September 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Louis Even, founder of MICHAEL and Vers Demain (its French-language version). At our annual conference, we looked at the immense legacy he left us when he explained in simple terms Economic Democracy, the brilliant financial solution conceived by Scottish engineer Clifford Hugh Douglas, and by passing on his great love of God and the Roman Catholic Church.
Louis Even was particularly devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In December 1964, at the age of 79, he fell seriously ill and it was thought he was at the end of his life. He however recovered against all odds and said: "I have obtained a reprieve. I loved the Blessed Virgin very much during my life, but perhaps I didn't make others love her enough."
From the earliest days of the movement, Mr. Even began every gathering with the recitation of the rosary. But during the last ten years of his life, from 1964 to 1974, he did even more. In addition to continuing to write about Economic Democracy, he wrote about the various apparitions of the Blessed Mother around the world.
During our annual fall meeting, we also pointed out that the Douglas solution, although conceived in 1917, is still relevant today, since it speaks to every economic condition and responds to today's problems around the world, whether they are problems of debt, inflation, pollution and environmental degradation, housing and urban sprawl, and so on.
During 2024, MICHAEL published several articles on the life of Mr. Even. He was an educator by vocation, having joined the Brothers of Christian Instruction as a teenager. In 1934, Providence brought him into contact with Douglas' writings, which proved a turning point in his life. "This is a light on my path, everyone needs to know about this!" he said. At over age 50, Mr. Even quit a lucrative career during the Depression to teach this wonderful solution.
We can ask what would have happened if Mr. Even had simply said to himself: "That's all very well, but I'm busy and I'll leave it to others to make it known". Without Louis Even's "yes", there would have been no MICHAEL magazine, no White Beret movement and few of us would have heard of Economic Democracy.
We can see the difference one person makes depending on their choices. St Alberto Hurtado, a Jesuit priest from Chile, said: "Jesus tells us: 'I need you. I'm not forcing you, but I need you to carry out my projects of love. If you don't come, something will remain unrealized, that you, and you alone, can realize."
This sentiment applies to each and every one of us. If God has put the work of the Pilgrims of St. Michael on our path, it is because He has entrusted us with the mission of making it known to others. If we don't, perhaps no one else will. Just think, if you've heard of our work, it is because someone else told you about it, perhaps by knocking on your door, subscribing you to the magazine, through discussion, etc..
God had chosen Louis Even for the work of liberating people from financial dictatorship. He endowed Louis Even with uncommon talents, including that of explaining in simple words economic terms and formulas normally understood by people with advanced education. Douglas would later say that, of all those who wrote about Economic Democracy, it was Louis Even who understood best.
People at this year's annual meeting in Rougemont who knew Louis Even when he was alive, spoke of his constant smile, his enthusiasm and his love of the poor. We should add his qualities of courage and tenacity in confronting the banking dictatorship. His example has led thousands of apostles to follow in his footsteps. In the last issue of MICHAEL we published an article titled "A day in the life of Louis Even". Readers will remember that some did not like his message of economic liberation and poured pails of dirty motor oil over his head.
Here is another example of the man's character. In a town north of Quebec City, early in the movement a meeting was held in a hall, as on so many other occasions. Louis Even recited the rosary, as he did before every meeting. That evening, only one person attended. As he finished his speech, he addressed the gentleman, thanking him for listening to his message. The gentleman replied: "I'm the concierge, and I'm waiting for you to finish before I close the building." However, the gentleman was convicted by Mr. Even's speech and became an ardent and loyal supporter.
A single issue of MICHAEL can not explain every aspect of Economic Democracy, but if our readers set out to study this brilliant solution, they'll exclaim, like Louis Even, "It's a light on my path, everyone needs to know about this!" We invite you to read the various articles and books on the subject available on our website. The articles in this issue give some overview. Enjoy your study!
Alain Pilote
Alain Pilote has been the editor of the English edition of MICHAEL for several years. Twice a year we organize a week of study of the social doctrine of the Church and its application and Mr. Pilote is the instructor during these sessions.
In this special issue of the journal, MICHAEL, the reader will discover who are the true rulers of the world. We discuss that the current monetary system is a mechanism to control populations. The reader will come to understand that "crises" are created and that when governments attempt to get out of the grip of financial tyranny wars are waged.
An Efficient Financial System, written by Louis Even, is for the reader who has some understanding of the Douglas Social Credit monetary reform principles. Technical aspects and applications are discussed in short chapters dedicated to the three propositions, how equilibrium between prices and purchasing power can be achieved, the financing of private and public production, how a Social Dividend would be financed, and, finally, what would become of taxes under a Douglas Social Credit economy. Study this publication to better grasp the practical application of Douglas' work. 
Reflections of African bishops and priests after our weeks of study in Rougemont, Canada, on Economic Democracy, 2008-2018
The Social Dividend is one of three principles that comprise the Social Credit monetary reform which is the topic of this booklet. The Social Dividend is an income granted to each citizen from cradle to grave, with- out condition, regardless of employment status.
Economic Democracy is a book to explain Social Credit in lessons presented in logical order so it may be easier to the reader to grab the main principles of Social Credit rapidly and somehow easily.
In This Age of Plenty deals with Social Credit, but it does not exhaust the topic. Social Credit principles address social and political matters, as well as, or even more so, than economics and will put civilization on a new course.
From Debt to Prosperity outlines briefly the economic analysis and constructive proposals known as Social Credit.
Rougemont Quebec Monthly Meetings
Every 4th Sunday of every month, a monthly meeting is held in Rougemont.
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