Pictured below, in the year 2014, is  David Ethier making his final profession of perpetual vows as a Third Order Franciscan otherwise known as a Tertiary.  He took as his professed name "Brother David Marie Rose of the Holy Wounds."

Tribute to David P. Ethier
10/26/1956 – 1/7/2022

If it were not for the staunch commitment and persistence of David Ethier, President and Co-Founder, the Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island (RFFRI) would not exist today. 

A novice to such an undertaking, he brought together a small group of Rose Ferron devotees  to form a non-profit entity in the State of Rhode Island to save a Domestic Chapel created by Rose Myette, Little Rose's third cousin, whom he befriended through a prayer group at her home in Burrillville.  David recognized the importance  of preserving the belongings and perpetuating the memory of Marie "Little Rose" Ferron a stigmatized ecstatic, for future generations.

Once this non-profit was formed, he began his quest to find a suitable home (property) in the City of Woonsocket, where Little Rose lived, consoled, healed and gave hope to many before she died.  Divine Providence led him to a building with a “Castle” motif at 339 Arnold Street in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.  After acquiring the building for the Foundation, he was committed whole-heartedly to the diligent rehabilitation needed to get the building up to current standards.  True to his Third Order Franciscan nature, he was frugal with the small amount of funding the Foundation had and often set about "doing the work by himself” and, at times, with those who did not refuse his outreach. David and these helpers were professionals in their fields and gladly offered their talents because they, too, believed in this “labor of love.”   As David would often say “All for Little Rose.”  This LOVE has been PRICELESS because, since our beginning, we have been operating on a sustainable budget thanks to our supporting donors.

He never wearied of breaking from his work on the building to offer anyone who happened to stop by a walk-through and instruction on the museum and chapel rooms.  These tours and his dedication to his Friday and First Sunday prayer services were to him his most important work and mission.

His passing has left many projects unfinished.  We, the Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island Board Members,  remain dedicated to David’s mission and bringing to life his vision for the RFFRI.

On December 8, 1928, at the age of 27, Marie “Little Rose” Ferron made her religious profession as Foundress of the Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus.  Speaking to Father Leonard, she said: “You know, my Community was approved by my Bishop.  Jesus will need that Community before long.”   “But will you live long enough to see it, Rose?” she was asked.  Little Rose answered “Jesus said nothing about that . . . I am ready to live or die as He wills as nothing is impossible to Him.  He can give life to my Community without my help for I am nothing in His hands; He Alone can make all things out of nothing.” 

David, in his “desire” for humility and in his love for Little Rose, also believed this same sentiment.

The Board Members of Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island take comfort in trusting God to move hearts to help us.  We are “nothing.”  With God all things are possible. 

Our motive remains in union with Little Rose: 
All for the Glory of God and the salvation of souls.

May his soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.