The Notre-Dame de l’Assomption National Monument in Rogersville has been recognized as a Provincial Historic Site to honor the achievements of Monsignor Marcel-François Richard (1847-1915), a prominent figure in the fields of education, colonization, and the Acadian renaissance.

Monsignor Richard played a key role in the establishment of August 15th as the National Acadian Day, the creation of the Acadian flag, and the selection of Ave Maris Stella as the Acadian national anthem.

Mgr. Richard’s work in the field of education resulted in the establishment of many schools in Kent and Northumberland counties. 

In 1912, Monsignor Marcel-François Richard commissioned the construction of the original monument to shelter a statue of the Blessed Virgin, gifted by the organizers of the 1910 Eucharistic Congress of Montreal. The monument was dedicated to the patron saint of the Acadians. Tragically, it was destroyed by a fire in 1969.

Constructed in 1972 under the guidance of Father Alban Albert, the current Monument replaced the one built by Monsignor Marcel-François Richard. His aim was to create a gathering and pilgrimage site for the Acadian people. This location continues to serve as a place of worship, hosting pilgrimages and religious events, including a novena of the Assumption that culminates on August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption.

In Le Monument Notre Dame de l’Assomption’s Chapel, beneath a large mosaic of the Virgin of the Assumption, are the remains of Mgr. Marcel-François Richard.

An entrance arch to the parkland was erected in 1955 to mark the Bicentennial of the Deportation of the Acadians.

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