the Second Novitiate.
That same afternoon we boarded a train for Lisieux and then we travelled throughout
France right to Lourdes with Br.Lessard as our driver(quite an adventure that Br. Elisée,
Gen.Sup.(Superior), viewed as scandalous, as he related in it an interview with two
Japanese missionary brothers present at the Second Novitiate in the following months)
In August of 1961, the return trip to Japan with stopovers in London, in SantʼIvo and the
Vatican in Rome.Then the first missionary brothers flight aboard a jet plane of the
Luftansa company, from Rome to Bangkok, where the Fathers of the Paris Foreign
Missions gave us a guided tour of the city.
The following morning, after apologies from Air France who could not honor our
reservations because of over booking, we took a flight with KLM and arrived in Tokyo
the same evening. At St-Maryʼs we were immediately made to feel at ease and we
started the school year in September, both teaching to 3rd graders. We consulted each
other to prepare our lessons, worked together to decorate our class at Christmas,
studied Japanese following our afternoon work and together we prepared our reports
required of the University Sophia for our advanced courses in English.
You were quickly renamed “Brother Tokyo Tower”, asking parents and students alike to
stand on the third step of the stairway in order to be able to speak to them face to face.
We wonʼt forget your efforts, in Inawashiro, to remove some large boulders to allow us
to prepare the lawn in front of our summer cottage.
Finally we parted ways in 1966, you traveling to Yokohama and I to Shizuoka until my
return to St. Maryʼs in 1982.
Congratulations, Marcel, on this double anniversary, 76 years old and 60 years of
religious life.
F. Raymond Ducharme (Shizuoka)
The disadvantage of intense heat and high summer humidity of the Japanese is compensated by the beauty and the large number of flowers that dazzle us with their beautiful colors. The stories we could tell about the Marcel F. ausssi are numerous and a pretty flower garden .
One that remained most deeply in my memory is the effort made to carry F. Marcel on his back for several days a Handicapped student , allowing the boy to participate in a study trip with his classmates . Now as a young man, this former student surely not forget this experience of his life .
F. Marcel is rather quiet character , but when his sontmises relevant convictions, he showed a courage that we wonder . I think F. Marcel is a person gifted with remarkable strength and inventive sense never ceases to amaze us. It is a kindness unmatched for any visitor who knocks at the door of the monastery . It has a warm heart for the poor and the afflicted and knows how to solve their problems by his words and actions.
Marcel F. I see as a stable religious, devoted to Mary and the Lord. It stands as a vigorous tree , always green and full of sap , planted near the river flowing to the temple of the Father.
Fr Marcel , I pray that the Lord’s blessing on you and still all you do!
F. Jean -Pierre Houle (Tokyo)
Dear Marcel F. .
Your life is like a long novel that is me
impossible to tell today.
Let’s just say this: you excel in everything.
Called by Christ , you jumped for joy and your answer was instantaneous : “I want to be a F. Ploërme ! ”
You left for Pointe -du -Lac , where under the patronage of St. Joseph you grow in virtue, you adonnas studies , sports and pratiquas participas routine chores .
Then came August 15 where you wearing the cassock and crucifix portas .
The figure of Saint Francis Xavier in stained glass in the chapel of Pointe -du -Lac t’nspira to become a missionary to the country of Mount Fuji, and you will retrouvas in Tokyo , teaching small innocent children SENGAKUJI .
Five years later , you were to Seiko , Yokohama , along with colleagues such as FF . Poitras, Tremblay Martel.
Over the past 45 years in Yokohama, you maîtrisas Japanese, enseignas English to adolescents, manias ax , shovel and hammer, exhibas tenderness of heart as big
that your physical strength became legendary .
But listen , Marcel. We do not admire you only for your physical feats and your big heart .
We see you especially a religious conviction , which is given to God there 60 years.
Your secret encounters with God in the chapel during the day and often late in the evening are well known.
” Omedeto ” for the good work that God has done for you over the 60 years.
What you wanted to you totally successful,
Marcel : You are a true F. Ploërmel.
F. Deo Ssekitooleko (Tokyo)
Marcel , the celebration of your Diamond Jubilee of Religious Life is an opportunity to thank God for all the graces you have received over the years, and also an opportunity for us to congratulate you for having responded to his call.
You understand the word Jesus said : “My mother , my brothers and sisters are those who hear my word and accept it. ”
Thank you for your many years of service to youth. ” What you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, it is to me that you do. ”
Thank you for your constant availability , for your spirit of hospitality and organization are you doing at the meetings that take place in your community Yokohama work ..
Those who persevere to the end will be saved!
Again, Marcel , congratulations !
And best wishes forthe future.
Joseph F. Muyunga (Tokyo)
F. Marcel is a stimulant for me, because it is spiritually and emotionally robust. He never sacrificed his life to religious influences or external desires.
The skill of Marcel F. constantly improve its religious and community life inspires me to do my best to see that there are better in life. I am grateful.
The life of F. Marcel made me realize that I too have done my posssible to achieve the goal that I chose.
Marcel F. appears to us as a person whose life is based on reality. He is aware of the goal he wants to achieve and why he is ready to fight to achieve this goal . He decides and pursues objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, pertinants and timely.
Marcel F. aims to be productive rather than just busy. In other words , for her work quality outweighs quantity.
He consistently small positive things , and constantly improve their own way of living by performing small acts, such as control his diet to make it healthier .
……………………………………….
Brother Marcel Villemure
Dear Brothers , Members Mennaisians and other friends present.
The psalmist invites us to ” sing the love of God and exalt his age loyalty age . ” This day is a unique opportunity for me to praise God for the graces and blessings He has bestowed on me . I also wish to express my sincere thanks to each of you for your presence at the celebration of my Diamond Jubilee of religious life.
As you all know, this is first environment in a Christian family , and later in that of a religious family that love and faithfulness of God manifested themselves during the 60 years of my religious life , most of which happened here Japan.
My gratitude goes to the Congregation of the Mission and especially for all the support I was the beneficiary and for understanding that I was the object, that above all, a very specific and personal way , by Thomas Brothers Tremblay and Guy Morissette, my colleagues more than 40 years.
I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Kanaya , who took a warm care commumauté of Yokohama , especially after the sudden departure of Ms. Tochigi , who devoted himself to us for several years. I also wish to thank Ms. Ito and Asaishi for attention and dedication they show to the Brothers of our community.
Sincere thanks to F. Guy for all the trouble and the meticulous care he put into the preparation of today’s feast , and also to other brothers who collaborated with him to give the festival a special stamp of solemnity , which will be added to the gaiety and joy DNAS moments that follow.
And in closing, I want to thank each F. for the kindness with which he described
my temper and told various facts that have marked my life , forming , so to speak , a multicolored wreath well suited to the occasion, and which, while pleasing me , gives me a lot to think about and makes me humbly say with Mary :
” My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. “
………………………………….
FOOD PARTY
Once past the chapel two hours, 30 Brothers and guest (s) assembled in the refectory for the festive meal in honor of F.Villemure.
And makes us see the Japanese menu, variety of dishes did not disappoint, from appetizers works seafood to the huge cake made by our cook, Mrs. Nakaya. Also gave the guests in their heart, piling food on their plates and dispersing freely instead they wanted in the great room. Groups of two or three naturally formed, whose members frequently changed when either sit returned after using the big table. Animated conversations were flying everywhere, Japanese, English, and sometimes with one or two French words that had strayed into the room by mistake.
Before the entry of birthday cake would be the crowning achievement of this happy meeting, there was the fun rendition of a Japanese song whose lyrics were composed for the occasion by F. Guy Morissette and whose melody was that of a song of the
Mother Sayuri Yôchien: