Visit of the Superior General and the Vicar General to the Canadian SCJ confreres

Father Carlos Luis Suarez Codorniú, Superior General, and Father Stephen Huffstetter, Vicar General, visited the SCJ Region of Canada from May 26 to June 5. Welcomed by the Regional Superior, Father Gustave Lulendo N’dotony, they began their visit in the Montreal community. Father Carlos had the opportunity to meet individually with each member of the community, and they both enjoyed a meal cruise on the St. Lawrence River. They also had the opportunity to visit each of the four parishes served by the community members.

The visit was unfortunately overshadowed by the sudden death of Father Claude Bédard on Saturday, May 28. On the other hand, the members of the community greatly appreciated their flexibility in adjusting their schedules to be present at Father Claude’s funeral on June 9.

On Sunday, May 29, Fathers Gustave and Maurice took them to the Sacred Heart Seminary in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge (formerly Pointe-au-Chêne) to visit the school and meet with Father Richard Woodbury, as well as with Ukrainian refugees housed in the former boarding school, before going to Ottawa to meet with the local community.

The visit to Ottawa was also an opportunity to meet with the Regional Council, to better understand the reality of the Region and to inform the Council on the state of the Congregation. There too, each member of the local community had the opportunity to exchange with Father General.

Back in Montreal for the funeral of Father Claude Bédard, they then left with the confreres in Toronto. There too, each confrere had the opportunity to meet individually with Father General. Father General and Father Stephen were also able to visit the different parishes entrusted to our confreres.

All the confreres of the Region greatly appreciated this visit and wish to thank Fr. Carlos and Stephen for their availability and their listening.