A note from Fr. Garry LaBoucane, OMI

I used to tease Father John Brioux about how much I admired his office at the Crescent and would love to have one like it, but I also assured him that I did not want his job! Sadly, I now have both. I need to be far more careful about how I tease people! And, I miss him a lot, his joyful manner and welcoming personality. I have learned so much more about him as I helped Father Terry Conway and others pack his personal belongings. He was obviously a man of prayer and one who loved the Lord and Native people. He had many books reflecting his interest in learning about the Word of God and the history of the First Nations in North America. Of course, he was an artist, but in more than one medium. “Well done, good and faithful servant….”

Another faithful servant is Archbishop Adam Exner, who is celebrating his sixtieth anniversary of priesthood. The Archdiocese of Vancouver celebrated this occasion by inviting the clergy and the Oblates to a Mass in their beautiful chapel at the Pastoral Centre, followed by a delicious meal and some very inspiring words of gratitude. Archbishop Miller presided at the Mass, accompanied by Archbishop Exner and retired Bishop Monroe. After the meal, Monsignor Gregory Smith spoke really well about his experience working with Archbishop Exner. Father Lucien Larre also added his own words of appreciation. One young diocesan priest went over to talk to Archbishop Adam and express his gratitude for ordaining him seventeen years ago (I think). I wish that I had taken a picture of that moment. The whole evening was very pleasant. It was a blessing to pray and share a meal with a number of the Oblates, our diocesan brothers, and one Benedictine priest.