Nnaemeka ALI, OMI

The Superior General continues his pilgrimage to the Oblate Province of Notre-Dame-du-Cap in Canada. One of Father General’s observations was the immensity of his brothers’ mission. He reminded them not to forget the place of community life in their mission.

From one ocean to another

To truly appreciate the significance of the Oblate mission’s centenary, coined “D’Une Mer à l’Autre (From one ocean to another)” by French journalist Bernard Vaulx, one must experience the mission firsthand.  This adaptation of Canada’s slogan “A Mari Usque Ad Mare (From Sea to Sea)” describes perfectly the essence of the Oblate mission on the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River, a place of immense importance in the Baie-Comeau diocese.  There, six young Oblates serve the communities of Pessamit, Sept-Îles, Maliotenam, and from Minganie to Pakua-Shipu.

A pilgrim among brothers

The first stop was Pessamit, one of the oldest Oblate missions on the North Shore, holding deep historical significance because it was founded during the Founder’s time.  That’s why it was fitting for Father General to begin his pilgrimage there.  Additionally, it is the community where Gérard BOUDREAULT, the most experienced missionary among the Innu people, is serving. From there, Father Chicho would proceed to Sept-Îles to visit with Father Rejean VIGNEAULT, a native of the North Shore, and his community. 

During his stay in Pessamit, he visited the Innu community and the neighboring village of Ragneau before heading down to the Sept-Iles region.  During his stay in the Sept-Iles region, he also visited the Innu communities where Fathers Alfred RAVELOMAMPISANDRAIBE from Madagascar and Hermann TIMTIM from Cameroon work. After a brief stay in the Sept-Iles region, Father General and the provincial went on to meet the Oblates serving in the Minganie region: Krzysztof SZABLOWSKI from Poland and Gérard Tsetshalam from Cameroon.

Listening to his brothers on the north shore of the St. Laurent

Father Chicho met with the mission team and Oblate Associates during this visit at the Marie Immaculée parish.  This gathering created a fraternal space where Father Chicho could share news about the congregation while attentively listening to the personal experiences of each individual, whether professed Oblates or associates.

Father General encouraged them and reminded them of the importance of preserving community life for the sake of the mission despite the mission’s size.  This gathering as a Mazenodian family with the Superior General also strengthened the Associates in their vocation.

Embracing the Rhythms of Celebration

The North Shore is big, but the hearts of its inhabitants are even bigger.  This is evident in the warm welcome that Father Chicho received in each community he visited.  On his first night in Pessamit, as well as in Sept-Îles, Maliotenam, Havre-Saint Pierre, and Nutashkuan, he was welcomed with open arms by the communities of the North Shore. 

The communities made every effort to allow him to meet all the community members, as was the case in Nutashkuan, where a community event was specially planned for his visit.  Likewise, the celebrations in Havre-Saint Pierre, Maliotenam, and Sept-Îles were unforgettable.