Interviewer – Fr. Leo, would you share a bit about your background, family and early education?

Fr. Leo – My family came from Berlin, NH and was of French Canadian ancestry. I was one of five children, three boys and two girls. I have a brother in California, a sister in Indiana and another one in Connecticut. My other brother is deceased. We belonged to St. Joseph’s parish where my father, a grocer, was very active and supportive of the parish priests. We children attended the parish school. My mother had been a religious and remained close to the sisters after she left the community.

– How did you come to know the Assumptionists?

– After I finished elementary school, my parents, who knew about Assumption prep, wanted to send me there. As it turned out, it was a wonderful experience for me. At the same time, I had known from the age of ten that I wanted to be a priest. Both of my parents were very supportive of my vocation. My Assumptionist mentors included Frs. Ernest Fortin, Denys Gonthier and Edgar Bourque.

– Would you share some of your later education and formation memories?

– After two years at Assumption College, I entered the community at Saugerties, NY for formation. Later I was sent to Europe to study in France and Belgium after which I came home and was ordained at the college in 1969. I will always be grateful for the education I receive with the Assumptionists.

– Where did community assignments take you over the years?

– My first assignment was teaching religion at the prep for two years. However, my most memorable mission experience was the seventeen years I spent in Korea, during which time belonged to the French province. Among other services we provided the people, I was chaplain for a community of religious sisters. Another wonderful experience I had was attending an Institute for Spiritual Leadership at Loyola in Chicago in 1982. Most recently, I worked in our mission in the Philippines before retiring to our house on Old English Road in Worcester. At the present time I am translating letters of Fr.d’Alzon, our founder, for whom I have always had a special interest and love. I have always admired him as the loving father of our community, faithful son of the Church and as a creative, innovator and unifier.

– Fr. Leo, do you have other interests or hobbies?

– Oh yes! I love music and play the piano; and all of the arts such as movies, plays etc. While in Europe, I visited as many museums as I could.

– What is your hope/vision for the future of the congregation?

– I am cautiously optimistic about our future. I greatly admire our superior general, Fr. Benoit Griere and I am very encouraged by those in formation who will ensure a strong future for the congregation, please God.

Note: Since this interview took place, Fr. LEO BRASSARD, A.A. passed away on March 18, 2019. May he rest in peace.