From to president Madelaine-Dubé Michaud :

Hello everyone,
I hope that you are all doing well. Winter being behind us, soon buds will bloom into leaves and flowers for our admiration.

In this newspaper Le Brelan, you can read an article written by Liette Michaud (1703) telling us about the life of her father Lorenzo, a Franco-Ontarian veteran. Very interesting! I invite you all to do like Ms. Liette and send us similar writings to let us know your stories. It is through your articles that we will be able to better develop the genealogy of our large family. Get your pencils ready, go!

On page 5, you will see the notice of meeting for our annual meeting which will be held in Château-Richer, Quebec. Last year, we were on the Kamouraskois land of our ancestor Pierre and, this year, our gathering will take place at the place where the religious marriage of our ancestors Pierre and Marie was celebrated. On the registration form, we indicate the schedule for the day which, in addition to the annual meeting of our organization, includes a visit to the Musée Aux Trois Couvents and a session at the Château-Richer genealogical center. We are expecting you in large numbers and we hope that you will invite a few relatives and friends to accompany you. Did you notice that there is a discount for groups of 3 or more people?

We’ve come a long way since last year’s annual meeting. Here we are again at the end of another fiscal year. I will therefore take this opportunity to remind you that it is also the period for renewing annual contributions. Your membership fee is the association’s main source of income to continue all the services you can benefit from. For all those concerned, can we count on your support? Many thanks in advance!

In closing, I extend an invitation to those among you who want to devote a little time to the advancement of our association by becoming a member of the board of directors. It’s a few hours per month and meetings can be done by ZOOM. Say YES to ensure succession, we need you to continue offering the same services to members.

I wish us a sunny spring filled with happiness. We are expecting you in large numbers at the annual meeting on May 25.

Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)

From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :

In the last Brelan’s edition, we issued the 2015-2016 activity report underlining our projects for the present year. I was then asking for your help and comments to push these projects forward and at- tain their realisation. One question burns my lips nowadays: Do our members read our bulletin Le Brelan? This question arises from the fact that neither our secretary nor your president have not received any comments what so ever regarding our Association’s survival.

For example...on page 7 of the said edition, we launched an enrol- ment contest offering two 100$ prizes to be given at our 2017 general meeting. This contest is open to all members of our Association. So far, the answer is not encouraging. You have until March 31st, 2017 to participate. I am giving you a suggestion, why not offer an enrolment to one or many members of your own family as a Christmas gift? It would be a two way win, your gift will allow our Association an increase in our membership.

On the same page, Isabelle, our chief redactor, announced that we were looking for someone willing to take this position in her place. Yet, no positive answer has been received. In the activity report, I stated that we were thinking of creating a redacting committee for the pursuit of our Brelan, nobody stood up so far. Will we continue publishing our bulletin? Should nobody shows up with texts or articles to be included in our Brelan? What should we do?

Nowadays, we are living important interrogations on the survival of many family associations. Fédération des Associations de familles du Québec is also thinking seriously on its own role, as well as the services it offers to the family associations. Moneywise, the Government used to help the federation but recently this help has been partly cut; therefore the Federation’s administration council has to consider how it will help the family associations. As we speak, they have decided to cancel the exhibition that usually takes place in February. What other services will they choose to abolish? They will continue their study over winter and in the Spring, they will hold their annual meeting and we shall then be informed adequately.

With all these questions in mind, I may seem to be very pessimistic; it is not quite the situation; I am really looking for solutions so that you will be proud to be a part of a very vivid association. On my part, I am very proud to be a Michaud and to be a member of an association like ours. However, the Administrative Council’s members cannot do everything and do need your participation. Can we count on you as privileged cooperators? If so, give us a call and we will very happy and proud to work with you, even for a few hours from time to time.

On a cheerful note, I extend wishes to us all, your family and friends as well as us from the Association des Familles Michaud. Let’s have a great Christmas period as well as a 2017 year full of great dreamed realisations.

Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)

From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :

The Last June, nearly 50 people attended the gathering of our association in Rimouski. It was a very enjoyable and interesting meeting as much by the content as by where we had the pleasure to see each other again. Congratulations to Alain, our Secretary who put a lot of time and energy to prepare a program of activities that pleased the greatest number of participants. More details of this weekend to read in this newsletter.

At the annual meeting, in addition to share the report of activities as well as the financial report, there was an election. Réjean Landry, who held the position of Treasurer for 6 years, advised us that he did not want to renew its mandate and Charlaine who was elected as 2nd Vice-President last year, decided to leave the board by lack of time to perform this function. I would like, on behalf of all members, to thank them for all the time they have given to Michaud’s association. I also want to thank Lise Michaud-Landry who served as President ex-officio during the past year. We welcome the arrival of Gaétane Michaud # 1504 of Rimouski who will hold the position of Treasurer. As no other nominated candidate did accept to fulfill the position at the board , the Assembly gave the Board members the task of recruiting and to find the gem who will fill the vacancy.

Finally, here are the projects that will surely occupy several of our days.

• We want to work on reforming of our by-laws. They must conform to the Companies Act.
• Emphasis will be placed on recruitment so that more people know about the association and can attend next year’s meeting.
• We will also prepare a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the founding of the AFMI. This celebration will be held simultaneously as the next annual meeting.
• We are always looking for collaborators for writing texts for our newsletter Le Brelan. Let us know your interest and we would be pleased to welcome you to the team.

Thank you all for your participation and your cooperation and we look forward to see you soon.

Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)

From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :

Although Spring is just around the corner, we must already think about Summer. Why? To get ready for our forthcoming Michaud meeting. You already know that this meeting will take place early June in Rimouski. Who says “meeting” means a reunion of people exchanging and discussing common subjects. Needless to say that the invitation is launched to all those proudly bearing the name MICHAUD, but also to all those being related to some Michauds, or being interested by their history or origin.

The meeting schedule is enclosed in the present edition of the Brelan and we wish that many of you will participate in this gathering. As a member of our Association, you may make the difference on the number of participants by inviting one or two relatives who are not yet members to join us for the scheduled week-end.

It will be a great occasion to connect or reconnect with cousins or friends, and meet new Friends. The more we will be, we have more fun.

In the previous edition, I talked about the pride to be a member of Association des Familles Michaud. I also asked for your suggestions to increase our membership. I am still awaiting your ideas. Whatever your idea is fantastic, original, or else, do not hesitate to transmit it to us.

Your administration Council will consider its realisation and if so, apply it. Once more, I count on You to make our Association a great family where it will be most agreeable to entertain this family pride.

To conclude, I wish to thank all volunteers who accepted to spend time at our stand during the Fédération des Associations de Familles’ exhibition in Lévis in February. Special thanks to Isabelle and Réal who organised our stand and the precious time they spent there..

This event promotes our associations and visitors deeply appreciate the exchanges they have with family representatives.

To all of you, I wish a fantastic Spring season. I am already looking forward to meet you in Rimouski.

Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)

For one of the last times, it is with great joy that I sit down to have a moment with you and inform you of what is cooking in our Association. I hope that this chronicle will warm your heart after the harsh winter we have had. This winter was probably similar to those Marie and Pierre lived in their modest and rather cold house by the sea. However, I imagine that in their growing family life, among their young and not always behaved children, one could find warmth and understanding.

Concerned about the decrease in our membership and about the departure next June of two Administration Council members, a few members recently raised questions about the functioning of the Council and about the actions it intends to take in the near future.

I wish here to reassure you, dear members, by telling you that the present Administration Council puts its whole-hearted efforts into conducting adequately our Association, following the rules and constitution established by our founders, and with the very same spirit and enthusiasm.

In order to cope with the needs of our changing world, we have up-dated some of our practices. For example, all the Michaud families genealogical data contained in the 2007 "Répertoire" is now available on a USB Key which is regularly updated. If we were to put our "Répertoire" up to date, more than 5000 pages would be necessary, and the editing and sales costs of course more than multiplied. The production of a key is feasible at a fraction of the cost. On that topic, Raynald does a marvellous job, reporting to the treasurer when necessary.

Every occasion is good to promote our Association. We have tried to form an enlarged promotion committee, without result, those invited to form it, declining the offer. Even the invitation launched in our Brelan remained unanswered.

The organization of the Annual General Meeting is the Administration Council's responsibility but the local representatives help a lot. In St. Agatha in 2014, Albertine has put many efforts in it.

Next June 6 and 7, our Annual General Meeting will take place in Quebec City. Thanks to Isabelle, we will have a superb assembly (see details farther in this edition). Every one of our members is expected to participate! It will be an excellent occasion to fraternize and meet newcomers. Cultural events will also take place.

During this very important meeting, elections will take place as the President's and first Vice-President's terms will end in June.

From the bottom of my heart, I convey you to this friendly and important meeting.

On behalf of the Administration Council,

Lise Michaud Landry (n^o 1375),
President

My last column! I am overwhelmed by a strange feeling while sitting down to write it. For the last ten years, at each Brelan’s issue, it was with great pleasure that I tried to inform you of what was cooking in our Association.

And yes, life goes on carrying so many good things!

On June 6th, 2015 in Quebec City was held our Annual General Meeting. Some twenty-five people attended. Among those, two ex-Presidents, Vincent from Quebec City, and Jean from Sept-Iles. We also met two newcomers, Réal and Charlaine from the Québec area, and many “regulars”, among them Lauréat from Laurierville, and Jean from St-Quentin, New Brunswick. Many others were also present, including the members of our Administration Council, and Andrée, layout editor of Le Brelan since 2011. Such good and nice people!

Frankly, I questioned myself prior to this meeting. I was rather afraid that we would not find replacement for the President and first Vice-President, Raynald and I having decided to leave the AFMI ship. I have to confess that I was so wrong to question myself. In fact, when the election took place, Réal and Charlaine accepted to jump aboard. Once the election was over, the new Executive Council met and here are the results of their deliberation:

• Madelaine Dubé Michaud is now President (she was second Vice-President).
• Réal Michaud is first Vice-President.
• Charlaine Michaud becomes second Vice-President.

Congratulations! For their great generosity, I thank them from the bottom of my heart in the name of all our members and mine also. With you, our Association will go further.

The treasurer also presented the financial statement for the year ending March 31st, 2015. Although there is a slight deficit of 55$, our finances are in good health. Thank you Réjean!

In recognition for Raynald’s great work during the past six years, we offered him a very nice pen engraved with his initials. Many thanks Raynald for your contribution. And to Andrée, who will no longer edit the layout of Le Brelan, we offered a few pages... a nice note book that will enable her to mark down her thoughts or souvenirs. Thanks Andrée!

I have to talk about the tribute I received after lunch Saturday. Andrée read a fantastic document, written by her of course (see pp. 12 to 15, Le Brelan, july 2015). She related the different events which occurred during my presidency. I was also offered a few meaningful souvenirs. I was deeply moved by such consideration; my tears were also very sincere.

In 2005, I attended my first General Meeting. Then, I could not imagine that I would get deeply involved for so many years. I was elected first Vice-President, replacing Julien. However, while our President was ill, I had to act as President. In 2006 in Kamouraska, I was elected President, re-elected in Edmundston in 2009, and in Quebec City in 2012. I have never regretted my engagement in our Association.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank the members of the first Administration Council I presided. Julien, Louis, Magdeleine, Claire, Blandine, and Jean-Eudes showed the way, and encouraged me a lot.

AFMI brought me great satisfaction. Of course, I would have liked to do more, such as visiting the Michauds of all regions but, as we say “No one is bound to do the impossible”. However, at all the various meetings, either with the administrators, the Annual Meetings, or on other occasions, I have always appreciated meeting with those attending. I will alway cherish those memories.

The most important thing the Association has given me is the pride to carry the name MICHAUD. Of course, I am my father’s proud daughter; but bearing the name is now so precious to me. I am so proud.

Many thanks to all. You have given me the chance to meet so many marvellous people. Thanks to the Administration Council team for your friendship and camaraderie.

Lise Michaud Landry (n^o 1375),
ex President

Once again, here we are at the start of a new year with plenty of work to be done!

During the Summer, we prepared our Annual General Meeting which was held on August 16 at Lakeview Restaurant in St. Agatha, Maine, as part of the Worldwide Acadian Congress and on the day of the Michaud Family Reunion.

On account of the large number of English-speaking people, we conducted this meeting in French and English and I believe that our American members appreciated our gesture. Our summary of events and financial reports were presented and approved. Further on in this Brelan issue, you will find these reports.

Some thirty people attended and participated actively in the reunion and others joined us for the Friendship Brunch. Many thanks to Albertine Michaud Ouellet from Madawaska, our local representative, for her involvement in organizing this event. We were also made aware that our Brelan is an essential link with our members; Sylvia even mentioned that she can read it wherever she is in her home.

Of course, we talked about the decrease in our membership. Rod Murphy, Jean Michaud's husband, made many suggestions and since the reunion, he has been busy working on them. I cannot say more on the subject since it is has to be submitted to the members of our Administration Council at the meeting scheduled for October 18 in Quebec City.

After the brunch, we joined the large Michaud Reunion organized by Bernard and his team on the site of the St.Agatha Catholic Church and for which more than 700 Michauds had registered. I do not know if they all showed up, but one thing is sure, those present warmed the atmosphere in the Church Hall!

We held a stand which was visited by many participants. Charles, Andrée Michaud's husband, acted as genealogist and he had numerous requests for his services. Many thanks, Charles!

Our promotional items - booklets, ballpoints, calendars, etc, were a great success. In fact, our sales
at the end of the day amounted to around 600$. Our thanks go to Andrée, Charles, Suzanne, Raynald and Réjean who took charge of our stand. Radio-Canada Acadie (CBC French Network) reported on the activities of the day. This report can be viewed on "Radio-Canada Acadie - Téléjournal Acadie du 17 août". An interesting report by Mr. Serge Bouchard from Radio-Canada Acadie. Thank you, Mr. Bouchard.

This new year will be very demanding for all. The decrease in our membership will be at the heart of our action. And not to forget, this will be election year for the following positions on the Administration council: president, first vice-president and secretary. We need young people with modern ideas to pursue the Association's future goals.

I wish to point out the duties of the Administration Council members (always in their own possible ways):

• Attend the Council meetings, two of them usually taking place in Quebec City, in October and February.
• Participate in the December telephone conference.
• Attend the Annual General Meeting.
• Conduct the various dossiers agreed upon at the Council meetings.

Between our meetings, as necessary, we communicate by phone or internet.

We are also looking for local representatives for the Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Trois-Rivières areas and others regions of Quebec and the Maritimes.

Eventually, a replacement for the position of genealogist will be needed.

I wish to invite you to respond to this request. On the back page of this Brelan, you will find all the names, email addresses and phone numbers of those presently in office. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Until then, in the name of your Administration Council, I wish you a very colourful Fall season, in your own nature sites and in your hearts.

On behalf of the Administration Council,

Lise Michaud Landry (n^o 1375),
President

With great pleasure, on behalf of the Administration council and the editorial team, I offer you this new edition of the Brelan.

You will notice the very new modern colourful cover page inviting you to read its content.

You will also notice that our coat of arms is well in evidence. Created during our pioneer's mandate, our coat of arms will always appear, publication after publication, in order to honour and thank them.

Our Association's current big event is needless to say the Annual General Meeting. This year, in a spirit of solidarity, we have decided to accept an invitation from the Acadian World Congress by participating in this particular day devoted to all Michauds, and organized by Bernard Michaud, on August 16, 2014 in St. Agatha, Maine. I would be very proud to see many of us attend.

On Saturday August 16, our Annual General Meeting will take place, followed by a Friendship Brunch. After the Brunch, we will joint the Michaud gathering.

Followed a well established tradition, our Association hosted a stand during the Salon du Patrimoine Familial on February 21, 22 and 23 in Québec City. Many thanks to Jean-Eudes who organized it and to the volunteers who joined him for the occasion.

And we have more good news: our devoted secretary Alain has created a new website, more modern and more accessible. Take a good look at www.famillesmichaud.org Many thanks, Alain, for your generosity. Our thanks also go to Jean-Claude who since 2006 has looked after our site.

At the Administration Council, we have noticed an important reduction of our membership. Of course, deaths and illnesses of members somehow explain this situation. However, I ask you, dear members, to propose to the younger generations the benefits of joigning our Association. We know nonetheless that many Michauds are curious about their genealogy. Therefore, I rely on you to promote our Association and I thank you in advance.

I wish here to thank warmly our Brelan's editing team, Isabelle Deblois-Michaud and Andrée Michaud, who devote so many hours to every edition of the Brelan. Well done girls!

To conclude, let's get together at our General Assembly next August 16th.

On behalf of the Administration Council,

Lise Michaud Landry (n^o 1375),
President

Fall was already with us in this early October as your Administration Council held its first meeting on October 5th, in Quebec City. Main issues facing us were brought up and discussed, making this meeting very fruitful.

To those I met at our annual meeting last June 1st, I wish to tell that I am now in good health, and it is with enthusiasm that I undertake this new year.

Through this column, I wish to share with you all the emotions I experienced during the trip to our ancestor's land which Réjean and I went on.

We left Montreal on August 21st to land six and a half hours later in Nantes, France. At the airport we were welcomed by Daniel Michaud, life member of our Association. What a warm welcome it was. Daniel then took us to L'Orbrie, a Fontenay-le-Comte suburb, Fontenay-le-Comte being Pierre Micheau's native city, as well as Daniel's.

Daniel and his wife Marie-France welcomed us with open arms in their stylish house, surrounded by magnificent trees. We felt right at home.

This same day at 3.00 p.m., 1 joined a guided tour hosted by Mrs Marie-Gabrielle Girouard. During this very interesting visit, I learned a lot of information on this town where our ancestor Pierre was born and where he grew up until his departure for Nouvelle-France in 1656, as well as on Notre-Dame Church where he was baptized.

During this guided tour, I met Father Jean-Claude Michaud, Daniel's brother, who is President of Les Michaud of France. I also met Joël, Daniel's brother and his wife Annick, as well as Marie-Noëlle, widow of Christian, Daniel's third brother. Fantastic people with whom I had great pleasure talking.

Once the tour was over, we went to Fontenay's town hall for the unveiling of a plaque recalling our ancestor Pierre. Father Jean-Claude shortly entertained us on the history of the friendship between France's Michauds and Quebec's ones, which goes back to 1954.

Then, along with Fontenay's Deputy Mayor Hugues Fourage, and Father Jean-Claude, I unveiled this magnificent plaque, and read what was engraved on it.

Then I added the following:

« I have insisted that this plate include facts about Marie Ancelin, because the country where I come from was not built by the sole men's strength, but aslo the so very important one of its women ».

The plaque is fixed on a stele installed outside the town hall in a small garden where grow nice flowers. On this stele is also fixed a plaque honouring Marie Rousseau, a Fontenay-le-Comte native who once in Nouvelle-France married Charles Jobin in 1677. Charles Jobin for whom it was a second marriage, is the ancestor of all American Jobin.

Once the plaque was unveiled, the Municipality hosted us with the honour wine, during which I pronounced a short allocution, somewhat emotional.

To the twenty people attending, with great pleasure I offered the AFMI pin, and at the request of Father Jean-Claude, I gave its explanation.

I wish here to recall that all costs concerning the buying of the plate and its engraving where assumed by Fontenay-le-Compte's Municipality which I warmly thanked.

Walking on Georges-Clémenceau Street, an imperative stop was made at « Michaud Chausser », a shoe store operated by four generations of Michauds for the past 99 years, from Daniel's grandfather to his own son Olivier today: a very nice store.

Back to L'Orbrie, a very nice reception awaits us prepared by Marie-France. The gathering includes Mr Christian Cardinaux, Association Vendée-Québec's president and his wife, Messrs. Jean-Paul Macquoin, Jean Micheau, Bernard Ducept, all very interesed by genealogy and history. Also attending were Marie-France and Daniel's son Olivier along with his wife Patricia, and their children Garence and Calixte. Mrs Isabelle Beaussy, genealogist, her husband Christophe and their daughter are also part of the group. What a nice celebration! Everyone is so interesting to listen to, and takes interest in my humble sayings concerning our history, our Association as well Réjean's ancestors, the Landry.

Association Vendée-Québec offered us a magnificent pottery dish recalling their 25^th anniversary in 2013 and « Les Michaud de France » offered us a wonderful book on Fontenay-le-Comte origins, its architecture and all. From the bottom of our hearts, many thanks!

Once the celebration was over, carried by my multiple emotions, I cannot help recalling the numerous events of this fantastic day for which I am deeply grateful.

The following day is Friday and I accompany Marie-France for a visit at Nieul sur l'Autise for a tour of the local Abbaye, and the house of Duchess Anne de Bretagne's daughter - a great story! In our ancestors' homeland, history is at every street corner, and history as told by Marie-France is delicious, she is an eminent historian. Thanks Marie-France! Father Jean-Claude joins us for supper, and everyone enjoys the conversation.

Saturday, Réjean, now feeling better, Daniel and I go to Fontenay for a short city tour, from the local Saturday market to the town hall and Notre-Dame church where stands the plaque recalling the trip that took place in 1990 by many members, directed by Françoise Michaud Dufresne whom Daniel calls « our older sister ».

We also had the privilege and joy to consult Daniels's photo albums in which we can find many snapshots of Françoise, Claire, Rosaire, Colette, Blandine and many others always very warmly recalled by Marie-France and Daniel.

During the afternoon, both couples enjoy a ride on the various channels of the Marais Poitevin.

After an early supper, we travel to Puy-du-Fou to enjoy a Light and Sound Show recalling Vendée's history since the French Revolution in 1789. We are moved by the stories of the wars, many of them religious, and most deeply by the two Great Wars, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, which we remember or have heard of. At he end of the show our tears leave us speechless. It will take a few minutes before we can express our appreciation but also our acknowledgement of the sufferings of Vendée's people through the years. What a magnificent show!

Sunday morning, we attend mass at Notre-Dame, mass concelebrated by Father Jean-Claude Michaud; with great honour and thanks, I accept to read the second scripture. Imagine, I am reading in this church where Pierre Micheau was baptized!

After a delicious lunch given by Father Jean-Claude at Hôtel Le Rabelais, we leave for Brouage, Champlain's native place and make a few discoveries, for example this small chapel where, on a marble plate, we can read that Samuel de Champlain prayed en 1629 after his return to France. Many of the chapel's stained glass windows were donated by the Government of the Province of Quebec.

Then we head on to La Rochelle, where our ancestor and many others embarked to travel to Nouvelle-France. Its three towers are very impressive. However, as weather got rain, we returned to l'Orbrie.

Monday, departure time has come. Daniel takes us back to Nantes where we will take our rented car. With tears in our eyes, we say goodbye to Marie-France and Daniel.

I wish here to pay tribute to our hosts Marie-France and Daniel. They are exceptional hosts, full of generosity, attention and commitment; we will never thank them enough. We have created strong and lasting ties together and my greatest wish is that in return, we will have the opportunity to welcome them at home.

I hope that you appreciate my story as much as I was pleased to write it.

Lise Michaud Landry, President (n^o 1375)

Monsieur Automne est déjà bien installé en ce début d'octobre alors que votre conseil d'administration a tenu sa première rencontre de l'année le 5 octobre à Québec. Cette rencontre a été fort fructueuse puisque nous y avons discuté des grands enjeux auxquels l'AFMI est confrontée.

Pour ceux que j'ai rencontrés le 1er juin dernier lors de notre assemblée générale, je me permets de souligner que ma santé est revenue au beau fixe et que j'entreprends cette nouvelle année avec enthousiasme.

Par ce billet, je désire partager avec vous les très belles émotions vécues lors du voyage que Réjean et moi avons effectué au pays de notre ancêtre commun Pierre Micheau.

Nous avons quitté Montréal le 21 août en soirée à destination de Nantes en France. Nous attendait à l'aéroport local Daniel Michaud, membre à vie de notre Association. Quel chaleureux accueil! Puis direction L'Orbrie, en banlieue de Fontenay-le-Comte, ville natale de Pierre Micheau, de même que celle de Daniel.

Daniel et son épouse Marie-France nous ont reçus à bras ouverts dans leur coquette maison, entourée de magnifiques arbres. Nous nous sentions comme chez nous.

À 15 heures, ce même jour, je participais à une visite de Fontenay-le-Comte, guidée par madame Gabrielle Girouard, visite fort intéressante pendant laquelle j'ai appris une foule de renseignements sur cet endroit où naquit notre ancêtre Pierre, à Notre-Dame où il a été baptisé et où il a grandi avant de s'embarquer en 1656 vers la Nouvelle-France.

Pendant ladite visite, j'ai fait la connaissance de l'abbé Jean-Claude Michaud, président des Michaud de France et frère de Daniel, Annick son épouse de même que Marie-Noëlle, veuve d'un troisième frère de Daniel. Des gens formidables avec qui j'ai eu grand plaisir à échanger.

Une fois la visite terminée, nous voici à la mairie pour le dévoilement d'une plaque en l'honneur de l'ancêtre. M. l'abbé Jean-Claude prend la parole pour rappeler brièvement l'historique de l'amitié entourant les Michaud de France et ceux du Québec, laquelle remonte à 1954.

Puis accompagnée de monsieur Hugues Fourage, député-maire de Fontenay-le-Comte et de l'abbé Jean-Claude, j'ai dévoilé cette magnifique plaque. Une fois dévoilée, j'ai lu à haute voix le texte qui y est gravé et me suis permise d'ajouter ceci:

« J'ai insisté pour que l'on parle de Marie Ancelin sur cette plaque car le pays d'où je viens ne s'est pas bâti avec la seule force des hommes mais aussi de celle, ô combien importante, des femmes. »

La plaque en question est apposée sur une stèle installée à l'extérieur de la mairie dans un petit jardin orné de jolies fleurs. Sur cette même stèle, y est aussi apposée une plaque honorant Marie Rousseau, native de Fontenay-le-Comte qui, une fois rendue en Nouvelle-France, a épousé Charles Jobin en 1677. Charles Jobin, dont c'est le second mariage, est l'ancêtre de tous les Jobin d'Amérique.

Une fois la plaque dévoilée, la municipalité nous offre le vin d'honneur. À ce moment, je prononce une courte allocution, parfois empreinte d'une émotion bien sentie. À la vingtaine de personnes présentes, avec grand plaisir, je remets l'épinglette de l' AFMI et, à la demande de l'abbé Jean-Claude, j'en explique la signification. 

Je rappelle ici que les frais encourus pour l'achat et la gravure de la plaque ont été assumés par la Mairie de Fontenay-le-Comte que j'ai remerciée chaleureusement.

Déambulant sur la rue Georges-Clémenceau, arrêt obligatoire au magasin « Michaud Chausseur », propriété depuis 99 ans de quatre générations de la famille de Daniel; un très joli commcerce!

Nous rentrons ensuite à l'Orbrie où nous attend une magnifique réception préparée par Marie-France, regroupant entre autres M. Christian Cardinaux, président de l'Association Vendée Québec, et son épouse, messieurs Jean-Paul Macquoin, Jean Micheau, Bernard Ducept, ces demiers fort intéressés à la généalogie et à l'histoire. Étaient également présents le fils de Marie-France et Daniel, Olivier, son épouse Patricia, et leurs enfants Garence et Calixte. Madame Isabelle Beaussy, généalogiste, son époux Christophe et leur fille sont également de la partie. Quelle agréable rencontre! Tous des gens intéressants à entendre et intéressés à mes modestes propos autant qu'à notre histoire, à notre association, aux ancêtres de Réjean, les Landry. Je me souviendrai longtemps de tous.

L'Association Vendée-Québec nous a remis une magnifique assiette à son effigie soulignant les vingt-cinq années d'existence en 2013 et l'Association des Michaud de France, un merveilleux volume sur Fontenay, ses origines, son architecture et j'en passe. Mille mercis à chacun du fond du cœur!

Une fois la réception terminée, portée par mes multiples émotions. je ne cesse de repasser dans ma tête tous les événements de cette magnifique journée pour laquelle je suis très reconnaissante.

Le lendemain, j'accompagne Marie-France à Nieul sur l'Autise pour visiter l'Abbaye locale et la maison de la fille de la duchesse Anne de Bretagne. Que d'histoire! Au pays de nos ancêtres, l'histoire est à chaque coin de rue et cette histoire racontée par Marie-France est délicieuse. elle est une historienne émérite. Merci Marie-France! Pour le souper, Jean-Claude se joint à nous et nous partageons de belles conversations tous ensemble.

Samedi. Réjean se portant un peu mieux, nous retournons avec Daniel à Fontenay pour un mini tour de ville, passant du marché traditionnel du samedi à la mairie puis à la magnifique église Notre-Dame où une plaque de notre Association est fixée au mur rappelant le voyage effectué en 1990 par plusieurs membres, dont Françoise Michaud Durresne que Daniel nomme « notre grande sœur ».

Nous avons aussi eu le bonheur de consulter les albums photos de Daniel clans lesquels on retrouve des photos de Françoise, Claire, Rosaire, Colette et bien d'autres dont Daniel et Marie-France nous parlent toujours affectueusement.

En après-midi, nos deux couples se rendent au Marais Poitevin pour « pagouiller » à travers les différents canaux qui le formenl.

En soirée, Marie-France et Daniel nous accompagnent au Puy-du-Fou pour un spectacle son et lumière rappelant l'histoire de la Vendée depuis la révolution de 1789. Guerres de religions entrecoupées de périodes de paix. Si les premières guerres nous touchent, celles du 20e siècle, 1914-1918 et 1939-1945, dont nous avons eu connaissance et entendu parler, nous émeuvent encore plus. Nos larmes à la fin du spectacle nous laissent sans voix, il faudra quelques minutes pour manifester notre appréciation mais aussi notre prise de conscience concemant les souffrances vécues par le peuple vendéen au cours des siècles. Quel magnifique spectacle!

Dimanche matin, nous assistons à la messe concélébrée par l'Abbé Jean-Claude Michaud; on me fait l'honneur de me demander de livrer la seconde lecture, j'en suis fort émue et reconnaissante. Imaginez lire dans cette église où Pierre Micheau a été baptisé!

Après un succulent brunch offert par l'Abbé Jean-Claude, nous prenons la direction de Brouages, la cité de Champlain et y faisons de belles découvertes, entre autres celle de cette petite chapelle dont une plaque de marbre rappelle que Samuel de Champlain y a prié en 1629 à son retour en France.

Nous nous dirigeons ensuite vers La Rochelle d'où notre ancêtre et bien d'autres se sont embarqués pour venir coloniser la Nouvelle-France. Les trois tours de La Rochelle sont fort imposantes. Malheureusement, ici la météo nous a fait faux bond et nous rentrons à l'Orbrie.

Lundi, l'heure du départ sonne. Daniel nous accompagne à Nantes où nous prenons notre voiture de location. Ce n'est pas sans une larme que nous nous quittons.

Je désire ici rendre hommage à Marie-France et Daniel. Ils sont des hôtes exceptionnels, grands de générosité et de disponibilité, nous ne les remercierons jamais assez. Nous avons tissé des liens que je sais durables et mon plus grand souhait est qu'à notre tour, nous puissions les accueillir chez nous.

J'espère que ce récit vous plaît autant qu'il m'a plu de le rédiger.

Lise Michaud Landry, présidente (n^o 1375)