Father Roland Soucie, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, passed away on Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 at Basile-Moreau House in Montreal. He was born in St. Leonard N.B. on April 24th, 1926, a son of Edouard Soucie and Yvonne Lapierre.
His early schooling was in his own village and later at St. Joseph’s University in Memramcook. He made first vows in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1946. He then studied philosophy and theology in Montreal and was ordained to the priesthood on December 1951 in Edmundston N.B.
As a religious and priest Fr. Soucie was involved in a variety of services and ministries. He first taught and served in different capacities at St. Joseph’s and later at the Université de Moncton while exercising his priestly ministry in different parishes. At the same time he worked with programs of the N B. ministry of education, with the N.B. Symphony Orchestra, with Official Languages Commission and various other groups.
In 1983-84 he was the diocesan coordinator for Pope John Paul’s visit in Moncton. He then worked in the diocese of Yarmouth between 1985 and 1996 both at the chancery office and in parishes. Upon his return to Moncton he exercised his ministry as chaplain in religious communities and at both hospitals until 2008.
Fr. Soucie was known for his friendly presence to everyone, for his ability to relate with people of every condition, either in administrative circles, with religious, with the Knights of Columbus, with parishioners, with his fellow religious and with the sick and the disabled. He was greatly appreciated for his flexibility and his readiness to assist people who called on him.
He is survived by two brothers, Conrad, of Inverness in Florida, Ulric in St. Hubert, Quebec and by one sister, Claudette in Nevada, U.S.A. His parents and one sister Yolande predeceased him.
His remains are resting Sunday at the Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (858-1900). Visiting hours Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm, and Monday from 10 am at Christ-Roi R.C. Church, 300 Dominion Street, Moncton, from where the funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, December 19th at 11 am. Interment will be in Memramcook.
Your donations and messages to the family may be done at:
www.frenettefuneralhome.com