Mission of the Holy Spirit (Mission de l’Esprit Saint)

A Quebec-based religious movement with a controversial history, founded in 1913 and claiming the incarnation of the Holy Spirit in its leader.


The Mission of the Holy Spirit, also known as Mission de l’Esprit Saint, is a religious movement established in 1913, primarily located in Quebec, Canada. Founded by Eugène Richer dit La Flèche, this organization has a complex history filled with unique beliefs, controversies, and legal challenges.

Founding and Early Years

Initially a farmer and later a Montreal policeman, Eugène Richer dit La Flèche, born in 1871 in Saint-Paul-d’Abbotsford, Quebec, claimed to have received divine revelations that led him to establish a new religious order. He adopted the name “Father Eugène” and began gathering followers in the early 20th century.

In 1913, Richer officially established the Mission of the Holy Spirit in Sainte-Germaine-du-Lac-Etchemin, Quebec. The group purchased land in the area and began building a community centered around their religious beliefs. This headquarters, known as the “Holy City” or “New Jerusalem,” became the focal point of their activities and remains so to this day.

Core Beliefs and Practices

The Mission of the Holy Spirit’s theology incorporates elements of Catholic doctrine, mysticism, and apocalyptic beliefs. Central to their faith is the belief that Richer was divinely appointed to continue the work of Jesus Christ and prepare humanity for the end times. Followers believed Richer to be the embodiment of the Holy Spirit, thereby completing the Holy Trinity.

Richer’s teachings promoted a generational approach to Christianity, emphasizing the improvement of the human soul through self-betterment and raising children to surpass their parents’ virtues. This concept was aligned with what they believed to be Jesus Christ’s example.

The group also holds several unique beliefs, including:

  • Reincarnation: The souls of the faithful are believed to enter the embryos of virtuous mothers.
  • Miracles: Followers claimed Richer could perform miracles, such as resurrecting a man in Montreal and predicting historical events.
  • Apocalyptic vision: The group teaches that the end times are imminent and that only those who follow their teachings will be saved.

Organizational Structure and Membership

The Mission of the Holy Spirit is organized into six independent geographical branches. Leadership has been passed down through generations since Richer’s death in 1925, with subsequent leaders regarded as having special spiritual authority.

The group emphasizes communal living, with members often residing in close-knit communities, sharing resources, and working collectively. These communities have been established in various parts of Quebec and other regions of Canada.

As of the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada, 515 individuals identified themselves as members of the Mission. However, exact membership numbers are difficult to determine as the group does not publicly disclose this information.

The Mission of the Holy Spirit has developed its own religious texts, including writings by Father Eugène and other leaders of the group. These texts are considered sacred by members and are used alongside the Bible in their religious practices. The group also has its own rituals and ceremonies, some of which are adaptations of Catholic sacraments.

Legal Issues and Scandals

The Mission of the Holy Spirit has faced numerous legal challenges and scandals throughout its history. Some of the most significant issues include:

  • Sexual assault allegations: The group has faced accusations of sexual assault, primarily against women and children.
  • Medical mistreatment: There have been claims of inadequate medical care within the community.
  • Deprivation of education: Allegations have been made regarding the denial of proper education to children within the group.
  • Labor exploitation: Instances were reported where members were misled into signing agreements to work without compensation, promised unrealistic rewards such as eternal life and political dominion.
  • Manipulative practices: Testimonies from former members revealed various manipulative tactics, including discouragement from seeking legal advice and the assertion that killing certain professionals was not a crime.

The Mission has also faced ongoing conflicts with the provincial government regarding the education of their children. In an effort to avoid public schooling, the group attempted to run its own educational institutions, such as the Institut Laflèche. However, this institution was eventually shut down by the Ministry of Education for not adhering to provincial curriculum standards.

In 2016, the Ministry of Education permitted the opening of a private school, Accord School, under specific conditions. However, the school’s permit was later revoked for failing to comply with the law on private schools. These educational controversies highlight the tension between the group’s desire for autonomy in education and the government’s responsibility to ensure educational standards are met.

Adding to these controversies, the Mission also maintains a degree of secrecy and isolation from mainstream society, which has contributed to public curiosity and speculation about its activities. The organization generally avoids media attention and rarely grants interviews or allows outsiders to observe their practices. This isolation has made it challenging for researchers and authorities to fully understand the group’s current practices and internal dynamics.

Despite the controversies surrounding the Mission, though, the group has engaged in various charitable and community service activities. These include operating schools (before their closure) and providing assistance to those in need within their communities. However, the extent and nature of these activities are not widely publicized due to the group’s secretive nature.