On December 8th the Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrated the feast day of our Patroness.  Oblates of the Assumption province from across the province of Ontario gathered at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre to celebrate together.  However, it was not just Oblate priests and brothers in attendance, but our extended Oblate family as well.  Many of our parish workers and volunteers joined us for this festive day.  We also had the honour of hosting the Archbishop of Toronto, his Grace, Francis Leo who presided over the Eucharist.  During the Eucharist the Archbishop spoke to us of our Blessed Mother as she who inspires us to be courageous apostolic men and women, cherishes us with her motherly love, and sustains us by her unceasing prayers. Archbishop Francis also blessed the new statue of the Oblate Madonna which was recently installed in our renovated chapel, along with a new processional cross, and a painting of St. Eugene de Mazenod.  Congratulations are in order to the centre’s director Fr. Pawel Nyrek for initiating and overseeing the recent chapel renovations and a big thanks to the centre staff for putting on a wonderful banquet following the Holy Mass.  It was truly a day of rejoicing – to echo the words of our Blessed Mother, “The Lord has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

(text DJ/ photos TJ & Pati)