Rev. William McGrattan Named Bishop St. John Vianney Ordination of new auxiliary bishop for Toronto to be Patron Saint of All Jan 12, 2010, 3:00 pm: St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica Priests

See www.rcec.london.on.ca for details Page 3 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON Winter 2009 • Number 134 Elgin, Essex, Huron, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford and Perth Counties www.rcec.london.on.ca

Th is year has been declared by Pope to interior renewal for the sake of a more have remained faithful and diligent. Th e retreats available to them, for which our Benedict XVI the Year for Priests. It forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel call to holiness, then, is not a call to move parish teams are already preparing. Th e is striking how warmly Catholics all in today’s world.” Th e pope deliberately from spiritual sickness to health, from experience of our priests, deacons and over the world have received the pope’s connects this special year with the 150th mediocrity to a minimally acceptable lay ecclesial ministers concentrating on announcement. As Cardinal Humes anniversary of the death of Saint John standard. It is a call to good priests to their spiritual growth will be a powerful stated in his letter on the Year for Priests: Vianney. What is most striking about the enter into a deeper personal relationship witness to their parishioners. Following our people “undoubtedly love their priests Curé of Ars is the outstanding example of with Christ, our High Priest. this initial phase, our parishes will then and want to see them happy, holy and holiness he gives us. make a special eff ort in the next couple joyous in their daily apostolic labours.” In his letter, the pope notes that this focus of years to provide opportunities for the Th e saintly life of the Curé of Ars of priests on growing closer to the Lord spiritual renewal of all of our people. Th is issue of the Diocesan Newsletter continues to speak to us today. He will bear abundant fruits in their pastoral is devoted exclusively to the Year for exercised his priestly ministry during the service. Th is truth is evident in the life It is very fi tting that our diocese is Priests. It contains personal refl ections on years following the French Revolution, at of the Curé of Ars, who strove to be one beginning this period of spiritual renewal the priesthood and highlights diff erent a time when people were indiff erent about with Christ through prayer and penance in the Year for Priests. My hope is that diocesan initiatives in the coming months their faith and even hostile to the Church. and whose intense love for Christ led him it will reinvigorate our priests and bring to celebrate the immense gift of the He was appointed to Ars to draw the to devote himself completely to his parish new life to our people and our entire priesthood. Th ese events will enable us people back to the Church. To accomplish ministry. Priests are pastoral leaders diocese. to come together to recognize the great this task he took on a life of prayer, who affi rm, empower and promote the contribution our priests make to the well penance and asceticism. spiritual gift s of the laity to be used for the In declaring the Year for Priests, Pope being of our diocese, to pray for them and good of the whole Church. As the pope Benedict lovingly challenged priests to pray for priestly vocations. Th e culture here in North America points out, every priest needs to have a around the world to deepen their with its secular humanism agenda is living, intimate experience of Christ, so commitment to spiritual renewal. I know Pope Benedict knows the central not conducive to life in the Spirit. In that he will be able to lead souls humbly our priests will respond wholeheartedly to importance of holiness for priests. addition to these cultural forces, we have and trustingly to the same encounter this call. I invite you, especially during the His hope, as he states in his letter in our own diocese in the past few years with Christ. Holiness, in other words, is year ahead, to pray for our priests as they inaugurating the Year for Priests, is that it experienced diffi culties that have tested integral to the pastoral leadership that seek to follow the example of the Curé of will “deepen the commitment of all priests our priests. But despite all this, our priests priests are called to exercise. Ars, whose burning love for Christ was manifest in a life of prayer, penance and Earlier this year, I zealous service of Christ and his people. called the priests of our diocese, as well as Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, c.s.b. Canada Post Corporation/Société canadienne des postes Postage paid Port payé the deacons and lay Publications mail Poste-lettres ecclesial ministers, to a period of spiritual 10198 London renewal. During 2010, Bishop of London there will be a variety of NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2009 2 Celebrating the Year for Priests

By Rev. Paul Baillergeon will be engaged in celebrating the sacrament of penance throughout the entire day in every parish. St. John Vianney In inaugurating the Year for Priests on June 19, 2009, Pope was renowned for his devotion to this ministry in his parish Benedict XVI stated the goal of this extraordinary year very in Ars, France, and in the Year for Priests, initiated on the clearly: “Th is Year [is] meant to deepen the commitment of occasion of the one hundred and fi ft ieth anniversary of his all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a stronger and death, it is most fi tting that the priests devote themselves in more incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world.” Coming an extraordinary way to the celebration of this sacrament. as it does at the beginning of the diocesan focus on spiritual renewal, fi rst for those in ministerial leadership and then for Th irdly, every parish is being invited in the course of the Year the faithful of the diocese, the Year for Priests off ers a singular for Priests to schedule a weekly Holy Hour before the Blessed opportunity and strong support for this eff ort among priests Sacrament to pray for priests and for an increase of vocations and the people of God alike. to the priesthood. Many communities already have this form of devotional prayer as a Consequently, the plans to mark this unique year in the part of their calendar; others that do not are Diocese of London do not focus on exalting priests per se, being urged to undertake it for the sake of the but rather on underscoring their vital ministry of Word and particular intention of priests and priestly sacrament within the community of faith. In particular, the vocations. diocesan events will centre on the celebration of the Eucharist and the sacrament of penance, as well as prayer by and for the Finally, the priests themselves have priests of the diocese. undertaken to pray for one other brother- priest throughout the year and to pray In order to bring the Year for Priests to the various regions together daily for the sake of the of the diocese, a special Mass has been scheduled in each presbyterate of the Diocese of of the seven deaneries. Th ese celebrations of the Eucharist, London. involving Bishop Fabbro, the priests of the particular deanery and to which the faithful in that region will be invited, will Th ese plans while modest in scale, be held between December 2009 and May 2010. Th is will be will not only highlight but also an opportunity for the priests to gather with the Bishop at foster Pope Benedict’s intention for the Tables of the Word and the Eucharist, and for all those this Year for Priests and in so doing gathered to refl ect upon and give thanks for the gift of the nourish and strengthen the priests of ministerial priesthood in the Church. the Diocese of London to play their indispensable part in the mission of On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, in imitation of St. John the Church in the years ahead. Vianney, the patron of parish priests, every priest in the diocese

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Communion in secret as the ordained a priest. throughout the world because of public celebration of Mass by the holiness of its pastor. St. John Vianney priests loyal to the Church of In 1818 Vianney was assigned to Rome was strictly forbidden. the care of the tiny community John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, By Rev. Paul Baillergeon Th ree years aft er his birth in of Ars. He was warned he would laboured for 49 years in his tiny, 1786, the French Revolution When as a youngster John fi nd religious practice in a sorry out-of-the-way parish, dying St. Pius X (1835-1914) was the began, ushering in radical Vianney fi rst expressed his desire state: “Th ere is little love of God there on August 4, 1859 at the fi rst Pope to be photographed political and social changes and to be a priest, his father would in that parish; you will be the one age of 73. regularly. In a photo of him marked, among other things, by not allow it because he was to put it there.” seated at his desk in the Vatican, a hatred for the Catholic Church. needed to work on the family While not the fi rst parish priest one notes something quite Many French churches were farm. Nevertheless, he persisted Having determined that the to be canonized in the history interesting: on his desk, along closed, desecrated or destroyed, and at the age of 20 began people of Ars would only be of the Church, none was so with a crucifi x is a large statue. It and hundreds of bishops, priests to study for the priesthood. drawn away from sin and back to completely identifi ed with his is not an apostle or Doctor of the and religious sisters were hunted However his schooling was God through his own example, parish or did so many routine Church, but John Marie Vianney, down, imprisoned and executed. interrupted when he was the new curé undertook a life of things so well for so long. It is the humble French parish priest In John Vianney’s home diocese conscripted into Napoleon asceticism, penance and prayer. for this reason that all the popes Pius X beatifi ed in 1905. Pope 130 priests were guillotined to Bonaparte’s Grande Armée. Due He removed most furniture from within the last century, including Pius XI canonized St. John “dechristianize” France. As a to serious illness, Jean Vianney the presbytery, gave his clothes Benedict XVI, have called Vianney on May 31, 1925 and consequence of this persecution, never saw active service. In 1812 away to the poor and subsisted attention to him as a model for named him the patron of parish the practice of the Catholic he entered the minor seminary at on a meager diet of one or two priests. priests. faith was seriously impeded, so Verriers. He received high marks potatoes a day. He immersed much so that the 15-year-old himself in the village and became St. John Vianney was born at a in zeal, conduct and character John Vianney received his First a part of the day-to-day lives of very troubled time in France. but was listed as very weak in “general knowledge.” One its inhabitants. He spent hours year later he entered the major in prayer each day and in the seminary at Lyon. A classmate confessional. Rising at 1 am said of him: “Th ere was nothing to begin his ministry, he extraordinary about Jean-Marie. laboured until well past ten He was just perfectly simple.” in the evening.

He found the studies, particularly Th e Curé of Ars became Latin, diffi cult and although the a great apostle of the seminary authorities recognized confessional and his General Contracting, Roofi ng and Sheet Metal, his goodness and made special fame for sanctity and for being a wise but challenging Masonry, Woodworking and Interior Restoration provision for his slowness in learning, he was about to be confessor eventually made dismissed from the seminary. it necessary for him to spend Th e vicar general of the diocese upward of 18 hours a day in the Roof Tile Management is proud to have worked allowed his studies to continue confessional. By the end of his with the Diocese of London on a by asking, “Is Monsieur Vianney life, he was hearing more than 20,000 confessions a wide range of projects: good?” Th e rector replied, “He is a model of goodness.” Th e year. Th e village of Ars became famous St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, London vicar general said, “Let him be ordained. Th e grace of God will throughout St. Justin, London do the rest.” Th us, on August France and, 12, 1815, John Vianney was eventually, St. Mary, London St. Patrick, London St. Clement, McGregor Holy Name of Mary, St. Mary’s St. Joseph, Chatham DONOHUE St. John the Evangelist, Woodslee FUNERAL HOME Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Proudly serving the Catholic community since 1930 St. Anne, Tecumseh Our knowlegeable funeral directors will assist in all areas St. Patrick, Kinkora of bereavement, be it burial, cremation, pre-need or at need services. St. John the Baptist, Amherstburg and many others John and Patrick Donohue, Doug Manners, Margaret Bloomfi eld and Lindsay Allan Contact Us: 360 Gibraltar Drive 362 Waterloo Street (at King) 519-434-2708 Mississauga, ON L5T 2P5 London, Ontario www.donohuefuneralhome.ca 905-672-9992 [email protected] The Priest Today, By Karl Rahner NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2009 The priest is not an angel sent from heaven. He is a man chosen from among men, a member of the Church, a Christian. Remaining a 4 man and Christian, he begins to speak to you the Word of God.

Refl ections on the Priesthood: This Word is not his own. No, he comes to you because God has told him to proclaim God’s Word.Perhaps he has not entirely understood Rev. Frank O’Connor, it himself. Perhaps he adulterates it. But he believes, and despite his fears he knows that he must communicate God’s Word to you. Class of 1966 For must not some one of us say something about God, about eternal life, about the majesty of grace in our sanctifi ed being; must not some one of us speak of sin, the judgement and mercy of God? So my dear friends, pray for him. Carry him so that he might be able to In grade 8 the principal, Mr. sustain others by bringing to them the mystery of God’s love revealed in Christ Jesus. McVicar, called me into the offi ce. He asked me what I hoped oldest of nine children. Our places - New York, South Africa, promoting Mission Awareness Peru, and now for the last 21 to do with my life. With a clarity family has always been a great Madagascar. I saw fi rsthand how Trips at St. Peter’s Seminary. years at St. Peter’s Seminary in blessing for me in the midst my parents welcomed the poor, London as seminary spiritual that even surprised me I said: “A Paschal: For many years the of both suff ering and joy. Th e fed them, and gave them lodging director. In each place I have met Catholic priest”. Even though he gospel story of the paralytic Catholic faith was a lived value - in the hotel they managed. remarkable faith-fi lled people. was not Catholic he asked me to lowered by friends through the prayer and Sunday Mass a given. Stories I read and lived found As I refl ect back, I am fi lled with invite him to my ordination. I roof of the house to the feet of Priests were loved and admired an echo in my imagination: gratitude to God for the blessed said I would ... And I did, and he Jesus has spoken to me. In my even though their limitations Albert Schweitzer a doctor in call to diocesan priesthood in came. youth I was one of those friends were evident to everyone. Africa, Bishop Walsh in China, Jesus Christ. I realize the journey of the paralytic. Later, facing When asked to write about my Mahatma Gandhi in India, is not over, so I ask the Lord for Early in life I was drawn to many ups and downs in life and life as priest four words came to and Fr. Raymond Moynihan, the grace to remain faithful. the sacred and to service with ministry, I experienced myself mind: Mystery, Mission, Paschal, our pastor in Strathroy. One Christ. I oft en wondered how as being placed before Jesus by God’s fi delity in the past gives me and Gratitude. summer while in the seminary it could ever happen. Yet it relatives, friends, brother priests, confi dence for the future. two friends and I drove to Mystery: Th ere is much more did. One day St. Paul’s words religious women, and faithful Mexico and back in about three A fi nal Word: Would I do it that I don’t know about my story spoke forcefully to me: “O people when I was unable to do weeks. I was deeply aff ected by again? If God or Mr. McVicar than what I do know. Buried the depth of the riches of the so myself. I have discovered the what I lived during those days. were to ask me again, without deep in the heart of God is wisdom and of the knowledge great healing power of forgiving Volunteering for the diocesan a moment’s hesitation, I would my call, everyone’s call. I have of God! How incomprehensible love. Th ese experiences of Mission in Peru arose out say, “Yes!” I have experienced grown to believe that we are each are his judgements, and how compassion, once refl ected upon, of the seeds planted in these this call with all its struggles and created for a purpose. Th ere unsearchable his ways! For who have made it possible for me to early years. My eleven years challenges to be an undeserved were long moments in my life has known the mind of the minister and speak with greater in the Zana Valley on Peru’s privilege given to me by a good when I was convinced that the Lord?” Th e mystery of how God conviction, and hopefully with the northern coast, near the God. I realize that there is still realization of this attraction to works things out fascinates me credibility. I am learning that the city of Chiclayo, changed me a long way to go in becoming the priesthood could never be to this day. God is good and his Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ life, profoundly. I discovered that more faithful and generous. realized. ways are wonderful. death and resurrection is the living in the midst of the poor is Yet in this call as a priest of pattern of my life too. I grew up in Strathroy, Ontario Mission: My dad was a great a privileged place to encounter Jesus Christ I have discovered a small rural community like story teller and I loved to hear the Holy Spirit. Th is experience Gratitude: Everything is gift . I the mystery of God’s presence many others. I was the second his stories of travels to distant encouraged me to join in gratefully recall the parishes and and action. My frequent, quiet ministries in which I have served response is “Th anks be to God.” in Windsor, London, Chatham, WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON 5 Please pray for the priests in our diocese in celebration of them and their ministry.

Rev. Edmond Bourque: April 25, 1959 Rev. Pio D’Oria: April 27, 2002 Rev. David Boutette: May 1, 1976 Rev. Gary Ducharme: May 7, 1983 Rev. Michael Brand, CSB: May 19, 1973 Rev. Alan Dufraimont: May 1, 1976 Rev. Edward Brereton: May 28, 1966 Rev. James Dunne, ,CSSp: July 14, 1957 Rev. Lawrence Brunet: May 30, 1965 Rev. Andrew Dwyer: September 15, 1979 Rev. Eugene Bugala: September 14, 1974 Rev. Michael Dwyer: May 2, 1987

Rev. Nelson Cabral: May 1, 1982 Rev. Mathew Elamplakatt, MST: December 18, 1982 Rev. John Callaghan, CSB: June 29, 1954 Rev. Alan Campeau: April 28, 1990 Most Rev. Ronald Fabbro, CSB: May 3, 1980 Rev. Gerry Campeau: May 26, 1999 Rev. August Feccia, CS: March 17, 1962 Rev. William Capitano: May 28, 1966 Rev. Tomasso (Tom) Ferrera: April 29, 2006 Rev. James Carruthers, CSB: December 15, 1963 Rev. John Fournier, CSB: June 29, 1951 Rev. Richard (Dick) Cartier: May 29, 1965 Rev. Patrick Fuerth: May 27, 1967 Rev. J Henry Cassano: March 17, 1956 Rev. David Furlonger, CSsR: May 7, 1977 Rev. Robert Champagne: May 11, 1974 Rev. Maurice Charbonneau: April 30, 1994 Rev. Adam Gabriel, CSMA: December 2, 1978 Rev. Dwayne Adam: May 2, 1981 Rev. Paul Charbonneau: May 22, 1948 Rev. Edward Gatfi eld: June 4, 1955 Rev. Peter Amszej: April 27, 2002 Rev. Robert Charbonneau: May 30, 1953 Rev. Matthew George: April 27, 1996 Rev. Dennis Andrews, CSB: December 5, 1970 Rev. Richard Charrette: May 28, 1966 Rev. Christopher Gevaert: May 3, 2003 Rev. Louis Angyal: April 1, 1979 Rev. James Chaseley: May 30, 1964 Rev. Christopher Gillespie: May 3, 1997 Rev. Thomas Ashton: April 28, 1979 Rev. Henryk Chibowski: May 28, 1988 Rev. Rene Giroux: May 31, 1958 Rev. Andrew Cho: September 19, 2003 Rev. Vincent Gleeson: May 28, 1960 Rev. Joseph Bagatto: May 30, 1959 Rev. Waclaw Chudy, CSMA: May 2, 1993 Rev. Virginio Gomes: February 7, 1999 Rev. Paul Baillargeon: May 6, 1978 Rev. Clare Coleman: May 10, 1975 Rev. Tamil Selvam Govindaraju, OFMCap: Dec. 27, 2006 Rev. Mark Barron: June 11, 1960 Rev. John Comiskey: May 2, 1981 Rev. Gary Goyeau: April 28, 1979 Rev. Ross Bartley: May 15, 1999 Rev. Albert Corradin, CS: July 4, 1954 Rev. Michael Graham: May 30, 1969 Rev. Edvando Barufe: January 5, 2003 Rev. John (Jack) Costello: May 9, 1970 Rev. Vincentius (Vince) Gulikers: May 4, 1985 Rev. Linus Bastien: May 19, 1951 Rev. Lucio Couto: June 24, 1990 Rev. Wieslaw (Wes) Gutowski: June 21, 1964 Rev. George Beaune, CSB: June 29, 1953 Rev. Robert Couture: April 30, 1988 Rev. Michael Bechard: April 29, 1995 Rev. Joseph Hardy: May 29, 1965 Rev. D Matthew Bedard: May 3, 2003 Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA: May 4, 1991 Rev. Arthur Hathaway, CSB: June 29, 1954 Rev. Gerard Bedard: April 28, 1990 Rev. Richard Dales: May 7, 1983 Rev. James Higgins: May 10, 1975 Rev. Pio Beorchia: April 30, 1994 Most Rev. R Anthony Daniels: May 7, 1983 Rev. Leslie Horwath: May 28, 1960 Rev. Richard (Dick) Bester: May 5, 1984 Rev. Nicholas Deak: July 31, 1991 Rev. Frederick Howard-Smith: April 22, 1992 Rev. John Betkowski: May 17, 1969 Rev. Antonio Del Ciancio: April 30, 1988 Rev. Richard Hurdle: May 6, 1986 Rev. Gregory Blonde: June 1, 1963 Rev. Pedro Delgado Fernandez: April 12, 1998 Rev. Francis (Jack) Hurley: June 4, 1955 Rev. Thomas Blondin: May 2, 1992 Rev. Jozef Denys: May 29, 1965 Rev. Stephan Bodnar: July 30, 1961 Rev. Leonard Desjardins: May 4, 1985 Rev. Dikran Islemeci: May 31, 1986 Rev. Daniel Bombardier: May 1, 2004 Rev. Ernest Deslippe: May 27, 1961 Rev. Gregory Bonin: April 28, 1990 Rev. John (Jack) Devine: June 12, 1954 Rev. Brian Jane: May 1, 2004 Rev. Dominic Borg, OCD: July 8, 1972 Rev. Gerard Dewan: May 20, 1988 Rev. Richard Janisse: May 10, 1975 Rev. Christopher Bourdeau: May 2, 1992 Rev. Thomas Donohue: May 3, 1997 Rev. Thomas Janisse: May 2, 1981

Refl ections on the Priesthood: wanted to make a diff erence in their lives. Strange of his disciples, one who would help bring his vision Rev. Al Williams, Class of 1955 as it may seem, my parents were initially opposed of love to others. I stand in awe at the love that our to my going to the seminary. Being of Middle East people have for their priests --- the trust and respect My priesthood has evolved for fi ft y-fi ve years culture, marriage was important for their sons. they place in them. I stand in awe when they invite and continues to express itself anew even in my Speaking of marriage, when I told my ninety-three us to journey with them as they search, question retirement. Who would have thought that one day I year old Lebanese godmother that I was retiring, and discover about God, life and death. I stand in would be attending the ordination of Karen Smart the fi rst thing she said to me was: “Now Albert, awe as they share their celebrations. I stand in awe as minister in the United Church, or the ordination nothing should prevent you from getting married.” I as they teach us so much about unconditional love, of Paul Innes as deacon in the Anglican Church, not comforted her with the invitation to be the maid of commitment, fi delity, sacrifi ce, suff ering and dying. to mention working with Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and honor when it happened! Buddhists on an Interfaith committee. Th anks to Th e sense of fulfi llment and joy that accompanies the Vatican II for a much welcome change of attitude in With much direction and refl ection, it took a few priesthood is unique; just to mention a few of those our relationships. years to fi nalize my decision to be ordained. At the experiences: the celebration of Sunday Eucharist, the ordination, I must confess that my parents were quite freeing of one in counselling or in the confessional, What drew me to the priesthood? I still fi nd that happy, and they never looked back. strengthening hope in time of illness, restoring peace question rather mysterious. It certainly was not my in time of dying. knowledge of nor association with priests or with As I enter my eightieth year I still stand in awe at the Church. I sort of suspect that the seeds were being called to this remarkable way of life. Sometimes Little did I realize at my ordination that I would have sewn in our home where the presence of God was I feel very much like Isaiah who had a powerful such a great life. How blessed and fortunate I am to always in the forefront through our mother’s witness. experience of the divine presence in the temple --- to have been called. I always was a “people person”, loved people, and think that Jesus Christ called Al Williams to be one NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2009 6

Refl ections on the Priesthood: Since my retirement in 2001 I have had the opportunity to be part of our changing Rev. Jim Williams, Class of 1957 Church both from within and from without. My preaching of missions has convinced me and continues to convince me that our people are searching and It is always easier to look back on life than ahead to the unknown. Looking back hungry and need to be fed with the good news of the gospel. My continuous battle over 52 years of priestly ordination and the events of those 52 years, I realize with diabetes and the resulting amputation has brought me much closer to the today that my opinion and appreciation for the priesthood is completely diff erent wounded, the rejected and uprooted of our society. from what it was in 1957 when I was ordained. At that time the Church was strongly entrenched in the lives of its faithful followers, and the priesthood was Today my greatest concern is the future of our children and the future of placed high on a pedestal, of which I was glad to be part. Catholic education. I believe our teachers themselves must catch on to the spirit of evangelization through their own participation in the sacramental life of our I must admit that while I welcomed and embraced Vatican II, I was not mentally Church and the lives of the children they are teaching. All the restructuring in the or spiritually ready for it. Over these 52 years I have served under the leadership world will never succeed unless it is supported by a faith living community that of Bishops Cody, Carter, Sherlock and now Fabbro, and I, like so many other embraces the true goals of both the single and married lives of a community that priests, as well as the faithful, have been blessed by their leadership. calls itself Catholic.

Th e Church will always be in a fl ux of change and to resist change is an invitation Looking back over 52 years I have made, like a lot of us, some mistakes for to abandon our mission to continue to evangelize the people of God. which I regret, but I have not lost hope in the future or the future of the Catholic priesthood.

Rev. Adrian Jansen: June 7, 1952 Rev. Francis (Frank) Leslie: May 25, 1968 Rev. Emmanuel Ngiruwonsanga: July 26, 2003 Rev. John Jasica: April 28, 2001 Rev. Thomas Lever: June 1, 1957 Rev. Hoang Nguyen, OFMCap: August 11, 2006 Rev. Francis Jeyaseelen, CR: August 20, 1998 Rev. Dariusz Lewandowski, CSMA: May 1, 2004 Rev. Paul Nicholson: May 3, 1997 Rev. Joseph Edward (Ted) Johnson, CSB: Dec. 9, 1967 Rev. Martin Nyland: August 15, 1992 Rev. John Johnson: May 2, 1998 Most Rev. James MacDonald: June 29, 1953Rev. Karol Rev. Quentin Johnson, CSB: December 10, 1966 Maciejewski: June 2, 2007 Rev. Michael O’Brien: May 27, 1967 Rev. Martin (Sam) Johnston: June 2, 1962 Rev. Lance Magdziak: April 29, 1989 Rev. T Francis (Frank) O’Connor: May 28, 1966 Rev. Philip Joseph: October 7, 1988 Rev. Raymond Masse: May 3, 1986 Rev. Nichola Mauro Iko, OFM: November 7, 2001 Rev. Joseph Padelt: May 28, 1960 Rev. George Kadlec: December 23, 1967 Most Rev. William McGrattan: May 2, 1987 Rev. Ronald Paquette: June 4, 1955 Rev. Kazimieras Kaknevicius: March 3, 1984 Rev. Kenneth McKernan, CSB: December 1, 1966 Rev. Lawrence Pare: June 2, 1956 Rev. Mitchell Kaminski: June 22, 1958 Rev. Charles McManus: May 19, 1951 Rev. Ulysse Pare, CSB: July 11, 1964 Rev. Joseph Kannath: March 13, 1958 Rev. Terrence McNamara: May 10, 1975 Rev. Michael Parent: May 27, 1967 Rev. Graham Keep: May 1, 1993 Rev. James Mercer: June 2, 1962 Rev. Ronold Pazik, CSB: June 29, 1954 Rev. Peter Keller: April 29, 1995 Rev. Michael Michon: May 5, 1984 Rev. Bela Pesznyak: June 29, 1975 Rev. Brian Klooster: April 28, 1990 Rev. Aleksander Mierzwinski: June 29, 1965 Rev. Maurice Pierce, CSB: June 29, 1957 Rev. Jean-Baptiste Kikwaya, SJ: July 5, 1998 Rev. Paul Milne: June 11, 1949 Rev. Theodore Pinto: September 21, 1963 Rev. William Kornacker: May 25, 1968 Rev. Franklin Mizzi, CSB: December 9, 1967 Rev. John Pirt: April 30, 1988 Rev. Andrzej Kowalczyk, CSMA: May 2, 1993 Rev. James Mockler: May 8, 1971 Rev. John Pluta: May 29, 1965 Rev. Wladyslaw Krukar, CSMA: December 17, 1955 Rev. Alan Momney: May 7, 1983 Rev. Jan Pochwala: May 4, 1991 Rev. Matthew Kucharski: April 27, 1996 Rev. Joel Montano: June 10, 1993 Rev. Peter Poel: April 30, 1994 Rev. Stanislaw Kuczaik, SCh: April 6, 1957 Rev. Paul Mooney: June 2, 1956 Rev. Mark Poulin: April 30, 1988 Rev. Thomas Kuriacko, CST: December 19, 1974 Rev. Daniel Morand: May 31, 1959 Rev. Michael Prieur: May 30, 1965 Rev. Zvonimir Kutlesa, OFM: July 10, 1966 Rev. Edward Morand: June 4, 1955 Rev. Msgr. Patrick Morand: May 28, 1960 Rev. Christopher Quinlan: June 2, 1962 Rev. Marvin LaBute, CSB: December 10, 1966 Rev. Joseph Morawski, CSMA: August 25, 2007 Rev. Joseph Quinn, CSB: December 15, 1963 Rev. Joseph Langlois: May 30, 1965 Rev. Keith Morrison: May 1, 2004 Rev. Francis LaPrairie: April 30, 1977 Rev. Lawrence Mousseau: June 4, 1955 Rev. Joseph Redmond, OMI: September 13, 1975 Rev. Leo Lariviere: May 30, 1953 Rev. Kathemo Mukucha, SX: July 13, 1997 Rev. Robert Remark: September 15, 1979 Most Rev. Eugene LaRocque: June 7, 1952 Rev. Gregory Mulligan, OFMCap: September 17, 1999 Rev. Paul Rennick, CSB: June 2, 1979 Rev. Raymond Lawhead: May 15, 1999 Rev. Francis Murphy: May 29, 1965 Rev. William Riegel, CSB: June 3, 1973 Rev. Ljubo Lebo, OFM: June 29, 1984 Rev. Louis Rivard: May 30, 1953 Rev. Ulysse Lefaive: June 11, 1949 Rev. Joseph Nevett: May 1, 1982 Rev. James Roche: June 29, 1979

Refl ections on the Priesthood: Rev. Jim Mockler, Class of 1971 My friends keep me grounded and bring me great joy and peace.

Each day as a priest I experience the Church --- the People of God --- revealed Th e gift of journeying in the midst of many lives has shown me so many signs and in many images. It makes me grateful. I watched my parents and family share wonders I can’t keep count. My desire now is to continue to do the best I can in their talents in the parishes in which we lived. My sisters, brother and I grew up the midst of ongoing change. in a home where prayer, service of others and expressions of faith were part of everyday family life. My brother priests, as mentors and friends, showed me by I would defi nitely do it all again. To use a golf image, some of us “are playing the their example how important prayer and the Eucharist was and is. Th ey affi rmed back nine” --- but the back nine will also be exciting and eventful. we serve alongside not over others, and that we listen to the Word of God together with the people to whom we preach it. I do worry about the future. Many young people today are looking for a challenge. Th ey want an authentic life and one that makes a diff erence. I have been blessed with supportive colleagues --- laity, religious, priests --- trying our best to be collaborative, rejoicing when we were, and understanding and able I pray some will consider and discern if God is calling them to the gift of diocesan to start over when we missed the mark. priesthood. WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON 7 Want to Know More?

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XXXSDFDMPOEPOPODB Arc hives Archives Play a VViVitalitattll RRole in Our Diocese

Among all areas and divisions within purpose for maintaining the diocesan Closer to home, the Archives of the Diocese of London is a formidable the central administration of the archives is to centralize, organize, Diocese of London have proven to task, yet it is handled with skill and diocese, perhaps the least visible and preserve, protect and make available be an invaluable and indispensable enthusiasm by our Assistant Archivist, least known are the Archives of the the records and materials which resource in recent diocesan Debra Majer. Her passion for and Diocese of London. Yet, their low pertain to the origin, history, spirit endeavours. devotion to this labour has made our profile belies their importance in the and development of the diocese. diocesan archives an asset not only for work of the chancery and in the overall The publication of the first history of researchers but also for the leadership, efforts of the diocese to maintain Archival materials created from the diocese, Gather Up the Fragments, parishes and people of the diocese. continuity with our past as we face the within the Diocese of London provide published to mark the one hundred challenges of the future. knowledge of the Church’s heritage and fiftieth anniversary of the diocese, Thus, while their profile may be and furnish an incentive to continue would not have been possible without low, the Archives of the Diocese of In some ways, the diocesan archives the good work of the people of God the vital assistance of the archives in London, nevertheless, offer a service are the heart of the diocesan Curia. in the local Church. In addition, the providing primary source materials to our diocese that is unique and Indeed, one of the synonyms for diocesan archives are a continuation of for the authors and researchers. irreplaceable. Like a gigantic family “archive” is “chancery.” The archives the history of southwestern Ontario. The enormous initiative of parish photo album, the archives reveal where are the depository of the documents Thus, they contribute in a singular reorganization also benefitted from we have come from and the people and records of the government of way to the distinct historical fabric the services of the diocesan archives. who have been a part of our story. the diocese as it carries out its work of the Church in Ontario and even to With parishes and churches closing, They provide a bridge from the past to of assisting the bishop in his task of an understanding of the Church in the archives ensured the preservation the present and into the future. shepherding that portion of the people Canada. and protection of records, artifacts and of God entrusted to his care. The liturgical items from the communities affected.

The management Canada Post Corporation/Société canadienne des postes of the huge and Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, c.s.b. Postage paid Port payé Publications mail Poste-lettres growing collection in Bishop of London the Archives of the 10198 London

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Refl ections on the Priesthood: Refl ections on the Priesthood: Rev. Pio D’Oria, Class of 2002 Rev. Clare Coleman, Class of 1975

I guess aft er being named aft er St. Padre Pio, it “Just when I think I have learned the way to was inevitable I would become a priest! Indeed, live, life changes.” (Hugh Prather) reading about his life and seeing his humble model of priesthood was one of my greatest If there’s one thing that characterizes inspirations. I recall the fi rst thing I said to my priesthood --- my priesthood --- over the last parents was: “I want to be a priest like Padre thirty-fi ve years, it’s change. I entered the Pio.” I thought this was a good way to “sell” my seminary in the mid-to-late 1960s, following parents on the idea since they named me aft er the Second Vatican Council, for some, a him to begin with. Of course, they thought it was refreshing time of hope and new possibilities, just a phase, but with a little good formation and Rev. Daniel Rocheleau: May 10, 1975 for others a diffi cult time of mourning and a lot of help from above, I was ordained to the Rev. Paul Rocheleau: June 4, 1955 of letting go. For those of us beginning our priesthood on April 27, 2002. Rev. Robert Rocheleau: May 2, 1992 seminary career, it was a time of “salvation Rev. Zbigniew Rodzinka, CSMA: May 1, 1982 by Gestetner”. Th e former textbooks were I have been a priest in our diocese for seven Rev. Ugo Rossi: September 8, 1947 not able to keep up with our unfolding years now, and I have grown a beard and belly Rev. Eugene Roy: May 5, 1984 theology and loose leaf binders took their just like Padre Pio. Rev. Terence Runstedler: May 5, 1984 place. It seemed like everything was up for Rev. Michael Ryan: June 3, 1950 grabs. It was an exciting time for some of With regard to the meaning of the priesthood, us, frightening for others. Th e words of the Catherine Doherty once wrote to a young Rev. Richard Saldanha: May 11, 1979 recently assassinated American President Seminarian: “I cannot... wax sentimentally Rev. Murray Sample: April 30, 1977 spoke to us: “Th e one unchangeable certainty pious... For one does not go sentimental over Rev. Peter Sanczenko: June 25, 1954 is that nothing is certain or unchangeable” a stark cross and a man crucifi ed to it!” She Rev. Mark Sargent: May 2, 1987 (John F. Kennedy). goes on to describe the challenges faced by Rev. Stephen Savel: April 29, 2000 priests: loneliness, ridicule, misunderstanding, Rev. Zbigniew Sawicki: May 23, 1992 As newly ordained priests, we soon got used refusals, dealing with sin, poverty in person Rev. Desmond Scanlan, CSsR: June 22, 1958 to moving to new assignments, new parishes and in consolations, doubts and fears, struggles Rev. Jose Seminati: February 21, 1965 and parishioners and new expectations. Once with the lukewarm and indiff erent, the rich and Rev. Russell Shantz: May 30, 1959 again the common theme was change. John greedy, unbelievers and scoff ers, even the devil Rev. John Sharp: May 8, 1971 Henry Cardinal Newman reminds us: “To live himself. Moreover, I cannot fail to mention Most Rev. John Michael Sherlock: June 3, 1950 is to change, and to be perfect is to change the extremely sad tragedies I have shared with Rev. Gilbert Simard: May 7, 1983 oft en.” people who suddenly lost a child, spouse, parent, Rev. R Paul Sims: June 15, 1985 during my time as chaplain at Victoria Hospital. Rev. Andrew Sipek: June 29, 1965 If we use this as our measuring stick, the All of this is what we call “reality;” and it has Rev. John Staskevicius: December 22, 1962 Rev. John (Jack) Stortz, CSB: June 29, 1953 life of a priest should be a life that leads to been part of my experience as a priest, as I’m Rev. Slawomir Szwagrzyk: May 13, 1989 perfection. For me one of the beauties of my sure it has for every priest. priestly life has been the variety of ministries However, Catherine Doherty also says if we are Rev. Kowalczyk Tadeusz, CSMA: June 17, 1966 and opportunities that I have experienced. ready to take up this challenge “then yours will Rev. Francis Thekkumkattil, CST: December 20, 1972 Th ere is a certain sense of unpredictability Rev. Joseph Thompson: June 29, 1947 be the most glorious life ever lived.” Th is is also in our ministry. A priest never knows what Rev. William Thompson, OMI: June 9, 1963 “reality:” the cross of Christ always brings the will be expected of him as a new day dawns Rev. Ivo Tommeleyn, OFMCap: August 26, 1955 joy of resurrection, not only in the future life, --- who will be in the offi ce waiting and what Rev. Richard Tremblay: May 28, 1966 their needs will be. but even here and now. As a priest, I have had Rev. Ronald Trojcak: May 26, 1962 the privilege of weeping for joy with repentant Over the years, I’ve discovered that life is sinners whom I could absolve, sometimes shortly Rev. John Van Damme: June 1, 1963 always at some turning point. Just when I before death. I have been told how something I Rev. Vincent VanZutphen: December 21, 1963 think I’ve seen it all, or experienced it all, said in a homily really helped someone through Rev. Martin Vavrak: June 1, 2003 a diffi cult time. And who can comprehend the Rev. Daniel Vere: May 2, 1987 something new will happen. It might be a privilege of being able to celebrate Holy Mass, crisis or it might be a new insight into my the memorial and reality of the Lord’s death and Rev. J Leo Walsh, CSB: June 29, 1960 relationship with God. For a while, it tends risen presence among us? Rev. Paul Walsh, CSB: April 25, 1987 to throw me off balance until I remember the Rev. Murray Watson: April 27, 1996 famous words of the great philosopher and Despite all the hardships today, there are still Rev. M Frank White: June 4, 1955 teacher: “Th e more things change, the more very few people who receive as much love and Rev. Dennis Wilhelm: April 30, 1988 they remain the same” (Mom). support from people as do priests. God’s faithful Rev. Albert Williams: June 4, 1955 are wonderfully good to us and oft en give us Rev. James Williams: June 1, 1957 Down through the years the one consistent just what we need, when we need it. Like a past Rev. Stevan Wlusek: May 3, 1986 thing that I have discovered and that I’ve Th anksgiving weekend when a young girl in my Rev. Matthias Wronski: March 11, 1967 grown to depend upon its God’s love, parish gave me the gift of a caramel chocolate forgiveness and patience. He’s been there in bar-my favorite! Rev. Maciej Zaborowski, CSMA: April 9, 1994 my successes and failures, my good times and Rev. Frederick J Zakoor, CSB: June 29, 1958 my bad times. He has given me three gift s that Th is is what the reality of priesthood has been I pray for and have grown to depend upon for me. I close my thoughts once again with -- serenity, wisdom and courage. “God, grant Catherine Doherty, who wrote at the end of her me the serenity to accept the things I cannot letter to that man thinking about priesthood: change, the courage to change the things that “Can there be a greater miracle of grace? Can I can, and the wisdom to know the diff erence” there be a greater vocation? If there is I do not (Reinhold Niebuhr). know about it.” WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON 9 Refl ections on the Priesthood: Rev. Richard Cartier, Class of 1965 Refl ections on the Priesthood: which I received the call to From the time I began serving on the altar at St. Joseph’s Church in Chatham, I began to Rev. Gary Ducharme, Class of 1983 priesthood. Long before the think about becoming a priest. In my last year of high school I decided to enter the seminary. Rector of St. Peter’s Seminary tive of my decision, as were my two sisters. “I chose you. And I appointed you to go I had a normal high school experience, enjoying sports, parties and dances probably rst two weeksmore asked Bishop Sherlock to and bear fruit, fruit that will last [ … ]” than academics. My parents were very suppor ordain me and my classmates (John 15:16). to priesthood in May of In the fall of 1958, I began studies at St. Peter’s Seminary in London. In the fi my spiritual director, the late Father George Zimney, asked me why I wanted to be a priest? If you have had the opportunity to attend 1983, there were other people I remember responding that I wanted to help people, and I thought that being a priest was the ordination of a priest, you might who had already asked and e with daily Mass, spiritual exercises, such the best way for me to do that. My seven years in the seminary were a positive experience for remember that the Rite of Ordination encouraged me to give myself me. Our formation was generally a monastic styl follows a slightly diff erent format from to the ministry of priesthood. as reading, times of prayer and studies. Our day began at 5:30 a.m. and lights out at 9:30 p.m. that of the other sacraments. In the In the past twenty-six years Sports were a big part of our day in all seasons and for the most part I enjoyed the years at Ordination Ritual, immediately aft er the many young people, and those the seminary. proclamation of the Gospel, the individual who are not so young, have ve, the largest in the history of the seminary, was ordained in 1965. I who is to be ordained is presented to been curious to know how I Our class of twenty-fi the bishop. Following the presentation perceived or sensed this calling served as an associate pastor in three parishes and a pastor in four parishes. For seven years I of the candidate, a representative of the to be a priest. Many wonder was director of John XXIII Centre for Adult Education in Windsor. community (usually the Rector of the if it was some ominous voice Seminary) makes the following request I have enjoyed my ministry and give thanks for the people I have served in some way over from above, or some amazing ll my ministry with integrity. of the bishop: “Most Reverend Father, forty years of active ministry. I owe special thanks to a few close friends who have been sign that broke in upon me in a “We carry this treasure in Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain honest with me and challenged me to fulfi moment of prayer. I have always this man a priest.” Th e bishop asks for told my inquirers that my call to On my ordination card I chose to inscribe this verse from St. Paul: testimony of the candidate’s worthiness priesthood came in a simple and vessels of clay to show that the abundance of power is from God and not from us” (2 Cor. 4:7). to be ordained. Once the testimony has the single life or religious life. Young ordinary way. First, I was aware of been given, the bishop states his election minds are impressionable, and the a desire in my heart. It was no diff erent of priesthood inspired me in the calling I of the candidate and the assembly of the knowledge that God calls each and every than any other desire of the heart to be a felt inside of me at the time. faithful responds: “Th anks be to God” person left its mark on me. doctor, a farmer, a teacher, or a labourer. with a resounding sign of approbation. It However, in addition to this desire in Th e second and most crucial means of I was blessed to have grown up in a is a moment of stupendous joy. the heart for priesthood, I also desired a becoming aware of God calling me to small, tight-knit family and farming priesthood came from the community Th e request from the people (Holy friendship with God. For me, I felt drawn community. My grandparents, extended where I grew up. Beginning at home, Mother Church) that this man be to what was holy, to the Church, to the family (especially my aunts and uncles), my mother and father were the fi rst to ordained, and the approval and consent things of God. All of this took place in the parishioners of my home parish, recognize my love for God and for the of the assembly to the bishop’s election me when I was a child and remained school teachers and even my childhood things of God. Although my mother never personally holds a signifi cant meaning throughout the years. At the same time, friends all helped me to know God’s said I “should be a priest”, she did teach in the Rite of Ordination. For me, it our parish was richly blessed with a pastor call to priesthood, without specifi cally me that God calls each person to a specifi c is the one symbolic action that most who I saw as a friend of God and a man in mentioning priesthood. Th e community vocation: perhaps marriage, priesthood, appropriately illustrates the way in love with all things holy. His love recognized a desire in me for God’s house and for serving the community. Th e family of faith encouraged me in my role as a young lector, a member of the History of the Diocese of London: “folk group”, my involvement in youth ministry and COR. Although I rarely spoke of feeling drawn to priesthood, my family and friends gently encouraged the Limited Time Off er: Only $30!!! path I seemed to be following. When the The most comprehensive history ever gathered about cards) and choose one of the following options: time came for me to test the calling, these the Catholic faith in Southwestern Ontario, the 400 pages same people promised me their prayerful of “Gather up the Fragments: A History of the Diocese of Mail order form and payment to Diocese of London, Attn: support. During the seven years of priestly London,” tells the story of the faith of the people of God who History Book Orders, 1070 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6A formation I heard an endless chorus of have promoted the mission of Jesus since the founding of the 3Y2 consent and approval for what I was doing diocese in 1856. and with that the promise of their prayers. You may also bring order form and payment to the Diocese of Interestingly, that chorus of consent Ordering info London Chancery Offi ce 1070 Waterloo St., London, ON (M-F: and approval, along with the promise of Simply complete the order form on this page, complete 8:30 am-Noon, 1-4:30 pm) prayers, has not diminished in anyway payment option (cheque or money order; sorry, no credit to this day. On the days when priesthood is diffi cult and my desire to serve grows Order Form ______weak, God sends someone into my day Phone (with area code) to once again remind me that the people Yes, I would like "Gather up the Fragments: of God have chosen me and called me to A History of the Diocese of London." Cost is $45 each (includes PST and GST) plus ship- ______priestly ministry. ping and handling of $7 per copy. E-mail Th eologically I am fi rmly aware of the fact Copies Costs Amount that God is the one who chose me and ______appointed me to go and bear fruit. And, Name x $30 each $ as much as I know and understand that the bishop is the one who has conferred ______x $9 each s/h $ the offi ce of priesthood upon me, I also Address believe deep inside that is was the people of God who confi rmed the call, long ______Total $ before I ever met a bishop, and whose City Province Postal Code approbation fi rmly roots me in priesthood today. NEWSLETTER OFF THE DIOCESE OF LOLONDONNDON WINTER 2009 10 What can the faithful do for their priests during this Year for Priests? Since the Eucharist is the source and summit of our spiritual lives, and we receive the Eucharist through the hands of our Refl ections on the Priesthood has taken place in people when priests, the following acronym is very relevant: PEAK. Rev. Tom Ferrera, Class of 2006 they have had their eyes opened. Entire families have given them- P- Pray: Priests need the prayers of the faithful in order that they become the men God has called For I long to see you, that I may selves to the Lord, and many them to be. We pray that all our priests become saints like their patron, St. John Vianney. impart to you some spiritual gift individuals from high school stu- E- Encourage: Encourage young men that show the qualities that would make a good priest to at to strengthen you, that is, that we dents to the elderly have sought least consider the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood; let it be a viable option in their life. may be mutually encouraged by baptism into the Church. Baptiz- Considering the priesthood should be natural for all Catholic young men. each other’s faith, both yours and ing, absolving and praying for rmation. When you hear a good homily, witness a baptism mine (Rom. 1:11). people have been moments when A- Affi rm: Your spiritual fathers need affi Jesus has brought something or marriage that really touches your heart, or out of gratitude for receiving the Eucharist, write When St. Paul wrote these words new into the world. Some people your priest a letter. Priests hear a lot of bad news; you would be amazed what one letter of to the Christians in Rome, he have been set free from years of affi rmation can do to touch the heart and soul of your priest, and thus build him up. was writing at a time when there being lost, feeling bitterness, and K- Know: Increase your knowledge of the gift of the priesthood to the Church. The priesthood was great fear to be bold in faith. struggling with addictions. is the very core of our Church’s identity. As Jesus gave his very life two thousand years ago, our Today, we again have reason to priests continue to hand on to us the Body of Christ and to reach out the hand of Christ in healing feel timid in faith. Faith, religion Our Lord continues to bring and absolving our sins. Appreciate the value of celibacy that your priests have entered into. and doctrine are perceived unity to his people. As a minister, ness that Jesus asks of us, in to limit our intelligence, our one of the highlights during my know two extraordinary priests unique and beautiful waysways. freedom, our rights and our time in Stratford has been work- and embracing the traditional in the last few years and months Another grace is the fraternity individuality. ing with the Council of Christian and devotional life of our Church of their lives. from my brother priests. Th eir Churches. Th is ecumenical work they are proof to me that our friendship is a gift from God. Pope John Paul II said that has given me time to pray with Church is made alive daily by the For me, I fi nd that God has Most signifi cantly, God has when we let Christ into our people from many diff erent de- Holy Spirit. called me to a vocation that has blessed us with his presence in lives we lose nothing, absolutely nominations, asking God to bless many challenges. But God has the Eucharist. Th e presence of nothing, of what makes life free, us and our city. Also, we have Th e three years have been an also given me an abundance our Lord with us fi lls me with beautiful and great. We receive assisted in creating structures, adventure, and in them I have of blessings that give me life, awe and wonder. I am grateful to a hundredfold in return. Th ere like city-wide Christian festivals, had many adventures: journey- strength and encouragement. For hold such a treasure in my hands are many moments in my own and a daily shared meal program ing with pilgrims both to Bosnia example, I am inspired by the daily. life where I can testify to seeing that bring hope and help those in the hope of experiencing faith of those in this parish --- so the power of our Lord; however, most in need. grace in a powerful way, and to many people demonstrate the May God’s blessing be with us I would like to share what Jesus Australia to meet with hundreds love of neighbour and the holi all. has done in the few years I have Th e young people in our parish of thousands of our Catholic served him as his priest. are a source of great encourage- family from around the world. I ment and strength. Th rough have offi ciated at the weddings of I have been honoured to experi- their prayerfulness on retreats, my cousins and my brother, and ence the transformation that taking a stand for social change, I have been honoured to get to

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In order to protect children, anyone who knows of any acts of sexual abuse or any perpetrator of abuse, whether priest or lay person, whether historical abuse or current, is obliged to report the abuse to the Children’s Aid Society at 1-888-661-6167 and the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON 11

Our Pioneer Priests Pilgrimages & Customized Tours March 19-28: The Holy Land By Debra Majer, Assistant Archivist 1820 May 7-16: The Shroud of Turin & Northern Father Joseph Crévier, who succeeded Father Marchand as Italy Shrines with Fr. Graham Keep In 1842 there were only seven priests serving a modest and pastor at Assumption in 1825, organized the construction very poor 9,200 Catholic families in what is now the Diocese of a second church in Amherstburg because there were May 24-June 3: (Revised) Oberammergau of London. At this specifi c time, this part of Canada West had already 500 Catholics at the mission. Passion Play & Shrines of Northern fi ve parishes, six mission churches and a number of mission Europe with Fr. Chris Gillespie stations at various crossroads throughout the Southwestern 1826 May 28-June 6: VE Day Celebrations & Ontario landscape. Father Crévier alerted the bishop of other settlements Canadian Battlefi elds of N Europe of Irish Catholic families in the interior of Essex County Sept 17-26: Fatima/Santiago de Before churches or chapels were built, priests, who travelled by (Maidstone) and contributed to the establishment of a Compostela/Lourdes with Fr. Jim Roche chapel at Belle River. either horseback or foot, would celebrate Mass at the homes Oct 9-18: Medjugorje & Rome with of Catholic families and Sacraments were administered to the 1827 Fr. Chris Bourdeau few families present. Oft en it could be months before the priest Mass was celebrated in Chatham and Sarnia for the fi rst would return. It was not uncommon that a missionary priest time. Bishop McDonell and Father James W. Campion, Aug: Fatima - World Youth Days - Lourdes would complain to his bishop about their “no-cash” families or missionary of Niagara and Dundas, visited St. Thomas for & Barcelona with Fr. Graham Keep* of congregations fi nding it very diffi cult to develop community the fi rst time. Aug: World Youth Days & Fatima plus because of the lack of fi nancial resources. Some early churches Santiago with Fr. Steve Savel* and chapels were built quite modestly- with no windows, 1828 unfurnished interiors or no liturgical items or vestments St. John the Baptist was erected as a parish and its fi rst Eucharistic Congress in Dublin & available to celebrate Mass. pastor was Father Louis J. Fluet. St. Peter was detached from Shrines of Ireland with Bishop Colli Assumption and became a mission of St. John the Baptist. & Fr. Graham Keep* Despite everything lacking, however, these pioneer priests *registrations being accepted continued to carry on with the Good News and established the 1831 2012 2011 2010 foundation for our diocese with great fervor and faith. Father Laurence Dempsey is the fi rst resident priest of St. Pilgrimages open for registration and confi rmation Thomas where a small chapel was built and dedicated to St. George Cifa, Travel Merchant Tours 1747 George the Martyr. London became a mission to St. Thomas. 519-225-2732 Fax: 519-225-2737 Father Armand de La Richardie, SJ and Father Pierre Potier, Fr. Dempsey also ministered to tiny bands of Catholics in Adelaide, Stratford and Goderich. Please note: the above are all ‘customized tours’ SJ arrive at Point de Montréal (present day Windsor) to re- subject to participation numbers! establish the Huron Mission also know as Mission of Our Lady 1834 TICO registration number 50016255 of the Assumption on the south shore of the Detroit River, It was on the arrival of Father Jean-Baptiste Morin that St. which was originally on the north shore. Peter became a parish. Father Morin began to visit Natives 1749 and white settlers in the village of Mooretown, in Lambton Father la Richardie and Father Potier both oversaw the County, and Irish Catholic settlers in Merlin. Father Daniel construction of a small church and the fi rst Mass was Downie opened London’s fi rst church, St. Lawrence the celebrated on September 8th. Martyr. 1767 1835 - 1837 The mission became a parish on October 3rd and Father Father Downie celebrated the fi rst Mass in Oxford County in O’Neil’s blacksmith shop with a dry goods box serving Potier oversaw the construction of a new church to serve • STAINED GLASS • the French and the Huron Indians. as an altar and then a few years later a church in Beachville was built and dedicated to St. Augustine. Father Joseph Since 1979 1800 L. Wiriath traveled to Startford, Goderich, Beachville, Father Jean-Baptiste Marchand, who had arrived at Woodstock, Ingersoll, St. Columban, Dublin, Logan, Simcoe Heritage Quality Assumption in 1797, had persuaded the Bishop of Quebec and Windham celebrating Mass and reporting on the Restoration & to open two more missions: St. John the Baptist in number of Catholic families in these areas. Amherstburg and St. Peter in Prairie Siding (Tilbury East). Woodwork There were already more than 529 confi rmed adults and 1842 • children at the parish. Assumption in Sandwich, St. John the Baptist in Memorial Amherstburg, St. George in St. Thomas, St. Peter in Tilbury 1802 East, and St. Lawrence the Martyr in London were all Windows Father Marchand oversaw the building of churches in established parishes. • Amherstburg and Prairie Siding. Information researched and collected from Gather Up of the Protective Fragments: A History of the Diocese of London. By Michael Storm Power, Daniel J. Brock, et al. For photo, see Gather Up... Glazing • London’s Most Experienced Stained Glass Craftsmen

97 Wharncliffe Rd. S. London, Ont. 519-432-9624 www.sunrisestainedglass.com NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2009 12

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