Elzéar-Delamarre Center (museum)

Elzéar-DeLamarre Center

The Elzéar-DeLamarre Center is a place for exhibitions, contemplation and reflection that pays homage to the founder of the Ermitage and to those who contributed to his works. This project was achieved through great cooperation between the Antoniennes of Mary Sisters and the Capuchin Friars.

Through the various exhibition themes, pilgrims and visitors discover the values that were precious to the founder, and which are still relevant in the 21st century: humility, generosity, tenacity, confidence, respect and love of nature. A great man to be discovered!
« ONLY GOD IS MY MASTER, VICTOR DELAMARRE »

We invite you to come and discover the history of this strong man who had a major impact all over Québec. He also travelled part of Canada and the United States, since he toured strong-man exhibitions for a living. Victor DeLamarre was the nephew of the founder of the sanctuary of Lac-Bouchette, Abbé Elzéar DeLamarre. He contributed greatly to its construction.

During his childhood, he dreamed of beating Louis Cyr’s record, the World Champion at the time for lifting a 273.25 lb. barbell with one hand. Victor achieved his greatest wish at the age of 26. At Montréal’s Arcade Theatre, before an audience of approximately 1,300 people, he lifted a 309.5 lb. barbell with a single arm, his left. This record has still not been equalled.

Free admission, welcome everyone,
A donation is suggested and appreciated!