Atlantic Catholic - Diocese of Antigonish

Nova Scotia’s and Prince Edward Island’s Guide to Catholic LivingAugust 7, 2010 VOL. VIII, NO. 20$1.25+HSTMi’kmaqCelebrate400Years of FaithMi’Kmaq Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy (right) welcomes Cardinal Marc Ouellet to the St. Anne mission on Sunday Aug. 1. The gathering, which occurs on Chapel Island, Bras d’Or Lakes, wasstablished in 1742 and is the longest continuous mission in Canada. (Lazzuri photo)

PAGE 2 The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010Diocesan NewsMartin Calls Catholics to Greater PrayerEmotionallycharged yearfor abusevictimBy Nicole MyshakIt’s been nearly one year since thesigning of a historic agreement thatsettled a class action lawsuit broughtagainst the Diocese of Antigonishfor sexual abuse perpetrated bymembers of its clergy.Ronald Martin, the representativeplaintiff in the lawsuit, initiated theproceedings following the 2002suicide of his brother David. Thedeceased’s suicide note prompteda criminal investigation againstFather Hugh Vincent MacDonaldthat led to the priest being chargedwith more than two dozen countsof sexual assault. However, FatherMacDonald died in 2004 beforefacing trial.In reflecting on the settlement’sanniversary Martin recalls theemotionally charged journey thathas been this last year.The husband and father of eightrecounts how immediately followingthe Aug. 7 signing of the settlementagreement he was “very pleased andhopeful that things were about tomove in a positive direction.”That was until Bishop RaymondLahey was charged with importationof child pornography on Sept. 25 oflast year. “That really knocked thewind out of everybody’s sails in theentire diocese,” attests Martin.Consequently the first anniversaryof the settlement agreement isn’texclusively a joyous one.“A year later it still feels reallyVeritas Catholic Books and GiftsThe latest books, magazines,DVDs and VideosUseful to know our faithbetter and to speak for it1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3X7Tel: (902) 429-7216; fax: (902) 429-7237email: info@veritasbooks.caSt. Bernard’s Veritas Outlet, EnfieldTel: 883-8834 Fax: 883-2461And in Cape Breton:Veritas Volunteer Extension & Lending Library35 Rear Intervale Rd. (Glencoe Rd.), Judique Intervale(902) 787-2103Ronald Martin signs his class action lawsuit agreement with the Dioceseof Antigonish during a press conference held in Halifax in August 2009.The lawsuit, and $15 million settlement, was in relation to sexual abuseperpetrated by members of the clergy of the diocese. Martin’s lawyer JohnMcKiggan looks on. (File photo/Myshak)tragic,” he asserts. “It feels likethe diocese is really suffering as awhole and so it’s not something thatI feel is like a celebration.”Martin also notes an ironic twistthat accompanied news of BishopLahey’s arrest because, prior tothis development, “it seemedthe settlement agreement was acelebration” for those directlyimpacted by sexual abuse. And,though others may have supportedthe settlement, he perceives they“didn’t own or enter into [it] exceptfor the fact that it was going to be atremendous burden on the diocesefinancially.”However, after charges were laidagainst Bishop Lahey, “the wholecrisis became a diocesan thing andsomething everyone owned andfelt.”“It really changed how peoplelooked at the whole situation,”suggests Martin.OngoingcontroversyMartin explains that despitehaving received great support frommany who agree with the necessityof his actions, there have “beensome people who say, ‘look whatyou’ve done.’”“I’ve had to have broad shouldersfor that because it’s not what I’vedone,” he counters. “I didn’t causethis. This happened a long time agowith these priests who abused theirpower and so I just have to stayfocused on that.”While he understands and sharesin the strain caused by the selling ofChurch assets to pay for the lawsuitsettlement, Martin also wonders ifthe diocese is not perhaps benefitingfrom their unburdening of propertieswhich are unused and which costthe local Church in tax dollars.“There’s a lot of properties in thediocese that are not being used,” heobserves. “Sometimes I worry thatthis might be kind of a scapegoat forthe diocese to get rid of propertiesthat they didn’t want anyway.”The Cape Breton man cites theexample of his home church of St.Agnes in New Waterford.Although he’s loath to see itsold, Martin knows the church haslittle “worth to the general public”and that its value to any prospectivebuyers is really only the property onwhich it stands.“I don’t know how that’s goingto alleviate a lot of the financialburden for us,” he says of suchproperties. “I’m not sure. I havemixed emotions about all of that.”EncouragingwordsThe parishioner of St. TheresaChurch in Sydney is well aware ofempty pews on account of those whohave left the Church due to recentevents and — even though he’sadamant this is an understandablechoice — he hopes his fellowCatholics decide to stay.“I just say to people, ‘if you canhang on, if you can stay, please dothat. Just for yourself, please dothat and try to work through thisthing and at the end of the day weare going to have a Catholic Churchin the Diocese of Antigonish and itwill look very different.’”Martin insists this differencecan be a positive one, even if itmeans less Church owned buildingsand properties. This is becausehe’s confident that such a faithcommunity would be worshippingGod “with integrity, truth andhonesty.”“It can be as simple as sitting in abarn worshipping together if we’retogether there in truth,” proposesMartin of a Church of humblermeans.In his crusade for greater truthand integrity Martin has beengreatly aided and strengthened bythe prayerful support of his brothersand sisters in Christ who themselvessuffer because of these sins andscandals within the Church.“That is what helps me to dowhat I do,” he confirms of theirencouragement. “I know thatthese people are suffering. They’resuffering just as I’m suffering.They’re suffering in a differentway than I’m suffering but they’resuffering because their whole Churchhas been turned upside down.”“Yet in the midst of that painand suffering they’re still saying tome, ‘we prayerfully support you.We don’t know what else to do butwe can pray for this whole thing,’”adds Martin. “And that’s all I’veasked from the iocese since thevery beginning, was that we need tocontinue to pray as a diocese.”A call to prayerMartin is adamant as to thenecessity of praying for the Churchand victims of abuse.“It’s going to be a rough roadahead for this diocese and for manydioceses throughout the world,” hestates. “We’re not the only ones“I know that thesepeople are suffering.They’re suffering justas I’m suffering . . .— Ronald Martinstruggling with this. There’s stuffhappening all over the CatholicChurch.”Accordingly Martin suggests thatintercessions for these intentionsshould be included in the prayersof the faithful at Mass. He alsosuggests prayer outside the liturgyas well.“We should be coming together

The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010Diocesan NewsPage 3Ronald Martin speaks with Fr. Will MacPherson during a press conferenceheld at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sydney River last September followingthe resignation of Bishop Raymond Lahey. The Bishop had been arrestedand charged with importation and possession of child pornography. (Filephoto/Lazzuri)on a weekly basis, besides ourSunday Eucharist, to kneel beforethe Blessed Sacrament to be there inthe presence and to pray, pray, praytogether,” maintains Martin.“That’s the only way that we’regoing to survive this thing.”“When this came to the light lastyear with the bishop, we prayedand we prayed and we prayed,” heremembers of the charges againstBishop Lahey.“We’re not praying anymore.It’s so rare now because it’s kind ofgone to the background again andthat’s what really I find so difficult.What does it take to say, ‘okay, whatdo we have to do now?’”Martin also proposes that thediocese’s priests play a crucial rolein renewing the offering up of suchpetitions. However he recognizesthe unique hardships they continueto face on account of clergy sexualabuse.“I know they’re suffering too,”he affirms. “All I ask them to dois stand up and say, ‘Look, I am agood priest and I’m not guilty ofany of this.’”“They would have the supportof the parishioners tenfold,” assuresMartin.Persevering inbeliefDespite all he’s endured, Martin’sfaith is unwavering. “I’ll never losefaith in my God,” he states.Even so, Martin has “lost atremendous amount of faith in theCatholic Church.”“I go to church every Sundayand it’s probably the loneliest placeI experience,” he reveals. “It’s onlybecause of the Eucharist that Icontinue to go.”“For me to receive that Body andBlood of Christ on a weekly basisis so important,” continues Martin.“When I consume the Body andBlood of Christ, it’s just like, ‘okayyou’re still with me, I’m still withyou. We can do this together.’”T h e E u c h a r i s t h a s a l s ocontributed to Martin’s sense ofcalling in relation to the actions he’staken to expose and address sexualabuse within the Church.“This is something that needsto be done,” he says. “I know inprayer that God has called me tothis. It’s not something that I’vebeen pleased to be called to, believeme. It’s not been an easy road. It’sbeen a very difficult road, not onlyon myself but on my family andmy siblings.”“But I know that I’ve been calledto this and I know that I will see thisthrough,” he adds. “Sometimes it’sa very heavy burden but I believewhat I’ve done is right. It’s truth andthe truth will always set us free.”“I know that God gives methe strength that I need to see thisthrough and I know that throughHis strength is the only way thatI’ll get through this and that theChurch will get through this,” heconcludes.Settlement Still in ‘Early Stages’By Nicole MyshakOngoing deadlines continue to mark significantmoments nearly one year after Ron Martin signed asettlement agreement in a class action lawsuit filedagainst the Diocese of Antigonish. Martin sued theDiocese on behalf of those who were sexually abusedby members of the Catholic clergy from 1950 to thepresent.“We’re at the administrative processing stage,” saysBruce MacIntosh, legal counsel for the Diocese ofAntigonish. “Matters are moving along as everybodyhad expected and hoped.”MacIntosh explains that this part of the processhas claimants “pulling together the support materialsrequired to substantiate their claims.”“It is time-consuming and involves a considerableamount of effort on the part of claimants,” he says.Questioned as to a deadline for the collection ofthese support materials — which could include schooland medical records — MacIntosh notes this “variesfrom claimant to claimant.”He adds that the settlement agreement specifies thatclaimants have “120 calendar days from the date” theywere notified of the materials required for their claimsto be assessed in which to produce such materials.Respect Life Centre344 Main Street, ANTIGONISH(902)863-6636The settlement agreement also states that allcompleted claim forms were to have been submittedby March 10. However, if individuals had notsubmitted a claim form by this deadline they could,under exceptional circumstances only, apply to thecourt for an extension. That said, applications for anextension of time in which to submit a claim form,can be made no later than Aug. 9.On account of confidentiality the diocese’s lawyerwould not reveal the number of claimants. MacIntoshwould only say that a couple of applications forextensions had been requested thus far.“That’s really a confidential matter,” he stresses.“We’ve undertaken in the settlement agreement, totry to treat this confidentially.”With final payment of claims scheduled for the fallof 2012, MacIntosh acknowledges that the settlementagreement process is still in “the early stages.”“It’s not an overnight process,” states the NewGlasgow based lawyer. “There is a time periodthat this takes from the receipt of the claims to theprocessing of the claim to any attempt at negotiationsand settlement of the claim, and in the event of failureof that, then an adjudicative process that will resolveany differences.”Religious Goods for Baptisms, Weddings, First Communions and HolyDays. Baby Blankets, Frames, Photo Albums, Plush Toys, Musical Tapes,Irish Goods, Wall Hangings, Cards, Dishes and more . . .We have books for summer reading andgift items for Baptisms and Weddings

The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010Membertou 400Page 7Papal Envoy Meets with Mi’kmaqBy Brian LazzuriThe Mi’kmaq communitywelcomed a special guest to itsannual St. Anne mission held onChapel Island July 29 to Aug. 1.Cardinal Marc Ouellet wasa special papal envoy to thecelebrations which also markedthe 400 th anniversary of GrandChief Henri Membertou baptism.Membertou was baptised June 24,1610 in Annapolis Royal by Jesuitmissionaries from France.“On behalf of the Holy Father,who wanted to bless you in aspecial way today, I am comingto you with his gift of peace, offaith, of faithfulness and of a newcommitment to continue this historyof four centuries of belonging to theCatholic Church,” Cardinal Ouelletsaid during his opening remarksduring the mission’s closing Mass.Historic meetingThe Cardinal, who was namedthe Prefect for the Congregationof Bishops last month, arrivedFriday evening. He was welcomedby members of the Mi’kmaqGrand Council, elders, youth andrepresentatives of the Dioceseof Antigonish. After a Saturdaymorning Mass at Holy RosaryChurch, Westmount, CardinalOuellet met with the Grand Counciland priests serving in First Nationscommunities.“That has never happened in the400 years,” said Grand Chief BenSylliboy. “It is the first time we hadever had a person close to the Popewith us.”He said the three hour meetingwas productive and an opportunityfor Cardinal Ouellet to learn aboutthe Mi’kmaq nation.“The Catholic faith is havingits struggles even within theFirst Nations with the residentialschools,” Sylliboy said. “We aretrying to revive the Catholic faithin our communities again. This willencourage the people that the faithis still here.”The Grand Chief noted that theFirst Nations people have beentraveling to Chapel Island evenbefore Membertou’s baptism.The island has always beenthe meeting place of the GrandCouncil. The Mi’kmaq beganholding missions on the islandin 1742. The gatherings have thedistinction of being the longestcontinuous mission in Canada.Sylliboy said the Mi’Kmaq aredevoted to St. Anne, patron saintof the nation. The mission includesprocession and veneration of a St.Anne’s relic.Cardinal Ouellet celebrated theclosing Mass along with Dioceseof Antigonish Bishop Brian Dunn,Halifax Archbishop AnthonyMancini, St. John Bishop emeritusFaber MacDonald, St. John BishopRobert Harris, Moncton ArchbishopAndre Richard, St. John’sArchbishop emeritus AlphonsusPenny and priest’s from the Dioceseof Antigonish.Celebratingthe faith“May the Word of God that hadbeen transmitted from generationto generation the last 400 yearscontinue to guide consciousnessesand nourish the heart of all theinhabitants of this country with hope,peace, justice and liberty,” CardinalOuellet said in his homily.He encouraged those present tofollow the example of Membertouwho submitted himself to the lifechanges that his baptism implied.“Let us rejoice and continueto be proud of our belonging toChrist and the Church. Today,like yesterday, fidelity to ChristA statue of St. Anne is carried in procession following the closing Mass at the annual St. Anne mission at ChapelIsland. (Lazzuri photos)and the Church is not automaticand requires of each one of us arenewed personal engagement inthe line of the baptism that we havereceived and we profess followingthe Grand Chief Membertou thefirst indigenous chief chosen byGod to testify to Christ on NorthAmerican soil.”Facing challengesCardinal Ouellet said the Churchis aware of challenges the FirstNations face since that baptism.These include how poverty,(Please turn to Page 10)Grand Keptin Andrew Denny listens to Cardinal Marc Ouellet as they jointhe procession of St. Anne.Elvis Joe (holding flag) and his brother JR Joe both of Eskasoni participatedin the closing Mass at the mission.

PAGE 8 The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010Diocesan NewsHospital HonoursMarthas for LeadershipSisters of St. Martha Anne MacLellan (left) and Loretta McGrathattended the Feast of St. Martha celebration July 29 at the ClareMarie Auditorium located at St. Martha Regional Hospital in Antigonish.(Connor MacEachern photo)By Connor MacEachernThe Sisters of St. Martha have served thecommunity through leadership, advocacy andsacrifice, according to Jim Mulcahy.“And Martha served indeed, like a lighthouse,shining the way forward through foggy seas.”Mulcahy presented a reflection on thecongregation’s contributions July 29 during aFeast of St. Martha celebration at the Clare MarieAuditorium at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish.Hospital mission co-ordinator Debbie Murphysaid the hospital holds the annual celebration tohonour the Sisters who worked at the hospital aswell as “the staff for carrying on the traditions ofthe Sisters of St. Martha.”Mulcahy said Antigonish and the surroundingarea owe much to “those absolutely amazing womenfrom whom the community has inherited so manygraces and services.”The Sisters of St. Martha were founded as acongregation independent from Sisters of Charity ofHalifax in 1900. The congregation worked hand-inhandwith the hospital and St. F.X., and were amongthe leaders of the Antigonish Movement.The history of the congregation is an importantstep toward understanding present and futurecommunity development, Mulcahy said.“Too often we forget from where we have come,and in doing so, do a disservice to those who havegone before,” he said.“There is hardly a community in northeast NovaScotia that, upon reflection, does not owe a debt …to these sisters.”The sisters can provide as much leadership nowas they ever could, he added.“Do not look for them walking behind you, lookahead to where they’ve always been and still are.”A handful of Sisters of St. Martha came fromBethany Centre for the presentation.“I thought it was wonderful,” Sister AnneMacLellan said. “I didn’t expect anything likethat.”The congregation is already looking toward thefuture, she added.“Our faith is a big, big part of what we give now,”Sister MacLellan said. “To give people hope.”The Sisters’ population is not as robust as it oncewas, but Sister MacLellan said the congregationhas a history of accomplishing much with fewresources.“We need to be grateful for what we have receivedand for what we have been able to give.”Sisters Celebrate Jubilees30172 8-7Sisters of St. Martha Marie Therese Richard (front left), Sarah MacPherson, Gloria O’Neil, Olga MacDougall (backleft), Michelle MacDougall, Edna MacDonald, Congregation Leader Mary MacFarlane, Isabel MacEachern andSandra Cooke celebrated 75, 60 and 50 years of vowed religious life June 19. The celebration took place withinthe Liturgy of the Eucharist where the celebrants were joined by their Martha companions, family members andfriends.

The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010VocationsPage 9Priesthood A Radical Leap of Faith for JesuitBy Brian LazzuriFather John Meehan appreciatesthe importance of community.His experiences growing upin Antigonish and volunteeringwith L’Arche in France helpedhim discern his vocational call tobecome a priest in the Society ofJesus.“Our whole life was there at thechurch,” Father Meehan said aboutgrowing up at St. Ninian Cathedralparish.He attended church with hisparents Bill and Grace Meehanas well as his brothers and sister.Father Meehan participated in theyouth group, youth choir and wasan altar server.“I got — at a very young age— that the Church is central to ourlives.”Father Meehan describedAntigonish as a great place to growup especially in the relationshipswhich he was able to develop.“Friendships were formed thathave carried me through life. Youmay meet new friends but old friendslike that are a true blessing.”He noted the influencesin is life were his teachers andinspiring priests, such as FatherBernie O’Connor and Father RayHuntley.After graduating from highschool he studied history andRussian studies at McGill Universityin Montreal. There he remainedinvolved in his faith through theNewman Centre.Though Father Meehan firstthought about the priesthood as analtar server he didn’t think he “hadwhat it took to be a priest.”“I didn’t think I was holy enough.You come up with reason. I think Iput God on hold for many years orat least in the background.”He continued to study andattained various degrees all thewhile dating, owning his own placeand living life. Yet, he admits, therewas something missing.During this time he spent eightmonths living and working with JeanVanier at the L’Arche communityin France.“That experience changed mylife. It is just something aboutL’Arche that gets you in touch withFr. John Meehan, SJ, (left) and Fr. Tom NacNeil elevate the Euchartist duringMass at St. Ninian Cathedral. During the liturgy the St. Ninian Knights ofColumbus Council 1105 and the Msgr. Hugh Gillis Assembly 798 presentedFr. Meehan with the chalice and paten used during his first Mass at thecathedral. Fr. Meehan, who is from Antigonish, was ordained for the Societyof Jesus this past May. (Brian Lazzuri photo)the poor and marginalized whichin turn gets you in touch with yourfaith.”Father Meehan said thecommunity experience was great.“Groups like L’Arche reallyenrich the Church because theyremind the Church of what it is orwhat it is supposed to be. This isa community where everyone isaccepted and everyone is welcomed.The handicapped show us theirweaknesses. They can’t cover themup. They are who they are. There isreal honesty they have that inspiresthe rest of us. It says God accepts usas we are and God works through ourstrengths and weaknesses.”While working with L’Arche,he met several Jesuits and becameattracted to their way of life.In 2000, Father Meehancompleted is doctorate studies at theUniversity of Toronto and decided toenter the Jesuit novitiate.“I am not a person who likes tolive with regrets. I thought this callhas been there. The call never wentaway. There was only one thing todo, it was to take the plunge and totrust God,” he said.“From that day on, I thought ‘Idon’t know if I have what it takes tobe a good Jesuit priest but if God iscalling me to this he is going to giveme what I need.’ It is a radical leapof faith and what priests show us isthat if you make the leap that Godis calling you to then God will giveyou what you need. You are openingyourself so God’s grace can flowthrough you to other people.”Father Meehan also foundattractive the Jesuits’ internationalfocus, emphasis on education andIgnatian spirituality — one rootednot in theory but in finding God inone’s day-to-day experience.“I am a big believer in educationbecause I benefited from it. WhenI taught, I realized, especiallyfor young people that are poor,education is one way for them toget out of their poverty.”Ordained in May, Father Meehanwill spend the next two years teachinghistory, international relations andreligion at Campion College inRegina. He will also help with thecampus chaplaincy, in parishes andwith a prison ministry.“What attracts me to universityministry is that the Jesuits and theChurch [have] to be in universitychaplaincy because that is whenyoung people ask their questions.We have to be there to walk withthem so they realize that they areClaymore Inn& Conference CentreChurch Street, Antigonish, NS B2G 2M5902-863-1050 * greenway.inn@ns.sympatico.caNova Scotia’s leader in environmental hospitality Conference facilities for up to 300 Environmentally clean rooms Indoor pool, sauna and hottub Executive roomsClergy receives a 50% discount We’re located next to the Antigonish Shopping Centregrowing intellectually but that theycan grow in their faith at the sametime.”Father Meehan, who speaksFrench, Japanese, Russian andSpanish, will also continueworking on his third book. Havingalready written books on Canada’srelations with Japan and Canada’srelations with China, he spentnearly four months late last yearin Rome working on a book aboutthe Vatican’s relations to China.During his stay he was one of fourdeacons chosen to serve at themidnight Christmas Eve Mass forPope Benedict XVI.When not ministering, FatherMeehan enjoys playing andlistening to music, traveling andspending time with friends.Father Meehan returned toAntigonish in July to celebrate hisfirst Mass at the parish of his youthand spend time with family andfriends. The Mass was somethinghe wanted to celebrate to thankAntigonishers and St. Ninianparishioners for their prayers andsupport.

PAGE 10 The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010K of C Helping To Feed FamiliesCardinal Marc Ouellet blesses the eyes of Walter Sean Ryan Paulette ofEskasoni during the closing Mass of the St. Anne mission. Paulette hastunnel vision blindness. (Lazzuri photo)Papal Envoy . . .(Continued from Page 7)dependence and isolation make thedevelopment of the nations withinlarger society difficult.He emphasized that much needsto be done to strengthen the climateof reconciliation and truth, but saidPope Benedict XVI’s April 19, 2009meeting with First Nations chiefswas a decisive stage in this processof reconciliation with First Nationsof Canada.Cardinal Ouellet noted thatmissionaries inspired by the Gospelhave always sought out to protectrights of indigenous native peoplefrom excessive rapprochements ofeconomic and political powers.The Cardinal became emotionalwhen citing how Pope John PaulII (during a visit to Fort Simpson,NWT in 1987) discussed PopePaul III’s 1537 proclamation onthe rights of the native peoples.He affirmed their dignity, freedomand asserted they could not beenslaved or deprived of their goodsor ownership.“In the name of Pope BenedictXVI, I am happy to reiterate thesupport of the Catholic Church tothe native people’s cause in ourcountry,” Cardinal Ouellet said. “Ifit is true that the essential missionof the Church relates to the graceof the knowledge of God in JesusChrist this mission includes humanpromotion as an integral part of theevangelical proclamation.”The Cardinal said this is whythe Pope encourages “all the effortsbeing made to answer the aspirationsof the native people, in particularthe dialog of reconciliation anda new alliance based on equality,justice and the respect of culturaldifferences.”StrugglesremainFollowing the procession ofSt. Anne, Mi’kmaq Grand KeptinAndrew Denny spoke of thesuffering of the First Nations dueto assimilation, colonialism and therole of Church had in residentialschools.“As human beings we have theright to maintain and preserve ourculture and our identity,” Dennysaid. “That is why we mentionedyesterday that we are Mi’kmaqCatholics. There has to be a strongpush to respect indigenous culturesand traditions.”While some may question howthe Mi’kmaq can remain faithful,Denny said one has to look at thehuman aspect.“When you look at all the peoplethat did this to us we have toErrol O’Neil, state deputy for the Nova Scotia State Council of the Knights of Columbus, presentedBishop Brian Dunn with a cheque for $3,771 July 23. A total of $9,316 was given to three dioceses inNova Scotia from the Supreme Council. The council put up $1 million in support of the order’s Foodfor Families program which was distributed to state councils in the U.S. and Canada to donate to foodpantries and soup kitchens in dioceses in their respective jurisdictions. To qualify, 25 percent of thecouncils in each jurisdiction were required to take part in the program. In Nova Scotia, 38 percent tookpart. The goal of the program is to increase outreach to these facilities. In the Diocese of Antigonish themoney will be distributed through St. Vincent de Paul Societies in Sydney, Antigonish and New Glasgow.(Heather MacAdam photo)remember it wasn’t God. It wasn’tthe Church itself.”Denny said the meetings withthe Cardinal went well.“We had a good conversationand we told his Eminence one thinghe has to take back to the HolyFather is the fact that when you dowrong, you play a role in restoringthat. When you take a look at oureducation, the Church played a rolein the residential schools and theyshould play a role restoring ourlanguage.”During the Grand Council’smeetings it was suggested adelegation could have a privateaudience with the Holy Father.“We can teach, like we taughtnewcomers to our land,” Dennysaid. “Maybe it is time that weteach the Church a little bit aboutour culture and spirituality — thatit will make for a better Catholicworld.”Work to be doneBishop Dunn said CardinalOuellet was touched by the wholeevent “especially the sense thatnative people having an awarenessof their own identity and awarenessof the elements of culture stillimportant to them.”The Bishop said the GrandCouncil asked a variety of questionsand Cardinal Ouellet assured themthe Holy Father was interested inthe event.“In many ways the message hehad was one of support for them oneof reaffirming their own culture,affirming their growth in their ownfaith,” Bishop Dunn said. “For theCardinal, it was more of a timeof listening. He didn’t come withany great messages other than amessage of support. It was a realtime for him to discover in newway the native people not only ofthis province but of native peoplein general.”The Chapel Island celebrationswere also a first for Bishop Dunn.He was impressed by the Mi’kmaq’scommitment “to their own culture,their gifts and their faith. Their owndevotions, especially to St. Anne,really touched me.”He said that the diocese remainscommitted to the First Nations.“The diocese will continueto support the Mi’kmaq peopleas they grow in faith with thepresence of priests and especiallythe way we support them throughDiocesan Pastoral Council forNative People.”Bishop Dunn said the nativepeople recognize and are invitingthe Catholic Church to be awarethat something has gone wrong —that they have been hurt in manyways.At each meeting the Cardinalwould say he would bring theexperience back to the Holy Father,especially how the Mi’kmaq cultureand their faith are intertwined.Bishop Dunn said Cardinal Ouelletwill relay both concerns andsuggestions regarding encouragingnatives in terms of language andsupporting them in education.“[Denny] has made somesuggestions and we can be open tothose as we move on,” Bishop Dunnsaid. “It was an affirming event notjust for the Mi’kmaq people but alsofor the whole diocese.”

The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010National NewsCardinal’s Departure To Leave ‘Gaping Hole’By Deborah GyapongOTTAWA (CCN) — History hasyet to determine the legacy CardinalMarc Ouellet has left Quebec andwill leave in his new role as Prefectof the Congregation for Bishops saythose who know him.But his long-time friends reveala much different picture than themainstream media’s depiction ofa man ambitious for the papacy, ahardliner out of touch with Quebec,and a harsh “ayatollah” who willbe remembered for opposingabortion.When Cardinal Ouellet becameArchbishop of Quebec in 2002,people initially viewed him—mistakenly — as an outsider,as “the man from Rome” sent tostraighten things out, said OttawaArchbishop Terrence Prendergast.McGill University historian JohnZucchi described Cardinal Ouellet,66, as an insider who not only livedthrough the Quiet Revolution —he was at the Grand Seminary inMontreal during its “cusp” — butas someone who deeply felt itsimpact upon his immediate family.Only he, of eight children, and his88-year old mother, still practise theCatholic faith.ObjectiveleaderCardinal Ouellet’s years as aSulpician missionary in SouthAmerica, and his studies in Romeunder the great Swiss theologianHans Urs von Balthazar exposedCardinal Ouellet to differentperspectives, Zucchi said. Whenhe returned to Quebec in the late1980s to teach at Montreal’s GrandSeminary, he “came back with anew objectivity on the situation inthe Church,” making him both aninsider and an outsider.Zucchi said Cardinal Ouellet’sreturn as archbishop was not that ofa “hit man to fix everything,” but arecognition that there are “no quickfixes in the Church,” that draconianmeasures could not change things,only humility and paying the priceof a long, arduous path to restorethe place of religious faith.Many of the Quebec episcopacyhe described as “still deeplymired in the aftermath of theQuiet Revolution” that requiredthe Church to adjust to the newlaicism and agnosticism of Quebecsociety.“[Cardinal Ouellet] wasn’tof that sort,” Farrow said. “Hepointed out that Quebec societycannot flourish — not for long —without recovering its roots and itsattachment to the Christian Gospeland he was unafraid to make thatclaim even on very controversialmatters.”In Cardinal Ouellet’s criticism ofthe relativist Ethics and ReligiousCulture (ERC) the provinceimposed on even private schools,Cardinal Ouellet pioneered a newattitude towards the relationship ofchurch and state, Farrow said.“He may not always have goneabout it in the most diplomatic ways,but he certainly has gone about itwith courage and comprehension ofthe situation,” Farrow said.Paying thepriceCardinal Ouellet also paid aprice for his uncompromisingdefence of human life. Zucchisaid he has never seen any Churchleader attacked so derisively andviciously.“The silence of the hierarchy inQuebec spoke volumes,” Zucchisaid, who questioned why nonecame forward publicly to showsolidarity with him.The attacks against CardinalOuellet, who had no power, pointedto a fear in Quebec society of“anyone who has the courage tospeak the truth,” the historiansaid.One bishop who did standpublicly with him was ArchbishopPrendergast who traveled to QuebecCity in late May to face the Quebecmedia at a joint news conference.“Given that many bishopsprefer to lay low on controversialtopics, he appears harsh for simplyspeaking the truths of our faithwithout compromise,” ArchbishopPrendergast said. “Dealingpastorally with people who findthemselves conflicted happens atthe individual and parochial level,but a bishop should proclaim thetruth fearlessly and unequivocallyCardinal Marc Ouellet celebrates Mass at Chapel Island Nova Scotia duringthe annual St. Anne mission. the new Prefect of the Congregation forBishops will be remembered in Quebec for his role in the 2008 InternationalEucharistic Congress. (Lazzuri photo)and I admire him for that.”“The Christian faith has tobe handed on as it has beenreceived,” the archbishop said.“So every bishop by necessity is aconservative.”But Archbishop Prendergast,who has known Cardinal Ouelletsince the days they were both youngpriests who never expected tobecome bishops, dismissed claimsthe cardinal is a “moralist” or anayatollah. He described him as ashepherd. “He believes that onlythose who are evangelized,[who]have had an encounter with Christpersonally or through contact withhis Church, will be able to accepthis teaching on the life issues.”“But given that Quebecers havefled the Church, he needs to gettheir attention so that they willcome to inquire of Christ and oneway is that of his counter-culturalpreaching pointing out to peoplethat having the highest suicide rates,broken marriages and woundedfamilies are not indicators of the‘good life’ people thought they wereacquiring when they bought intothe secularist agenda,” ArchbishopPrendergast said.EncounteringChristZucchi emphasizedCardinalOuellet was not an ideologue.Instead, he wants people to have anencounter with Christ, an encounterwith the Eucharist.Cardinal Ouellet will beremembered for the impact ofthe 2008 Eucharistic Congressand for his reaching out to youth,through the Montee Jeunesse/YouthSummits, Zucchi said.“It’s not a massive group ofyoung people, but a significantfollowing, whose fruits we will seein the future,” he said.“Several times during thatmagnificent week of June 2008,Cardinal Ouellet stated emphaticallythat the Congress marked a ‘turningpoint,’” said Basilian Father Rosica,CEO of the Salt and Light MediaFoundation in an online tribute. “Atthe lively Saturday evening prayervigil with his devoted young people,the Cardinal said that he felt as if hehad been ‘raised from the dead.’”“What fitting words to describewhat is afoot in Quebec: aresurrection of sorts!” Father Rosicasaid. “Cardinal Marc Ouellet wasGod’s instrument of resurrection atthis moment in Canadian history.”While Cardinal Ouellet wasaccused of taking a hard line stanceto curry favour in the Vatican,Zucchi, who has known him sincethe late 1980s when he taught atMontreal’s Grand Seminary, saidCardinal Ouellet in fact sufferedfor his orthodoxy. Some observersviewed his 1994 transfer to asmaller seminary in Edmonton asa demotion. Zucchi dismissedcriticisms of Cardinal Ouellet asPage 11ambitious for power.“He was a nobody until 1999.He had no ambitions,” Zucchisaid, describing him as a “nobodyinstitutionally” with “no pretensionsto be anybody.”In 1999, Pope John Paul IIappointed him secretary of theCouncil for Christian Unity andmade him bishop. In 2002, CardinalOuellet was “completely shocked”to be named Archbishop of Quebec,Zucchi said.A look to thefutureIn the next two to four years, halfof Quebec’s dioceses will becomevacant due to bishops’ reachingretirement age. In his new role,Cardinal Ouellet will play a key rolein finding bishops to form a “unitedepiscopate that is capable of takingon the challenges that now have tobe faced,” Farrow said.Father Rosica sees CardinalOuellet’s impact going far beyondQuebec.“He is a professor of theologyand has worked in the formationof priests. He brings pastoralexperience of a bishop of aresidential see,” Father Rosicawrote on the Salt and Light TVblog. “He knows the challengesof secularism, quietism, religiousindifference and atheism.”“He also knows the deeplongings, hopes and pains of humanhearts, especially the hearts ofpriests and bishops,” he wrote.Many say it will be hard to findsomeone of Cardinal Ouellet’sstature to replace him as Archbishopof Quebec and Primate of Canada.While his promotion is widely seenas good for the Universal Church,he will leave a gaping hole inQuebec.He’ll be remembered for beingthe first of the major episcopalvoices to challenge the status quo,and call Quebec to repentanceand to recover its lost heritage inthe faith,” said Farrow. “I think avoice in Quebec was needed andhe was it.”As Archbishop of Quebec andprimate of all of Canada, it was“only appropriate that he wouldhave a national voice.”

PAGE 12 The Atlantic Catholic — August 7, 2010Diocesan PhotosAbove left: Pastor Fr. Vernon Driscoll(left), Halifax Archbishop AnthonyMancini, Fr. Gerald David and DeaconHoward Gotell stand at the altar of thenew Holy Family Church in Amherst,NS. The new building was dedicatedand blessed during a Mass July 25.Mike Grattan (above right) carriesincense during the consecration ofthe church. Archbishop Mancini (right)annoints the baptismal font withHoly Oil. Holy Family Church, built onthe site where St. Charles BorremeoChurch has been standing since 1889,will meet the needs of the RomanCatholic people of Amherst in the newmillennium. The building includes a300-seat worship space, parish offices,a large hall, classrooms, and kitchen.The project has been carefully plannedand executed with strong participationfrom the people of the parish andcommunity. (Linda Fraser photos)The old steeple of St. Anne’s MissionChurch at Membertou, NS is removedand a new cross and steeple was putin place July 17. The corner stone forthe church building was put in placein April 1944. The pastor is Fr. DonaldMacGillivray of St. Anthony DanielParish, Sydney. (Raytel photo)