Fr. Bob's Corner

My view of the world constantly vacillates between the extremes of optimism and pessimism, as I journey through the modern world. On the one hand there seems to be a new effort on the part of many to live together on this small planet. Human rights, cultural diversity and respect, new avenues of communication fostered by technology, and the new ‘green thinking’ give me great hope.

Then again, I often find myself lamenting our age of specialization where the big picture of human life is often lost, as our educational institutions train our youth to do very specialized and complex tasks and procedures. Each person becomes part of a large mosaic of specialists. The situation has some similarity to bees working in hives, and ants in colonies. Many in our western societies have great technical skill, but little understanding or appreciation of the human journey. People often know a lot about very little, and very little about everything else.

The modern world expands the horizon of human consciousness, and promises great hope for the future. At another, level, the individual and personal one, it often narrows the focus and creates isolation. Today, many seem to exist in the cocoon of modernity, isolated from the expanded horizon.

(more…)

Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve was born on Christmas Day 1923, and ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1947 to serve as a priest in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. After suffering minor stroke a few years ago, he retired as pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Lancaster, Ontario.

But, Fr. Rudy didn’t really retire. Ever zealous in his priestly ministry, he joined Fr. Gary Ostler, as Fr. Gary began his second term as pastor at St. Columban’s Parish, the largest parish in the Diocese, and situated in the downtown core of Cornwall, Ontario. Like all large inner-city parishes, the pastoral needs are many and perpetual, Along with Fr. Matthew Brunet, (ordained 2006), Fr. Rudy worked side by side with Fr. Gary and Fr. Matthew in responding to the spiritual needs of the parishioners.

It should be mentioned that Fr. Rudy was and inspirational figure and mentor in Fr. Gary’s life. As pastor,years earlier, he new the Ostler family and the young man Gary. And, it was Fr. Rudy that inspired and encouraged Gary during his journey to ordination on September 9, 1972.

(more…)

Father Gary Ostler
April 5th, 1946 – May 29th, 2008

Prior to ordination he headed public relations for the diocesan synod
and had the synod Mass aired on national TV.

Fr. Gary was Fr. Rudy’s Associate Pastor at St. Francis de Sales in 1972.
While there he organized a folk group of 70 young people for Saturday afternoon Mass, which drew a large turnout. He also led them on a successful tour of Western Canada. He launched the diaconate program in the diocese.

At Nativity Parish he became chaplain of La Citadel High School. He started the Neumann Club at St. Lawrence College and also taught the student nurses.

(more…)

The weather was just right today in Cornwall. The sun rose early in clear blue skies. For me, it was the day to say good bye to a long-time friend, and the weather made it so much easier. A refreshing breeze of the kind that one enjoys by the sea, kept the cathedral sized church of St. Columban’s, comfortable, despite the overflow of people who gathered.

As I entered the church and proceeded to the vesting room, I was greeted by friends, both new and old, and it was a comforting trip down memory lane. All of us had one thing in common, Fr. Gary, and we had come to pray for him, and to celebrate his faith and our own faith. (more…)

June 1, 2008

For many this was a very sad day, as Fr. Gary returned to St. Columban’s for one last time. Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve, one of our oldest priests, and Fr. Matthew Brunet, one of our youngest presided over the service. Here are a few pictures of his final return, and the loving tribute the Parish, Diocese, family, and friends welcomed him with. 

(more…)