About Irving Francis Houle:
Irving Charles Houle, also known as “Francis,” was born on December 27, 1925, in Wilson, Michigan, to Peter and Lillian Houle, the sixth of seven children. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he participated in daily prayers, the rosary, and the Stations of the Cross from a young age. At age six, he suffered a severe chest injury from a horse accident, which he later attributed to a miraculous intervention by Jesus, witnessed in a vision of a man in a white robe. His family later moved to Escanaba, Michigan, where he continued to deepen his faith and devotion.
Houle was known for his stigmata, the physical manifestation of Christ’s wounds, which appeared in his late sixties. Despite having no formal theological training, he devoted his life to prayer, the rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. His primary mission was the repentance and healing of souls, aiming to bring at least one non-practicing Catholic back to the Church each month Catholic. He also became recognized for healing the sick, though not all reported healings met the Church’s strict criteria for miracles due to prior medical treatments.
Houle was a married father and grandfather, balancing his mystical mission with family life under the guidance of Fr. Robert J. Fox, who served as his spiritual mentor. He lived a humble, blue-collar life, working as a factory worker, serving in the Army during World War II, and participating in the Knights of Columbus. He was survived by his wife of 61 years, five children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
In November 2018, Bishop John Doerfler of Marquette, Michigan, officially opened the cause for Houle’s canonization, and in June 2019, the U.S. Catholic bishops supported advancing the cause. He is now recognized as a Servant of God, the first formal step toward possible beatification and sainthood.
Houle’s life touched many through his prayer ministry, healing, and example of living in union with Christ’s sufferings. He is remembered for his humility, devotion, and dedication to bringing others closer to God, embodying the Catholic teaching that believers can share in the redemptive suffering of Christ. His story continues to inspire Catholics seeking holiness in everyday life.
Visit the official website for the cause of Irving Charles “Francis” Houle.
Traveling to the grave of Irving Charles “Francis” Houle in Escanaba, Michigan:
Escanaba, Michigan, is located in Delta County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, also known as Upper Michigan, and is commonly abbreviated as the U.P. or referred to colloquially as “Yoop.” The Upper Peninsula is the northern of Michigan’s two major peninsulas, separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinac and connected via the Mackinac Bridge.
It is bounded by Lake Superior to the north, the St. Marys River to the east, and Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to the south, with Wisconsin to the southwest.
Escanaba is situated on Little Bay de Noc, approximately 55 miles north-northeast of Menominee and 217.34 miles northwest of Detroit.
Irving Charles “Francis” Houle is buried in Escanaba at Holy Cross Cemetery, in the Lady of Grace Section.
Address: 3026 Lake Shore Dr, Escanaba, MI 49829
Phone: +1 (906) 786-4685