ALFRED PAMPALON
HIS LIFE

Alfred Pampalon was born on November 24, 1867, in the city of Levis, near Quebec City. His purity, prayerful attitude, kindness and helpfulness became apparent at a very early age.

As a student, Alfred radiated goodness from the core of his being. He loved to laugh and joke with his friends. He excelled at sports, becoming a champion athlete in many. He was a role model for his fellow students who, instead of feeling inferior, looked up to him and showed him great affection.

Alfred desired to live his life as a son of Saint Alphonsus, as a Redemptorist priest. To achieve his dream, he had to travel to Belgium to study.

A few years later on October 4, 1892, he was ordained into the priesthood. It was apparent to everyone who knew him that young Alfred Pampalon had the heart of an apostle. He imitated the Redeemer in his works of charity. He was called to minister to the poor and the suffering. He led many people back to God and helped them to find peace within their souls.

Of meek disposition, he was an affable man. He drew great strength from the Eucharist. His confreres nicknamed him the “Lamb of God”, a significant recognition of his spirituality. His demeanor, his attitude, his compassionate actions, everything about him reflected his holiness.

But all too soon the signs of tuberculosis became evident. The disease would end Alfred’s life within two years and cause him to suffer greatly. On September 4, 1895, he left Belgium to return home to Canada. Through his suffering, the holiness of Father Alfred grew to a new maturity.

At the Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupre, although his health was failing rapidly, Alfred was able to preach, hear confessions, baptize, act as a spiritual director, and give comfort to the poor for a few more months.

As time passed, his strength decreased as the disease consumed his body. By August 1896, dropsy affected his legs, his body, and even his face. In September, he was but a wound. His body ached all over. He could find no comfortable position to rest in, not even lying down. Still he made the effort to console other sick confreres with a few words and a smile.

On the evening of September 29, 1896, the dying priest, remaining perfectly lucid, prayed continuously. In a faint voice, he whispered: “O death..., O holy death..., come..., do come! O divine Savior..., my hope is in your merits... I am happy... to suffer for you! I want to go to Heaven... to see you and Mary...“. He would come to be called the ‘saint’ of Hail Mary’s.

Suddenly, this worn out priest sat up straight, and in a strong healthy voice began to sing the Magnificat. He sang the whole prayer. Like Mary, he sang his gratitude to the Lord. He sang because he was at the threshold of his Father’s house. He would soon see Jesus! He would see Mary! At the end, still with a clear voice, he prayed: “Praise Jesus, Mary and Good Saint Anne!“

A little before eight o’clock on the morning of September 30, good Father Alfred opened his eyes and looked up smiling as he saw a vision. He breathed his last. The Virgin had come to take him home.

What a resemblance between Alfred, the Flower of Levis, and Thérèse, the Flower of Lisieux! Both entered eternity in the prime of their life, one year to the day exactly between their deaths, for Therese died on September 30, 1897. Both suffered so much before they died! For God, for their mission, for sinners!

Alfred Pampalon died at the age of 28 years and ten months. The lamp of his holy life was extinguished after only a few short years.

Father Alfred’s heroic virtues were officially acknowledged by Pope John Paul II on May 14, 1991. He is now Venerable Alfred Pampalon. Let us hope that the anticipated miracles will lead soon to his beatification and eventual canonization.

PATRON OF ALCOHOLICS AND DRUG ADDICTS

Father Alfred must rejoice in heaven, upon seeing his remains in the lower chapel of the Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupre! Pilgrims who have recourse to Beaupre’s great Saint Anne, may also implore her pilgrim, the Venerable Alfred Pampalon.

To know of him is to love him. One man wrote: “How edified I was as I read about his life! I was moved to tears“.

Alfred Pampalon continues to care for all people who are suffering and afflicted. He is intercessor for all those who approach his tomb with hearts overflowing with pain and sadness. He is the consoling protector of anyone who asks for his intercession from anywhere in the world.

Very soon, reports flow in to the Basilica, witnessing to the physical and spiritual healing attributed to the intercession of Father Alfred Pampalon.

Venerable Alfred Pampalon has come to be considered as the Patron of alcoholics and drug addicts, of people who are enslaved by narcotics.

Many people who wish to be cured of their addiction to drugs or alcohol ask for the intercession of Father Alfred. Especially the youth. There are many testimonies of such favors obtained.

Lately, the number of favors obtained have increased, and they range from conversions, vocations, peace of mind and soul, joy and courage in trials, reconciliation of couples, successful births, financial help, jobs, good results at school, cures for asthma, heart problems, liver problems, back pain, and ulcers, not to mention the great many victories over tobacco, drug and alcohol addiction.

PRAYER TO VENERABLE FATHER ALFRED PAMPALON
PATRON OF ALCOHOLICS AND DRUG ADDICTS
(for private use)

Dear Father Alfred, here is my prayer to you, listen to my cry, come to my help, obtain for me the favors I desire. You are well known as the protector of people who are suffering in body, mind and spirit.

You show special compassion for alcohol and drug addicts. You have freed so many people from their dependencies. Free me also, I beg you, dear Father Alfred, and free those people I recommend to you, especially members of my family.

I come to you with confidence. I pray for myself and for all those who are dear to me. Come also to the assistance of the Church and of the whole world. Amen.

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