The Little Rose Newsletter The Voice of the Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island

Volume 4 Issue 4 September 2020 Many of you may have heard the about renewing for another year. For saying: “There’s a crack in everything, those of you who may have joined in that is how the light gets in.” This is a a month other than September, we line written by Leonard Cohen. will send out reminders via e-mail. Reflecting on this line, as one having a Membership not only supports our devotion to Little Rose, we begin to work but more importantly shows understand what Little Rose and the that there is still a strong devotion to year 2020 had in common. They both “Little Rose” and a need to keep her began in a healthy good way and then memory alive. both were shattered by a sickness that In whatever way our world has entered in. Sickness being the “crack” shifted through these challenging in both. times, we must, as Little Rose did in In our dealings with this change in imitation of, and in union with , our world, we have sadly decided to embrace what we have to suffer and cancel our fundraiser for this year. in this way God can and will channel We are thinking of different fundrais- the focus on another membership His light in to fill all our broken ing avenues which we will share in the drive. If you joined as a yearly mem- places with His grace. future. For now we will try to keep ber last September, it is time to think We will persevere and overcome present difficulties. Words From the Foundation President Ave Maria! adding a few new ones. We will keep chipping away at the area making On the Feast of improvements as time and funding the Sacred Heart of allows. Jesus this past June November 27th will be the 190th 19th, we conducted Anniversary of the of the Im- an “Enthronment to maculate Conception, more popular- the Sacred Heart” at the Foundation ly known as the Miraculous Medal. led by a retired priest. What a blessing! Our Lady herself presented the de- During July and August we focused sign to a French nun on this day in our efforts on renovating the Annex 1830 with the words, “Those who room after building repairs were made wear it will receive great graces, espe- to stop water from seeping in. Water- cially if they wear it around their proof paint and waterproof flooring neck.” A story of interest regarding “Light of the World” were set under our existing carpeting. how the medal ties in with redemp- Our first stained-glass window was tive suffering is included in this issue Painting by Charles Bosseron Chambers in 1919. installed in this room! on page three with the Claude New- It is actually a detail of a larger painting of Saint Also during this summer, we’ve had man story. Little Rose understood Joseph holding the child Jesus. Between 1920 and the opportunity to think creatively this and with each medal she gave 1940 millions of copies were sold. about how to further our courtyard’s out would also offer her suffering for use and appeal. A space for a small Jesus spoke to them again, saying, the recipients of the . grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Fati- “I am the light of the world. Whoever ma was created, along with more flow- Yours with “little Rose,” follows me will not walk in darkness, er beds, incorporating some plants that were here from previous owners and David P. Ethier but will have the light of life.” John8:12 Page 2 The Little Rose Newsletter An Answered Prayer The following is a testimony submitted by Two men dedicated their lives to Cathy Boisvert, one of the Directors of the Rose traveling with this statue and as of this Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island. writing they still have a website: My story of an answered prayer www.passionofjesus.com If you go to begins when my Uncle was diagnosed the site and click on history you can with pancreatic cancer in 2002. He see the picture of Little Rose credited lived in Tennesee and called to ask me with the inspiration for the statue. Peo- for Little Rose’s biography She Wears ple are still very moved by Jesus de- a Crown of Thorns, the one given to picted this way. Little Rose continues me by my grandfather when I was a her work to save souls. teenager. I looked everywhere in my A whole year went by before I home and could not find it. I went to passed a table at the French Heritage every bookstore around - no book on Festival in Woonsocket and a banner Little Rose to be found. I was sad- of Little Rose, caught my eye. I found dened to think that not only could I not out about a newly formed Foundation get the book for my Uncle but even created to preserve her memory and more sad that Little Rose’s life could effects. Still it took me another year be forgotten. I did end up finding her out the book ever again. I wanted to to finally go to a talk they were offer- tri-fold novena pamphlet in my Bible. share Little Rose’s story with others ing on Little Rose. Finally in August of It was during Lent; I began to pray a now that I could. The year was 2003. 2017, I was asked to join the Rose Novena to Little Rose to find this book. My Uncle Frank was not to obtain a Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island The day after I finished the nove- healing miracle from Little Rose, alt- and in September 2017, the very next na, a customer walked into our tax hough, I do believe she did bring us month, they purchased a property. office and gave us a plant. I had nev- much peace and consolation, along Add to all this, soon after that pur- er seen this particular plant before. It with the strength to endure. chase, a donation of SEVERAL HUN- was thorny and had tiny little red Fast forward to the year 2015. DRED She Wears a Crown of Thorns flowers. When I looked it up through On a pilgrimage with my mom and hardcover books by Father Boyer, her a plant catalog my friend had – I friends to Betania II in Medway MA, biographer, published in 1951 was found it and it was called “Crown of we beheld the sight of Little Rose’s received!! I was in a of awe. Thorns!” I said out loud “Little Rose, Scourged Jesus Statue. I had not seen There was a part of me that wanted that is not funny! You know I meant this statue in 40 years. Low and be- to buy them all! Now her story could the book!” To this day, I still have this hold, behind the statue was a picture continue to work miracles!! plant and it always reminds me of of the designer of the statue, “Little Very funny Little Rose! I did know Little Rose. Rose.” As I looked at her picture, I that prayers aren’t always answered Shortly after this, I turned to the asked her “Little Rose, what do you quite the way we want. Now I also internet and finally found the Aposto- want me to do?” I then was caught up know not to give up because in time, late that Paulette Nickel had set up in in this statue of Jesus as He looked the answer just might show up in a Pennsylvania. Paulette had the book! after being scourged, and heard her very big and unexpected way. I bought ten! I did not want to be with- answer: “Listen to Him.”

Marie Rose Ferron In 1986, Father Francois-Paul Deraspe, O.SS.T. encouraged Mrs. Jeanne Savard Bonin to write, in all simplicity, everything she knew concerning the stigmatist of Woonsocket. Mrs. Savard Bonin visited the Ferrons form age 12 to 22 with her sister Aline. Her account is vivid and often touching. Fr. Deraspe relates that this book is an invitation to rediscover the Chris- tian meaning of suffering, the concrete value of the restoration of minds and hearts by faith and love of , crucified and risen. The Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island has recently reprinted this book. Suggested donation is $25.00 Volume 4, Issue 4 Miraculous Conversion Page 3 In 1944, a black illiterate shocked everyone present. man on death row in the State Turning to the sheriff, he then of Mississippi was converted to said, "Sheriff, get me a priest!" Catholicism by putting a mirac- The Sheriff went to the con- ulous medal around his neck. It demned man and asked, "Son, was one that another prisoner what changed your mind?" had discarded. This man was The prisoner responded, named Claude Newman. Hav- "Remember that black man ing no knowledge of religion, Claude – the one whom I hated we can say he was awakened so much? Well he's standing there by the Blessed Virgin Mary. [and he pointed], over in that cor- When our Blessed Mother ner. And behind him with one appeared to him, he was hand on each shoulder is the struck by her beauty. She Blessed Virgin Mary. And Claude asked him if he wanted her to said to me, 'I offered my death in be his mother and if he want- union with Christ on the for ed to be her son; if so, send your salvation. She has obtained for a Catholic priest. When he Brother Claude Lane OSB, of the Mount Angel Abbey, in for you this gift of seeing your awoke, Claude screamed for a St. Benedict, Oregon is the artist who created this place in Hell if you do not repent.' Catholic priest. He was instruct- beautiful icon of the Virgin Mary and Claude Newman. I have been shown my place in ed in the Catholic faith by this Hell, and that's why I screamed." these two weeks, Claude generously priest and he revealed to the The condemned man was offered his sacrifice and prayers for priest much that he learned from executed as scheduled, but the the beautiful lady. He was his fellow prisoner. Two weeks later, Claude was put to death by electric heavenly appearance of our received into the Catholic Blessed Mother with Claude chair on Feb. 4, 1944. before his scheduled execution. Newman and the subsequent vision On the night of his execution, Concerning Claude’s holy death of hell had instantly converted his Claude was saddened to hear the priest said "I've never seen anyone soul in the last moments of his life. that he had been granted a two- go to his death as joyfully and happi- Claude had united himself with the week reprieve. Claude said to ly. Even the official witnesses and the suffering of Jesus by offering his the priest and the sheriff, "But newspaper reporters were amazed. own sufferings to Him, just as we you don't understand! If you ever They said they couldn't understand how all can do for others, and Claude's saw Her face, and looked into anyone could go and sit in the electric suffering helped pay the price for Her eyes, you wouldn't want to chair while at the same time actually this man’s remarkable last minute live another day!" beaming with happiness." conversion and repentance. There- There was a prisoner who Three months later, on May 19, fore we must never under-estimate hated Claude intensely. This 1944, the man who Claude had the value of our sufferings joined man had led a horribly immoral offered his sacrifice for, was to be with those of Jesus Christ, and the life and had a hatred for God. executed. When he was strapped power and loving intercession of The priest then said "Maybe Our into the electric chair, the sheriff said Our Blessed Mother in heaven. to him, "If you have something to say, Blessed Mother wants you to offer Little Rose gave away this denial of being with Her for say it now." The condemned man started to blaspheme. many Miraculous Medals his conversion." And the priest during her lifetime and the continued, "Why don't you offer All of a sudden he stopped Rose Ferron Foundation of to God every moment that you speaking, and his eyes became fixed Rhode Island continues this are separated from your heavenly on the corner of the room, and his tradition in her memory. face turned to one of absolute Together with Little Rose we Mother for this prisoner, so that pray to Our Lady for the he will not be separated from horror. Suddenly he screamed in salvation of all souls for God for all eternity." During terror--a horrible scream that Jesus. Page 4 The Little Rose Newsletter AN ACT OF REPARATION TO THE HOLY FACE

O most Adorable Face of Jesus, humbly standing before You, we adore You for all who refuse to adore You; we love You and beg forgiveness for all who do not want to love You and for all who blaspheme You.

The boldness and the ignorance of the irreligious has increased; from the very depth of hell, infamy and outcries arise in opposition to Your Sacred Divinity, casting insults and abuse at Your Holy Church. Therefore it is our duty as Catholics to make reparation, so that we may offer our love and veneration to You, O Jesus.

O Blessed Face, may we wipe the sweat, spittle and tears as an act of love so to soothe Your suffering with ever increasing faith and love.

O Sacred Face, grant that we may weep for the crimes of our sinful brethren, that we may make reparation for the outrages they commit against Your Divinity. We affirm Your Divinity with all our hearts and if necessary would give up our lives to vindicate it.

O most lovable Face, cast Your merciful and compassionate gaze upon us. Forgive this Godless age, in which prideful creatures brazenly refuse to acknowledge Your authority. Illuminate with the splendor of Your Presence the shadows of darkness which envelop us, and which, were it not for Your grace, would drag us ever closer to everlasting death

And now we put our whole hearts into following You, into fearing You and seeking Your Face once more. Amen.

On August 14th 2020, the Foundation was 2 Chronicles 7: 14 visited by Donald Nohs, who is the president “If my people who are called by My name humble them- of the Society of the Holy Face of Jesus and selves and pray and SEEK MY FACE and turn from their a member of the Confraternity of the wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive Passion. He is driving across America with their sin and will heal their land.” the miraculous Holy Face of Jesus which shed blood. This journey is a journey of Penance and Reparation. He gave a presentation and prayed prayers of reparation with a small group of Third Order Franciscans that were invited to the event by David Ethier. After the talk, we were allowed to venerate the miraculous Holy Face of Jesus. The Holy Face of Jesus is the remedy for the troubles in today’s world. Donald intends to visit us again in the future. We hope at that time to advertise and allow more of our members and the public to attend. Volume 4, Issue 4 Little Rose in Fall River Part Two Page 5 Little Rose was 3 1/2 years old Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, a doctor when her first made the gave her electric shock treatments. At move to Fall River, Massachussettes another hospital she had her appendix from Canada. The year was 1905 taken out because of chronic pain. and they made their first home in Another time she went to a hospital the United States in a house that was for an exploratory operation. When her around the corner from St. Roch sister Simarelda visited her in the hos- Church. St. Roch was located on pital, they had a strap around her body Pine St. near Orange St. and had to keep her on her bed because her been built in 1889 and like many body would curl up. She was around churches of the time, served a dual 16 at the time. purpose. The first floor was a It was because of all these hospital school and the second floor was the stays in Fall River, that Mr. Ferron re- church area. While it is no longer a fused to have Little Rose examined parish church the building still re- English? when the appeared on her mains as a condominium. body in Woonsocket – he felt she had Having a beautiful voice, Little Rose suffered enough. She was a healthy young girl at sang in the church choir at St. Roch. this time who liked to run, play and Then at the age of 12, she dropped out One night when Little Rose wasn’t sing. In a school play, she played the of school to work as a nanny for a lawyer feeling well, Father Gauthier came to part of a gypsy when she was 7 years to help bring money into the family. At the house and gave her the Last Rites. of age. During this time, Jesus ap- 13 years of age, on a day off, she missed Mr. Ferron said “we prayed three no- peared to her for the first time. In the trolley and walked both ways in a venas - one after the other and she is Fall River the Child Jesus taught the cold, melting snow to bring her father’s worse than when we started.” Father 7 year old the “Supplication for Sin- lunch to him. That night she ran a fever Gauthier said: “that is because God ners” prayer. She prayed it daily her and the next day had to stay in bed. The loves you, Mr. Ferron.” Mr. Ferron entire life. following day when she awoke, she real- replied: “I’d like it if He would love A question comes to mind: Little ized that her right hand and left foot had somebody else for a while!” His heart Rose’s mother-tongue was the become paralyzed. From then on, she ached because Rose was so sick. French language which was the lan- needed crutches to walk. It was while the family was living in guage used in their home. Her A couple years later, Rose had repeat- Fall River that the last two children mother spoke French until the day edly prayed novenas to St. Gerard to re- were born: Eglentine (1908-1914) and she died. While Little Rose did learn cover use of her hand and it was in St. Wilbrod (Bill) (1910-1980) who was English, at this early age did Jesus Roch that she received the cure of her named after a another brother, Wil- give the prayer to her in French or crippled right hand when dipping it into brod (1892-1904), who died in Canada holy water font prior to making the sign before the family migrated to the US. Supplication for Sinners of the cross. She was 15 years old. They lived in Fall River for 20 years. O Lord Jesus when I reflect upon the Father Gauthier was the pastor of the words which Thou hast uttered: “many are Church and remained her spiritual advi- called, but few are chosen” I fear and tremble for those I love and I beg Thee to sor even after the family moved to look upon them with mercy, and behold, Woonsocket. He would visit Little Rose with an infinite tenderness, Thou dost place every Monday or Thursday coming from their salvation in my hands, for everything is assured to him who knows how to suffer Fall River, MA. with Thee and for Thee. Her oldest sister Rose Delima, called My heart bleeds under the weight of “Simarelda” by the family, gave testimo- affliction, but my will remains united to ny to Fr. Palm, a Jesuit priest, from Thine and I cry out to Thee, Lord it is for them that I want to suffer… I wish to which we learn that all was not peaceful mingle my tears with Thy Precious Blood and beautiful during her life in Fall River. for the salvation of those I love! Thou will When she began feeling sick, she was not turn a deaf ear to my sorrowful cry taken to doctors and visited hospitals but and Thou will save them. Imprimatur – Albertus Valois P.A. no one could really give a good answer as Vicar General of Montreal, Nov 8, 1943 to what was wrong with her. At St. Page 6 The Little Rose Newsletter 2020 Testimony of New Devotion Spreading Worldwide Jerome Chong, talented videographer created a YouTube presentation on life of Little Rose in June 2020 “I am all the about her. So I then began doing re- Rose and then I came across the video way from the search into the life of Little Rose. I was of members of the Rose Ferron Founda- Fiji Islands and really touched at how she would still tion of Rhode Island. What really I know there's keep a beautiful radiant smile despite touched me was seeing how dedicated not a single having to suffer so much for others. they are in their efforts of keeping the soul here that Such a selfless angel! It reminded me of memory of Little Rose alive. All the knows of Little our Lord's words to Blessed Alexan- credit goes to them. Many wouldn't Rose but I am drina "Happy the soul that understands have known of Little Rose if it weren't sure that will the value of suffering". Another thing for the amazing people who continue change soon. I that touched me was how sad she was to keep her memory alive. How amaz- came to know when she would see the other girls ing would it be if she gets canonized a of little rose while i was looking at im- playing and enjoying life outdoors but saint! Would definitely bring tears to ages online of Blessed Alexandrina Da she couldn't get to live any of that due my eyes to see those upon receiving Costa who like Little Rose, wasn't wide- to her condition. It really hit home be- the sacrament of Confirmation choosing ly known by many. As I was scrolling cause I too were in her shoes at one Little Rose as their confirmation saint! I through images of Blessed Alexan- point of my life. I felt her sadness. It's began sharing a bit about her life on drina, I came across an image of Little really amazing how she continues to social media and many were greatly Rose in ecstacy. I knew that she was intercede in people's lives and leave amazed at her story. She is definitely another mystic and what was unique behind the smell of roses. Shows that an inspiration for the youths of today.” was seeing how her whole body was she is indeed watching over us. I saw a You can view Jerome’s new YouTube wrapped up. I wanted to know more documentary on YouTube about Little Video on our website: roseferronfri.org Testimony received August 21, 2020: My wife, Nicole, and I would like publicly to thank Marie Rose Ferron for her intercession. We said her novena and promised to visit her Castle in Woon- socket, RI. In response, she obtained the grace for me to finish writing my dissertation. This task became overwhelming (if not impossible) for me, a father of eight children; moreover, I had been in my graduate program for twelve years. Marie Rose Ferron (“Little Rose”) was born in 1902 and died in 1936; she bore the wounds of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at her home in Woonsocket, and in her patience she made up “what was wanting in the sufferings of Christ” in the manner of St. Paul (Col. 1:24). Thank You, Little Rose. Fred and Nicole Fraser, Nashua NH

Miraculously Healed , a Bosom Friend to the Ferrons Testimony taken from A Stigmatist - Marie Rose Ferron written in 1988 by Jeanne Savard Bonin Miss Cecilia McHugh, then of 307 dermatologists had given me three office, many of whom were not Ashton Street, Dorcester, MA, relates: different diagnoses: eczema, nervous- Catholic, were all witness of the “I had a very serious skin condition ness and allergy. While showing my change that had taken place during which three dermatologists had treated hands to my mother, I realized for the the twenty-four hours of my day off.” for three years and a half. I read first time that they were purple. And Rose’s life in 1948 and felt a strong that evening, I added the Novena to desire to go to her house. I met Flora, obtain the help of Little Rose to my Little Rose’s sister, and Mrs. Ferron. I prayers.” was so impressed that I even forgot “The next morning, something most the object of my visit.” unusual, I went up to the sink and “Flora had given me a novena and removed my gloves and my nails had upon returning home, I told my mother: grown, my hands were not swollen ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Little Rose anymore and they were perfectly could help me?’ My hands were the normal like they are today - eleven most affected; I had lost several nails, years later. I was 25 years old and a the joints were swollen and the flesh secretary for the railroad company in had fallen at several points. The three Boston and fifty young girls at the Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 7 A Lesson from Archangel St. Raphael October is the Month Be of good courage! Have the courage to truly believe in God with faith and confidence - that he hears and answers all our prayers. Our help is from God, and God alone. Physicians of body or soul—whether ary Angels or Saints, priests or doctors—all are of the Ros but ministers of God’s Mercy, either by su- My Rosary Beads per-natural or by natural means. By Fr. O. Boyer St. Raphael reminds us that our help lies A little pair of Rosary Beads as plain as plain can be. within our reach, at hand, for God has wise- Only God in Heaven knows, how dear they are to me. ly provided all things that we truly need, if I have them always with me, at every step I take, we know how to use them or make an effort at evening when I slumber; at morning when I wake.

to learn about them. In bright and cloudy weather, in sunshine or in rain, September 29th is the In happiness or in sorrow, in pleasure or in pain. Feast Day of the Archangels It helps me in my struggle, it reproves me when in sin, It looks of gentle patience, rebukes the strife within. Our Foundation Supporters from Last Quarter Joseph F. Arsenault Richard LaLiberte In days of pain and anquish, the greatest help I know, Marc & Pat Auger Art LaPointe Timeless Antiques & Was to hold my Rosary Beads, until I calmer grow. Nadine Barrois Vivian Alfonso Lopez Collectibles Kathleen Barnett Diane Leonard So when the time approaches, when I will have to die, Cathy Boisvert Msg. M. Malnar In Memory of I hope my little Rosary Beads, will close by me lie. Monique Campano Jeanette Maynard Rosanna Whitesell Renee Ciambrone Amy McGann That the , may be the last I say, Thomas Collard Lorraine M. Moissan Many wished to And kissing my sweet rosary beads, Emile & Marian Drillon remain Anonymous Richard Morasse my soul may pass away. David & Denise Ethier Cherly Nahas Paul & Amanda Ethier Lise Ann Paille Fred & Nicole Fraser Diana Santo On Aug. 4th 2020 hurricane Isaias hit the east coast of the USA. A few days Collette Fortin Frances Scartocci later we received a donation in the mail with a note from J. Maynard, RI: Jane Gauvin Steve Seyster “Was very worried about the power being off from the storm. I prayed for Jose Garza Jr. Janet L. Shinney Little Rose to restore it quickly and I would make a donation to her Founda- Maria Greco Kirk Struhart tion. It was restored after 19 hours NOT days. Very grateful. God Bless.” Dr. Darline Kulhan Joanne Thowbridge Fr. Robert Kerr Mary Timmis If Little Rose has helped you in any way, we encourage you to share your Mark Lewis Rose Maria Wipple testimony with us to help her story to become more widely known. Richard LaLiberte Network for Good

In the spirit of Rose Myette, Foundation Directors Cathy Boisvert, Denise Ethier and Lise Ann Paille made a trip to Harmony Blueberry Farm this past July as part of their summer vacation. The blue- berries were abundant!! Add to that some squash grown in Little Rose’s Castle Courtyard and we were blessed with a bountiful harvest. If you look closely at our Can you see Jesus Laughter, the better medicine . . . newly installed stained glass Responding to a knock at the door, a window, you will find the in this Picture? housewife found a man standing apolo- getically before her, “I just ran over your capital letter “I” in the center, cat and I would like to replace her.” the capital letter “H” in the middle, and clearly the capi- “Well, get busy.” snapped the housewife, tal letter “S”. “There’s a mouse in the pantry.”

—————————— “IHS” is a Christogram—a Do you know how to make God laugh? combination of letters that Answer: Tell him your plans! ~Mother Theresa represent the holy name of “Jesus.” The early Proverbs 16:9 “The human heart plans wrote these three Greek the way, but the Lord directs his steps.” letters to represent “Jesus —————————— Christ Savior.” Teacher: “Why was the Much appreciation goes to Medieval Era called Marc & Pat Auger for their the Dark Ages?” generous donation of the Student: “Because it was knight glass. time.” “Be of good courage, thy cure from God is at hand.” Archangel St. Raphael (Tobias 5:13)

If you donated money for tickets before our Fundraiser was cancelled, please call David P. Ethier 401-489-5332

Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island 339 Arnold Street Woonsocket, RI 02895

Email: [email protected] Web: roseferronfri.org Egiving: roseferronfri.org/online-giving

Rose with her brother Wilbrod

“Bill” Ferron. He is mentioned on Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island page 5 of this issue.

The Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all volunteer organization. All donations are tax deductible. Our Newsletter is also found on our website listed above. For $5 donation we can mail out hard copy to address you provide.