news & viewsomiap.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/november-december-2013.pdf · person of his...

"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 -

November - December 2013 Volume 12 No. 6

News & Views Assumption Province

Contents Page 3 CROCUS

Page 4 Order of Merit

Page 5 “Great Poles”

Page 7 St. Nicholas in

Mississauga

Page 8 200 New Members

of MAMI

0 Feast Day and Oblate

Triennium

Page 12 Answering the Call of

Today’s Family

Page 13 Ice Storm in GTA

Page 14 Fr. Pawel Nyrek OMI

… this jubilee is a gift from God, a holy time, a kairos for each Oblate

and for all those associated for us…

Opening of the Oblate Triennium

Page 10

“Christmas is a feast of joyful hope, for God has become one with us in the

person of his Son, true God and true man. He showed his love for us by

becoming part of our world, with all its conflicts, its suffering and its poverty. Jesus is truly Emmanuel: God among us. This is the great “gift” which he

brings: a divine love which heals and transforms our hearts, overcoming all uncertainty and pessimism. Our joyful contemplation of the mystery of

Christmas should make us realize that, as God has become one of us, we too

are called to become like God: humble, close to others, especially the poor, and ever attentive to their needs. This Christmas, let us ask Mary, Mother of

Jesus and our Mother, to help us see in our neighbour the face of Jesus, God

made man. May we be in this world a ray of that light which shone forth from Bethlehem, bringing the joy and peace to the hearts of all men and

women.”. Pope Francis, Wednesday Audience Dec. 18, 2013

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Dear Brother Oblates and lay collaborators,

As we begin this wonderful Christmas season, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem – the place

where the child Jesus was born. We read in St. John’s gospel that, “He came to what was his

own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become

children of God” (John 1:11-12). Every year, we say yes to this Word which also transforms

us and makes us children of the light, children of God.

It is not a coincidence that at the same time as we begin our Triennium preparation, Pope Francis publishes his exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The joy of the Gospel). Just as our

Superior General, he urges every Christian and every person of good will to accept Christ

into their heart because only Christ gives us true joy. I would like to quote from this

document a part of the prayer which captures very well the mystery of God’s incarnation:

“Mary was able to turn a stable into a home for Jesus, with poor swaddling clothes and an

abundance of love. (…) Mary, Virgin and Mother, you who, moved by the Holy Spirit,

welcomed the word of life in the depths of your humble faith: as you gave yourself completely to

the Eternal One, help us to say our own “yes” to the urgent call, as pressing as ever, to

proclaim the good news of Jesus.”

May the Virgin Mary help us to hasten our steps to Bethlehem, to encounter the Child

who is born for us, for the salvation and joy of all people. May the light of the Bethlehem

Night allow us to once again believe in the great miracle that God became human and that

true love is possible.

May this love be born in each of us this Christmas! Merry Christmas to you all!

Fr. Marian Gil OMI

Provincial

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The 18th General Assembly took place from November 5-10th, 2013 in Richelieu Quebec. This time we arrived a bit later and some members left earlier because of the formation program for the new Provincials

which has been changed by the General Administration. Being in Richelieu, gave us an opportunity to

look at the rich history of Notre Dame du Cap Province and the many activities that this province has

conducted for the congregation in the past. We also had a bit of time to summarize our experiences from the last Inter-Chapter meeting in Bangkok. We spent a bit of time discussing the upcoming joint session

which will take place from September 14-18th, 2015 at Notre Dame du-Cap. There was also discussion

regarding the meeting of treasurers and the next meeting which will take place in Ottawa in October of 2014. Since there is a meeting of formators in Aix en Provence from July 14-31st, 2014, we spoke about

potential candidates for the General Formation Committee. On behalf of our province, Fr. Mieczyslaw

Burdzy, as vocation director, was proposed and it is up to the Superior General and his Council to decide

who will sit on the general formation committee. We also spoke about the project proposed by Fr. Marquis and we agreed that interested provinces will follow up on his proposals.

General Councillor Fr. Warren Brown, made his presentation updating us on activities and decisions

made by the General Administration. He spoke about changes in provincial appointments and the General Administration handbook (the new administrative directory has been revised and approved for

use in the congregation and will be presented in January of 2014 to the entire congregation). He also

spoke about remote preparations for the 2016 General Chapter, animators for the Oblate triennium,

Oblate Brothers (the formation program for Oblate Brothers was approved), appointment at the general house community, Aix community, formation finances, youth ministry and the joint session.

200th Anniversary of OMI We discussed different initiatives in our Provinces concerning this Jubilee as well as the potential

candidates who will attend the formation session in Aix en Provence to animate Oblate charism in our

region.

Financial Requests The president of CROCUS shared with the members the financial requests submitted by different

provinces. We all agreed that we will continue supporting different provinces and projects but CROCUS

is not the body which will deal with financial requests.

Justice & Peace and Integrity of Creation We had a discussion on the role of Justice & Peace Committees in our region. New statutes of JPIC of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate were presented which was also approved by the General

Administration on February 4th, 2013.

CROCUS Meeting in Richelieu Quebec

4


On Sunday, November 10th, 2013, the

Consul General of the Republic of

Poland, Mr. Grzegorz Morawski, on

behalf of the President of the Republic

of Poland, honoured Fr. Janusz

Błażejak OMI, pastor of St.

Maximilian Kolbe Parish, with the

Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of

the Polish Republic. The Order of

Merit of the Polish Republic, is an

honour bestowed by the President of

Poland onto “Polish citizens living

abroad, who have made an

outstanding contribution to

international cooperation and

collaboration in joining the Republic

of Poland with other states and

nations." In his speech, the Consul

General Mr. Grzegorz Morawski

stressed Fr. Janusz’s involvement in

Polonia. Fr. Janusz Blazejak is the

chaplain and a member of the main

board of the Canadian Polish

Congress, vice-president of Polish

Christian Millennium Foundation, a

board member of Copernicus Lodge

and Cultural Center of John Paul II,

chaplain of ZHP Canada, chairman of

the Conference of Polish Priests for

Eastern Canada and chairman of the

Polish Pastoral Council of the

Archdiocese of Toronto.

Congratulations Fr. Janusz!

Fr. Janusz Blazejak OMI Receives the Order of Merit

5


"Great Poles, their identity and meaning to the world"

A Conference at St . Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga.

In connection with the forthcoming 35th anniversary of the parish, and the 30th

anniversary of the consecration of the

church, as well as the end of the Year of Faith, the Parish Council has planned a

series of events and activities aimed to

celebrate these milestones. One of the

most interesting is undoubtedly the series of conferences entitled “Great Poles, their

identity and meaning to the world” given by

visiting researchers from the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL).

The first such conference took place on

Saturday, November 16th by former rector of KUL, Fr. prof. Andrzej Szostek

MIC. The topic of this edition was the figure of our great countryman Pope John Paul II, titled "John

Paul II : Faith transforming the world.” The speaker, at the end of the Year of Faith, revealed John Paul

II as a man of deep faith, a faith that transformed the world.

Summing up his speech, Fr. prof. Szostek stressed that John Paul II’s faith was particularly rooted in love, which he began developing while still Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, in his study "The Person and the Act."

The idea of participation was especially developed in his social teaching and emphasized the fundamental importance of the term "neighbor", which makes the greatest treasure for a man on this earth not

consumer goods, but God and fellow man. A selfless gift to another person is the height of love, and for

each one of us the height of humanity. John Paul II’s faith lead to such heights – he left us this testament

of his faith.

On Sunday, November 17th, the presentation was dedicated to another great Pole, Saint Maximilian

Kolbe, and given by the dean of the faculty of philosophy at KUL, Fr. prof. Marian Tkaczyk. His interesting lecture was based on the principle "You will know them by their deeds." He presented the figure of

St. Maximilian and his spirituality from the perspective of three periods of his life - the pre-war

establishment of the evangelizing center in Niepokalanów, his missionary expedition to Japan, and his

imprisonment and torturous death in Auschwitz.

Discussing the center in Niepokalanów, Fr . Tkaczyk referenced a previously unknown documentary by

a Dominican, Fr. Joseph Bochenski, a distinguished Polish philosopher, rector and lecturer at the Swiss University of Freiburg. Father Bochenski had the opportunity to visit Niepokalanów in 1936, soon after

the return of St. Maximilian from Japan. Known for his aggressiveness, he looked at Niepokalanów with

a critical eye, but appreciated its greatness. Fr. Bocheński’s documentary is considered very reliable, as it

is written neither by a passionate enemy, nor by an uncritical admirer.

6


In contrast, a week later, on Sunday, November 24th, Fr. prof. Leon Dyczewski spoke of the "Contemporary

Witnesses of the Faith." A witness of the faith is anyone who lives the fullness of Christian life and acts in accordance

with the principle of love. Such a life is based on a strong connection with God through faith in Him and by

entrusting one’s self to him. A role model is Jesus Christ himself . There are many people who live this way, even in our families and in the workplace. They do not do anything out of the ordinary, but they are extraordinary through proper understanding and practice of justice, creating an atmosphere of peace, shaping the culture of forgiveness and reconciliation, selfless assistance, bringing joy into their environment, simplicity of life, caring support of anyone with a problem, defense of human dignity.

Fr. prof. Dyczewski pointed out in his conference, among others, the following figures: St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed John Paul II, St. Joanna Beretta Molla (1922-1962), Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and a figure that is not a

saint but worthy of admiration, Mark Kotański (1942-2002) - author of Monar, a guardian of the excluded. He experienced conversion and showed others how to live better. He enhanced joy and liberated creativity, especially among the young. He is a witness of faith without complexes to the secular orientation of thought. He boldly spoke his beliefs and led a dialogue with all people of good will.

Christians are witnesses to their faith in God when they are in permanent contact with Jesus Christ, when they try to adjust their lives and concrete actions to the demands of the Gospel, which sometimes makes their lifestyle different from the lifestyle of the people among whom they live and with whom they work. Wojciech Porowski

7


St. Nicholas Visits St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish

On Friday, December 6th, as in the Polish tradition,

St. Nicholas came to visit the children in St.

Maximilian Kolbe Parish. St. Nicholas was

unannounced, but as always, expected! The church

was full of children and people. In the end, 400

gifts were given away to the children. Wow….

8


200 New Members of MAMI in our Oblate Family

On December 8, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is also the Patron Feast Day of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. This year on this special day St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish in Brampton celebrated the reception of 200 Friends of the Oblate Missions “MAMI” to the extended Oblate Family. We are thankful to God for this special Oblate Family which, in our

very young parish community, exceeds 300 members. The Solemn Mass at 1:00pm was celebrated by His Excellency Bp. Wiesław Anthony Krotki, OMI who works among the Inuit people in Hudson Bay Diocese, and concelebrated by Very Rev. Marian Gil the Provincial of

Assumption Province, as well as Fr. Adam Filas, OMI the Pastor, Fr. Wojciech Kurzydło, OMI and Fr. Czesław Motak, OMI. Also present were Mark Garczynski and Bożena Adamiec, both Honorary Oblates of Mary

Immaculate. During the mass, His Excellency Bp. Wiesław presented each active member of MAMI with a special pin which will always distinguish them as a part of the Oblate Family. After the Solemn Mass people were invited to take part in an “Assembly with the Immaculate” at Our Lady of Ludzmierz House. During the Assembly everyone enjoyed a lecture by His Excellency Bp. Wiesław Krotki, OMI, as well as a delicious dinner and a beautiful artistic program prepared by the MAMI group.

Ewa Kaczmarek, MAMI

9


Continued…

10


On December 8th, 2013, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, about 4,000 Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate around the world began their Oblate Triennium, a three year preparation for the 200th Anniversary of the Establishment of their Congregation. Fr. Superior General Louis Lougen, said

that, “this jubilee is a gift from God, a holy time, a kairos for each Oblate and for all those associated for us, lay people, young

people, and religious congregations that have connections with the Oblate charism.”

To commemorate this special occasion, over 140 priests and lay associates gathered at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga on December 9th, 2013. The event began with the Holy Eucharist which was presided by

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto, William McGrattan, and concelebrated by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Assumption Province from the Toronto district and other religious and diocesan priests from the Toronto area. Guests in attendance included the Consul General of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Grzegorz Morawski, Honourary Oblates, parents and families of Oblates, employees of Assumption Province and people of good will who support and promote the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. At the end of Mass, Fr. Marian Gil OMI, Provincial of Assumption Province, presented two individuals, Mr. Mark Garczynski and Mr. Paul Fletcher, with the Crystal Oblate Madonna Award for their contributions to promoting the charism of St.

Eugene de Mazenod and dedication to the mission of Assumption Province. The Holy Eucharist was followed by a

formal sit-down lunch.

The program for Triennium celebrations in Assumption Province, will focus on three areas: 1. Renewal of Oblate Life; 2. Oblate Youth Ministry; 3. Parish Ministry. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Assumption Province ask all people of good will to participate in Triennium celebrations in the coming three years and keep

Oblates in their prayers, that this time of grace and preparation bears much fruit. More information can be found at

www.omiap.org.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

and Opening of Oblate Triennium

http://www.omiap.org/

11


12


Responding to the Call of Today’s FAMILY!

Today's world is hostile to the family and family values, and is doing so much to destroy them. We see this through the legalization of same-sex relationships and the catastrophic pace of disintegrating marriages. More than half of marriages end in divorce. Entering into marriage everyone has a different idea about what it means to be together and to create a family. The farther away from the wedding day, life increasingly verifies our expectations and we

seem to be either living together, but only side by side, or moving away from each other even more. What does “You” and “I” mean? What does “We" mean? What is a marital community and how to you form one? How do you make wise decisions? Money and marriage? Raising children and their sexuality? In trying to answer all these questions in an accessible way, and above all, help married couples confronted with problems, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga has developed its own unique program aimed at today's

marriage. We try to answer these questions during a workshop for married couples. The workshop is designed primarily for couples and families who want to improve the relationship between them. Meetings aim to enrich mutual love, strengthen the unity of spouses, deepen mutual understanding and further develop their relationship. This workshop is for all marriages - those who do not have problems today can have them tomorrow. Other couples,

who have problems today, receive the key to solving them. The second session brought together more than 40 couples. The next is planned for the spring. Workshops are led by professionals, people who really know their stuff and want to devote their time to the parish. Dr. Waldemar Paliga, with his wife Halina, are not strangers in our community. They have experienced much in life and now want to help others. Fr. Wojciech Stangel is also an indispensable aid.

13


The recent ice storm that hit Ontario caused

a lot of damage in the Greater Toronto Area.

About 300,000 people lost power! Our Queen

of Apostles Renewal Centre was affected by a

power outage but one of the Fathers said that

these two days without power were the best

days of the entire advent season, when they

didn’t have electricity and access to

computers or TV. They set out many candles

in order to keep warm and enjoy community

life. Besides this positive result described by

one of the Fathers, they also had a visitor at

the door which happens once in a while at

Queen of Apostles. For who the visitor is,

you have to look closely at the picture on the

left. The storm also caused some damages at

the provincial house breaking branches of

surrounding trees and damaging Fr. Slawek

Trzasko’s car. We attach some pictures from

the provincial house.

Ice Storm in Greater Toronto Area

14


This is Magda, Fr. Pawel's English teacher. She makes him repeat many words

and phrases, especially

"Where is Pawel? I miss him!"

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year from everyone

at the provincial house!

Christmas celebrations with the

staff and Fathers at the

provincial house.

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