What was your background before you joined the CC?
Born in Sept-Iles, I am the eldest of 7 children. My faith was received and matured through a loving Catholic family experience; an experience which receives attention as an anachronism from what the Church in Quebec is now, compared to its missionary era, which sent 250 000 missionaries abroad before the 1960s. I completed my studies in business, with specialization in human resources and worked in that field for 2 years, only to realize that God had been calling me to the priesthood since childhood. I accepted that God had formed me through the years to be part of a team, so I left my hockey team to follow Him, as my true passion… My discernment for priesthood had already begun unconsciously during my study years and my brief career in the world, through shared living accomodation with a wise priest, and with religious communities such as the Salesians.
What led you to join this community?
After hearing the words of Samuel, and having given the Lord permission to inscribe them in my heart, I joyfully embraced the vocational journey saying: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3). Some confirmation of my vocation and redirection in the ‘way of the Lord’ also came from pilgrimages such as Compostelle, Medjugorje, the Holy Land, and through parts of Quebec on foot. According to God’s timing, I met the Companions of the Cross just before a 30 day monastic experience with the Benedictine community of St-Benoit-du-Lac. After a visit with ‘the brothers’ in Ottawa, I was really impressed by Fr. Bob, and I felt at home even though I had to learn the ‘foreign language’ I am using now to write to you…
What kind of ministry are you doing now?
I feel at home now in my ministry in Houston, serving as a missionary like the Quebecers of old, as the Pastor of Queen of Peace Parish in Houston, TX. With the grace of God and with our great team, I am also serving and loving the Hispanic culture which composes 80% of our people here. In fact, I thrive in serving God and others in different cultures. The Lord has blessed me abundantly in that regard with many missionary experiences in poor countries such as Peru, Mexico, Philippines, Haiti, Paraguay, and I know that in His time He will send me to many others. Until then, I continue my work for God: hearing confessions, visiting the sick, meeting someone for spiritual guidance, celebrating Mass, visiting our school, singing in a charismatic Spanish choir, or many more other surprises that the Lord sends me every day to participate in the renewal of His people.
If we have met in one of our missionary expeditions, or while I was in formation, or if our Good God plans for us to meet in the future – even if we never meet – I invite you to join me now, as we are…
United in prayer and mission.
St Andre Bessette, priez pour nous!
St Benedict and St John Bosco, pray for us!Queen of Peace ParishFind Fr. David’s homilies here.