The Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal and Dans la rue Invite Montrealers to Pay Final Tribute to Father Emmett Johns, "Pops"

MONTREAL, Jan. 24, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - A friend to many, a mentor and role model for countless others, Father Emmett Johns, "Pops" provided comfort and friendship to homeless youth and to those in need, by crisscrossing the inner city aboard his famous van and by welcoming them unconditionally in the premises of the organization he founded almost 30 years ago, "Dans la rue."

Logo: Dans la rue (CNW Group/Archdiocese of the Catholic Church of Montreal)

The Archdiocese of the Catholic Church in Montreal and Dans la rue invite Montrealers to pay their last respects to Father Emmett Johns, "Pops" by attending his lying in state at Montreal City Hall and the funeral Mass for him, a man who was resolutely committed and devoted to his neighbour.

Archbishop Christian Lépine will reflect on the highlights of Father Emmett Johns, "Pops" energetic life, from his theological studies, his ordination by Paul-Émile Cardinal Léger and his many pastoral appointments until 1989, when he founded "Le Bon Dieu dans la rue."  Although he did not seek acclaim, his work has been repeatedly recognized, and he has been honoured by local, provincial and national organizations and associations.

"I was filled with emotion when I heard the news that Emmett Johns had died. … I stand in admiration of the work that he accomplished in the generous way he welcomed the most vulnerable. Like so many people, I am so grateful for his dedicated efforts to help those marginalized within society to improve their lives. Admiration and gratitude, for his radical commitment in putting the Gospel message into practice. Admiration and gratitude, for his 65 years of priestly life in the service of his brothers and sisters in their search for God and for everlasting happiness," stated Archbishop Christian Lépine. 

"Father Emmett Johns, "Pops" was a dedicated and generous person, and was a man of action. He inspired everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed. Through his compassionate humanitarian commitment, Pops succeeded in shaping the destiny of several generations of young Montrealers, and Dans la rue, his legacy, is the embodiment of this great success," stated Cécile Arbaud, the Executive Director of Dans la rue.

Lying in state in the Hall of Honour at Montreal City Hall, 510 Gosford Street, Montreal, H2Y 1C6 (Champ-de-Mars metro station)

• Thursday, January 25, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, January 26, from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Reception of body, prayer service and wake, at Saint Patrick's Basilica
460 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, Montreal, H2Z 1A7 (Square-Victoria or McGill metro stations)
Location

• Friday, January 26, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Funeral Mass, presided by Archbishop Christian Lépine

• Saturday, January 27, at 10:30 a.m., at Saint Patrick's Basilica

460 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, Montreal, H2Z 1A7 (Square-Victoria or McGill metro stations)
Location

SOURCE Archdiocese of the Catholic Church of Montreal

or an interview, please contact: Erika Jacinto, Director, Communications and Media, Relations, Archdiocese of the Catholic Church of Montreal, [email protected], 514 925-4300, ext. 204, Cell phone: [phone]; Etienne Lalonde, Senior Director, Development and Communications, Dans la rue, [email protected], T. 514 526-5222, ext. 223, Cell phone: [phone]