Journey to the Father Youth Gathering at St. Raphael's, ON

A good number of young people from the Ottawa Archdiocese took part in the Alexandria-Cornwall's diocesan youth rally held for some thirteen years in St. Raphael's, an hour and a quarter east of Ottawa. 

Tavis Goski, who has finished the spiritual year and will enter theological studies for the priesthood at St. Augustine's Seminary in the fall, was my driver on Saturday morning and took care of preparing my vestments for the occasion.

We celebrated Mass at 9am, with Father Graham Keep--from the London Diocese and lead evangelist for the weekend--as the homilist.

There were separate talks for the males and females, sports, songfests, great meals and much enthusiasm for the more than 200 who took part under the big top.

Some other photos of the time when we were there:

Sunday 16B: Renewed in Christ

Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year “B”) - July 22, 2012

UNDERSTANDING CHRIST'S SAVING DEED

[Jeremiah 23.1-6; [Psalm 23]; Ephesians 2.13-18; Mark 6.30-34]

Many Old Testament passages foretell a dramatic intervention by God into human history to set right conditions that are not fitting for God's creatures. Thus, Jeremiah declared God would dismiss selfish shepherds who had proven themselves unworthy of his flock. Instead, God would introduce another, selfless type of pastor.

In place of the dismissed shepherds, God declared, “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock ... I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer ... nor shall any be missing”.

The person to implement this would be a scion of King David's line, a king who would rule wisely. He would be known as the embodiment of God's righteousness (“the Lord is our righteousness”), suggesting that God's holiness would be communicated through this mysterious figure to God's people.

Today's gospel shows the apostles returning from their ministry of teaching and healing. The proclamation they had been charged with making signalled that the drawing near of God's Kingdom was taking place—in seminal form—not only in Jesus' ministry, but also through their participation in his ministry.

After their mission, Jesus summoned His disciples to “come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while”. This shows the profound wisdom of Jesus, wanting his associates to have time to debrief, to reflect on what they had experienced and to give themselves to relaxation and prayer. But on this occasion this was not to be.

The crowd caught sight of Jesus and his disciples' movement, understood where they were heading and flocked to their company. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus showed them compassion “because they were like sheep without a shepherd”. To meet their needs “he began to teach them many things”.

What Jesus taught of God's Kingdom—what was then beginning to hold sway over human lives—he would later enact in the miracle of the loaves. John's version of this wonder, with its subsequent teaching by Jesus that he is the true Bread of Life, becomes the gospel focus of the next five Sundays.

What began in Jesus' preaching, teaching and miracles took place definitively in the paschal mystery—the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul's epistles and other later New Testament writings seize on examples from aspects of human society and life to help Christians understand Christ's saving deed.

From the courtroom, Paul chose the image of acquittal, a declaration of innocence or righteousness, to explain what happens within the Christian when he or she believes that God was at work in Jesus' death and resurrection (“[Jesus] was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification” [Romans 4.25]).

Other words are used to express this reality: “Salvation” or deliverance from harm such as illness, storms at sea, various travails (the gospel as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith” [Romans 1.16]).

The term “redemption” likens the Christ-act to the “buying back” of slaves, Christ's passion being the ransom to set sinners free from bondage to sin (Christ Jesus is “our redemption” [1 Corinthians 1.30).

Jesus' death and resurrection effect a “transformation” in the disciple (2 Corinthians 3.18; Philippians 3.21), establishing the baptized—whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female—as a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5.17; cf. Galatians 3.28).

God's saving dynamic through Jesus brought in its wake “freedom” (“for freedom Christ has set us free” [Galatians 5.1), “sanctification” (“to holiness God has called us” [1 Thessalonians 4.7) and, one day, issues in the Christian's “glorification” (“those whom [God] justified, he also glorified” [Romans 8.30]).

With the expression “reconciliation” the teaching of Ephesians stresses a powerful concept from the social or political sphere. The various Greek words used to describe God's reconciling activity in Christ crucified and risen tell of a “change in relationships”: from anger, hostility and alienation to love, friendship and intimacy (cf. 2 Corinthians 5.19).

Once, Gentiles and Jews had been separated from each other by “a dividing wall”. Christ's death broke it down so that he “might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the Cross”. Through his “atoning” act, Christ became “our peace”, creating in himself “atonement”, “one new humanity”. God's power working in the risen Christ has gathered together the scattered flock of Jeremiah's day.

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Wojtyla Summer Institute 2012: Catechesis for Catholic Teachers

This just in! The Archdiocese of Ottawa does not send out notices via the Friday Fax in the summer months, so I am using my blog for a bit of advertizing for Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy (OLSWA) of which I am an episcopal patron:

This August Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy will be hosting its second annual Wojtyla Summer Institute. The mission of the Institute is to advance OLSWA’s mission of serving the Church by offering programs focusing on aspects of Faith and Catholic Social Teaching which will be available to groups or individuals interested in further developing their understanding of Catholicism.

As Pope Benedict points out in his address entering the Year of Faith, it is crucial for all Christians to be familiar with The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Benedict XVI advocates the importance of formation through Catechesis and emphasizes its relevance in our society and learning in today’s age.

The purpose of this year’s institute is to help prepare Catholic teachers for a concrete implementation of Pope Benedict’s goals for the Year of Faith and the New Evangelization. Taking place from August 9-12, 2012, the institute seminars will focus on key topics from The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Sessions will also include formation of teachers, the integration of the Catholic Faith into the curriculum, and the importance of teaching Logic, Philosophy and Critical Thinking to students.

Speakers will include author and artist Michael O’Brien, Fr. Joseph Hattie, OMI, and OLSWA’s own esteemed faculty.

Located at OLSWA’s beautiful campus overlooking Lake Kamaniskeg, the Institute will also offer ample opportunity to enjoy social activities and fun with the family while delighting in the scenery of the Madawaska Valley.

The deadline for application is July 25. For more information or registration forms, please go to OLSWA's website: http://seatofwisdom.org/. A poster, to promote this event can be found there. For inquiries, please call 613-756-3082.

Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel - Resignation of Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie, OMI

Sacred Scripture celebrated the beauty of Carmel where the prophet Elijah defended the purity of Israel's faith in the living God. In the twelfth century, hermits withdrew to that mountain and later founded the Carmelite order devoted to the contemplative life under the patronage of Mary, the holy Mother of God.

Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is worldwide, and most Catholics are familiar with the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Brown Scapular. Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251, and gave him the scapular with the following words, which are preserved in a fourteenth century narrative: "This will be for you and for all Carmelites the privilege, that he who dies in this will not suffer eternal fire."

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was instituted for the Carmelites in 1332, and extended to the whole Church by Benedict XIII in 1726 (www.catholicculture.org).

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May the venerable intercession of the glorious Virgin Mary come to our aid, we pray, O Lord, so that, fortified by her protection, we may reach the mountain which is Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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TRANSITION IN KEEWATIN-LE PAS

Today it was announced in Rome that Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of His Excellency the Most Reverend Sylvain Lavoie, O.M.I., as Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, according to canon 401 §2; and appointed Father William Stang, O.M.I., the Vicar General and Chancellor of the Archdiocese, as Apostolic Administrator of Keewatin-Le Pas.

Father William Stang, OMI

While no grounds for resignation were given, the canonical reference mentioned is to a bishop who, because of ill health or some other grave cause “has become less able to fulfill his office”.

Let us keep Archbishop Lavoie, Father Stang and the people of this remote northern archdiocese in our prayers as they cope with this change in leadership and await the appointment of a successor as their chief shepherd.

First Day of the Week, the Risen Lord's Day - Mgr Landriault's 50th

O God, who show the light of your truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right path, give all who for the faith they profess are accounted Christians the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ and to strive after all that does it honor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever (Collect for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time).

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FIFTY YEARS A BISHOP

Mgr Jacques Landriault, emeritus bishop of Timmins, former auxiliary bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall and former bishop of Hearst, was ordained a priest 65 years ago (February 9, 1947) and a bishop on July 25, 1962, just before the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

His brother bishops, fellow priests, a deacon, religious sisters, family and friends--with the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana present--joined with him in a Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday of this week in the chapel of the Diocesan Centre, next to the John Paul II Residence for retired clergy, where he resides.  The Sisters of Charity arranged the music for the Mass and Mgr Gilles Cazabon, Bishop Landriault's successor as bishop of Timmins, gave the homily.

A native of St. Victor Parish, Alfred, Bishop Landriault remarked that he has spent 46 of his 90 years in the Archdiocese of Ottawa and is happy here with us.  He spoke eloquently and emotionally of all the graces he has received from the Risen Lord Jesus in his many years as a Christian disciple.

A festive luncheon was held in the Conference Room following Mass.  Several other photos (courtesy of Sarah Du Broy):

Auxiliary Bishop Named for Edmonton - Deaf Catholics Hold Conference Here in Ottawa

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today appointed the Reverend Gregory Bittman, currently Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, as Titular Bishop of Caltadria and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archbishop of Edmonton.
Congratulations, Your Excellency! Ad multos annos!
File Photo courtesy Western Catholic Reporter (June 2000)
 

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11TH CANADIAN SECTION CONFERENCE OF
THE INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC DEAF ASSOCIATION,
CARLETON UNIVERSITY, JULY 9-14, 2012

The local St. Remi Goupil Catholic Deaf Association is celebrating their 55th anniversary this year here in the Archdiocese of Ottawa.  To mark this occasion, they are hosting their deaf brothers and sisters across Canada and some from the United States at a convention at Carleton University.

The conference theme is "Love Your Neighbour As Yourself" and a series of workshops and excursions has been laid on.  On Thursday, some of the delegates took in a sightseeing tour, which included some time in the waters hereabouts, and a guided tour offered by yours truly, assisted by two helpers who signed, and Mass in Notre Dame Cathedral in the early afternoon.

The Mass was eerily silent and very reverent.  As the deaf proclaimed the readings in sign language (including the Gospel), the interpreter spoke aloud what was being signed.  Father Peter Monty, SJ, spoke and signed his interventions in the Eucharistic Prayer.  A deaf seminarian who was present from Edmonton told us that he will be ordained a deacon in late August.

I did my best to answer questions at the close of Mass and the guided tour. 

Here are some photos from our meeting:

Le roi Saint Henri / Saint Henry, the King - A Visit to Waupoos Farm

Henri II, surnommé le Pieux, fut roi de Bavière en 972, roi de Germanie en 1002, et chef du Saint Empire Romain de 1014 à 1024. Il fit serment à Benoît VIII, qui l’avait sacré, « de lui garder à lui et à ses successeurs la fidélité en toutes choses ».

Il mit ses soins et son application à étendre la religion, en relevant les églises détruites, et en fondant des monastères qu’il enrichit de ses largesses. Retenu au Mont-Cassin par une grave maladie, il en fut guéri d’une manière miraculeuse, grâce à l’intercession de saint Benoît. Voulant être prêt à la venue du divin Maître, il rentra d’Italie par la France, se fit agréger à la Communauté de Cluny, et sollicita son admission à l’abbaye bénédictine de Saint-Vanne de Verdun.

L’abbé le reçut, mais lui ordonna aussitôt, au nom de l’obéissance religieuse, de remonter sur le trône impérial. Il eut tellement à cœur la loi de Dieu qu’il garda une absolue virginité dans le mariage. Aussi résolut-il, d’accord avec sa sainte épouse Cunégonde, de faire de Jésus-Christ leur héritier. Il fonda dans ce dessein l’évêché de Bamberg, auquel il laissa tous ses biens. Il fut inhumé dans cette église en 1024.

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O God, whose abundant grace prepared Saint Henry to be raised by you in a wonderful way from the cares of earthly rule to heavenly realms, grant, we pray, through his intercession, that amid the uncertainties of this world we may hasten towards you with minds made pure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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A VISiT TO WAUPOOS FARM

The name Waupoos is a native word for "rabbit", derived from the shape of Waupoos Island (near Picton, ON), where the Oblates of Mary Immaculate had a summer camp for many years.  The nature of the camp evolved over time until the late Father Fred McGee transferred it to the south end of Ottawa (not far from Ottawa International Airport). 

There, over time and with the help of volunteers, summer camp houses were built on an old farm property and made available for inner city or families of modest means who could not otherwise afford to have holidays in a beautiful setting of nature.

During the summer and at holiday times special programs are held and regularly, on Saturday afternoons, an anticipated Sunday Eucharist is celebrated outdoors, if the weather is suitable, or in the chapel on the grounds. 

I had been invited on several occasions to visit Waupoos Family Farm: Vacations for Families in Need, but was unable to do so until last Saturday afternoon.  Arriving around three o'clock, I joined the residents who were completing the first week of camping (weeks run from Monday afternoons until Sundays at noon) for a hayride with the children, stopping for a treat at the lolipop tree.

After visiting with the animals on site (chickens, lambs, ducks and pigs), I celebrated Mass with the community and then took part in the pot luck supper. 

A cake had been prepared for the occasion of my visit and a ceremonial cutting of the cake took place.  A wonderful time was had by all.  More info on Waupoos at http://www.waupoos.com/; photos courtesy of Robert Du Broy.