Today, the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall bid farewell to Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve. Don Smith, a parishioner at St. Columban’s Parish, sent me a few photos of his funeral that was celebrated at St. Columban’s. I have posted the pictures at my parish web site: http://bvmparish.com/. You can also view them at this link: Slideshow
Canadian folk singer, Kate McGarrigel (1946-2010) died Monday, January 18, 2010. This song seems eminently relevant given the situation in Haiti.
Sister Pauline Doherty of Our Lady’s Missionaries died yesterday (Nov.20, 2009) evening at Providence Health Care. She had been ill for a few years but in hospital only for a short time. Sister Pauline celebrated her 50th Anniversary in 2003. Sister, also a nurse, lived a life devoted to helping the sick, and rejoiced that God had gifted her with the health to do so for so many years. She served in Brazil, Nigeria, and Canada. On her profile page of Our Lady’s Missionaries web site she states that her motivation was to “help in foreign missions.” When asked what made her grateful, she stated: I am grateful to my family, Our Lady’s Missionaries and for my good health. Sister’s generosity of spirit will be remembered and mourned by her friends, family, and all that she reached out to in Christian love.
A wake will be held at OLM’s Leander Court House on Tuesday afternoon and evening, and the funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Chapel of Scarboro Missions on Wednesday morning. Let us remember Sister Pauline Doherty in our prayers, and at Mass this weekend. May she rest in peace.
Rev. (Colonel) Raoul Poirier
April 7, 1915 – August 19, 2008
Father Raoul Poirier of our Diocese died on August 19th, 2008. He was ordained on June 11, 1944. Father (Colonel) Raoul Poirier served in the Canadian Military as an R. C. A. F. Chaplain, and as a Priest in the Parishes of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. His last place of residence was McConnell Manor. He died at 93 years of age after serving as a priest for 64 years.
Fr. Poirier was the beloved son of the late Pierre Poirier and the late Regina (Querry) Poirier. Dear brother of Jeanne P. Lachance of Québec City, Québec. Father was predeceased by one sister, Rita P. Gauthier and by one brother, Marcel Poirier.
He will be resting at Nativity Co-Cathedral on Friday, August 22nd, 2008 from 2pm. to 4 pm., and 7 pm. to 9 pm. Funeral Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 at Nativity Co-Cathedral at 10 am. Interment in New Richmond, Québec.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Vocation Fund of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall or to Agapé Centre would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of LAHAIE & SULLIVAN CORNWALL FUNERAL HOMES, East Branch, 614 First Street East (613-933-2841).
Messages of condolences may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.com
May the Lord Welcome you to heaven Father Raoul, now that your work on earth is complete. You will be missed by many, and will always be remembered for your devotion to the priesthood, your military service to your country, and your marvelous laugh and sense of humor.
Please remember Fr. Poirier in your prayers, and at Mass this weekend.
May You Rest In Peace
View a video on her life.
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.
On Thursday morning May 29th, their journey together ended. Fr. Gary died at 3am in the morning from complications of surgery and a massive stroke. His brother, Fr. David Ostler was at his bedside at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.
On Sunday, May 31st, Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve remembered his good friend and brother priest in his homily, and at 2pm, he and Fr. Matthew celebrated the liturgy that celebrated Fr. Gary’s return for visitation and prayer. His funeral was celebrated the next day at 10am.
Listen to Monsignor Rudy’s Homily on Sunday, May 31, 2008 at St. Columban’s in which he remembered the life of this wonderful priest.
http://audio.ccrso.org/mp3s/MsgrRudyHomilyTribute.mp3
Left click link to download Mp3 and save it to your computer.
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Technorati Tags: Fr. Gary Ostler,Fr. Rudy villeneuve,Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve
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.
Navivity Co-Cathedral Parish
His first parish was at St. Raphael’s where he launched the annual Galaramas. He also started the Shalom Retreat House and Mount Carmel alcohol treatment centre.
ST. RAPHAEL’S PARISH
SHALOM HOUSE RETREAT CENTRE
In 1983 he became Pastor of St. Columban where he oversaw the parish purchase of Notre Dame Convent as a Ministry Centre base of operations for collaborative lay and clergy ministry. He and Fr. Bob MacDonald arranged a three year Christian Leadership certificate program to be offered here in the parish to laity from across the diocese with courses offered by Wadham’s Hall Seminary. Fr. Gary also provided leadership to re-establish a parish Knights of Columbus council. He also led us through reconstruction after the church arson of 1992. Under his tutelage an historical society published a history of the parish. Sponsorship of refugees and establishment of the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society were all a part of Fr. Gary’s tenure here.
ST COLUMBAN’S PARISH
In 1993 he became Pastor of St. Francis de Sales where he increased lay participation in parish life. During a violent windstorm, the church roof shifted, necessitating the rebuilding of the church on the existing foundation. He met the challenge by rebuilding the church, increasing handicap access via an elevator and increased the overall comfort by installing air conditioning.
A few years later he returned to St. Columban although he was hesitant because he knew that needed changes would be unpopular. Due to a priest shortage, the number of weekday and weekend Masses had to be reduced. Recognizing the financial burden the parish hall caused the parish, he found a way to sell it and still maintain a place for parishioners to gather for fellowship. He improved liturgical services and formed a vibrant pastoral team. Even though he didn’t always live here he performed a good deal of parish work from his home in Long Sault, often arriving at the parish offices at 6:30 a.m. He loved his people and did his best to serve them in spite of failing health.
For more than 25 years he was head of vocations in our diocese, directing and encouraging most of the young men who became priests. Because of his commitment to ecumenism, he was appointed head of the ecumenism committee by the bishop and also served as President of the Cornwall Christian Council and was at the fore in promoting the annual Good Friday ecumenical Way of the Cross. Each month he offered a Padre Hour to the soldiers at NavCan & at one time was chaplain to 4,000 soldiers. Fr. Gary provided 42 years of service to the army.
Among his many talents Fr. Gary was a specialist in understanding and explaining the Holy Scriptures. He built his life on the Word of God, the key to eternal life.
May he hear: “Well done good and faithful servant!”
See Photo Album: Fr. Gary (flickr)
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.
![CongregationLeaving72 [640x480]](http://frbobscorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/congregationleaving72640x4804.jpg)
Looking out from the Sactuary at the throngs of mourners who had gathered for the funeral mass, both in groups (military, relgious, lay movements), and as individuals and families, I thought of words spoken by Sr. Joan Chittister: “We are, each one of us, stones skipped across the waters of the universe. The ripples of our presence, whatever it is, radiates forever.” Fr. Gary had brought us all here because he had, in one way or another, touched our lives, and his presence still radiates.
As we all gathered around the Lord’s Table, Jesus’ proclamation reverberated in my mind: “You are the light of the world.” If led by God’s loving spirit, how could we not be bearers of light? Indeed, each one of us has this power by allowing the Lord to dwell in our hearts and living the Good news. Again, the words of Sr. Joan: “What people see in you, they know to look for within themselves. What people see in you, they too may hope to extract from the depths of their own hearts.”
Thank You Fr. Gary for touching my heart, and the hearts of so many. May God grant you eternal joy and happines in the eternal home where we all hope to gather again some day. My prayer this day is that the Lord has welcomed you with great joy with the words: Well done, good and faithful servant.
May He Rest In Peace
June 2, 2008
See Photo Album: Fr. Gary (Flickr)
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.
RELATED POSTS:
I am posting a few recent pictures of Fr. Gary Ostler in no specific order etc. When I have time I will post an album. Please check back in a week or so.
Other Articles and Tributes to Fr. Gary Ostler:
OBITUARY, MILITARY SERVICE, NEWSPAPER,
MORE PICTURES: FLICKR PHOTO ALBUM (FR. GARY)
