Sister Candide Rodrigue
“I am with you always, until the end of time” (Mt. 28:20)
On August 21, 2022, Candide Rodrigue,
whose religious name was Sister M-Antoinette-du-Sauveur,
went home to God.
She was 94 years old, with 75 years as a vowed religious.
Born in East Angus, Québec, she was the 5th of the 11 children of Adjutor Rodrigue and Marie-Antoinette Godbout.
Candide attended Disraeli Boarding School directed by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and the Teachers’ College of the Daughters of Charity of the Sacred Heart in Sherbrooke. She entered the SNJM novitiate at the age of 17 and received the name of her mother, M.-Antoinette-du-Sauveur. She remained close to her family throughout her life and they remained attached to her, too.
For the first 25 years of her religious life, Sister Candide devoted herself to teaching at Marie-Rose and Longueuil Boarding Schools, as well as other schools in Sherbrooke, Beauharnois, Scotstown… In all, twelve schools or boarding schools benefitted from her dedication, her love for youth, and her good humour.
In 1971, she heard another call, the call to be local animator for the community of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. Always ready to serve, for 13 years she ministered in many ways, including as provincial secretary and parish secretary and treasurer. “Because she was discreet, reserved and conscientious in assuming her responsibilities, Candide was very well appreciated.”
For 18 years, as a resident at Saint André B in Longueuil, Sister Candide participated in community services while also ministering outside the house as provincial secretary, assistant librarian, secretary for the Marie-Rose Centre, and volunteer with seniors. She showed empathy and compassion when she visited people experiencing diminishment and fragility.
As a resident of the Congregational House, Candide continued to serve, assisting the local animator, as well as helping in the Marie-Rose Centre, in the Archives Department, and as a receptionist. “Aware of the needs of others, Sister Candide never wanted anyone to be forgotten. Very attentive to those around her, it was natural for her to show respect and deference. She sought to see what was positive and best in each person. Always available, generous and determined, she knew how to bring everything she undertook to a good end.”
When she retired to the Maison Jésus-Marie infirmary, Candide never lost her love of solitude, music, and prayer. She had always known how to welcome others and so, when the time came, she knew how to welcome her God who came to bring her home.