AUGUST 19, 1949

DAKELH ROSE PRINCE DIED—SHE BECAME SUBJECT OF CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGES

Rose was born in Fort St. James, British Columbia, on August 24, 1915. At age 6, Rose was sent to the Lejac Residential School with some of her siblings. In 1931, her mother and 2 youngest sisters died from influenza. Devastated, she chose to stay at the school for the summers. After graduation, Rose remained at the school, tutoring children, and doing chores. Despite English being the only language allowed there, she translated prayers and hymns into the Dakelh language. A talented artist, Rose painted and did beadwork and needlework. She was also a secretary to the director. At some point, Prince contracted tuberculosis, and by age 33 was confined to bed until her death. In 1951, 2 years after her death, her body was reportedly found incorrupt. A following has developed around her including pilgrimages and reports of healings.

Source:  

Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press, “A candidate for sainthood? Grave of Rose Prince brings pilgrims to former residential school,” National Post, 12/20/2017.  Retrieved 10/30/2023, A candidate for sainthood? Grave of Rose Prince brings pilgrims to former residential school | National Post

“Rose Prince,” Histoire Sainte du Canada.  Retrieved 10/30/2023, Rose Prince | Histoire Sainte du Canada

Wikipedia

Photo: The Mighty Quill, 10/2006. The Grave of Rose Prince, at the former site of Lejac Residential School, Fraser Lake. Permissive Use.