The Sisters of Our Lady of Chambriac from Chamalières (Puy-de-Dôme) in Auvergne, was the first religious community that established in the territory that was to become the future Diocese of Gravelbourg. In Usson Forrez (Loire) , France, stands an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Chambriac. In 1732, at the feet of this miraculous statue of the Virgin, venerated for centuries, four devout girls became united to lay the foundations of a religious family under the patronage of Mary. These Sisters were: Colette Ojard, Catherine Chambre, Claudine Blanc and Marie Daurelle. This religious community is dedicated to the education of the youth as well as to care for the poor and the ill.

Father Marie-Albert Royer, founder of the parish of Notre-Dame d’Auvergne, Ponteix, Saskatchewan and former pastor of the parish of Ponteix in Auvergne, France, requested the Sisters of Our Lady of Chambriac to join him in his missionary task.

Arriving on September 11^th, 1913 the first six Sisters immediately took the initiative by opening a school, along with a hospital.

In 1933, His Excellency Bishop Arthur Melanson of Gravelbourg invited the Sisters of Our Lady of Chambriac to take charge of the domestic duties at the Bishop’s residence.

These following historical notes were researched by Sister Rose-Alma Dumont of the Sisters of Our Lady of Auvergne in Ponteix:

– August 16^th, 1933: Bishop Melanson paid a visit to the Gabriel Hospital and the convent to thank the religious community for accepting to upkeep the Bishop’s residence. “You will not regret your decision upon accepting, you will come to see enjoyment later.“

– August 28^th, 1933: at nine thirty, Father Poirier escorted our dear Sisters St. Austromoine and Marie Hélène to the Bishop’s residence.

– October 9^th, 1933: Sister Marie Odilia Mercier arrives at the Bishop’s residence to take charge of the kitchen. Mother Marie Rose Mercier becomes Superior of the Bishop’s residence and Sister Marie Hélène Périsset returns to Ponteix.

– November 25^th, 1933: Sister Marie Aurélie Auger replaces Mother Marie Austromoine.

– February 9^th, 1936: Bishop Melanson leaves Gravelbourg and becomes Archbishop of Moncton on February 23^rd, 1936.

– February 12^th, 1936: the Sisters of Our Lady of Chambriac return to Ponteix.

The following is a list of personnel at the Bishop’s residence during the Sisters of Our Lady of Chambriac’s stay in Gravelbourg from 1933-1936:

– Mgr. Arthur Melanson 
– Msgr. Georges-Etienne Grandbois 
– Msgr. Charles A. Maillard
– L’abbé James Branch 
– L’abbé Sylvio Morin
– Mère St. Austromoine Legay 
– Sr. Marie Hélène Périsset
– Sr. Marie Odilia Mercier
– Sr. Marie Rose Mercier
– Sr. Marie Aurélie Auger
-One employee – Mlle. Annette Simard (Msgr. Maillard’s niece)