Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Dear Friends,
 
It is hard to believe that it has been over a month since Fr. Bob passed away. In some ways the experience and emotions are still very fresh. We miss him. I have found myself on “autopilot” a few times driving towards Carlingview Manor where he lived the last year (and some) of his life. He has been such a huge part of our lives for so long that it will take some re-adjustment. We can, however, still draw close to him because of the wonderful truth of the communion of saints. Some of us have already been asking for his help and intercession – including Fr. Galen and the seminarians who desperately needed a new van for formation. They asked, and in remarkably short order a van in pristine condition was donated to the community!
 
We could not have been more pleased or more blessed with his vigil at St. Mary’s and funeral at Notre Dame Cathedral. Both were very beautiful and befitting of Fr. Bob. The comments are still coming into the office about how edified and encouraged people were by both events. We are so grateful to Archbishop Prendergast who presided at both services and allowed us to use his Cathedral for the funeral. It was also a tremendous blessing to have Archbishop Gervais present. And we were incredibly honoured that the Papal Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Lopez Quintana, attended the funeral and gave the Apostolic Blessing.  It would be almost impossible to enumerate everyone who helped make both occasions as meaningful and beautiful as they were. We are grateful to all of you.
 
As this will be the last update in a series of updates that stretches back to January of 2009, I want to extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all who have prayed for Fr. Bob and supported him in his time of need. Your kindness will never be forgotten! We pray that the Lord will greatly reward you for your love and prayers!
 
Finally, we invite you to join us on May 4, 2012, at Hope cemetery, for the entombment of Fr. Bob. The first Friday of May is always celebrated as our “Foundation Day” – the day Fr. Bob and our first brothers answered the call to form a new community. We thought this would be a particularly fitting day to entomb Fr. Bob’s final remains in the humble mausoleum we are having built for him. After his body is placed in the mausoleum a Mass will be offered on the mausoleum in celebration of Fr. Bob’s life. Afterward, we are hoping to organize a reception at a nearby parish. Mark it in your calendars!
 
With Gratitude,
 

Fr Scott McCaig, CC
Moderator (General Superior)