Fr. Normand Bonneau, OMI
Celebrating 50 Years of Priesthood
When I spoke with Fr. Normand Bonneau, OMI, one thing stood out almost immediately: his curiosity.
Whether we were talking about Scripture, literature, education, or the careful meaning of a single word, he approached each topic with genuine interest and thoughtful reflection. Even after 50 years of priesthood, it was clear that Fr. Normand still finds joy in asking questions, exploring ideas, and continuing to learn.
That curiosity has shaped his entire vocation.
Originally from Lewiston, Maine, Fr. Normand felt drawn to the Oblates from the time he was just 13 years old. With encouragement from the Oblates who taught and mentored him, he discovered a calling that united his love of faith with his passion for education.
Ordained on May 29, 1976, Fr. Normand went on to pursue advanced studies in New Testament Scripture in Paris and Jerusalem before spending more than three decades teaching at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. His ministry included serving as Dean of the Faculty of Theology, editing theological journals, publishing books and scholarly articles, and helping generations of students discover the richness of Scripture.
Yet when asked what has influenced him most throughout his life, he doesn’t begin by talking about degrees or publications.
He talks about teachers.
He remembers mentors who challenged him to think differently and encouraged him to look beyond the obvious. One, he recalled with a smile, reminded him of the inspiring teacher from Dead Poets Society; someone who encouraged students to question, explore, and see the world with fresh eyes. Those experiences shaped not only the scholar he became but also the priest he became.
That same curiosity continues today.
One of Fr. Normand’s recent books explores how the stories of the New Testament continue to speak to people across generations. Rather than viewing Scripture simply as something to be studied, he has spent much of his ministry helping others experience it as something living, something that continues to shape hearts, inspire faith, and reveal God’s presence in everyday life.
When asked what advice he would offer others, his answer reflected the philosophy that has guided his own life.
Find something you love.
Pursue it wholeheartedly.
Keep learning.
For Fr. Normand, developing our gifts isn’t simply a personal achievement; it’s one of the ways we honour the gifts God has given us and place them at the service of others.
Looking back over 50 years of priesthood, Fr. Normand is especially grateful for the educational opportunities the Oblates encouraged him to pursue and for the remarkable teachers who helped shape his journey. Their influence inspired him to spend a lifetime doing the same for others.
As someone who works in education and has always loved books, I found myself smiling throughout our conversation. Fr. Normand’s enthusiasm for learning is contagious, but so too is his appreciation for the world around him. Whether exploring Scripture, photographing birds, or sharing his love of learning with others, he approaches life with a sense of curiosity that is both inspiring and deeply hopeful.
As Fr. Normand celebrates 50 years of priesthood, we give thanks for a ministry rooted in faith, scholarship, and an enduring curiosity that continues to inspire others to keep asking, keep learning, and keep seeking.
Thank you, Fr. Normand, for 50 years of faithful priestly ministry.