2008 November


2008 November



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Nouvelles Salésiennes
Salesian News
Novembre 2008 November No.111
Bulletin mensuel électronique
sdbsem@videotron.ca
EDMONTON. St. John Bosco Parish is preparing for
First Reconciliation. There is a 7-session catechism
preparation program held on Sunday mornings.
A Salesian Cooperator meeting was held On Oct.
20 at the parish for both St. John Bosco centre and St.
Dominic Savio centre.
A Deanery meeting for the priests from 7 parishes
was held on Oct. 21. Marriage Preparation at both the
Diocesan and parish level was the topic discussed.
St. Dominic Savio Parish hosted a “Welcome
Back” Mass and supper on Oct. 4. Pilgrims from
WYD 2008 Sydney were invited to the 5:00 Mass at
which Archbishop Richard Smith presided. After the
Mass a delicious spaghetti supper that had been
prepared by the K of C was enjoyed by all.
On Oct. 5 we had our First Reconciliation
registration meeting for parents and children. There
are 65 children preparing for the sacrament. The
children keep Fr. Bernie busy before and after Masses
signing their attendance cards!
Oct. 6-10 was Read In Week at all of our Catholic
Schools. The youth minister and pastoral assistant read
to many classes at 3 different schools.
Fr. Bernie participated in the Thanksgiving school
celebrations on Oct. 9 and 10. The parish food drive as
well as the food collected at the schools was very
successful. The St. Vincent de Paul storage room is
overflowing!
Our 16th Annual Pasta Supper was held in the gym
of the junior high school on Oct. 17. The gym was
filled with 300+ adults and children, who enjoyed a
wonderful meal, a silent auction and many raffles.
Since our team of volunteers for the last 15 years
decided they wanted a break, the WYD members
volunteered to coordinate this event for the first time.
They did an excellent job and we look forward to the
17th Annual.
Fr. Bernie presented the Grade 4 classes at St.
John Bosco School with New Testaments on Oct. 27.
Thanks to Fr. Bernie for manning the parish office
by himself on Oct. 30 while the staff was at the
Pastoral Centre for an orientation day.
+++++++++++++++++++
TORONTO. Our Salesian community welcomed
18-year-old Sebastian Navarro from Guadalajara,
Mexico, who will be living with us this year while
attending school at De La Salle so as to improve his
English. Sebastian was baptized by our Rector
Major, Fr. Pascual Chávez, a good friend with
Sebastian’s family.
On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we held
our first blessing of the pets of our parishioners.
Some 50 people showed up with everything from
turtle doves to snakes.
Our Savio Club has started another year with
the after-school program for over 75 registered
members.
The local Salesian Family Commission has
been at work preparing their 3rd Family Day, to be
held on Nov. 8 at St. Benedict’s. Over 70
participants have already registered. The main talk
will be given by Fr. Frank Kelly on the theme “Don
Bosco and the Family.”
Fr. Joe Ho has just returned safe and sound
after a three-week vacation with his remaining
family members in Hong Kong.
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, our
community visited with Fr. Dave Purdy at
Southdown, followed by a turkey dinner at Howard
Johnson’s in Aurora. Fr. Dave is doing quite well.
He is expected to return to California for the
beginning of the new year.
The Salesian Sisters of Marguerita Street
hosted our community for Thanksgiving dinner. A
meaningful prayer service, food galore and
sumptuous desserts were enjoyed by all.

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On Oct. 15 we held our 1st quarterly recollection
at Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles Renewal Centre,
on the theme of the upcoming merger SUE-CAN.
Michel Jobin, our SC coordinator, was recently
elected to the Interamerica Regional Advisory Board
as the chargé of formation.
Another activity-filled year is underway for our
newly formed Knights of Columbus and young
Squires councils. Foster Kwon and his youth team
have already undertaken various group activities such
as a walk-a-thon to the downtown cathedral and an All
Hallows’ Eve party, where both children and parents
dressed up as their favourite saint. Everyone agreed
that this should be the beginning of a tradition.
+++++++++++++++++++
SHERBROOKE, QC. Ici dans l’est du Canada,
octobre est un mois de transition. Les premiers jours
sont généralement très beaux, puis est lancé
l’avertissement que nous ne sommes pas en Floride. Et
comme si la nature se repentait de sa conduite,
survient pendant quelques jours «l’été des Indiens»
(pour nous rappeler peut-être que nous ne sommes pas
les premiers habitants de ce pays…) et le 30 octobre,
au réveil, nous avons pu constater que le sol et les toits
étaient couverts d’une éphémère «manne blanche.” Ici
ce n’était que quelques cm, mais en Outaouais, du côté
de la capitale nationale, c’était bien la surprise d’une
vingtaine de cm. Alors, mes amis, sortez vos tuques,
cache-oreilles, mitaines, bottes, foulards,
«combinaisons», pneus d’hiver etc.
L’accueil des 5e et 6e années des écoles primaires
de Sherbrooke et de la région le 3 octobre fut un grand
succès. Quelque 140 jeunes se présentèrent pour la
journée. Ils l’ont vécue sur le thème, Viens jouer dans
notre cour; l’activité de clôture fut le jeu à la Salle
Père-Décarie animé par Charles Lafortune de TVA,
venu expressément de Montréal. Ces jeunes « génies
en herbe » (aidés toutefois de leurs parents).se
débrouillèrent très bien.
La cérémonie de graduation des finissants 2008
s’est tenue le lendemain, salle comble. Lors de cette
soirée brillamment animée par Nicolas Duquette, eut
lieu la remise des diplômes, de l’album-école ‘08, du
Prix du Gouverneur Général à Danika Rozon (les 2
autres nominés les plus concurrentiels étant
Dominic Brodeur et Daniel Boudreau). Le Prix
Périclès, remis depuis 3 ans à un ancien/ne du
Salésien qui se distingue dans le domaine des arts,
fut décerné cette année à Maxime McKinley,
auteur-compositeur. Voici ce qu’écrivait Guy
Marceau dans Paroles & Musique, 2006 :
«Maxime McKinley is one of the most
interesting composers of his generation. Painting,
literature, philosophy, poetry and music weave an
eclectic web in the head of this creator (cf. Google
sous Maxime McKinley).
La 1ère Portes Ouvertes attira quelque 250
familles. Plusieurs membres du personnel
enseignant et non enseignant collaborèrent au blitz
de publicité. Les commentaires recueillis au terme
de la visite des parents et leurs jeunes décrivent ce
qu’ils ont découvert au Salésien : «chaleureux, bel
accueil, très bien organisé, chaleur humaine,
nouveaux programmes intéressants, détaillés et
riches en information, (ndlr : il s’agit des
programmes études-soccer, études-tennis, études-
hockey, études-langues (anglais et espagnol)- voir
www.seminairesalesien.org ), on se sent comme
dans une famille, etc.». Une autre P.O. est prévu le
8 novembre. Saviez-vous que c’est le Salésien qui a
initié cette pratique des P.O. à Sherbrooke au temps
du P. Donne?
Les élections fédérales ne sont pas passées
inaperçues à l’école. L’éducation politique fait
partie de l’éducation intégrale. Les jours précédant
le scrutin, sur les heures de cours, il y eut des débats
où chaque parti était représenté par un étudiant. Il
fallait voir le sérieux de l’affaire et les dossiers
préparés. Quelques jours avant l’élection, 3
candidats (les vrais!) sont venus échanger sur leur
programme politique avec le personnel et les
étudiants intéressés et répondre à leurs questions.
Puis vint la dernière étape, celle du vote.
La communauté à reçu de la belle visite ces
derniers temps : deux salésiens d’Haïti, les PP.
Decange Sylvain, directeur de Pétionville et Jeannot
Sylvain, vicaire provincial. Un confrère un peu
malin leur a demandé (en blaguant sans doute!) s’ils
venaient vérifier si le P. Hector se comportait bien
en terre québécoise. Nous étions heureux aussi

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d’accueillir ces derniers jours Jean-Yves Rivard, venu
de Cap-de-la-Madeleine participer à la rencontre des
salésiens coopérateurs. Lors de cette rencontre chez
Mme E. Bourgault qui nous accueille toujours si
chaleureusement, le P. Roméo les a entretenus sur les
sujets suivants : le Chapitre Général des sœurs
salésiennes, le projet d’unification de la province
canadienne à celle de N.Y., le congrès des
Coopérateurs tenu récemment au Mexique, et une
couple d’articles du Projet de Vie Apostolique (PVA).
Une couple de choses au sujet du «merger» avec
la province salésienne de l’est des USA, et du congrès
au Mexique. Notre communauté de Sherbrooke,
comme chaque autre communauté du Canada, a tenu
deux rencontres afin de faire des recommandations sur
ce projet d’unification. Ces suggestions et points de
vue sont acheminés au centre provincial de Montréal
où ils seront discutés lors d’une rencontre conjointe
des deux communautés en présence de notre supérieur
régional, le P. Estéban Ortiz, à la mi-novembre au
Centre des Jeunes. La même démarche sera suivie à
Toronto le lendemain par les communautés de
Toronto, Edmonton et Surrey, L’unification est prévue
pour le 1er juillet 2009, en même temps que l’entrée en
fonction d’un nouveau Provincial, lequel sera le
supérieur des salésiens du Canada et de l’est des USA.
C’est l’heure de la mondialisation. Il est plus juste de
dire que la motivation première, c’est de renforcer et
de faire fructifier davantage le charisme salésien en
Amérique du Nord.
Quant au congrès des coopérateurs, il s’est
déroulé à Amatitán, près de la ville de Guadalajara, au
Mexique, du 15 au 19 octobre. La délégation
canadienne était composée de 3 coopérateurs/trices,
Carla Comin de Surrey, qui représentait Pierre
Larocque comme coordinateur provincial (qui se
trouvait en Inde à ce moment-là), Michel Jobin, du
centre St. Benedict de Toronto, de Johanne Carpentier,
du centre Ste-Claire de Montréal et du P. Roméo
Trottier, délégué national pour les sdb. Les buts
principaux de ce 1er congrès de notre nouvelle région
Interamérique étaient d’étudier la nouvelle structure à
la lumière du Projet de Vie Apostolique et d’élire les
divers responsables (voir l’article Congrès
Coopérateurs au Mexique dans ce no).
Le froid de l’hiver est à nos portes, mais nous
envisageons avec joie l’arrivée dans une vingtaine
de jours de notre portion de soleil de la Floride :
plus de 10 000 caisses d’oranges et de
pamplemousses. Cela chassera le virus du froid.
=======================
SURREY, B.C. This colourful month certainly
brought Indian summer and all the beauty of this
fall season to our parish surroundings and country-
side. The weather with its cold mornings, warm and
rainy days and frosty nights and chill has made the
sap move in our many maple trees to enhance their
glory. God is gracious!
On the parish map of activities, numerous
workshops, parish assemblies and council meetings
and the sacraments have taken place including the
Chaldean Bible Study Course every Friday in the
Don Bosco Gym meeting rooms. More recently, the
English Bible Study Program got underway with the
guidance of Fr. Dave. He also attended the Youth
for Christ Leadership Camp and their leadership
retreat.
October 5 saw the Pro-Life Chain happen along
King George Highway for an hour’s duration with
the support of many parishioners and our neigh-
bouring parishes for this important cause. Provincial
elections also got underway, which had us voting at
our local Forsyth Road Elementary School.
One of Holy Cross’s tenth grade students
accidentally took her own life in early October, and
the concelebrated Funeral Mass, which Fr. Mario
and Fr. Dave attended, was held at St. Matthew’s
Parish next to the high school. It was a sad farewell,
and guidance counsellors were called in to
accompany those students and her classmates
needing shock and grief therapy.
Thanksgiving had a meaningful display set up
in front of the main altar by Bro. Jerry with two
autumn wreaths on both the commentator’s and
lector’s stands to coordinate this colourful
remembrance over this holiday weekend. We had
three morning Masses with choirs singing with full
musical accompaniment. Our Thanksgiving dinner
was prepared by Fr. Dave, and the turkey by one of
our gracious parishioners.

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From the evening of the 17th thru 19th at Rosemary
Heights Retreat Center, Fr. Dave and Bro. Jerry along
with 55 Faith and Light participants did a weekend
retreat on the theme of prayer, presented by Bro. Jerry
in three talks, with arts and crafts in the Good
Shepherd Meeting Room. Fr. Dave presented an
instructional Benediction service, explanatory Mass,
and was available for the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Coadjutor Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, was the
main celebrant for concluding concelebrated Mass and
farewell blessing. Some of the participants came from
Bellingham in Washington State, and still others from
as far away as Powell River, B.C., and two ferry rides
totalling a five-hour travel period. These special-need
adults also came in their wheelchairs, with their care-
givers. Their participation was “blessed-filled” and
enthusiastic. This retreat was sponsored by a grant
given by the diocese through Project Advance to Faith
and Light for this specific purpose. There was also a
main representative from that program who came all
the way from Calgary to observe and partake in this
noteworthy event.
In the meantime, Fr. Mario spoke to the Couples
for Christ and Handmaids of the Lord at their
respective gatherings at our facilities over two
different weekends. The Focolari also had their
meeting with their superiors here on October 4, and
Fr. Mario also addressed them. He also has been
tackling our microphone system in the church, as on
various occasions it suddenly just conks out. So, he
has been trying to rectify this problem and improve
the speaker system.
With Fr. Jan’s birthday on Sunday, the 26th, and
two of our staff co-workers birthdays around the same
date, we anticipated all three by enjoying a staff
birthday party luncheon on the 24th. Bro. Jerry
decorated the dining room table, set the place mats and
purchased the birthday cake, cards, giant size
sandwich, made the tossed salad, and bought their
gifts. Fr. Jan with joy and painstaking dedication
prepared the special borsch soup and Polish cold cuts
for this special celebration. A fun time was had by the
15 who attended.
October 21 was a sad day for OLGC Parish as our
98-year-old senior parishioner and heirloom, Mr. Peter
Boden, who lived and built his family home across the
street from the parish, died. He was born in Tyrol,
Romania, and met his future wife of over 62 years
at the then-known parish CYO. He graciously
donated some of the land for the school, and was
active in the Knights of Columbus just as his wife
was an active member of the Catholic Women’s
League. A funeral Mass with all the Salesians
present was celebrated, at which the school children
sang, and later everyone was invited to the Don
Bosco Gym for lunch. The K of C formed the
honour guard as Knights of the Altar, five strong,
served the Mass. Later that evening the Salesians
joined the Boden Family for a catered roast beef
supper across the street. (In 2003 Bro. Jerry had
recorded Mr. & Mrs. Peter Boden on the history of
OLGC and its early beginnings. Fr. Mario made six
CDs of that interview so that their four children and
their families could enjoy a copy for prosperity).
A health update on Fr. John Basso: presently,
he concelebrates at the morning Mass, which is a
good sign of his improvement. He has his blood
pressure taken daily by a nurse, one of our
parishioners. This still fluctuates from high to low,
and is not as steady as he would like it to be. On
occasions, the anxiety attacks return, but not as
frequently as they used to. He still hears confessions
and sometimes helps with the distribution of
communion, all depending on his strength at that
time. At times his weakness and tiredness are
noticeable. Please continue to accompany him with
your supportive prayer.
Fr. Jan has been busy visiting the sick, saying
Mass at the nursing homes, and did at least three
Polish funerals this month. He still prepares his
family theme bulletins and certificates on St. Paul,
while attending to the running of the Saturday
Polish Language School.
October 31 ushered in the celebration of
Halloween by OLGC School children. Dressed in
various disguises, shapes, sizes and costumes, they
attended the children’s school Mass celebrated by
Fr. Dave. Later in the day, the school auditorium
celebrated the occasion with a costume parade. The
most colourful and best disguised youngster, to the
amusement of all the participants, including the

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teachers, won with “trick or treats.” A safe, fun time
was had by all on this feast of All Hallows’ Eve.
========================
CONGRÈS COOPÉRATEURS AU MEXIQUE
Les salésiens coopérateurs ont célébré du 15 au
19 octobre leur congrès régional, le 1er depuis que la
région anglophone et la région Pacifique Nord se sont
unies pour former une nouvelle région appelée l’Inter-
Amérique. Faut-il préciser que cette nouvelle
circonscription n’est pas mince chose? Elle comprend
le Canada, les É.U., les Antilles (République
Dominicaine, Haïti, Cuba, Porto Rico), le Mexique et
les 6 pays de l’Amérique Centrale.
Le congrès s’est tenu à Amatitán, un site
merveilleux à quelque 60 km de Guadalajara. Cette
région de l’État de Jalisco se distingue par la culture
de l’agabe azul, la plante qui produit la tequila,
presque un symbole national du Mexique. Cette
maison salésienne, Casa de Bethsaida, centre de
rencontres, de retraites et de congrès, est entourée de
ces plantes qui ont l’aspect de cactus géants.
Le programme du congrès a débuté à
Tlaquepaque, dans la chapelle de l’aspirantat salésien,
par la célébration eucharistique présidée par le P.
Salvador Cleofás Murguía, provincial des sdb du
Mexique-GDL. Suivit une fête de bienvenue auprès de
l’Institut de Théologie Salésien, digne de l’accueil
proverbial mexicain, caractérisée par des chants et des
danses folkloriques et, bien sûr, la coupe de tequila. Y
participaient les consuls de la République
Dominicaine et du Nicaragua.
La congrès avait pour thème : Vers une plus
grande significativité avec le Projet de Vie
Apostolique. L’un des buts principaux du congrès fut
la mise en place des structures de gouvernement et
d’animation de la nouvelle région par l’élection des
nouveaux membres du Conseil régional. Parmi ces
derniers furent élus le conseiller mondial, M. Herman
Lopez Castro (il siégera au conseil général ou
mondial), Beatriz Merchant, secrétaire, Angel
Orsenigo, administrateur, Michel Jobin, chargé de la
formation, Elizabeth Gamarra, responsable du Secteur
(area) Nord (Canada et USA) et Alberto Padilla,
responsable du Secteur Sud (le reste de la
région)..Feront également partie de cet exécutif
régional 2 délégués, l’un sdb, l’autre fma. Entre
coopérateurs et délégués sdb et fma, il y avait
quelque 80 participants. Les 3 documents
principaux élaborés au cours du congrès furent le
Règlement du congrès, le Directoire, et les Lignes
d’action. La langue de travail était l’espagnol.
Il y eut 3 conférences en plus des ateliers : Au
Cœur de la Vie, où sommes-nous? par Daisy
Ampudia, de Panama, L’Essence de notre Vocation,
un Appel de Dieu, par le P. Alejandro Zepeda,
délégué de Mexique-Nord, Vers une plus grande
Significativité Aujourd’hui à la Lumière du PVA,
par Gisela Mejia, du conseil provincial des Antilles.
Le P. Stjepan Bolkovac, délégué mondial venu
de Rome, fut d’une aide précieuse pour clarifier des
questions d’ordre tant juridique que charismatique,
en plus de mettre de l’entrain avec sa personnalité
joviale. Avant l’élection des responsables, il fit une
excellente présentation en PowerPoint de la
formation et des tâches, au niveau régional, de la
Consulte, du Congrès et du Secrétariat Exécutif.
De vibrants hommages et témoignages de
reconnaissance furent rendus aux 2 conseillers
mondiaux dont les mandats venaient à terme :
Tomás Polanco, de la République Dominicaine, et
Marlene Frederick, des É.U. Ils ont accompli un
excellent travail, dévoué et consciencieux, pendant
ces 7 dernières années, aux niveaux régional et
mondial.
Il y eut, bien sûr, des moments de détente aussi,
surtout aux repas et entre les sessions, si longues
furent-elles! Le gros de notre travail étant déjà
terminé vendredi soir (sauf les élections et le vote
final des 3 documents- ce qui se fera dans la soirée
de samedi et dimanche am)), on avait planifié une
excursion à GDL samedi. Une visite du centre
historique très intéressante, puis l’eucharistie à 13h
au Colegio Anáhuac Chapalita, présidée par le
Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez, archevêque du
Guad. Puis on nous servit au même endroit un
délicieux repas «au goût mexicain» et qu’elle ne fut
pas notre surprise de voir arriver les mêmes
Mariachi qu’au souper d’ouverture à Tlaquepaque
quelques jours auparavant.- de jeunes adultes très
talentueux et simpáticos Ont contribué beaucoup au

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climat de joie salésienne les présentations, les soirées
animées par les divers pays, l’échange des petits
souvenirs que chaque délégation avait apportés, la
nourriture du pays (dans mon cas, il y eut un petit
problema…! mais heureusement, pas pour long-
temps). Tout pour créer de belles amitiés et de la
fraternité!
Un grand optimisme régnait parmi nous tout en
étant conscients des défis qui nous attendent; c’est le
temps de l’espérance. Le succès de notre nouvelle
réalité repose sur la bonne volonté, l’effort sérieux et
constant de chaque membre, centre et conseil.
Y por todo, te alabamos, Señor.
Roméo Trottier
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Le Souhait du Recteur Majeur à Mère Générale
C’est le récit de son expérience, suggérée par la
rencontre de Jésus avec Simon, qui a été le leitmotiv
du souhait que Don Pascual Chávez Villanueva, en
tant que père de la Famille salésienne et Recteur
majeur des salésiens, a adressé à Mère Yvonne
Reungoat, nouvellement élue Mère Générale des
sœurs salésiennes. Il s’agit d’un texte -a dit le Recteur
Majeur- qui «dans ma vie a toujours été un stimulant.”
Dieu «nous confie des personnes qui sont les siennes
et non les nôtres», personnes qui, «accueillies dans le
cœur, le dilatent et dégagent une immense énergie.”
Être ainsi successeur de Mère Mazzarello signifie,
entre autres, «l’incarner le plus fidèlement possible».
Pour cela, être la neuvième ‘successeur’ devient «un
beau métier». Parce que l’engagement est celui
d’«inculturer le charisme,” de «comprendre la fidélité
dynamique aujourd’hui.” Et dans ce parcours -a ajouté
don Chávez «tu peux compter sur moi.”
«C’est une tâche importante», a répondu Mère
Générale, «et on se sent bien pauvre». Alors
«seulement nous pouvons compter sur le Seigneur» et
sur la «force qui vient du fait que nous sommes
famille, famille salésienne». Ensuite Mère Yvonne, en
se tournant directement vers le Recteur Majeur, a dit :
«Tu es le Père de cette grande famille et nous
continuerons à lui donner notre apport spécifique»
(ANS - le 25 /10/08)
============================
A HISTORICAL NOTE
You may already know that Mother Yvonne
Reungoat, FMA, is the niece of the first director of
Collège Savio, St-Louis-de-Kent, N.B., Canada, the
good Father Vincent Boutouiller, who died in Caen,
France, in 2003 (the daughter of his sister). She
wrote a few months ago (she was then vicar), telling
of her pleasure and interest in the article and photos
of Salesian Echoes (History of Collège Savio),
where her uncle figured as the founder and pillar of
that Salesian work. May Our Lady Help of
Christians accompany her in her delicate mission of
Mother of the Institute.
Une note historique
Vous savez peut-être déjà que la nouvelle Mère
Générale des FMA, M. Yvonne Reungoat, est la
nièce du 1er directeur et fondateur du Collège Savio,
de St-Louis-de-Kent, N.B, le P. Vincent
Boutouiller, décédé en 2003 à Caen, en France. Elle
est la fille de sa soeur. Alors vicaire, elle écrivait il
y a quelques mois, disant sa joie et son intérêt de
retrouver son oncle Vincent dans l’article et les
photos d’Échos Salésiens (Petite Histoire du
Collège Savio). Prions pour que ND Auxiliatrice
l’accompagne dans sa nouvelle mission de Mère de
l’Institut. Roméo T. sdb
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
INTERVIEW: Fr. Michael Pace
What can you tell us about your family?
I saw the light of day, on June 30, 1963, in
Toronto, the third of six children born to John and
Salvina Pace. My parents came to Toronto from
their native Malta in the ’50’s, bringing with them
their strong Catholic faith and desire to build a
family. I have 4 sisters and 1 brother. Rita and
Vicky are married, Antoniette has embraced the
single vocation, Marthese (Sr. Mary Salvina, M.C.)
is a religious sister with the Missionaries of Charity,
and Paul is also married. I am the proud uncle of 19
nieces and nephews; Rita and her husband Nazz,

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have 5 children; Vicky and Chris have 6, and Paul and
Emma have 8. I once teased my siblings about making
sure they would have all the kids I’d never have… and
it looks like they took me at my word!
About your childhood and youth, what you
specialised in as a student…?
As a child, I truly enjoyed school. Besides taking
my studies really seriously, I always got involved in
extracurricular activities. My first foray was acting in
school plays (I was Frosty the Snowman in grade 3,
the Grinch in grade 8, Professor Van Helsing in
Dracula Baby in grade 12, Uncle Braso in Cavallaria
Rusticana in university). In high school I played guitar
in 2 bands, ran track and field, and served as student
council treasurer and president. I had some early
practice in public speaking as valedictorian at my
elementary and high school graduations. Although it
was against school rules, I also played euchre in the
library during high school spares.
How did you get to know the Salesians and how did
your vocation come about?
I met the Salesians when they came to St. Bene-
dict when I was 18. Before that, I had never even
heard of St. John Bosco. Fr. Ron Quenneville was my
first “close encounter of the strange kind,” and I never
looked back. Don Bosco’s centenary year, 1988, was
central to my vocational awareness. With Br. Bernie I
attended the centenary celebrations in New York City
and was moved by the vibrant Salesian youth ministry.
Later that year, while completing my final semester of
law school at the University of Montreal, I had a “St.
Paul experience.” I encountered the Lord in a personal
way and he literally knocked me off my horse. It was
at St. Joseph’s Oratory that I first told Fr. Kelly of my
desire to become a Salesian. The confreres nurtured
my vocation with love, wisdom and patience. As they
initiated me into the youth apostolate at Don Bosco
High school, SummerDaze Camp at St. Benedict, and
Bosco Bicycle in Sherbrooke, I grew in my conviction
that God had brought me “home” to the Salesians.
Where were you ordained and what has been your
Salesian itinerary?
I was ordained where I was baptized, where I
received my first Holy Communion, where I was
confirmed, and where I now serve as pastor: St.
Benedict Parish in Toronto. From my home parish, I
left for my novitiate in Sherbrooke in 1991. I did
my practical training at Don Bosco Secondary
school in Toronto from 1992 to 1995. Then I was
off for my 3-year Roman holiday, where I studied
theology at the Salesian Pontifical University. This
culminated in my diaconal ordination at Sacro
Cuore in Rome, in June 1998, which Fr. Richard,
Fr. Romano and Fr. Basso attended. The cherry on
the cake was one year at All Hallows’ College in
Dublin for my Master’s in Pastoral Leadership.
After ordination in 1999, my honeymoon
assignment was at Maria Ausiliatrice in Montreal,
where I served as associate pastor for 8 years,
learning at the feet of Don Giuseppe Costamagna
the art of being pastor. I’ve just completed my first
year as pastor at St. Benedict.
If you were to identify three values that you
cherish as a priest, what would they be?
As a priest, I hold very precious the fact that
people come to me (us) with their “Good Fridays”
in their lives, in the humble expectation that, as a
priest, I can offer some encouragement along the
way to “Easter.” Being invited onto the sacred
ground of people’s lives in the name of Christ is
both humbling and inspiring.
I cherish deeply the ministry of healing that the
Lord works through me in the sacrament of
confession. As a confessor, I am at once joyful to be
part of the healing process for the penitent, and
encouraged by their example to go to confession
myself.
Finally, when I celebrate the Eucharist, I
experience a deep sense of being “father,” giving
the best possible nourishment to those entrusted to
my care.
What does being a Salesian priest mean to you
and what facets of priestly ministry do you value
most?
As a Salesian priest, I try to give the best of
myself in response to Jesus’ invitation to “let the

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children come to me, for unto such as them is the
kingdom of God.” To be active in the Church’s
mission towards the young, with all their gifts and
challenges, gives me a privileged vantage point for my
priesthood. Could there be a more important and
timely vocation than trying to bring the “eternal
truths” of God into the “nano-second” world of the
young?
What would you consider as one of the most
meaningful experiences of your Salesian priestly
life?
One of my most meaningful experiences would
have to be the Don Bosco Trek, a modern adaptation
of Don Bosco’s passeggiata. On the Trek, 10 young
men and I walked 250 km from Ottawa to Montreal,
over 12 days. An apt metaphor for life, the pilgrimage
allowed us to share an intense experience of Christian
community built around a common challenge, prayer,
daily Eucharist, confession, and faith-sharing led by
the young men. To live this adventure with the young
men allowed them to see the priest in a new light, and
gave me the possibility of literally journeying with the
young up close and personal.
What message can you give to Salesians, as also to
young people?
For us Salesians: Somewhere in the tension
between memory and imagination, we find our way of
being Don Bosco for the young today.
For the young: God has put you here for a
reason. Do you know what it is?
JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE
DE NAISSANCE!
HAPPY BIRHDAY!
Jerry Harasym: Nov. 12
Joseph Occhio: Nov. 17
SALESIAN FEASTS
Nov. 5: Commemoration of the deceased members
and benefactors of the Salesian Family : (one Mass
to be celebrated in each Salesian house)
Nov. 6: Blessed Henry Saiz and 62 Spanish martyrs
Nov. 15: Blessed Magdalena Morano, FMA
Nov. 25: Ven. Mamma Margaret Bosco: Mass
for deceased parents of Salesians.