Vandenakker, Fr. Roger

What was your background before you joined the CC?
Before joining the Companions of the Cross as a founding member in the summer of 1984 I was completing my B.A. in Religious Studies at St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto.   Having been born and raised in Ottawa, I attended St. Pius X Highschool, was a student of Fr. Bob Bedard, and also closely associated with him throughout my high school years as a member of the St. Pius X charismatic prayer group which he oversaw. 

What led you to join this community?
I began meeting with Fr. Bob and three other young men in the summer of 1984 after having returned to Ottawa to enter the seminary, having discerned a call to the priesthood the previous summer.   At that time the purpose of our group was simply to provide mutual support in our common vocation to the priesthood through weekly meetings involving common charismatic prayer and personal sharing and fellowship. By the following May, 1985 it became clear to us that the Lord wanted to establish a new community of priests, as a real brotherhood with a common life, spirituality and mission.

What kind of ministry are you doing now? 
I am currently serving as the General Superior of the Companions of the Cross.