Although this object looks like a pocket watch, it is a liturgical object. A pyx is a kind of box used by priests to place one or more consecrated hosts there and transport them to sick people or those who are unable to attend the Eucharist at the church.

This pyx belonged to Canon Henri Garceau. It would have been offered to him during his ordination in April 1914

Henri Garceau was born on April 29, 1889, in Pointe-du-Lac, now Trois-Rivières, to Albertine Pothier and Philippe Garceau, a farmer. He pursued classical studies at the Séminaire Saint-Joseph in Trois-Rivières, then completed the theology program at the Grand Séminaire in the same city. He was ordained on April 25, 1914, by Msgr. F.-X. Cloutier. He became a professor at the Séminaire Saint-Joseph until 1920, then held the position of mandatary there when, between 1927 and 1929, he was asked to preside over the construction of the new Séminaire Saint-Joseph, all in granite. He remained mandatary until 1953, when he was forced to take a break. After a year, he accepted the position of assistant mandatary. He held this position until 1961, the year of his retirement.

He had been appointed canon of the Trois-Rivières Cathedral in 1946.

He died on March 17, 1968, at the age of 78.

Musée Pierre-Boucher Collection
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