Saint-Jerome Commemorates the 125th Anniversary of the Death of Father Antoine Labelle

SAINT-JÉRÔME, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 9, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced $86,400 in funding for the Saint-Jérôme municipality to launch the programming related to this initiative.

This funding, provided by the Government of Canada through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program, will highlight Father Labelle's great contribution to our history.

Quick Facts

• Father Antoine Labelle, who in the 19^th century was affectionately called the "King of the North" by his fellow citizens, will be the focus this year. The tribute paid to him will include two exhibitions: one on his life and work and the other on settlement and the railway.
• Other activities planned are organ concerts and traditional music, historical theatre productions and a day with storytellers.
• This event is expected to attract around 20,000 participants to its festivities. It will bring together more than a hundred artists, artisans and local heritage performers, as well as many volunteers.

Quotes

"A man of faith and a distinguished political figure, Father Labelle left an important legacy to his contemporaries and in particular to the settlers of the North, who were so dear to him. Congratulations to the organizers of this commemoration, which will allow the people of the Laurentians, as well as visitors, to discover a significant page of Quebec's history."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Antoine Labelle, one of the most colourful figures of 19^th century Canada, is still talked about today, 125 years after his death. Known as the apostle of settlement and the King of the North, our legendary Curé de Saint-Jérôme has gained the status of a national hero over time. The City of Saint-Jérôme is proud to contribute to keeping his memory alive by organizing a series of varied events throughout the year to bring to life one the most remarkable figures in the history of the Laurentians."

- Stéphane Maher, Mayor of the City of Saint-Jérôme

Associated Links

125e anniversaire du décès du curé Labelle (French only)

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

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