On Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Church, Bruno Cloutier will be ordained to priesthood for the diocese of Montreal. Here is a short personal testimony of his vocational journey.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
(Jn 15: 11)

I was seven years-old when my parents brought me to church for the first time. It was in 1970 on Christmas Day, to visit the nativity scene. This is when I first felt the presence of God, its beauty, and the joy and affection within. It also marked the beginning of a wonderful adventure between baby Jesus and I, as it had been a unique close encounter. God never ceased to intervene in my life since. He sculpted Jesus’s image on my heart, so that I could really witness His powerful and unconditional love.

Over the following years, I deepened my relationship with the Lord through praying, studying sciences and theology, and getting involved in teaching and ministry. I answered His call in order to discover and pursue my mission, according to the gifts and charisms I had received from Him. I undertook my journey despite the many obstacles, pitfalls and challenges, with a deep desire to remain “who I am,” remembering that it was how my life unfolded to become like the Lord and to grow within Him.

Saint Teresa of Avila said that, for our greater good, yes, “let us believe in Him”. Looking back on my life through the eyes of faith, I realize I went through extraordinary events and moments to feel God’s love. This is my own personal testimony, with its strengths and limitations. Yet, this journey filled with the Lord’s heartfelt love taught me to become a pastor! Today I sincerely wish to thank God, but also the Œuvre des Vocations du diocèse de Montréal, and all the people who quietly prayed for me and financially supported me, and gifted me on my journey to priesthood.

So it is with great joy, in gratitude for what you have done, that I invite you to my ordination to priesthood which will take place on Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m., at Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs, located at 4155, Wellington Street, in Verdun. On that day, I will dedicate my life to the service of my brothers and sisters, sustained by my faith and brotherly love, and this celebration will give me an opportunity to thank the Lord in your presence, Him who keeps bringing pastors to his Church!

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.”
(1 Co: 15, 10)