Category Archives: Oblates

March 17, 2026 · 1:34 am

Why mightn’t Fr. Albert Lacombe, OMI not have been declared a saint?

Pierre Berton in his 1971 book The Last Spike has this to say about Fr. Lacombe:

“The CPR Directors invited Father Lacombe who had saved them so much grief, to be their guest at a luncheon. On a motion by Angus, Lacombe was made president of the CPR for one hour. Taking the chair, the priest immediately voted himself two passes on the railroad for life and, in addition, free transportation of all freight and baggage necessary to the Oblate missions together with free use for life of the CPR’s telegraph system.

The directors were only too happy to grant Lacombe what he asked. He was the man who had the full confidence of the Indians. All the promises that day were honoured by the railway. Moreover, Lacombe’s rather cavalier use of the passes, which he lent out indiscriminately (as he did most of his belongings), was regularly tolerated.”

To have garnered this, Fr. Lacombe was a great friend of Blackfoot Chief Crowfoot. Through his influence he had convinced them and the Cree to allow passage of the CPR line through their territories. Crowfoot trusted Fr. Lacombe and decided there was more to be gained by cooperating with the Government than opposing it.

A strikingly good looking man, he was particularly adept at raising funds and political support for the Oblate missions in western Canada. His superiors often had him come to Ottawa and Montreal where he was very well connected to assist them in fundraising and political activities.

Nevertheless, towards later, he did take responsibility for a parish and started up an industrial school to teach indigenous employable skills.

Pure speculation on my part but his skill in “secular” activities had too often resulted in him to being pulled away by his superiors from his holy activities and in the balance, may have outweighed them. Apparently, no miracles were ever documented and no major push for canonization was ever launched by the Oblates. Furthermore, his legacy is tied to colonization and in particular, residential schools. Consequently I surmise, he was never proposed for sainthood. A true Canadian hero to be very proud of nevertheless.

Fr. Albert Lacombe, OMI, 1823-1916

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July 26, 2025 · 4:49 pm

The Galilee Centre of Arnprior

The Galilee Centre in Arnprior is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It continues to nourish our spirits after 15 years of involvment there.

At a time of daily world upheaval, Galilee continues to provide a quiet place where I can seek the truth about God, my relationships, my life and myself. Many religious retreat houses have closed due to lack of staff, aging infrastructure and changing world views. Not so Galilee. They have found a way to keep going due to the dedication and hard work of their leadership and staff as well as the support of fellow truth seekers. I am truly grateful.

Galilee front lawn view of the Ottawa River

As I had not been on a retreat in about 5 years, I recently signed up for one there on the spiritual writings of Thomas Merton. Entitled Adjusting Your Life’s Vision by authors at the Merton Institute of a series of Merton guide books entitled Bridges to Contemplative Living.

Contemplative living is defined as a way of responding to our everyday experiences by consciously attending to our relationships. It deepens our awareness of our connectedness and communion with others, becomes a positive force of change in our lives, and provides meaningful direction to our journey and sense of well being. (p. 6, Introduction).

Thomas Merton at Gethsemani Monastery

Well it worked. I came away feeling very connected, enriched and renewed with energy and peace. The mystery of hospitality, becoming an instrument of reconciliation and finding our place in God’s scheme of things were some of the topics we explored, There was rich sharing among the participants, many of whom came from afar.

So thumbs up rather than elbows up after a great retreat. Cannot recommend the Galilee Centre enough: their hospitality, their programs their retreats, their community. Hope to see you too there soon.

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January 23, 2021 · 5:51 pm

Father Lacombe, the Black-Robe Voyageur

An excellent book about a very talented Canadian missionary Fr. Albert Lacombe, OMI. It was first published in 1911 by Katherine Hughes Canadian journalist and author. She was approached by Fr. Lacombe to help him write his memoirs after 60+ years of ministering to the Cree, Métis and Blackfeet First Nations people in Alberta. I highly enjoyed reading about his first hand encounters with these peoples during years of tumultuous change and development in north western and all Canada.
Father Lacombe and the Blackfeet, C. W. Jefferys, 1934
Born in Saint-Sulpice, Lower Canada in 1827 it was soon evident that he had a strong interest in religion. After ordination as a secular priest he was sent to Pembina, ND in 1849 where he accompanied the Métis on the plains during there semi-annual buffalo hunts. After a short return to the east he was sent to Lac Ste Anne (Alta) where he joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) religious order. Working with Bishop Alexander Taché of Red River (Man), they selected a new site for a mission near Fort Edmonton where the Cree and Blackfeet came to trade and named it St. Albert. Pere Lacombe established this mission successfully for the Metis who were Roman Catholics being the descendents from french, english and native parents.

In 1865 at his request, Taché permitted him to establish an itinerant ministry to the Cree and Blackfoot. He established Saint-Paul-des-Cris on the North Saskatchewan River. From there he went on to camp with the Blackfeet who were the mortal enemies of the Cree and the fiercest of all the Plains Indians. The Cree were somewhat receptive to Pere Lacombe’s Christian teachings and some agreed to be baptized into the faith. Not so the Blackfeet. Along with their allies, the Piegan and Blood tribes, they had a culture that did not permit a warrior to humble himself. Nevertheless Pere Lacombe gained their respect and became great friends with their Chief Crowfoot.

He developed a famous catechesis ladder with pictures that showed the path to heaven and the path to hell. He would use this to instruct native youth while helping to develop Cree and Blackfoot language dictionaries as well as nursing them when sick. He was assisted in this by the interpreter and controversial “lay priest” Jean L’Heureux. At one point Lacombe was caught in a battle between the Cree and Blackfoot. While trying to stop it he was grazed by a bullet and nursed back to health by L’Heureux.

One in the most memorable stories in the book for me was when he was travelling back to a mission in the dead of winter on foot. They had but a few days of food remaining when they came upon a small group of starving Cree. Pere Lacombe invited them to join and they continued together. He immediately gave away the last food he had to the starving natives as they continued to plod forward together. They were all near death one morning. Pere Lacombe urged everyone to walk for one more day. At the end of that day, they finally spotted a light from the encampment and staggered into safety at last. This is the supreme Christian example of giving away what you yourself need as an act of charity to help someone else. This was what Pere Lacombe was like as a man. Please watch this short CBC video for some further testimony.

In 2018 Marie and I took a Great Plains road trip and snapped this photo of Fort Whoop-Up in Lethbridge, AB. Ironically it was closed for the season. Pere Lacombe and the Methodist missionary Rev George MacDougall pleaded with Ottawa to halt the illegal whiskey trade there by Americans in the 1870s. It was destroying the Blackfeet and other tribes. In 1873 the North West Mounted Police force was established and put an end to this devastation for good.

In what I would call Part II of his life, he was called back to the Archdiocese of St. Boniface in 1874 to assist Bishop Taché in fundraising efforts for the western missions. For the next 40 years he criss-crossed Canada, parts of the U.S., Europe, journeyed to the Holy Land and became first hand friends with Prime Ministers, Governors-General, business men like William Van Horne CPR President, and international and church leaders including Popes and Emperors. He served as a peacemaker in the 1885 North West Rebellion by convincing the Blackfeet to not join in with the 2nd Métis rebellion under Louis Riel. He enabled a peace agreement with the Blackfeet to permit the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway across their reservation land. He built a colony for the Métis who were the worst of persecuted peoples even to this day. He established a home for orphans and the aged in Calgary when he was in his eighties. He was a master fundraiser and planner who never kept a penny of donations for his own use. It is reported that he would only eat one meal a day so every extra penny could go into the missions!
Pere Lacombe in 1913, photo Wikipedia
Yes he was instrumental in the founding of the Residential School system in Canada. But he admitted that there were problems. The educated youth who would return to the reservation were neither white nor Indian. He knew then that it was not an ultimate solution. I liken the role of a religious missionary in 19th century Canada to be like the cutting wheel of a vast mining machine (colonialization) that keeps pushing deeper into the coal face. Yes, he could be impatient at times and embelish. But he always had the welfare of First Nations peoples in his heart. They called him “man of good heart”. Finally slowing down a bit…, he moved to Hermitage St. Michel in Pincher Creek to write his memoirs but continued his fundraising trips unabated. It was in 1916 that he drew his last breath in Midnapore, now a suburb of Calgary. He is the archetype of Oblate missionaries in Canada, always among the people. He was successful for three reasons. First, he got along with everyone he met, easily making friends and gaining trust. Two, he was an adventurer and planner who could never sit still. Third, he was both skilled and compassionate wanting to remain a priest rather than become a bishop with admin duties. In 1932 he was named a National Historic Person of Canada. The cities of Lacombe and St. Albert, Alberta have been named in his honour. Peacemaker, priest and pioneer, Pere Lacombe makes me proud to be an Oblate Associate and a Canadian.
Photo courtesy University of Calgary
Well done Pere Lacombe and Katherine Hughes for writing this highly fascinating, accurate and factual account of a great life. 5 out of 5 stars!

Here is a short video about Father Lacombe.

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Filed under Books, Faith, History, Oblates

December 18, 2020 · 10:25 pm

Mon Journal Fr. Leon Doucet, OMI

This book published by the Alberta Historical Society in 2018 is a fascinating read. It tells the first hand story of what it was like to live among the Metis, Cree and Blackfoot peoples in late 19th century Alberta. Fr. Leon Doucet was just one of the hundreds of Oblates of Mary Immaculate who left family and home to minister to First Nations in Western Canada, starting at Red River in 1843. With few exceptions their work is not well known as the Oblates do not blow their own horn. Hence this is a remarkable story. Disclosure, I am an Oblate Associate – a lay member of the Lacombe Canada Province. I became aware of this book when previous Superior Fr. Ken Forster, OMI sent us short excerpts for reflection. Being a lover of history, I could hardly wait to get my hands on it.
Click on the image above for a clearer view if needed
The book helps destroy the myth that Christian missionaries were agents of cultural change and the First Nations people were passive recipients. There was a cooperative relationship between the Oblates and the Metis, Cree and Blackfoot as well as with the Piagen, Blood and Sarcee. Fr. Doucet and his colleagues were admired by First Nations people for their steadfastness of purpose. Even when they did not show much interest in the newcomers’ religion, they showed respect and would often permit their children to be baptized. For his part, Fr. Doucet provided comfort and caring for the sick, dying and their families. He would journey for hours in deep snow and cold to offer baptism and administer last rights. There was a particularly close relationship between the great Blackfoot Chief Crowfoot and the Oblates. In the early 1880s when the Canadian Pacific railroad was being constructed across Blackfoot land, the Oblates were instrumental in working with Crowfoot to get the Blackfeet to accept reservation lands in compensation. In 1885 during the North West rebellion, the Oblates were instrumental in helping convince the Blackfeet not to join with the Metis and Cree in violent battles with Canadian forces. These negotiations were led by the legendary Fr. Albert Lacombe, OMI. Fr. Doucet was personally present at Crowfoot’s death and baptized the chief with his permission before he died. Chiefs of First Nations peoples benefited from this cooperation as it helped them to maintain social order in their tribes and gave them increased status because of their relationship with Oblate missionaries. Hence there was mutual cooperation. Nevertheless, there was often not much interest shown on the part of the natives in Christian religion (nor of the Oblates in theirs).  The Blackfeet continued their annual Sun Dance or Okan which Fr. Doucet describes in detail. A Metis mission had been established at St. Albert (near Edmonton) in 1861 by Fr. Albert Lacombe, OMI. It was there that Fr. Doucet was ordained in 1870. He then practiced la mission ambulante – he would go where the plains indians were rather than set up a chapel somewhere and hope that they would come. He describes many harrowing trips on foot or horse where they would lose their way in snow and only by the grace of God, find there way out. Later he was sent to Blackfoot Crossing and also helped out at the Oblates St Joseph Industrial School near High River. Typically Fr. Doucet would baptize children, hold catachesis classes, offer Mass for converts and administer last rights. Fr Doucet reports that there were 3144 Oblate baptisms of Blackfoot, Blood, Peigan and Sarcee from March 1865 to October 1890.
I liked this book because it is written in a matter of fact personal voice e.g., we went there, the weather was cold, then we did…my horse ran away, etc. There are many names of people and a short biography of each is provided at the back. There is a good index. Fr. Leon does not much judge, condemn or show any jealousy or anger in his writings. There is the odd bit of humour about competition with Protestant missionaries. He sometimes praises others but usually just reports the facts. A fabulous read for those who enjoy minutiae but also the broader lines of western Canadian history. I would read it again for sure – 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Apparently Part 2 and 3 may be coming in future.) Note. I will place this book in the Oblate Reading Room at Martha House at the Galilee Centre in Arnprior, Ontario If any one wants to borrow it locally, please drop me a line.

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December 9, 2019 · 2:23 am

Pilgrimage to Bethlehem

Waiting to enter the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem

We Christians are on a spiritual pilgrimage to Bethlehem during the season of Advent. Advent means “coming” and we are indeed waiting for the coming of Lord Jesus – the birth of the Son of God, in Bethlehem.

We learned from the guest homilist on EWTN today, Fr. Glenn Sudano CFR, how St. Francis of Assisi was so taken with the Incarnation of God as Man – how could almighty God humble himself so much as to become a lowly human being who sweats and eats and sleeps just like you or me? He added that it’s like a human deciding to become a slug in order to enter the slug world and make some improvements. However in this case, humans have much more in common with a slug – we eat, breath, drink, make a mess – than does an omniscient God have with us.

Jews and Muslims alike he went on, are incredulous that Christians believe that our omnipotent God, lowered himself so as to become a mere human. I confess that I never thought of it this way before. So the Incarnation of the Word as flesh, is indeed even all the more incredible!!!

Grotto in Nazareth where the angel Gabriel visited Mary

Last year we went on a OMI led group pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I will never forget the sacred sites we visited, what we saw and how we felt there. These holy memories are all the more present as we enter the 2nd week of Advent, on our journey to Christmas.

Renewing our baptismal vows in the Jordan River

Yesterday we treated ourselves to the Arnprior Community Choir’s Sing Noel concert at the local Pentacostal church. It was a fantastic sold out experience of energy and talent – a joy to behold. It was nourishing food on our pilgrimage to Bethlehem. Perseverance, perseverance, perseverance.

Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit.

I Corr. 2:16

Come Lord Jesus.

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October 26, 2019 · 3:12 pm

YVR Visit


We disembarked the Westerdam efficiently. However Dave had now picked up the head cold that Marie and everyone else on board got. We picked up our rental and were soon on our way to North Van in some light showers. We have been to YVR (Vancouver) several times before and Dave had lived here after university graduation, many years ago.
1053 Lillooet Rd

Finding our way to 1053 Lillooet Rd, Dave’s old residence, was tricky due to all the new condo development. There is a Holiday Inn where the Coachhouse Inn used to be. Took a few photos and chatted with the people across the street, who incredibly had also lived in 1053. They said this place would fetch 450k now more than 10 times what it was worth back in the early 80s. It’s a small 2 bedroom condo.

St. Paul’s Church

We then made our way to North Van St Paul’s Church to say hi to Fr Tap Kurideepan. OMI. It is a heritage Squamish First Nation mission church that has great spirit and is going strong. ‎We drove across the Lions Gate Bridge and found the Oblates residence called Pandosy Place in the heart of Kitsilano. Fr Robert Smith, OMI greeted us warmly as did Fr Jim Bleakley, OMI. It was Mary Immaculate’s Feast Day to honour her birthday. We were treated to a Liturgy of the Word followed by a social and dinner. Pandosy Place is named after Fr. Charles Pandosy, OMI who achieved folk hero status in B.C. after a life of itinerant ministry to first nations and settlers in the Okanagan Valley in the 19th century.

Geese heading for First Beach
Dave also lived here in Pt Grey briefly

The next day we hit the road again and visited Dave’s old Imperial Oil work haunts in ‎Burnaby and Port Moody. We drove by the Trans Mountain Pipeline Terminal. Judging by the construction going on there, they are expecting imminent approval despite the latest court challenges.

Dave spent time automating this terminal with Norm Tatlow
Norm and I played a lot of golf here after work
Ioco Refinery is now a storage and distribution terminal
Dave worked here when the refinery was on the top of the hill

We drove up past Ioco to Belcara Park on Burrard Inlet and watched people fishing for crab. It was so peaceful and mystical. Returning home we opted to go out for dinner on W 4th Ave to avoid contaminating the 7 elderly Oblates living ‎in beautiful Pandosy Place.

The next day was sunny so we drove up to Whistler along the beautiful Howe Sound. The highway has been twinned and greatly improved since the mid 1970s when Dave used to drive it in winter. We walked around Blackcomb and Whistler vi‎llages marveling at the world class resort this has now become. Visited the Olympic Centre and then headed home. Dave was still suffering from the head cold he got on the cruise. Marie was finally better.

Dave rented this ski chalet way back in 1976-77

Our last day we headed for Granville Island on foot, walking the Greenway path right next to our residence. Dave remembers when they opened this giant  marketplace in 1979.  It consists of shops, restaurants, a market and nautical service outlets all crammed into what is a former industrial site. State of the art back then it still looks pretty good now but is very crowded with tourists all the time. We took a longer walk back via Kitsilano Beach, our holiday here now almost over.

We are ready to go home sweet home. After Oraison (group silent prayer) we had a social hour with Frs. Robert, John, Gilbert, Vince, Oliver, Jules, Andrew and 2 others. It was great followed by dinner and laughs. We felt so welcome and honoured by our Oblate hosts, getting to participate in their daily prayerful lives. 

Fr. Robert Smith, OMI accepts our gift with a smile

The next morning we said our goodbyes and had an uneventful ‎trip home. Our colds finally gone, thanks be to God.

Jericho Beach

It was a visit down memory lane – some good, some not so good. Thanks for reading.

I will be following this post up with one about the demise of Ioco Refinery and related issues.

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September 15, 2019 · 6:03 pm

Swing West

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Elias welcomes our swing west

We just returned from a swing out west.  We started in Winnipeg with a family visit to Kyle, Ashley and Elias. Next was a short stay in Anchorage, AK.  Then we cruised the Alaskan coast to Vancouver.  Finished up with a fine stay with the Oblates in YVR.  It’s good to get away and it’s good to be home again.

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Elias, now 11+ months old, is a ball of joyful beauty and energy.  He is so accepting, allowing us to hold him, feed him and play peek a boo.  He fills his days with fun activities such as a stroller ride in the park, some bouncy play time, stories, naps and eating.  He is standing with assistance, communicates his needs very well and will be on a real tear soon.  Love you little Elias!  Your parents are doing such a great job.  Ashley, you are so wonderful and Kyle too!  Thanks so much for hosting us on top of your busy schedules you guys.

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Dad and son had a nice round of golf.  Kyle hits the ball a mile with a natural swing that amazes.  Dave is playing well this year and nudged for the win.  Next time could be very different.  It was a great day in the warm August sunshine! Loved the game, thanks again Kyle.

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Marie had some extra time with Elias in the park and at home.  This was her 3rd visit to Winnipeg this year and Dave’s 2nd.  Can’t wait to return.

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Of course we headed to the Forks for a walk and a bite, always a fascinating place to go exploring.  We also had time to visit St. Kateri Tekakwitha (Oblate) parish on Sunday for Mass.  They had a nice social after.  We met the new priest assigned there, Fr Vijay Dievanayagam, OMI, and some fellow Oblate Associates.  We love Winnipeg, our home away from home.

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Dave explored Elias’ future school, just 3 blocks away from home.  Wolseley is a lovely neighbourhood with mature trees, nice parks, paths, shopping nearby and friendly neighbours – lot’s of young families.  You sure are lucky Elias to be a Winnipeg boy!  We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

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P.S. Happy Birthday Kyle!

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September 4, 2019 · 5:30 am

Return Home and QC/NB Trip by the Numbers

We returned home from St John, NB via Maine as it is a shorter route.  We stopped overnight in Waterville using our Best Western points.  The next day we drove to Magog, QC and walked around the lovely park on the shore of Lake Memphremagog.  That night we stayed near Waterloo, QC where one of Dave’e university buddies comes from.  We really enjoyed the beauty of the Eastern Townships – hills, lakes, streams, hiking trails, picturesque little towns and bicycle paths everywhere.

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Leaving NB

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Maine

When we got to Ottawa we stopped at the Oblates residence for dinner.  Outgoing Provincial Fr. Ken Forster and Vicar-General Fr. Jim Bleakley were turning leadership responsibility over to Fr. Ken Thorson and Fr. Richard Beaudette.  It was great to say goodbye for now to these great friends and hope to see you again soon.

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QC/NB Trip By the Numbers

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The purpose of this road trip was to visit Marie’s brother Kevin and sister-in-law Phyllis. in St John, NB.  For a map of our basic routing, click here.

The highlights we found most enjoyable were:

  • Old Montreal – the architecture, food, music, shopping and Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Manoir Dauth – exquisite room, welcome and breakfast by Brigitte and Christian
  • Auberge de Belle Plage – in Baie-St-Paul, beach, restaurants, boutiques, live music
  • Finding a room at La Villa D’Antan, Sainte-Luce when all was full in Rimouski
  • Our great visit with Kevin and Phyllis, lunch and city tour in St John on a sunny day
  • great pool table and game at Kevin’s and seeing Troy and Tyler
  • Visiting departing Oblates in Ottawa while on our way home

Overall trip by the numbers:

  • 2700 kms driven over 13 days
  • 12 nights, 2 provinces, 1 state
  • 11 sunny days, rain 2 days
  • 35 beautiful old churches visited or photographed
  • 3 seafood  and 1 duck dinners, best chowder
  • the best breakfast we ever had
  • 3 swimming pools
  • low traffic, convenient parking available, friendly people
  • 300+ photos taken
  • accommodating our English and putting up with Dave’s French
  • first Airbnb experience very positive
  • good shopping in and around Montreal (Point Claire)

Another great trip.  Thanks be to God and for travelling with us.

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D & M  xo

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August 18, 2019 · 4:26 pm

Religious Shrines – Day 3-4 QC/NB Trip

 

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We did a little last minute shopping before we left Montreal and then drove to Trois-Rivières.  “The country side is steeped with steeples”, Marie remarked.  Everywhere we go in Quebec we see a steeple on the skyline, often more than one at a time.  This is living evidence of the great religious hold the Catholic Church had on the people of Quebec.  For the most part, these beautiful stone structures are still in good shape.  Many though have already been closed, deconsecrated and turned into museums, concert halls or community centres.

Our goal in visiting Trois-Rivières was to see Canada’s national shrine to the Virgin Mary, Notre Dame du Cap.  It is administered by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate founded by St Eugene de Mazenod.  As we drove into the eastern suburb, previously called Cap de la Madeleine, surprisingly there were no street signs directing us to the shrine.  We passed a large boarded up church with gaping broken windows, not a good sign we thought.  Finally we found Sanctuaire Notre Dame du Cap as it is called en francais.  It consists of a large church, an historic stone chapel, outdoor Stations of the Cross, lovely gardens, pathways, an RV park and Oblate residences.  They have thousands of pilgrims each year, ongoing youth rallies and special events year round.

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Sanctuaire Notre Dame du Cap

We walked around the beautiful gardens and buildings and then met with Fr Bernard Menard, OMI for a little chat. He said there are at least a dozen Oblates working there. He is originally from Ottawa and had been very involved with Novalis and L’Arche in his long career.  He told us about meeting Fr Jack Lau, OMI several years ago when Jack was considering coming to Canada from the U.S.. (It was Fr Jack who drew us to Galilee and Arnprior after we retired.)  Then he blessed us.  It was a special moment for us as Oblate lay Associates.  Thank you again Fr. Bernard!

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We then drove about an hour east looking for accommodation and suddenly saw a sign for Auberge du Manoir Dauth.  The place initially looked deserted we thought but actually was quite busy.  It was a magnificent, peaceful and comfortable place to stay which we thoroughly enjoyed. Hosts Bridgitte and Christian made us feel very welcome.  They served us a great breakfast – gourmet porridge, crepes, fruit, eggs, bacon before warmly bidding us to come back.  Wow! 5 star place, highly recommended.

Next day we drove to Québec City and found a parking spot right near the Chateau Frontenac.  We walked around taking photos of everything in the warm sunshine. We went to the Anglican Cathedral and heard a short organ concert.  A little shopping and then lunch in the shade. We got out of town quickly and continued on our way to Ste Anne de Beaupré.

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Ste Anne de Beaupré is the national shrine for Ste Anne, Mary’s mother and the patron saint of Québec.  It is administered by the Redemptorists Religious Order founded by St Alphonsus Ligouri.  We caught the English Mass in one of the most beautiful churches we have ever been in. This shrine is a real pilgrimage attraction and well maintained. Still it was not crowded. We relaxed a bit outside as we gazed at the impressive exterior of the church. We decided to stay nearby and found a nice little motel, though the room was tiny.  We had a nice steak dinner after a most enjoyable day.

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Sanctuaire Ste Anne de Beaupré

Sadly many of these shrines and churches may not last much longer.  There is a shortage of young priests and religious to animate them.  There is a shortage of young parishioners to support them.  The next 10 years will see thousands of such properties shuttered across Canada.  We are so lucky to experience them now in all their glory.  We can’t imagine the sacrifices our ancestors and religious community members made to build and maintain them.  Thanks be to God for giving us a glimpse of his great glory through our pilgrimage to these great national shrines.

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December 29, 2018 · 2:06 pm

The Jordan River

The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.  He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.                                                                   LK 3:2-3

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The Jordan River flows in to and out of the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea and separates Israel and Jordan.  It is 251 km long, a rather narrow river that descends steeply at first and then gently as it nears the Dead Sea.  The West Bank refers to the west bank (of the southern section) of the Jordan River within Israel.  The Golan Heights, the territory captured by Israel from Syria, abuts the northern part of the Jordan to the east.

We went to the Jordan at Qasr el Yahud in Israel, about 9 km above the Dead Sea and the site where Jesus was baptized by John.  The actual baptism site is commemorated on the Jordan side which we could see from where we were on the Israeli side.

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St John the Baptist Church is on the Jordan side

Most of us waded into the water and were ceremoniously baptized by Bishop Sylvain or Fr. Susui.  It was another memorable experience that we will never forget.  There were many other pilgrim groups dressed in white doing the same thing.   Many were singing.

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This lady went full immersion

All was calm and peaceful under the watchful eyes of a couple of armed soldiers on each side of the river.  Sad that this is necessary but it is symptomatic of today’s divided world.

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So this is the site where Jesus short ministry was inaugurated.  We could hardly believe that we were in the exact spot.  Thanks be to God.

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The Baptism of Christ by Piero della Francesca c. 1450 (courtesy Wikipedia)

 

 

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