The funeral of Father Gérald Sareault, who passed away at the end of July, was held in Saint-Lazare on Friday, August 4. Bishop Noël Simard presided over the mass in a packed church to bid a final farewell to this much-loved man. 

Giant screens were set up in the basement of the building to allow more people to attend and pay their respects to Father Sareault. The entire ceremony, from the homily to the songs in the proceedings, had been organized in great detail by the deceased. 

The Saint-Lazare/Les Cèdres choir provided the musical accompaniment during the moving ceremony. Several standing ovations were given during the celebration. 

Until recently, Father Sareault was treasurer of the Saint-Lazare Historical Society and was also deeply involved in the preservation of the Saint-Lazare church.