Here are some excerpts from the message which the Archbishop of Ottawa, Msgr. Terrence Prendergast, SJ, addressed to the Oblates last January 25 on the occasion of the Bicentenary.
“Your missionary heart, rooted in service ‘to preach Christ crucified’, not in grandeur of word, but in the sharing of the Spirit, has been an immense blessing to many around the world and in particular, here in Canada.
“In Ottawa, we have a special relationship with the Oblates since Bishop Joseph-Bruno GUIGUES, founding bishop of the diocese of Bytown, was an Oblate. The roots of our archdiocese are closely linked to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the founding of Bytown College, later the University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University, celebrating 160 years this year including the 125 years of the faculty of theology.
“In addition, there are six parishes with various languages and heritages — English, French, German, Italian and Polish – now being served by the Oblates of the Polish Assumption province and the provinces of Lacombe and Notre-Dame-du-Cap (… ).
“May Our Lady continue to intercede for her sons and may God bless your ministry and your community…” (INFO OMI, 1 February 2016)
