Daily Inspirations

The Great Provider of the missions

Gabriel BREYNAT

In Mackenzie, during the first half of the 20th Century, one Oblate, who was noted for his curly beard, colorful language, and numerous initiatives, left a lasting impression on the Amerindians as well as on the white settlers. Gabriel Breynat, who was called the “flying bishop” was born at Saint-Vallier, south of Lyon, on October 6, 1867. He became an Oblate and was later ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Emile Grouard, in February, 1892. Two months later he boarded with the Bishop for the missions of the Canadian Northwest. Barely had he arrived among the “Mangeurs-de-Caribous” (Caribou Eaters) at Fond-du-Lac, by the shore of Athabaska Lake, when a letter from France brought news of his father’s death, followed soon by another letter announcing the deaths of his mother and sister. The Amerindians of the mission, on learning of the sorrows that afflicted their missionary, came to him and said: “Well, now that you are an orphan, you will love us all the more, for we will be as a father and mother to you! Please stop the water in your eyes.” (more…)