Oblate presence: 1925-1928. Geographic Location: Canada’s Capital
On September 20, 1925, the new building on Rideau Street was inaugurated. The temporal administration is entrusted to the secular clergy. The spiritual and moral direction remains with the Oblates. Father Joseph Charbonneau is Superior of the Seminary. Rev. G. Marchand is Director of the Major Seminary. (Cf. Circular No. 32, Diocese of Ottawa, Oct. 15, 1925 and supplement)
- Erection of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Residence, Ottawa. Letter from Father G.-É. Villeneuve, Provincial, November 10, 1925, to Father Gilles Marchand, O.M.I., Director of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Ottawa:
“On November 3, this year, The Most Reverend Émard, Archbishop of Ottawa, before his departure for Rome, deigned to reply to my letter of November 2, this year; in the same envelope there was also the document I sent to His Grace on September 7. He signed it; thus, the question of your installation is resolved. I must now proceed with the official installation of your Residence, in the name of His Grace our Most Reverend Father [Superior General]. I had thought of going and erect your Residence myself; but on further thought, I think it is better not to give too much solemnity to this affair, and to not attract too much attention from the secular staff of the seminary. Consequently, you will gather your community and read the enclosed letter which declares the erection of your Residence in the name of His Grace the Most Reverend Father General. Also attached are the necessary obediences, first yours which appoints you Director of the said Residence, then the others intended for the Reverend Fathers, your companions. You will give them to them in my name.”
- Departure of the Oblates from the Seminary Residence, August 25, 1928. The Codex Historicus on the date indicated says: “We receive an obedience to leave the seminary without delay: the Oblates cease to direct it after 80 years. The priests of the secular clergy of Ottawa took over the direction by order of Bishop J. Forbes, Archbishop. The seminary staff is thus broken up: The Rev. F.-O. Paquette became parish priest of Ste-Famille Parish in Ottawa, Father Rousseau, professor at the scholasticate in Lebret, Saskatchewan, and Father Cornellier, to the University.”
Eugène Lapointe OMI
