About-Us

When I was asked about the origin of the Centre de l’Amour, I had to say that I knew nothing or very little about the place. What I did know, the place was built in 1975, it was a Hotel-Motel, from the beginning. They ran into some financial difficulties, where it was at the point of a informal bankruptcy and that in 1978, it became a house of prayer.

I asked people who were there from the beginning and this is what I found out

It was the beginning of the Charismatic Renewal. Father Jean Paul Regimbalwas touched and healed when living in the United States. It was by the imposition of the hands of a women that the Lord came to visit Father Regimbal, and he asked her who was this Jesus that she knew.

The Lord had the door wide open to give his servant everything he needed for the mission He entrusted in him. That is to say, make Him known and loved. On his return to Granby, Quebec, his ministry soon bacame known, and the Lord provided Father Regimbal with a powerful ministry. The first prayer group that emerged in the Diocese of Ottawa, was from Orleans, Ontario, a group which is still active today. This communion of prayer between Orleans and Granby was the l'Association Chrétienne Témoin de l'Invangile ( A.C.T.E.) breakfasts. At the Hotel Normandie, each week, a full bus left Orleans and headed for Granby to pray and to hear Father Regimbal --they went to see the Ministry for liberation and healing. It was the beginning of the Renewal. They would find spiritual nourishment in Granby and give back to the community. There was something very special happening, healings, conversions, so many beautiful moments that the elders still remember, even to this day.

Jessup's Falls Motor Inn, a Motel-Hotel, was not going as well as the owner, Maurice Labrosse, had hoped for. So he went to this prayer group in Orleans to seek help, which triggered a real conversion in him. The journey that followed, took him to ask the Lord what to do with the Motel-Hotel, in Plantagenet. The inspiration that came to him, was to offer God this house as a house of prayer, a spiritual center, and a shelter.

We are in 1978. Was started praying but we had to respect the reservations for weddings. For one year therefore, we were opened as an Hotel and a house of prayer at the same time. A corporation was created in 1978 under the name Centre de l'Amour and the main signatories of the new charter, and non-profit, organization were:

• Maurice Labrosse
• Jean Gauthier
• Henri Lemay
• Fernand Braün

The Corporation of the Centre de l'Amour purchased the assets in 1984 of what was Jessup's Falls Motor Inn in Plantagenet. Since that time, the house remained continuously open and many priests have succeeded to make Him known and loved.

Father Jean Paul Regimbal died September 8, 1988, shortly after I arrived here at the Centre. I did not know his preaching, but I met him in the last year of his life.

Maurice and Thérèse Labrosse were a tool for the grace of conversion that multiplied itself in so many people who have attended the Centre de l'Amour, until they passed away.

Henri Lemay is still very active in evangelism. Jean Gauthier and Fernand Braün have different missions, but work towards the same goal: to make Him known and loved.

I thank God for the faith both women and men who had the audacity and courage to open this spiritual house in Plantagenet. We are in 2014 and the grace of abandonment to Providence is ever lasting. God has long chose this place for his words through those who venture to follow Him.

What I've learned through all these years, that God is faithful. He always keeps His promises, and He is never late. What God does is perfect, in His time.

The Centre de l'Amour was given another mission. Emmanuel Farm is 5 minutes from the Centre. This farm will become a Christian vacation place giving access to people seeking God in silence, nature, and meditation. This is in the making. We are at the very beginning. We are in the process of cutting down trees to set up cottages and the rest will come later.

A word about Father Pilon c.p.v.
I must commend the fidelity of Father Pilon who has been with us at the Centre de l'Amour, since the early 80s. He still accompanies each week those in need of his services in various departments. We salute his loyalty and commitments. Thank you on behalf of those who have benefited from your priestly ministry.

Noëlla St-Onge.

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