january - february 2017 volume 16 no. 1 news &...

"Your destiny is to be apostles, and so tend within your hearts the sacred fire that the Holy Spirit lights there..."

- St. Eugene de Mazenod -

January - February 2017 Volume 16 No. 1

News & Views Assumption Province

Contents Page 3 200th Anniversary Closing

Celebrations

Page 8 Annual Study Days 2017

2Provincial Council

meeting in Poland

Page 19 MAMI

Page 21 Young Oblates Meeting

Page 23 Oblate Mission with

Youth

Page 26 Orlando Cardinal

Quevedo

Page 28 Oblate Museum

Page 29 Aix-en-Provence

Page 31 Lenten Mission

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Message from the Provincial

Season of Lent The season of Lent in our tradition has a very special meaning. We all know that it is a time of prayer, penance, conversion, and alms giving but there is always a little challenge in terms of how to make it work in

our daily life. How to apply these Lenten exercises in order to experience true conversion? The Scripture comes very handy with many powerful texts about penance, prayer and conversion. Prophet Joel or Isaiah help us in our Lenten exercises to move from “not doing something” to “do something good”. Isaiah says: “Is not

this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Is 58, 6

The Ash Wednesday reflection, Pope Francis points out to Lent as “path of mercy”. “Lent is a path: it leads to the triumph of mercy over all that would crush us or reduce us to something unworthy of our dignity as God’s children”.

His explanation of the ritual that we use during Ash Wednesday celebration is very simple but at the same time very deep and encouraging: “The mark of the ashes with which we set out reminds us of our origin, namely

that we were taken from the earth, we are made of dust. However, we are dust in the loving hands of God, Who has breathed His spirit of life upon each one of us, and still wants to do so. He wants to keep giving us that breath of life that saves us from every other type of breath: the stifling asphyxia brought on by our

selfishness, the stifling asphyxia generated by petty ambition and silent indifference – an asphyxia that

smothers the spirit, narrows our horizons and slows the beating of our hearts. The breath of God’s life saves us from this asphyxia that dampens our faith, cools our charity and strangles every hope. (…)

Lent is the time to say no to the asphyxia of a prayer that soothes our conscience, of an almsgiving that leaves us self-satisfied, of a fasting that makes us feel good. Lent is the time to say no to the asphyxia born of relationships that exclude, that try to find God while avoiding the wounds of Christ present in the wounds of

his brothers and sisters: in a word, all those forms of spirituality that reduce the faith to a ghetto culture, a culture of exclusion. (…) It is a time to set aside everything that isolates us, encloses us and paralyzes us.”

Pope Francis reminds us that Lent is the time to recognize the needs of other people. It is a time to acknowledge the needs of our older Oblates who live at Copernicus Lodge and Villa Polonia or other places. Recently when I visited Fr. Rozmyslowski and when I mentioned that I would be leaving him soon he said: “Please stay with me for another few minutes. I am missing very much Oblate community”. One of the human

conditions of the present age that people experience is loneliness. These are the wounds of Christ present in others that demand our attention.

During this time of grace we are invited to recognize the needs of Oblates that live in our community. This Lent will become a very meaningful time for us if we become instruments of God’s mercy, reconciliation and healing. Have you decided what you want to do during this Lent in order to make your community a better

place?

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200th Anniversary Closing Celebrations Submitted by Fr. Pawel Ratajczak

On January 22, 2017, the Missionary Oblates of Assumption Province and their guests gathered at St.

Eugene de Mazenod parish in Brampton to celebrate a Eucharist for the closing of the Oblate Triennium

and Bicentenary Jubilee. The Bicentenary Jubilee marked the 200th anniversary of the founding of the

Oblate religious family by St. Eugene de Mazenod. The Oblate Triennium was a three-year period of preparation for the bicentenary, with a special focus on the religious vows of poverty, chastity and

obedience. The Mass in Brampton officially closed the Jubilee celebrations for the Oblates of Assumption

Province.

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Presiding the Jubilee Mass was Cardinal Orlando Quevedo OMI, Archbishop of Cotabato, Philippines.

He was joined by Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, Bishop Douglas Crosby of Hamilton,

President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, and several other bishops.

Numerous priests, both religious and diocesan, concelebrated the Mass. The church was filled with

people: consecrated men and women, as well as representatives of groups and organizations, families, and

parishioners from Oblate churches.

In his homily, Cardinal Quevedo stated that he undertook the 9000 mile journey to Canada to pay a debt

of gratitude, since a Quebec Oblate – Fr. Gerard Mongeau – who later became the first Archbishop of

Cotabato, was one of the “Magnificent Seven”, a group of great missionaries in the south of the Philippines. Cardinal Quevedo urged the Oblates to keep alive the “sacred fire” that “is a fire of love of

God and our Immaculate Mother…a fire of missionary daring for those in need of God’s grace”.

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During the offertory, gifts representing the five continents, along with bread and wine, were brought to the

altar: a yellow candle and rice for Asia, a green candle and fruit for Africa, a red candle and grains of corn

for the Americas, a blue candle and flowers for Oceania, and a white candle as well as a Bible for Europe. After Holy Communion, the Ulman and Kasprzak families received the Crystal Oblate Madonna Award

from Father Marian Gil, Provincial, in recognition of exceptional dedication in promoting the Oblate

charism, and participation in the mission of Assumption Province.

Before the final blessing, members of the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate, and young people

who attended the World Youth Day 2016, were commissioned as “faithful witnesses” of the Good News and “friends of the poor” by Cardinal Thomas Collins. The joyful celebration continued with a well-

attended stand-up reception at Millennium Gardens Banquet Hall.

While the Oblate Triennium and Bicentenary Jubilee have ended, the work of the Missionary Oblates of Assumption Province and their collaborators continues with a great amount of zeal as well as enthusiasm.

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Ulman and Kasprzak families received the Crystal Oblate Madonna Award

Invited guests

Daughters of St. Mary of Leuca, Courtice

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Thomas Cardinal Collins Fr. Marian Gil presented carved in wood Oblate

logo to the present Cardinals and Bishops

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Annual Study Days January 23 – 27, 2017

Submitted by Fr. Pawel Ratajczak

The Missionary Oblates of Assumption Province gathered from across Canada for their annual Study Days at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga, from January 23rd to January 27th, 2017. The

annual Study Days are an occasion for all members of Assumption Province to update themselves on

issues affecting Church life and civil society, as well as to build Oblate community. This year, four major

themes were woven into the Study Days experience: euthanasia, the discernment of the future provincial of Assumption Province, the talk of Cardinal Orlando Quevedo OMI, and parish renewal.

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On Monday, January 23rd, Dr. Bill Sullivan and Dr. John Heng gave a presentation-workshop on the topic

of euthanasia. They detailed the deep roots of euthanasia and assisted suicide in contemporary culture,

and analyzed the current “rescue model” of medicine that places a priority on radical interventions, rather than on holistic care, which should include mental and spiritual dimensions. At the end of the day, the

presenters left suggestions that can be applied in pastoral ministry, which include the following proposals:

decline and dying are a part of life – there is a need to help individuals transition to aging, frailty,

disability, and preparation for death; there is a need to clearly define that deciding to forego extraordinary treatment, or to use sedation, is not the same as euthanasia; there is a need for healing relationships; there

is a need for comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care; finally, the seriously-ill and their caregivers

need to be sustained in their Christian hope. This discussion on understanding and counteracting euthanasia proved fruitful for the province membership.

Prof. John Heng Dr. Bill Sullivan

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On Tuesday, January 24rd, and Wednesday, January 25th, the Oblates dedicated time to discerning the

needs of Assumption Province, and the characteristics of their next Provincial Superior, who is to take

office in June of 2017. At the end of the process, names of potential candidates were surfaced, and the traditional straw-vote was held. Also on Wednesday, Cardinal Quevedo gave a conference about his life

and work: he detailed how he became an Oblate, his ministries in the Philippines, and his pastoral work

as Bishop, Archbishop, and Cardinal. Cardinal Quevedo also spoke at length about his life in the Diocese

of Cotabato in the Philippines, one that has a Muslim majority. He addressed topics both serious and humorous, and not only spoke about himself, but also gave a personal witness of his Christian faith.

Fr. John Malazdrewich

Straw Vote

Orlando Cardinal Quevedo

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On Thursday, January 26th, the Study Days schedule was filled with a day-long presentation on parish

renewal. Two speakers from the United States: Fr. Michael White and Mr. Tom Corcoran travelled from

Maryland to offer suggestions on how to revitalize a parish community. They emphasized the need to change focus from churched to unchurched people, prioritize the weekend experience, and challenge

people to take responsibility for their faith, as well as the faith of others. The presenters posed a basic

question: is your parish making disciples? Also, in a very practical manner, they suggested that people do not necessarily give financially to a need, but are more likely to give to a vision. Their collaborative lecture

and concrete suggestions were much appreciated by the Oblates.

The morning of Friday, January 27th was filled with a presentation made by Fr.

Marian Gil, Provincial, on the 36th General

Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary

Immaculate, held in Rome in the Fall of 2016. Fr. Provincial also touched upon some

themes of common interest for members of

Assumption Province. The Study Days of 2017 ended with a community Eucharist.

The Oblates of Assumption Province left

Mississauga enriched both intellectually and

spiritually, enlivened by the experience of the week spent together.

Mr. Tom Corcoran & Fr. Michael White

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Provincial Council meeting of Polish Province in Koden

January 31 – February 1, 2017

The Provincial who attended the gathering shared with the council members his reflections on this event. He was impressed with the many initiatives of the Polish Province especially fundraising programs for the

missions, youth ministry and building projects. During the meeting reports from Provincial

Administration and different Provincial organizations and local communities were given. At the present time the Polish Province has 9 novices, 39 seminarians and 7 deacons who will be ordained this year.

Provincial of the Polish

Province shared his vision concerning preparation for

100th anniversary of the Polish

Province which will take place in 2020. He invited all local

superiors to the Shrine of Our

Lady of Czestochowa for June

21, 2017 where Archbishop Marek Jedraszewski from

Krakow will preside over the

Eucharist. The Oblates will lead the vigil prayers during

that evening, praying for the

province and meaningful

preparation for centennial celebration. He also invited

local superiors to contact

contemplative congregations who would pray for a

particular community.

As a way of preparation for 100th anniversary he also declared that year 2018 will be observed as a year of the Holy Cross. Special celebrations and devotions will be organized with connection with the Shrine of

Holy Cross. Similarly 2019 will be observed as year to Our Lady of Koden and 2020 as a year of Oblate

Mission. Since Oblates from Canada were very much involved establishing the Province of Poland I pledged our support and collaboration in view of this great event in 2020.

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Thanksgiving Mass and reception for MAMI members and sponsors February 25, 2017

On February 25, 2017 a Thanksgiving Mass and reception was held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre

in Mississauga, for members of MAMI. As well as in attendance were sponsors from all Ontario parishes

who supported the reception for the closing celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of our congregation. The presider and homilist was Fr. Marian Gil, the Provincial of Assumption Province.

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After the Thanksgiving Mass a reception was held at Queen of Apostles which was prepared by the staff

under the direction of Fr. Chris Pulchny, the director of the Renewal Centre. All participants were greeted

warmly and felt right at home during this celebration. As a result of such warm welcome they are already planning future gatherings.

For the next upcoming months events are planned in order to collaborate all MAMI groups in all Oblate

parishes across Canada. Such events include; First Gathering of MAMI members merged with symposium on the topic of “Mercy and Missions”, pilgrimages to Shrines and holy places and monthly

meetings within out each parish.

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MAMI Events Calendar 2017

Regular scheduled Masses and meetings with respective MAMI groups in our parishes

Every last Sunday at - St. Stanislaus Parish - Toronto

Every last Monday at - St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish - Brampton

Every last Wednesday at - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish - St. Catharines

Every last Thursday at - St. Casimir Parish - Toronto

Every last Friday at - St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish – Mississauga

Separately planned trips to visit our Parishes out West

March 18, 19 (7 people) trip to Our Lady of Snows USA to meet with the MAMI team: Fr’s

Bill Morell and Jim Chambers in order to learn new ways of fundraising, find the ways of

cooperation, meet with laity involved and show our volunteers the accomplishment of the

US Province.

April 18 – June 11 - 2 months long pastor’s replacement at Holy Ghost Parish in Winnipeg.

May 28 – June 3rd (between Sundays) – Global Oblate Fundraising (GOF) annual meeting in

Ireland

June 24th - 25th – First gathering of MAMI members (Mission Symposium) from our

parishes across Canada at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre. Mission Symposium will

be organized annually as a preparation for the Divine Mercy Congress which will take place

every three years.

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Mission Symposium Program

June 24 – 25, 2017 Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga

Saturday, June 24th 2017

9:00am Registration

9:30am Welcoming of invited guests and introduction of speakers

9:45am 1st conference – “Mercy and Missions” (in Polish) – Fr. Piotr Pawlukiewicz ? 10:30am – 11:00am Break

11:00am – 11:45am 2nd conference “Mercy and Missions” (English) Fr. Loudeger Mazile, omi – the Provincial from Haiti

12:00 - 1:30pm Lunch

1:30pm – 2:45pm - 3rd conference “Mercy and Missions” (Polish/English) – Fr’s: Piotr/Loudeger

3:00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet (Polish/English)

4:00pm Solemn Eucharist

6:00pm Dinner 7:30pm Happy Hour

Sunday, June 25th 2017 Morning City tour for MAMI members from out West

2:45pm Divine Mercy Chaplet at St. Eugene de Mazenod Church, Brampton 3:00pm Solemn Mass at St. Eugene de Mazenod Church, Brampton

4:30pm “Mercy Banquet”

Fundraising

Regular visits and meetings with potential sponsors of the “Oblate World Missions”.

Child Adoption Program to be implemented very soon in our Parishes throughout the Province,

our website and social media.

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Pilgrimages with the Friends of the Oblate Missions

May 13th, 2017 - MAMI members pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Buffalo, NY USA

September 1st – 4th, 2017 – MAMI members pilgrimage to Alabama - EWTN – Mass at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, visit to the EWTN station.

October 6th – 16th, 2017 - MAMI members pilgrimage for 100th Anniversary of the apparitions to Fatima - Portugal, Aix-En-Provence, Lourdes - France.

November 3rd – 5th, 2017- MAMI members pilgrimage to Washington DC, John Paul II National Shrine and Immaculate Conception Basilica.

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Friends of Oblate Mission / MAMI

Provincial and Council visited the office of MAMI in Brampton where we celebrated mass that day. Fr. Adam Filas gave a tour of the facility and provided us with details concerning with day to day operations.

Later on the administration paid a visit to St. Peter Mission church in Milton. Fr. Adam expressed an

interest in taking over this little church as a place for prayer for MAMI groups. After the visit and

discussion the present Provincial Administration decided not to proceed with this invitation because of possible financial burden, liabilities and changing the focus of our MAMI organization.

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St. Peter’s Mission Church

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Young Oblates of CA-US Region Committee Meeting

On February 14, 2017 the first official meeting of Young Oblates of CA-US Region Committee was held

in the Provincial House of Assumption Province in Toronto, Canada. CROCUS representatives Fr. Marian Gil, OMI and Fr. Luc Tardif, OMI facilitated this event. Young Oblates from the following

provinces were present: Fr. Remi Lepage - Notre Dame du Cap, Fr. Daniel Janulewicz - Assumption, Fr.

Vijay Deivanayagam - OMI Lacombe and Fr. Juan Gaspar - US. They selected Fr. Lepage as a chair and Fr. Gaspar as a secretary of this newly established committee, which is carrying out the efforts of

“Discerning the future of missionary presence of the Oblates in the CA-US Region”.

Discussion over current ministries, Oblate formation, faith sharing with regards to personal oblate vocation and the reawakening zeal to contribute to future missionary efforts colored the meeting. The

recent 36th General Chapter document and its six directives became the bases for ongoing conversation

about the future of Oblate mission and missionary presence.

This permanent committee (whose membership will have 3-year term) will embark in a yearlong process

to organize a Congress for Young Oblates of CA-US Region to be held in Canada in late spring of

2018. Process employed at the gathering will be the SEE-JUDGE-ACT Methodology. Five representatives from each province will be invited to take part in this event. Each province will host a

meeting in order to allow participants to learn more about our ministries. The undercurrent feeling of this

meeting was one of hopefulness and enthusiasm from all members present. In the near future more details will be sent to all the provinces.

(Left to Right) Frs. Marian Gil,

Luc Tardif, Daniel

Janulewicz,

Juan Gaspar, Remi Lepage

and Vijay

Deivanayagam

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Oblate Mission with Youth

The Youth our future… already now… Submitted by Fr. Marcin Serwin OMI

Briefly I would describe the youth initiatives that are in place in Assumption Province. In the past few

months we were able to establish a well working youth group formation system at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish for our two weekly youth groups. There is a theme for the year “Coming to know Christ” and a

routine for our meetings.

There are also two other formational youth

initiatives that happen on a monthly basis in the parish. The “World Youth Day Youth

Group Conferences” and the “Catholic

Women’s Group”. The WYD Youth conferences is a monthly meeting on Sunday

nights for all youth of the parish. In fact it

doesn’t have much to do with WYD itself, as

any youth can come. We have a special youth Mass at 7:00pm with the youth choir

singing and a special homily for the youth in

Polish and English. After Mass there is a presentation in the parish hall, where either

myself or a speaker, has a talk for about an

hour and a question period right after.

The two groups that meet on a weekly basis

also have outreach initiatives, retreats, social

outing and trips planned. Our youth outreach program is twice a month volunteering at

Wawel Villa, where the Youth prepares a

program for the residence. Once a month we

try to have an outing to spend time together and are preparing for a trip to Rome from August 27th to September 6th. In regards to retreats we will

have a teen, three day retreat in March, a student’s retreat in April and a separate guys retreat and girls

retreat in May and June, which we do in Scout camps in the region. The youth programs encompass about 300 youth between the weekly groups and those that meet on a monthly basis.

One thing to note is that we have a new way of sharing our Youth program with the whole Province.

After the General Chapter where I had the chance to introduce the Personal My Cloud server technologies for the capitulary fathers I hoped to be able to build a platform for the Province so that all our members

have access to the PowerPoint presentations that are already made and can use them for their own youth

groups and schools. The login is on the web page www.mycloud.com . After you press the sign in button

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the login is: [email protected] and the Password is:

17821861Omi. If you have any questions on how to use this

or would like any help please feel free to e-mail me.

This pastoral year (since September) we, as Oblates, were

also able to start a new initiative of forming youth leaders for

the future. Recognizing that we will need more and more help from the laity in the years to come and hoping that

young people will start taking more responsibility for their

parishes I have began to send active and interested youth for ministry formation. These youth, which I hope to have a

team of 4-5 by 2019, already do a great deal in the parish and

among the youth, but I hope to have them start taking active

roles. For example 7 of our youth teach catechism preparation for first communion and confirmation. Two

have accompanied Fr. Wojtek Stangel on a retreat to make

introduction presentations on Theology of the Body to grade 7 and 8’s and the children’s retreat program.

In March the youth will help in preaching Theology of the

Body presentations during the Lenten retreats in Courtice, Ontario and in a Lenten retreat day at St. Marcelinus

Secondary School. Of course, all they present is worked

through first with the priest, but they are growing amazingly in the ministry. This is a new branch of youth formation that

I hope we can start in our parishes. St. Casimir’s youth

members are also interested in doing such preparation which

I hope to schedule soon in cooperation with our brother Oblates. In this my dear hope is to have youth participate in

our ministry of preaching in the near future so we can offer

other parishes retreat program (missions) with presentations directed by the youth - to the youth, alongside our Oblate

preaching ministry. There are also many other initiatives

going on in the whole Province. St. Casimir’s youth groups

continue to grow and run the Homework Aid program every week. St. Eugene de Mazenod Church have two youth groups that have many new initiatives that they do with the sisters and Fr. Piotr Koman. A

great joy is the immense engagement that Fr. Paul Patrick has in the schools in and around Courtice. They

all have Mass on a regular basis and Fr. Paul is preparing the students for their sacraments. He has also started a Youth Group that has almost 50 members.

I thank our Oblate teams for all the immense work they do from West to East with the youth and our

communities which, through their hard work permit the youth directors to evolve this ministry.

mailto:[email protected]

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Toronto District Community Thanksgiving Mass and Celebration

On February 17, 2017 Toronto district community celebrated Thanksgiving Mass at Casimir’s parish in Toronto, thanking God for the 191th anniversary of approval of our Constitution and Rules. District Superior Fr. Janusz Blazejak presided over the Eucharist and during his homily he compared constitution and rules to an axe which cuts wood but also give shape to certain structures. Constitution and rules also help us to shape our religious life. During this celebration all Oblates renewed their vows. Oblate community at St. Casimir’s parish hosted a delicious lunch during which we celebrated the birthday of Fr. Grzegorz Nowak. The celebration took place in a very uplifting and joyful spirit.

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Orlando Cardinal Quevedo visit in Holy Angels

On January 21st, 2017 Orlando Cardinal Quevedo Archbishop of Cotabato in the Philippines presided over the Eucharist at Holy Angles parish in Toronto. Following the Eucharist the Philippino community which gathers at regular basis at this parish organized a delicious meal and warm welcome. Cardinal Quevedo spent lots of time with many families praying over them. For some it was a very emotional moment when they met their own country man on Canadian soil.

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Oblate museum update Our Oblate museum which is located in the basement of our Provincial House recently was enriched by over 50 framed pictures of all the Oblates from Assumption Province who are already rejoicing in heaven. It is interesting that we reached almost the same number of those passed away and those who are still alive and part of our province. This project was started by Fr. Janusz Blazejak former provincial but recently accomplished by Br. Taduesz Orzechowski, who dedicated a good deal of time to properly organize and set up the pictures. We thank both Fr. Janusz Blazejak and Br. Tadeusz Orzechowski for helping us honor our Oblate brothers who already see God face to face.

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Oblate cross in Aix-en-Provence

Assumption Province was privileged to respond to the request presented by the Superior of Aix-en-Provence community Fr. Krzysztof Zielenda, to sponsor an Oblate cross for the chapel of First Vows. During our retreat which we had as provincial administration in May of 2016 Fr. Krzysztof said “Your province renovated so beautifully the statue of the Oblate Madonna which is at the General House in Rome. Would you be able to sponsor an Oblate cross for us?” After a few months of searching for an artist who would be able to make this cross according to their requirements we found and artist of Polish origin living in Mississauga, Canada.

Ted Swiatek upon receiving all the measurements and the details concerning this project he began an inspiring journey with Oblate cross. He looked at many Oblate crosses that we received during our perpetual vows, took pictures, measurements and the project was on its way. He started gathering the materials for the cross he used cherry wood and black walnut. But to carve the corpus of Jesus he used basswood in order to make sure that all the details of Jesus’s corpus are done properly. He made the first corpus out of clay and then transpose all the details of this almost human size figure to the wooden corpus. The next phase was to find a proper stain and paint that would match the colors of our Oblate cross. When the project was completed he said it took him almost 3 months to finish it.

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Beginning of September 2016 we started to organize the shipment of the cross which had to be properly secured into a large container. With the help of volunteers the container was ready and the cross was on its way to Aix-en –Provence. It took another couple of months to reach its destination. A few days before February 17, 2017 the large wooden box arrived at our Eugene de Mazenod International Centre in Aix-en- Provence. Fr. Krzysztof Zielenda, when he first saw the box was a bit shocked as he didn’t expect the cross to be that big. They slowly opened the container to make sure that the cross is not damaged. After moving the cross to the chapel of First Vows, and taking a picture of it. He sent a message with both pictures of the old and the new cross, saying that Assumption Province can be proud of this cross which looks so beautiful in this chapel. This is a small contribution of our province to the place which was marked by extra ordinary events and life of not only of our founder St. Eugene De Mazenod but many other Oblates. It continues to be a place of renewal and inspiration for Oblates.

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Lenten Missionaries

This year Lenten retreat will be preached in our Oblate parishes in Canada by Fr. Dzimitry Zaniamonski from Belarus and Fr. Daniel Biedniak from Poland. They arrived few days before Ash Wednesday and had a bit of time to acclimatize to Canadian culture and winter. They visited Niagara Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world which made an unforgettable impression on them. Being for just few days in Canada they already fell in love with this country and people who live in this beautiful land. We wish them abundance of God’s graces as they begin this very important ministry preaching the Lenten retreat.

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Fr. Dzmitry Zaniamonski, OMI

March 1 – 4 …………………….……………………………………… Sts. Peter & Paul, Welland

March 5 – 10 ………………...……………………… Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Catharines March 11 – 17 ……………………………………………………………….. St. Hyacinth, Ottawa

March 18 – 24 ………………………………………………………St. Stanislaus Kostka, Toronto

March 25 – 31 ………………………...……………………... St. Eugene de Mazenod, Brampton

April 1 – 7 ………….………………………………………………….……. St. Casimir’s, Toronto

Fr. Daniel Biedniak, OMI

March 4 – 10 ……………………………………...………………..……… Holy Ghost, Winnipeg

March 11 – 17 …………………………………………………………… Holy Rosary, Edmonton

March 18 – 24 …………………………………………….....…..…. Queen of Poland, Edmonton

March 25 – 31 ……………………………..……………………..……... St. Casimir’s, Vancouver April 1 – 7 ……...……………………………………….……. St. Maximilian Kolbe, Mississauga

Fr. Daniel Biedniak was born on December 9th, 1982 in Świebodzin, Poland. He

entered the congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 2003 when

he began his Novitiate at Świety Krzyż, Poland. His philosophy and theology studies

were completed at the Major Seminary in Obra, Poland (2004-2010) and he was

ordained by the Archbishop of Poznań His Excellency Stanisław Gądecki in 2010. He

began his work as retreat master preaching advent and lenten retreats as well as parish

missions while residing at Province Provincial House in Poznań. Later on he moved to

Święty Krzyż where he ministered as confessor and spiritual master providing guidance

to novices as well as pilgrims who come to visit the Shrine of the Holy Cross at Święty

Krzyż. Fr. Daniel currently resides in the Oblate community in Katowice and provides

pastoral care by preaching missions and retreats across southern Poland. His passion is

preaching the word of God and reading good books, watching good movies and

studying psychology.

Fr. Dymitr Zaniamonski was born on September 11, 1984 in Grodno, Belarus.

After completing high school, Fr. Dymitr entered the novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at Święty Krzyż. In 2003 he took his first vows at the

Święty Krzyż shrine and began his theology studies at the major seminary in Obra.

Fr.Dymitr was ordained on May 30th, 2009, by the Archbishop of Poznań,

Stanisław Gądecki. He began work in Minsk, Belarus in 2010 and in 2012 was

appointed as pastor of a young and growing parish in Minsk of Sts. Peter & Paul

Apostles and St.Eugene de Mazenod. Currently he is working on organizing the parish as well as constructing a church.

january - february 2017 volume 16 no. 1 news &...

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