Meet Fr. Dick Delisle, M.S.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Cohoes, NY on March 15, 1931. My dad, Armand, was an electrician, and my Mother, Anna, was a homemaker. I am the oldest of four children – one sister and two brothers. I was very involved in our parish as a server and as member of our parish youth group.

How did you first hear about La Salette?

When I was in Catholic Central High School, freshmen year, a La Salette Mission Preacher, Fr. Henri Lachapelle, preached about the Apparition and vocations, and invited us to enter the seminary in Enfield, NH. I soon entered the Enfield Seminary in September of 1946, the Centennial Year of the Apparition and the following year welcomed Rene Bisaillon, a fellow Cohoes native.

The first thing that impressed me was the priests I met – how welcoming they were, friendly and with a wonderful sense of humor. The pastoral surroundings were uplifting and I felt at home there with the priests, brothers and the students. During those high school years, I met Frs. George Dube, Alphonse Dutil and the many dedicated Missionary brothers who became my lifelong friends and mentors. Our studies were in both English and French and were a challenge but I always felt supported.

 

Where have you served as a La Salette?

My 52 years of priesthood began in the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, MA. I joined Fr. Rene Sauvé, founder of both the Enfield and Attleboro Shrines, and respected his love of Our Blessed Mother and his many organizational talents. Over these many years I have done Shrine and Retreat ministry and spent most of my years preaching missions and retreats all over the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. I have held positions as Treasurer, Sub-master of Novices, and Superior.

I really enjoyed my years in Enfield, when, after the school closed, we opened the Shrine facility as a place for creative ministries, including youth programs, celebrations of Feasts, and creative liturgies with Catholics of all ages. We used the six new chalets and our other facilities for Cursillos, retreats and youth gatherings of all kinds.

What is your most impressive experience of the charism of La Salette?

In my priestly ministry, I have seen the gift of reconciliation most powerfully evidenced in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in preaching Parish Missions. I could see God’s hand touching people’s hearts and lives through the gift of peace and healing that flowed so generously. In these privileged situations, I felt tremendously grateful to be asked to share with others the power, forgiveness and grace of God – something I find difficult to express adequately.

How do you feel as a person now “retired”?

I see retirement as a new beginning. I feel called to learn more and share these insights and blessings with others. Now that I have more time, I feel that my life is being more powerfully directed by Christ and his Blessed Mother. I now have the opportunity to be increasingly faithful to the graces I have received, and continue my priestly ministry “until God calls me home.”