History of the Universal White Brotherhood in Canada

The Canadian brotherhood originated more than thirty-five years ago when a small group of people decided to explore in depth the spiritual teaching of Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov.

As a result, various gatherings took place in the mid-1970’s in the Sherbrooke and Montreal regions for the purpose of studying the Master’s books and talks. With study, reflection and meditation, the participants in these meetings were inspired by the discovery of a profound and universal ideal and the dawning of a collective and fraternal consciousness. This extraordinary adventure coupled with an understanding of the great principles and universal laws to be applied in daily life sparked great enthusiasm in them. From then on, their ultimate wish was to meet this Master whose books testified to his knowledge of a profound initiatic philosophy, and whose inspiration seemed to flow directly from the divine world. A group of them travelled to the Bonfin, the sacred domain in the south of France and the center of the Master’s teaching for more than 50 years.

Their stay of several weeks in the heart of collective life, intensified by the loving presence of the Master, was profound and exhilarating. The encounter was decisive and further inspired them to apply concretely to their lives in Canada the principles and methods recommended in the many talks they had attended. Now well engaged, they had the opportunity once again several months later (in late 1976 and early 1977) to benefit from the presence of their Master, this time in a suburb of Paris at the Izgrev center, headquarters of the Universal White Brotherhood. Still today, the memories of this spiritual pilgrimage remain fresh and alive. The Master offered certain directives, and at the end of this second visit, on January 13, 1977, he appointed the head of the Canadian brotherhood.

Throughout the following years, the Canadian projects intensified and a collective life developed. In 1978, the goodwill of all and a desire to pool their efforts led to the purchase of a property in Laval, near Montreal. The first meetings there took place in the early days of the New Year, 1979. In the spring of 1981, a ten-unit apartment block was constructed on the grounds, substantially increasing the accommodations for résidents.

At the same time, and beyond all expectations, an extraordinary event was in the works: the Master had announced his impending visit to Canada. During thirteen days of sheer joy, from June 3 to 16, the residents of the Laval center had the great privilege of hosting their spiritual guide. Sensitive to their excitement, the Master generously delivered a talk after each sunrise in a small room organized for this purpose. One sensed that his words were inspired by the highest realms, imbuing the listeners with life from other worlds, uplifting their souls and suspending them in an atmosphere that was almost unreal. What wonderful moments….

The Master in Laval in 1981

In June 1984, the Master gave the center the name ‘Radost’, a Bulgarian word meaning ‘joy’. And aptly so, since it was with profound joy that this center grew and prospered: construction and agricultural projects intensified to promote a life that was harmonious, stimulating and fraternal. From then on, the frequency of trips to France to meet with the Master increased, the travelers returning full of wonder and enriched with counless treasures. On September 28, 1981, during yet another visit by the Canadians to France, the Master officially named Roméo Paquin as president of the Universal White Brotherhood of Canada and of Prosveta, Inc., publisher and distributor of the Master’s books.

Upon Frere Roméo’s return, steps were taken to establish this directive, and on January 5, 1982, pursuant to the Canadian Corporations Act, the Universal White Brotherhood was officially registered as a corporation under the name: “Fraternité Blanche Universelle du Canada.” (Universal White Brotherhood Canada)

Universal White Brotherhood Canada

At this point, Radost became the headquarters of the Canadian brotherhood and during this same year underwent expansion with the construction of a hall essential for community life. Meanwhile, as the brotherhood grew larger, centers were established in several other regions of Québec.

The growing number of participants and their desire to receive the Master a second time resulted in the construction of a new meeting hall, begun in the fall of 1983 and completed in 1984. Large enough to hold several hundred people, this offered the Master the opportunity to visit his Canadian brotherhood once again.

Over a period of nearly two months (May 6 to July 1, 1984), inspired by the large and spacious hall filled to capacity, the Master conveyed to huge audiences aspects of initiatic science that were a living part of him and flowed from him as if from an inexhaustible spring. Out of his unconditional love for mankind, in the very first moments of each talk he was able to perceive the spiritual needs of those present and to address them. All went away feeling more conscious and equipped with tangible truths with which to improve their lives.

Leaving the Great Hall in 1984

Keenly interested in the future development of the Canadian brotherhood, he also visited a parcel of land in the Eastern Townships at the invitation of several brothers and sisters living nearby.

It was love at first sight. Enchanted by the incredible beauty of this landscape and the vision the panorama evoked in him, he strongly recommended that the land be purchased. He saw it as an exceptional location for the establishment of the Canadian brotherhood, one of its many advantages being its equidistance from the large urban centers of Montreal and Quebec, as well as its proximity to the American border. In the fall of 1984, the Canadian brotherhood acquired the property, and the Master returned for a two-month visit the following spring (May 5 to June 23, 1985).

The Master at Saint- Matthieu

It was during a talk he delivered in this same year that he consecrated the land and gave it the name “Blagoslovénié“or “All Blessings”. It was not until in May of 1993, however, that Radost yielded its position to Blagoslovénié as headquarters of the Canadian brotherhood and the national place of assembly.

In response to the Master’s wish that this become an international center, major renovations and other improvements were begun. To achieve these objectives, the brothers and sisters intensified their efforts, working tirelessly to implement an infrastructure capable of accommodating the greatest number of participants possible for future conventions. The first modifications made it possible to organize weekend meetings and to host small groups of people wishing to participate. Finally, in 1993 the center was ready to host regular meetings as well as international conventions.