When asking some fellow Jesuits about Fr. Michael Lapierre, one replied that he is a quiet man with a subtle smile; another said that he is an old-fashioned, not glamorous, hard-working man. An image that comes to mind is that of the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master finds awake and at work upon his arrival (Luke 12:42-43).

 Michael was born and raised in Chapeau, Allumette Island, Quebec. He did not meet a Jesuit until the day he entered the novitiate in Guelph, in 1934. How then did he hear about the Jesuits, and come to the decision to join the Society? Michael describes how once, in Ottawa, he picked up an encyclopedia so as to learn something about the Jesuits. What he found there, he says, was an “awful” picture of St. Ignatius! Michael adds, though, that the Lord won out. Taking the train from Pembroke to the novitiate in Guelph, he felt nervous and wondered at each stop: should I get off here? He did not get off, and thus began a life in the Society that has now reached 80 years as a Jesuit.

 Another Jesuit recalls how, in 1947, he and his fellow novices met Fr. Lapierre and thought: “This poor man, he might not be around much longer.” Michael had been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. Due to that illness, he took a health leave for a time. He recovered, though – and here he is, still going strong, at the age of 99!

Michael worked for many years at Regis College. He was a professor there from 1950-86, and professor emeritus from 1986 until 2001. Also for many years, from 1968-2001, he was the Director of the Loyola Summer Institute for Spiritual Renewal, which was conducted in Pickering and in Guelph. Michael also went home, often, to Chapeau, to help with ministry at Christmas and Easter. Nowadays he is still active and vibrant. People still come to see him, at the infirmary in Pickering, for counselling and spiritual direction.

Sr. Karen Bennett, a good friend of Michael's, was a student at one point at the Summer Institute. She describes the origin of the Institute, with circumstances involving a lack of availability of spiritual and theological training for religious sisters, following Vatican II. The Provincials of the women's religious communities were aware of this lack, and expressed their concern to the Jesuit Provincial, Fr. Angus McDougall. The Provincial Spoke to Michael, who then took the initiative to start up the Institute.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit” (Luke 12:35). Michael Lapierre has done so throughout a life that, God willing, will soon reach 100 years. And the Lord will surely find his servant ready, when it is time for Michael to be called to his eternal home.