Our Oblate History continues to unfold; again we ‘‘close the back cover’’

Bro. Harley Mapes, OMI has informed the membership of OMI Lacombe Canada that, as of August 20th , 2020, the purchase of the property at Battleford, SK (now St. Mary’s Residence) was completed by the Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation.

I hear this announcement with this image in mind: When one is reading a book and you come to the last page, one must eventually close the back cover.

As Bro. Harley reflected: “This is the end of an era in our Province history – turning the last page of the last chapter and the closing of the back cover. Loved or reviled, Battleford was nonetheless central to our identity as the former St. Mary’s Province. There is a long roll call of brothers and priests who, over the past ninety years, poured out their hearts and lives into the various ministries hosted at the site: St. Charles Scholasticate (starting c.1929, first as a seminary and high school). Then in 1950 the high school was moved to St. Thomas College in North Battleford; the scholasticate continued as a formation center for Oblate priests and brothers. Batschol Farm (which supported the scholasticate community with food and work), Raema Communications and the Marion Press (which printed the Our Family Magazine), God’s Farm (Oblates and laity living together in community, with an outreach to the poor) – to say nothing of the many ad-extra ministries done by individual Oblates. It’s not possible to say “thank you” enough to the Oblates, Oblate Associates and co-workers who contributed to those many ministries and those who worked at bringing this sale and clean-up to a close. For the many, many individuals who lived and worked and studied on this extensive property, this closure likely comes as a bittersweet moment. The timing of this closure seems providential as August 25th is the anniversary of the death of Fr. Harold Kaufmann OMI. He certainly had a “vested interest” in the property and ministries of St. Charles Scholasticate. May God bless him with the gift of eternal life.

As we say farewell to this chapter in our history, I invite us to reflect on the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing new things! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43: 18-19) May we give thanks for what was and move forward in trust … even when the way in the wilderness is not entirely clear.”

Yet, life goes on! With the sale of the property to the Nakoda Peoples of the Mosquito First Nation, the legacy of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate will continue to be reflected in new and different ways. Several years ago, Fr. Al Hubenig, OMI designed a beautiful mural of Our Lady of the Snows, depicting Our Lady as an Inuit mother. The Nakoda Peoples have an endearing image of the “Snow Lady” reminiscent of their love and respect for the mother of Jesus. A replica of this image will be placed at the entrance of the property, protected in the entrance of a teepee.

Fr. Maurice Schroeder, OMI, has been instrumental in the visioning and collaboration between the Oblates and the leadership of the Mosquito Reserve, as they envision and plan for a new Mosquito Interpretive Centre. His presence and love for these Indigenous brothers and sisters is most appreciated. His enthusiasm and commitment also assures the Oblate Community that our “Oblate past” will continue to be celebrated by both the Mosquito Peoples, the Oblates and the extended community of the Battlefords.

In the house, the chapel area will continue to be a place of quiet and meditation and prayer. The large mural of Our Lady of the Snows has now been placed in the chapel area. The Oblate cemetery will continue to be honored and protected. As our need for funerals arises, we have a welcome access and hospitality to the cemetery.
Fr. Moe has now acquired a small apartment in south Battleford. He will maintain an office space in the Interpretive Centre but will reside in town. To maintain the security of the premises each evening, two individuals from the Mosquito Reserve will be in residence.

And now again, we close the back cover on another Oblate story. With the closure of St. Thomas College in 1983, the Oblates purchased ‘Potter House’, situated in a quiet neighborhood in Saskatoon, in an area aptly named Potter Crescent. This house served many Oblate ventures and initiatives: as a pre-novitiate and residence for prospective Oblates, a residence for various aging and retired Oblates, youth ministries and a house of hospitality. As we close the back cover to this story, its legacy continues as a community home for L’Arche. Our archivist affectionately noted that an Oblate house in San Paulo, Brazil also became a new home for a L’Arche Community … what a coincidence? Or just another “God moment”?

To reiterate the sentiment of the prophet Isaiah: Yes, it is time to close the back cover of two of the “Good Books” of our collective lives. But take heart, new and exciting opportunities can arise, for nothing is impossible with God. As our creative and generous God continues to assure us: “I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

May we continue to live the dictum: Wherever you go, go with God.
Whenever you go, go make a difference.
We may be aging (and down-sizing) but we’re not dead!

St. Eugene de Mazenod … pray for us … keep us bold and daring.
Praise be Jesus Christ … and Mary Immaculate

By Mike Dechant, OMI