The Autobiography of Father Pierre E. Lachance, OP

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It is customary in religious communities, when a member dies, that someone writes a more or less elaborate story describing the life and personality of the deceased. This biography is then circulated throughout the houses of the community. I did this for my classmate, Father Pare, after he passed away October 5, 1999.

After reading this biography, my pastor, Father Bergeron raised the question: "When you die, who will write your life story? You are the last survivor of the Dominicans at Fall River."

I observed that I had all the useful information in my files and that anyone could find there my "curriculum vitae" and the chief events that have marked my life.

"But why not write your autobiography yourself?" After a moment of reflection, the suggestion seemed reasonable. I then remembered that in 1986, Father Jean Marc Gay, ex-Provincial, preached our conventual retreat in Fall River, during which he invited us to reflect on how the hand of God had directed our lives over the years. Following my personal inclination, I began to write. As a result, I had a short autobiography that I could easily elaborate further. I shall use these notes to write this biographical essay in a spirit of thanksgiving to proclaim the goodness of the Lord toward me. It will be my "Magnificat."