Cover photo for Rev. André L. Houle's Obituary
Rev. André L. Houle Profile Photo
Rev. André

Rev. André L. Houle

d. December 10, 2020

Rev. André L. Houle, O.M.I., 94, died on December 10, 2020 at the Oblate Residence in Tewksbury, MA. He was born in Lawrence, MA and was one of 4 children. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Ernest Houle and M. Aline Galarneau as well as three siblings, Gertrude Gregoire, Germaine Soucy and Robert Houle.

Fr. Houle entered the Oblate novitiate in Colebrook, NH on July 15, 1945, where he professed his first vows as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate on July 16, 1946. On September 8, 1949, he professed his final vows. He was Ordained to the priesthood in Ste Jeanne d'Arc Church on February 2, 1952 by the late Bishop Thomas Francis Markham, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston.

Fr. Houle was educated, beginning with high school, by the Missionary Oblates. He received his degrees in Philosophy and Theology in Natick, MA and later received Masters Degrees in Library Science and French from Catholic University and Laval University respectively.

From 1952 until 1974, Fr. Houle was a professor at the Oblate seminary in Bucksport, ME, Director of Students at St. Charles House in Washington, D.C. and a librarian at the LaSalette seminary in Enfield, NH. From 1974 until his retirement in 2006, he did parish ministry. He was Pastor at St. Jean-Baptiste Parish, Lowell, MA from 1977-1980 then at St. Mary Parish, Lincoln, ME from 1980 to 1992. His final parish assignment was at St. Leo in Howland, ME where he was pastor from 1992 until 2006. At Saint Leo Parish, Father Houle built a Shrine of Our Lady of the Eucharist, which he regarded as his finest gift to the Parish. He also served as Maine District Superior from 1992 to 2006. He came to Tewksbury in 2006 and remained active as Librarian in the house for many years.

In addition to his Oblate family, Fr. Houle is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins here and in Canada, who will miss him. He will also be missed by the countless friends he made at his parish assignments.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral services will be private. Internment will be at Saint Joseph Cemetery, East Chelmsford, MA.
Donations in memory of Fr. Houle may be made to the Oblate Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876.

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