January – February 2016 - Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

January - February 2016
Volume 15 No. 1
News & Views
Assumption Province
Your job is not only to take care of those who go to church, but those who
do not. That voice of the founder needs to be heard in Canada today…
Page 15
200th Anniversary
of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
On January 25, 2016 the Missionary Oblates of Mary
Immaculate celebrated 200th anniversary of the
establishment of their congregation.
Eugene de Mazenod, with a small group of zealous priests,
formed a community in the old Carmelite Cloister in Aixen-Provence, France. This small congregation soon began
sending missionaries to different parts of the world. Today it
works in almost 70 countries around the world. Today it
numbers almost 4,000 members. The Missionary Oblates of
Mary Immaculate came to Canada 175 years ago (in 1841)
and played a very important role in establishing the
Canadian Church.
Contents
Page 1
200th Anniversary of
Missionary Oblates of
Mary Immaculate
Page 16 Official Opening of the
Holy Year of Mercy at
St. Stanislaus Parish
Page 18 Provincial Council
Meeting in Poznan,
Poland
Page 19 190th Anniversary of
Approval of Constitution
of Rules
Page 20 Bro. Grzegorz Loska in
Prince George, B.C.
Page 21 A Letter from Pre-novice
Thomas Machnicki
Page 21 Beautiful Words Shared
by a Grade 10 Student
Page 22 Lenten Missionaries
"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 2016
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Provincial Congress
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Assumption Province began this jubilee year with a
Provincial Congress entitled “The Emerging Future of Life and Mission – Responding to the Signs of the
Times in a Transformative Way.” From January 18th to 22nd all members of Assumption Province and
invited guests prayed, shared their experiences, and also tried to discern the future directions for their
ministry and mission. Among many guest speakers were the following individuals:
 Father Superior General Louis Lougen OMI from Rome (by Skype);
 Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche Community (by pre-recorded video): Who are the poor in today’s
society;
 Gabriela Kasprzak, a young history professor from University of Toronto (in-person): What’s
Emerging from our History? – A Lay Person’s Perspective;
 Fr. Pawel Ratajczak OMI from Rome (by Skype): How I see the future of Assumption Province.
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Jubilee Mass
This intense week of deliberations started with a Jubilee Mass at St.
Maximilian Kolbe church and was presided by Thomas Cardinal
Collins. Among many distinguished guest who joined us for this
special celebration were:
 Bp. Douglas Crosby OMI, President of the Canadian Conference
of Catholic Bishops and Bishop of Hamilton;
 Bp. William McGratton from the Peterborough Diocese;
 Bp. Wayne Kirkpatrick, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of
Toronto;
 Fr. Bill Antone OMI, Provincial of the US Province;
 Fr. Kenneth Forster OMI, Provincial of Lacombe Province;
 Fr. Antoni Bochm OMI, Provincial of Polish Province;
Fr. Mariusz Kasperski OMI and Fr. Pawel Wyszkowski OMI,
Superiors of Polish delegations in Madagascar and Ukraine
respectively.
The Provincial of Assumption Province, Fr. Marian Gil OMI, while welcoming all who attended this
milestone celebration said: “Today we thank God for the life of our founder St. Eugene de Mazenod who,
200 years ago, courageously responded to God’s call by establishing our Congregation. We also thank
God for the many Missionary Oblates who for the past 200 years served across the globe responding to the
needs of the most abandoned.”
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In his homily, Thomas Cardinal Collins,
referring to this dynamic religious community
said, “We have to have an apostolic zeal. We have to
proclaim the Lord to the nations. We must do so in the
spirit of joy, which is summed up in that very word
“Gospel” – Good News, the News of Salvation. And
that is what we celebrate today in a very special way
when we reflect upon the 200 years of the Missionary
Oblates of Mary Immaculate.”
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This solemn liturgy was well attended by faithful parishioners from across the Toronto area as well as
representatives of church and lay organizations.
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80th Anniversary of Arrival of Polish Oblates
On January 20, 2016 the entire Province visited St. Stanislaus Kostka parish in Toronto in order to
celebrate the 80th anniversary of the arrival of Polish Oblates to Toronto. In 1935 Fr. Stan Puchniak OMI
was invited by Cardinal James McGuigan to take over St. Stanislaus Kostka church which at that time
faced many challenges.
The visit to St. Stanislaus Kostka parish consisted of the following events:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, thanksgiving Mass for the ministry of Missionary Oblates at St.
Stanislaus Kostka parish, and a special banquet during which the history of the parish and an artistic
program were presented. The parish council presented the Provincial of Missionary Oblates of Mary
Immaculate, Assumption Province with a certificate of appreciation for the immense work that the
Missionary Oblates have done at the parish.
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Jubilee Banquet
On January 21, 2016 at Pearson Convention Centre, a Jubilee Banquet took place to pay tribute to
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Assumption Province for the work and dedication they provide
across Canada.
Among many distinguished guests were Thomas Cardinal Collins; Bishop Douglas Crosby OMI,
President of Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops; Bishop John Boissonneau; Mayor of Mississauga
Bonnie Crombie, Provincial Superiors of Lacombe and Notre-Dame-du-Cap Provinces, as well as
numerous Church and State organizations, media representatives, and faithful parishioners coming from
as far as Ottawa, St. Catharines, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Bp. Douglas Crosby OMI, Fr. Luc Tardiff OMI, Bill Antone OMI, Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Fr. Marian Gil OMI
Radosc-Joy performing Lowicz Medley and Polonaise
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Toastmaster Fr. Peter Gioppato OMI
Thomas Cardinal Collins
The President of the Canadian Conference of
Catholic Bishops, Bp. Douglas Crosby OMI,
during the banquet said the following: “Many
religious institutions established by Oblate missionaries
over the years endure, among them the University of
Ottawa and Saint Paul University; the Shrine of Our
Lady of the Cape in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec;
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga,
Ontario; and many parish churches in Canada,
including several cathedrals! Even the skidoo was
conceived by an Oblate!”
Bp. Douglas Crosby OMI
This celebration gave platform to laity not only to express the gratitude for work of the Missionary Oblates
of Mary Immaculate, but most importantly to identify how the ministry influenced their lives.
Mrs. Anne Hales, Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre Staff
Mr. and Mrs. Wojciech and Agata Opala
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Karolina Podolak and Anna Wojcik
Mr. Jacek Wojcicki
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For this jubilee celebration many distinguished guests sent in their greetings, which can be read on our
website at www.omiap.org.
Future Events
This intense week initiated many events which will take place throughout the entire year in order to
present the mission and ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Assumption Province.
On May 21, 2016 we will present the testimonies which we have received on the topic of “How the
ministry of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate influenced my life.” On that day we will have a draw
and present prizes to three selected persons. On the same day we will officially open 17 panels which will
present the history of Missionary Oblates in Canada. This display will journey from parish to parish across
Canada and will give every Oblate community a chance to discover anew the roots of our Congregation
and the courageous life of many Oblates who worked in this country.
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Memorable Quotes
Jean Vanier:
“Who are the poor? Those who have been humiliated, those who have been pushed aside. Those who
have been seen as no good, as no value. We see it in St. Luke; the mission of Jesus is to announce the
Good News to the Poor. What is that Good News? It’s not just that they are loved by God! But you are
precious, you are important, you have value! And how can we reveal that? By entering into a relationship
with them. The way we listen to them. The way we give them a place in our hearts, but also in our
society.”
Superior General, Fr. Louis Lougen OMI:
“Your job is not only to take care of those who go to church, but those who do not. That voice of the
founder needs to be heard in Canada today…”
Thomas Cardinal Collins:
“… I encourage you to look forward with renewed hope as you continue your mission to evangelize those
marginalized and abandoned in the world.”
Apostolic Nuncio, Abp. Luigi Bonazzi:
“… through your witness show the merciful and compassionate face of Christ …”
Abp. Terry Prendergast S.J.:
Providentially this special year occurs within Pope Francis’s Jubilee of Mercy in which the whole Church
is exhorted to go into the peripheries, searching out the marginalized, sharing the mercy of God and the
Good News of Jesus Christ. This mission continues to be at the heart of your mission and identity.
Gabriela Kasprzak PhD:
“In your particular case, I say ‘let your [collective] history define you’. Do not be afraid to be radical.”
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Official Opening of the Holy Year of Mercy
at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Toronto
On December 8th, 2015, the congregation at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish celebrated the official opening
and start of the Holy Year of Mercy.
The parish was privileged to have Bishop Wieslaw Krotki OMI not only open the Year of Mercy, but also
bless a painting of the Divine Mercy. This marked a substantial and significant moment for parishioners,
as the painting began and will spend the year travelling and getting passed on from family to family. In its
early weeks of movement between families, the painting has already infused a sense of community and,
more importantly, longing in the parish. This eagerness mirrors the very desire in all our hearts for the
mercy of the Lord, which we have all been called to remember and elicit this year.
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Bishop Wieslaw Krotki spoke of his own experiences in northern
Canada, in his homily, which directly conveyed and pinpointed
the capacity and power of mercy. He spoke not only of the mercy
that Christ offers us, but also the mercy that we must allow to
manifest in our hearts so that we can bear witness to it and bestow
upon others.
Bishop Wielsaw Krotki’s visit to St. Stanislaus planted a seed not
only in the parish community, but also in the hearts of
parishioners. His visit initiated a year-long journey and growth to
receive and share Christ’s steadfast and desired mercy.
Extraordinary Year of Mercy
December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016
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Provincial Council Meeting in Poznan, Poland
Father Provincial Antoni Bochm welcomed all gathered
confreres; first those who came from abroad: Fr. Marian
Gil, Provincial of Assumption Province; Fr. Zbigniew
Opyda, Superior of the Delegation of France and
Benelux; Fr. Pawel Wyszkowski, Superior of the
Ukrainian Delegation; Fr. Krzysztof Szabowski, a
representative of the Madagascar Delegation; Fr. Jerzy
Kotowski, Superior of the Belarusian Mission; Fr. Piotr
Pisarek, Superior of the Swedish-Norwegian District; and
Fr. Karol Lipinski from Wierszyna in Siberia. Then came
words of welcome to the members of the provincial
administration, local communities and superiors
responsible for various works in the Province.
In his message Fr. Bochm recalled the main events of the past year and highlighted those that still await
us.
Father Provincial Marian Gil thanked the community for
the valuable cooperation with the Polish Province and its
jurisdictions. He expressed his wish that it will continue.
Speaking of the members of Assumption Province (54
Oblates: 49 Fathers, 3 Brothers, 1 Scholastic, 1 Prenovice;
21 communities, 3 districts), Fr. Gil noted that he still
counts on the support of Oblates from Poland. Such
assistance would allow for the new undertakings that
present themselves in the Polish community and the
Canadian reality.
Fr. Marian Gil also mentioned the recent Provincial
Congress, which was attended by, among others, Fathers
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Antoni Bochm, Pawel Wyszkowski, and Mariusz
Kasperski. He also noted the numerous initiatives related to
the bicentennial jubilee of the Congregation and the 60th
anniversary of Assumption Province. Each of the
participants of the extended council received a
commemorative folder, which included materials
concerning anniversary celebrations and a beautiful jubilee
calendar. After Fr. Marian spoke, Fr. Antoni thanked
Assumption Province for all the help they extends towards
the Polish Province, its Delegations, and Missions.
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190th Anniversary of the Approval of Constitutions and Rules
On February 17, 2016, St. Casimir's
parish in Toronto was home to both
the district meeting and celebration of
the 190th anniversary of the Approval
of the Constitutions and Rules for
Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Oblates
from the entire district took part in
these events.
The district meeting took place first,
with information pertinent to Oblate
ministry in the district being shared
and discussed.
Immediately following the meeting,
the assembled Oblates gathered in the
parish church to celebrate the Holy
Eucharist with Fr. Janusz Blazejak
presiding. The subsequent homily,
preached by Fr. Paul Patrick, called
the Oblates to reflect on their
heritage, “Remain in the city until
you have been clothed with power
from on high” (Lk. 24:49). This was
highlighted as an invitation to allow
God to be fully present in the
decision-making process pertaining to
Oblate ministry and allow the power
of God to clothe all Oblates through
prayer,
faithfulness
to
the
Constitutions and Rules, ministry,
and community life.
Following the Eucharist, the Oblates
then gathered for a delicious
celebratory meal prepared by several
parishioners of St. Casimir's in
honour of the 190th Anniversary of
the Approval of Constitutions and
Rules.
Submitted by Fr. Paul Patrick OMI
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Brother Grzegorz Loska in Prince George, B.C.
Bro. Grzegorz Loska OMI is currently attending the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, B.C
where he is enrolled in five intermediate courses in grammar, listening, speaking, writing, and reading.
Aside from being busy with school work, Brother Greg helps out at home with shopping, housework, and
a lot of snow removal. Then there’s always the work at the church itself.
Recently Bro. Greg travelled to Fraser Lake with two Franciscan Brothers where the visited three
different Oblate missions. There they celebrated the Way of the Cross, held catechesis, helped with
penitential services, and visited families in their homes. Brother Grzegorz describes his stay in Prince
George as a very interesting experience.
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A Letter from Pre-novice Thomas Machnicki
School is going good; I don’t really have a hard semester ahead of me. I
am auditing a Medieval Philosophy class Friday evenings, joining the rest
of my brothers. I was the only one not taking the class and I did not want
to be left out! Also, I am looking to take two online courses during
summer. Focusing on the journey ahead, I’m in the process of figuring
out the most suitable daily schedule that would fit my personal, spiritual
and academic needs. I am finding that a right balance of study, extra and
personal reading, exercise, as well as community life makes the day more
fruitful, and more focused on the Lord. I’m also looking into any possible
summer ministry positions for about 2-3 weeks, either before or after my
trip to Poland for World Youth Day. Thanks for all the support, and as
always I ask for your prayers.
Z Bogiem,
Tom
Beautiful Words Shared by a Student
“The day we went to Queen of Apostles I had started to feel a sense of safety and comfort right as we stepped off
the bus. As soon as we got into the Centre a lady named Anne welcomed us and led us to the meeting room. As
we were walking down the hall I had felt a presence as if someone was watching over us.
Near the end of the retreat we went into the chapel where Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II had prayed which
really got me excited and eager to pray at the best of my ability. The fact that they were there was like really cool
because you knew that they were in that very space on a chair which I could be sitting on.
As we got to choose what to pray for, I had thought my
hardest on what I was going to pray for. At first I was
thinking about money, or a new house for us, but then I
knew not to be greedy and pray for something that
everyone can benefit from. I prayed that everyone in the
world would feel a sense of support and comfort when
they are in a time of need or going through a hard time,
like the loss of a family member or a divorce. Another
thing I prayed for was for me and my family not to fight
and argue as much and also to respect each other and be
thankful and love each other. I think that God connects
it all for us by showing each of us that every time we do
something good like help people, we will receive good
back. Perhaps it will be that all the hard work in school
will pay off and you are rewarded with a loving proud
family. I loved this retreat.” Sacha, grade 10
Submitted by Anne Hales
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Lenten Missionaries
Fr. Bernard Briks OMI was born on January 12,
1955 in Strzybnik, Poland. He entered the Novitiate in
1977, made first vows a year later, and was ordained by
Bishop Stanislaw Napierala in 1984.
He has worked as an associate pastor in Lubliniec and
preached retreats, which he continues to do to this day.
He taught in the Minor Seminary in Markowice from
1989 to 1992, then became the Superior in Katowice,
Gdansk, Lubliniec, and Koden. Fr. Briks is the pastor
and curator of the shrine in Koden. At one time he has
served as provincial consultor.
Fr. Jozef Nieslony OMI was born on February 14,
1950 in Chudoba, Poland. He studied at the Minor
Seminary in Markowicze from 1964 to 1968, and
afterwards entered the Novitiate where he made first
vows in 1969. After studying philosophy for two years in
Obra, he left for Rome to continue his studies (19711974).
Fr. Nieslony was ordained by Archbishop Antoni
Baraniak in 1975 and began his work as associate pastor
in Milanowek. In 1980 he took over as Master of
Novices and Superior in Swiety Krzyz. He then worked
in Lubliniec, Gdansk, and Koden, then as vicar
provincial and spiritual animator of the Polish Province
from 2011 to 2014 and retreat master for many years.
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