It has been three years since the death of Archbishop Raymond Roussin. He was 75, having lived 57 years as a member of the Marianist Order, an order founded in 1817 to educate poor children in post-revolutionary France.
In 1970 he was ordained a priest after having earned a Theology Licentiate from the University of Fribourg. He worked for many years immersed as university chaplain in Quebec and Manitoba. In 1980 he served as provincial superior of the Marianists in Canada, staying in his post for seven years.
In 1995 he was ordained bishop to serve the diocese of Gravelbourg, and then in 1998 he was sent as Coadjutor Bishop of Victoria.
Archbishop Roussin arrived in Vancouver in 2004. He succeeded Archbishop Exner who submitted his resignation when he reached 75; a requirement given to all Bishops by the Code of Canon Law.
Archbishop Roussin was well loved Pastor in the Church of Vancouver. He was known for his simplicity and easygoing personality coupled with a deep faith. He was also a courageous pastor who fought giants like Telus when the cellphone provider was to offer pornographic content. He was also remembered for his public struggle with clinical depression. His struggle was seen by some to help remove the stigma associated in mental health issues. Because of his struggle he had to take a leave of absence to deal with his depression. In 2009 he retired and went to live with his sister in Manitoba.
Let us remember Archbishop Roussin in our prayers today.
