Armand Lesmerises (Marcel's brother)
Armand's father (Camille) kept being asked by his superiors to join the Masons. He felt he could have gone further in life. However, his strong Catholic convictions always prevented him from joining this organization. He was willing to forego advancement to maintain his faith.
During the 1936 flood in Manchester, the Salvation Army was the only organization that helped the people who were in trouble.
The Church would discourage the people to mix with people of other nationalities. Their famous quote as "Qui perd sa lange, perd sa foi". (He who loses his language, loses his faith).
Parents of strong convictions would discourage their children from associating with children of other nationalities even though they were Catholics. Going out with children of other faiths was a real scandal for a family.
Example, my brother Laurent, married Helen Blasik who was of the Polish National Catholic Church. To do so, she have up her religion and promised to raise her children in the Catholic faith. Yvette & Woody were witnesses. I was there also. There were 8 people. Both sets of parents did not attend the wedding. After a short period of time, the Lesmerises' accepted the young couple. In fact, during the hurricane, the young couple was heading for the Lesmerises house when they were both killed when they were hit by a roof that had blown off a house. To this day her family every Memorial Day put flowers on her grave. Although this has been going on for 40 years, the Lesmerises family and the Blasik family never met.
In 1940, the Ste Marie High School accepted boys, before that time it was an all girls school. Before this the parishioners of Ste Marie, also other neighborhood parishes were told to send their children to that High School. They were told it was a mortal sin to send their children to public school. (This statement was confirmed by Annette DesRuisseaux Marineau who remembers a family being refused the sacraments because children were going to Public High School)
In my early years, a person who committed suicide was not allowed a funeral in church nor be buried inside the Catholic ground. There was a special area for these people.
A person who no longer practiced their religion at the time of their death, although they had been baptized would not be allowed in the blessed part of the cemetery. (Comments by Rita: The Pastor in charge of his parish had all the authority, doesn't mean all parishes had same laws).
It was forbidden to attend a funeral or wedding in a church of another denomination. Then later on we would attend such an affair but not participate in the affair.
My father Camille's family immigrated from Canada to the States in the early 1900's. The mills in Manchester were working full blast. There was nothing in Canada therefore they came to work in Manchester, NH.
As a child I never felt I could ask any questions that were bothering me. I always felt ill at ease asking a priest questions abouth anything.
Today the Church is more open and more liberal. I feel better about this but there are people who have a hard time accepting these changes.
This is the Manchester, NH French-Canadian mentality, West Side.
Marie Paul Chenard Lesmerises (wife of Armand Lesmerises)
Great Depression deepened religious life. The family felt by praying harder and being more fervent would make the world better. Every night the family would recite the rosary to thank God for the favors received for the day.
In Ste Marie Parish, the Notre Dame Hospital had a soup kitchen. Whole families would go to the hospital to be fed. At the rectory the pastor would buy shoes for children. The nuns would bring children to the convent and feed them.
There were always some generous people who would give money to the rectory so the priests could buy food and clothing for families.
In Ste Marie Parish there is an organization known as St Vincent the Paul. If they heard of a family in need, they would investigate it. They would help pay bills, feed and clothe certain families.
Bernard Marineau born October 6, 1925 & Annette Des Ruisseaux Marineau born 1926 Notre Dame Hospital had a soup kitchen for the poor and they fed whoever presented themselves nor matter if they were not Catholic.
I remember the N.R.A. it impressed me greatly and some kids used to laugh at them on Q.W.P.A. called being on "Relief". Today's equivalent of welfare but you had to work to be entitled to free clothing and food.
I remember the churches were packed on Sundays and Religious feasts and lent time.
Some kids in my neighborhood had family prayers after supper. That's what kept the families Christ oriented and created a family bond.
The parish with the help of lay people was very much aware of the poor parishioners and saw to their needs and went out to seek help for these people.
Annette: Neighbors helping neighbors-ask them if they could use left over food, always happy to share it. Neighbors exchanged clothing with each other to prevent buying.
Annette: I remember many families turning their back yards into gardens and raised chickens and rabbits for their own and exchange not having money to pay for masses, they would give their produce and in turn the church would feed poor parishes. The parish was the center of distribution.
Ben: Church sermons revolved around hell, damnation and salvation. In those times of great needs it was psychologically and spiritually and emotionally good stable factors fo the welfare of the people.
Having little material things, the Church people were made aware that it was enough for their salvation. In comparision to today's idea of the people that the dollar can buy anything.
There was great reverence for authority in all of the school systems.
You didn't throw anything away. Sunday's pot roast stretched out till Thursday night.
Annette: Even remember making candy from left over potatoes. I still have the recipe.
My mother cut out the Sears Roebuck catalogue to use as toilet paper. Role of toilet paper was for company only. Others used such things as old sewing patterns for same purpose. This is the honest to goodness truth. That went on for many years even after the depression. It was instilled in you to save on everything.
Annette: Most homes became boarding houses in order to survive. Had to wear the same dress all week in school.
Ben: Christian religions during depression were hostile towards each other. Peoples of different national origin were hostile to each other.
Ben: Gang fights between French Catholics and Irish Catholics happened many times between boys.
Annette: Grandparents came to America to find better way of living.
Annette: Priests were so narrow minded. All one way. If you didn't tow the line you were damned. It seems as though there was no merciful God.
Ben: I didn't like my priest's accusation attitude of some and lack of patience by some. On the other hand, some priests had a lot of patience and were very good in counseling and directions. Parents were very closed narrow minded approach to guidance.
Ben: Present Church is very liberal. Leave conscience decision to the individual rather than the strict ruling of authority.
People went to church because of the fear of God that was instilled in them-tradition and family involvement in the church was authentic and revered.
I still go to church.
Ben: My first revival I attended was in the Navy-1945-San Diego. Genuinely impressed by the sincerity of the leader of that group. My final impression was that it was too emotional and too much on a personal reconciliation level for me to accept.
Ben: My second experience in a similar revival was my introduction to the Charismatic Renewal where the singing of religious songs, scripture reading, personal witnessing of the Christ Life in my and the introduction to praying in tongues as the apostles did on pentecost. This has changed my whole outlook on my faith, my commitment to Christ and my future ambition.
Dear Sue-When your mother asked me these questions I had had a bad grip for two weeks. Right now I feel better. Hope this helps your research, all of it is true and the way it happened.
Love,
Uncle Ben
Hi! Was interesting evening trying to reminisce! Hope information helps. Any things else comes to us we'll send in. Praying and thinking of you, Jeff & Heather often. Say a big "Hello" to them for me.
Love & Peace,
Aunt Annette
Judy Lesmerises Robert born November 24, 1957
Remember school days when one nun ridiculed by best friend who was cerebral palsy by standing her on a desk and making her shake and cry and making us laugh at her-and putting her in closet because she kept on crying-also took girls that were friends of hers and took us in library and forbade us to tell our parents. One of my first experiences in a Catholic school.
Wrong answer in math-she hit me-I think she was a sick person looking back now.
I stopped going to church because I felt I was not getting anything out of it-and I talked to a priest but he did not give me any correct answer.
I though it was really stupid in school-sex seperation rigidly enforced-girls on one side and boys on one side.
I was tought the old religion then 6 or 7th grade a new teacher telling us it was only bible stories-not really happened this really mixed me up at this point in my life.
My mother did not want us to go to other denominations churches.
My father taught me never to be prejudiced on any other denominations or nationality especially blacks.
I still say my prayers every night no matter how late I come in.
Also as long as I can remember. I can still see this vivid picture or the devil with chains underneath the little girls bed, which was in a catechism book. To this day I can close my eyes and still see it.
This also is a remembrance my mother had when very young, had seen such a picture.
Neither one of us can sleep with our hands or feet hanging down. (Jackie too....) Think this came from Memere Marineau.
One thing I remember and enjoyed was the May processions, singing.
Don Lesmerises born July 2, 1948 & Jackie Desrochers Lesmerises born October 4, 1951 Jackie: 20 years ago my girl friend was a Lutheran and I couldn't go into her church. I accepted this because my parents told me so.
Don: What's the difference with the Congregational Church-I didn't get hung up on rules-I believe basic religion-I chose to worship there.
Jackie: 3 weeks ago I called up a Catholic priest for baptism instruction. You don't belong to Derry you can't have your child baptized there. You can't go to that church. That again is more of a priest's thinking. Depends which priest you're talking too and how opened they are to changes.
Don: Don't see differences.
Don & Jackie: Hypocritical to have Brent baptized in Catholic church. We will bring him up as a good Christian. God represents love not fear. Congregational Church. People go because they want to not because they have to.
Don: Florida for 5 years we really didn't get involved in other people's religion. All we knew was our own Catholic religion. We didn't talk too much of religion. All went to church on Sunday.
I never saw a bible in the house. Strictly Catholic catechism etc. At the time it didn't affect my thinking.
Jackie: When I was young Mass was always in Latin and I never understood anything. Never knew where the priest was at.
Jackie: In High School I didn't believe in confession to a priest. I felt I should confess only to God and a few Our Fathers and a few Hail Mary's for contrition was like conditional love to me, I felt God would forgive me in any respect. I was truly sorry for them.
Don: I remember nothing said in the house against other religion. We always played with other kids in different denominations, never questioned on that. My father had an open mind, maybe not a deep Catholic faith. My mother kept our faith going.
If your not a Catholic you don't go to heaven, old saying.
Jackie: Sunday commitment always there. Catholic school I attended. Negative is all I can think of. Bugged me, bothered me in High School. Communion they were pasing out contributions, you couldn't stay in meditation, was a boring time.
After Public High School, CCD. My parents forced me to go-certain subjects tried to get direct answers from priest-couldn't get any direct answer.
Jackie: Went to Church as a family. I believe God was a very private thing and you didn't discuss it, didn't discuss our faith. Religion was not talked too much.
Don: Remember lenten season when I was young. I enjoyed it.
Don: In High School I remember stopping in chapel to meditate during trouble times at home.
Don & Jackie: Marriage Encounger, Sharing religions certainly started us getting involved in our faith in God. Before it was personal. Growth is sharing our beliefs. Alot has to do with surroundings were in. The last 4 or 5 years we have grown.
Don: When I was young no great force in my life, until in College, I did find a priest I could relate to.
Don & Jackie: At this time in our life we are more comfortable in the Congretational Church.
Hi Sue-Hope you can get a little time to write to us, hope we could help you in your course, things have been changing for us as you can see.
Love,
Don & Jackie
P.S. from Mom
I get surprises all the time and I certainly have to keep an open mind and heart. A little hard to accept but I have to.
Dick St Hilaire born November 6, 1940 My first taste of Church was when I entered school. Had a good nun but was scared to death, fear of punishment, Catholic school.
Had bad experiences with priests when I was an altar boy, also had good experiences with one priest which helped me.
After being an altar boy for 6 years in the 8th grade one special priest forced me to go to confession and it was not a good experience. However, my beliefs were that priests were good people and were always right. So I never dared to question what he was doing was wrong and I feel that I was brain washed.
Till much later in High School (Ste Marie's) I realized this was not right. This was all stems from the way my parents thought, that the word of the priest was to be believed and never questioned. The Church, my mother taught me, my father never said anything.
Even as a Senior in High School I accepted the Church's teachings, all teachings, as truth of truth, although at that time many unanswered questions in my mind.
After High School as I went out into the world, I started to see the Church as the institution differently. I saw that it was not perfect. I became aware that priests made mistakes and were not perfect but human beings.
I grew aware of hypocrisy in people that belonged to the Institutional Church and in the same way it paralled to the Catholic Church at that time. Also at that time I had been involved with 2 people who were giving of themselves and did not belong to any church. These people opened their home to our family anytime and they lived ot of state. They had the gift of making people feel at home when any of us were in trouble or depressed.
One positive point in school was I was taught that even though I belong to the Catholic faith, all churches were good and people were saved.
I always attended church every Sunday not because I wanted too but it was part of my upbringing. This went on 10 to 12 years after High School.
When I started to question myself, why I was going to church? I didn't like the answer but didn't choose to do anything about it right away.
Finally after searching for about 5 years, I saw the Church in a different light. I saw it as stumbling and trying to grow more perfect.
As I see the Church now (1978) I do not like many of it's rules and regulations but I know that I can have a say in changing those rules. I see the Church as loosing more of it's authoritive figures and releasing herself more to the Spirit of the People. I know it will be a slow moving process but I have much faith that it will overcome these little obstacles.
Jackie Richer St Hilaire born May 23, 1942 I was brought up to believe that people of other religions were as good as me, not our beliefs that are important but love everyone equal.
My dad Marcel's attitude helped me not to be prejudice towards a person's religion or nationality.
I was brain washed by the Catholic Church in believing that I had to go to Catholic school. This stayed with me until I had my own children, and they began their education in Catholic school. After 4 years of our children going St Edmond's Catholic School, it closed down and Dick and I were forced to re-evaluate. One Catholic school was available and tuition was too high for our standards. I got upset with the system and became aware that to instill our values is the most important thing. That our children being educated in public schools wouldn't affect them as far as their religion. I also believed that they had to face the world sooner or later because they were being over protected, and they had to go out into the world and see how other people lived and not just our own parish community.
When I was young I thought priests were untouchable, different than I, more holy and felt inferior to them. This went for nuns too. I didn't feel close to them.
As far as I can remember people going to church, I believed they had to. Had to go to mass every Sunday and most people still do but I don't believe this now.
I don't look at the Church as an institution anymore but as a gathering of people worshipping together. I feel closer to the people and the clergy. I realize that we are all on our pilgrimage together.
We were brought up to believe that we couldn't go to other denominational churches, the Catholic church was afraid we would get mixed up. Now (1978) I look at people of different denominations belonging to the same God, and the only difference between them and I is our beliefs which should never seperate us.
My first experience attending a revival was a charismatic day of renewal about four years ago (1974). I felt very self-conscious and sat towards the back end of the room. I enjoyed everything except the mumble-jumble coming from the front, too much emotionalism-raising of hands-"Praise the Lord" out loud. I did enjoy the singing, teachings, guest speakers, being prayed over and the good feelings of joy, peace and love.
I remain a Roman Catholic not because of tradition but by my own choosing, to follow the teachings of the Church because I believe they are the true teachings of Christ according to scripture.
Hi Sue- Hope you can use all this. It was fun to put everthing altogether.
Updated in November 2004
As I re-read my thoughts and beliefs stated in 1978 I realize that some have changed.
I no longer consider myself a "Roman Catholic" but a Universal Catholic. There are many Roman Catholic teachings that I do not agree with and therefore cannot in good conscience support.
I believe in the freedom of choosing "the truth that sets you free". Jesus came to give us life and to set us free from the "chains" of religion. This is spiritual freedom not to be attached to a certain religion but to be free to live the truth of your life's experience.
Rita Lesmerises born May 29, 1920
(interviewed by Jackie)
My father (Alfred) immigrated from Canada to NH because life was better in the USA. My mother (Marie) also and worked in the millyard at age 10. They didn't change religion when they moved.
My father served in World War I, became a citizen by so doing and my mother automatically.
Father born in Ste. Etienne de Gres. Mother born in Ste. Lambert de Levi. In Canada father worked in a Lumber Jack Camp, I believe as a cook and also a carpenter and farmer, if I remember right.
During the depression (1929) I was about 9 years old. My father lost a home (contracting business failed) and we moved to an apartment, which brought down our morale, living with my grandparents. By moving we were closer to the Catholic school and I was able to build a good relationship with the religious nuns by staying after school to help out. I enjoyed Catholic school.
I lived in a Franco-American neighborhood (west side). I didn't associate with any other nationalities or denominations when I was young.
Because of my parents, I was not allowed to go to english speaking churches.
I always enjoyed going to church and the tradition of our Catholic heritage.
There was never any question in my mind to go against the teachings of the nuns and my parents. Also my father instilled in me to support our parish not go to other churches for mass. I encouraged parish activities by attending.
Going into Catholic high school was accepted as I went freely. During my high school years I started to work and met all kinds of people of different nationalities and religions. I realized that there was such a thing as a Syrian living in Manchester. My parents influenced me to go out with Catholic boys only.
We were prohibited from entering other churches of different denominations. Sinful. Consequently, I had a struggle to attend a German wedding, which I did and enjoyed very much. (By the way I was out of school than and working).
We were prohibited from associating with people who lived together and were not married.
Mixed marriages were discouraged and mixed nationalities also.
Divorced people were ex-communicated from the Church.
My knowledge of other denominations was very limited but my husband (Marcel) had a close friend who didn't belong to any religion and was still a very good person and greatly influenced us to believe that there was alot of goodness in people other then Catholics.
Another example that finally opened my eyes. I was 38 years old and we moved to Florida away from our close circle of Franco-American Catholics and we were surrounded by people from all walks of life, different religions and nationalities. Our neighbors were Lutheran, Baptist,were very deeply religious and firm in their faith as I was in mine and this did not stop us from getting close to one another.
It was at this time in Florida that I had to decide to send some of my children to Public School, because when we moved there, the Catholic School had place for 1 or 2, so I figured if it wasn't wrong to send one, why not all of them. Also the tuition was more than we could afford. I found it much harder though for the children to get a good Catholic education than when the nuns where there to teach them. CCD was always a battle to have the children attend. I believe parents can teach but it has to be a a great effort from both parents and when one is weaker in his beliefs it is very hard for the other. (Jackie however did go to Central Catholic High School, this was one of Jacke's request when we moved to Florida). (Eddie also in his Senior year at his request).
Going back to the depression years, I do not remember much, my father was the type of person that tried to shield us from these affairs as much as he could, I guess you would call it over-protection, though I faintly remember a bad year, when he had to go bankrupt from this Building Contractor business, and had years of nervous condition and ulcers. But I guess they must have been able to save and maybe kind of workman's compensation, of course my mother always save on everything, even toilet paper, cut up newspaper, can you imagine.
High school stands in my mind is I was working part time-10 hours on Saturday form $2.50 a day and as a cashier I had to pay my shortages.
I guess I'm getting away from religion.
What can I say. I am very happy about all the changes Especially the Mass being said in English and not Latin, the priest facing us and receiving communion in the hand.
Probably making a Cursillo opened my eyes to the beauty of the Liturgy, also the sharing with people of other faiths. One thing in common we are all Christians and have God. When I was young I believed only Catholics were saved.
I try to be open as much as I can, but my Catholic upbringing and traditions are deeply instilled in me, and I am proud to be a Catholic.
Charismatic Renewal has been very good for me, has brought me closer to God, my prayer life is better and I have found out reading the Bible is not taboo, as I did when younger. Our community (St. George's Prayer Group) is loving and understanding and my commitment with the group has made me grow as a person spritually and self worth.
Taking courses at the Christian Life Center is both enlightening and rewarding. I have learned more of my religion and self in these few years than the 50 years before.
Raising a family and the first 5 children I was strict about attending Church and most of th time they respected my wishes "I think" but the last 3 has not been so good but I firmly believe they are just as good as the others and will come back to their religion. In the meantime prayer is my only answer and a good exampble of living the good life.
When Susie embraced Episcopalian beliefs, I knew in my heart I was happy seeing her go back to church, because to me one has to practice a religion and filled with the word of God. So if I had had a choice an Episcopalian is much bette than a non practicing Catholic. Wherever one feels his spiritual needs are being met.
As far as priests and nuns when I was young, I never found many I could confide in but my working in a Christian Book Store (Messenger Book Shop) has certainly changed my mind about them-they are human beings, with problems too. And I have come in contact with beautiful religious and priests.
4/11/78
Dear Sue-Hope all this can help a little, maybe you can sort out what you need here and there. Let us know how it turns out. All people interviewed certainly will be looking for the end results. I think I'll mail this, because I haven't had Aunt Madeleine, but our busy schedule seems impossible to get together and I know you'll have a lot of work, reading all this, plus the handwritting at times, very bad. Good Luck with this term paper.
Love,
Mom
P.S. Many things I tried not to repeat, having done the interviews. I had the same experiences as some of them. O.K. ??
P.S. Sometimes people got off the subject, but thinking of old times, brought back memories.
Mother's Family Tree, from what I remember-Born in Canada
Her name Marie Blanche Girard
Father-Louis Girard
Mother-Sophranie Beland
they had children as follows:
Corinne
Ernest
Laura
Carmelia
Alphonse
Omer
Marie
|
