Diocese of
CHURCHILL-HUDSON BAY-NUNAVUT

In March of 2008 Father Fournier as usual surprised everyone again. After his rest in France Fr. Louis returns to Canada with dissapointment. He could not find the serenity in his Home land. The life in France had changed too much. The faith had drifted somewhere far away and no body cares about his life, about his needs. Taking some time in Quebec and then in Winnipeg he realised, that the only place he would feel good and fulfilled would be Far North- His home for 55 years. That is where his friends are still, and only friends he have known for over 50 years. Many of them passed on but they are still friends he missed so much. Upon his arrival to Winnipeg from France he called me and asked if he should go back to the North - certainly yes I answered. Did not have to wait long and he called me again asking where would be the place for him to go. So together we agreed and believed, that his mission would be Coral Harbour while Fr. Daniel is in Repulse Bay. Two weeks later again Fr. Louis was back in the Mission ready to give life for his people. Thank you to Father Louis for this wonderful gift of faith and commitment where so many would have quit long time ago. He is the inspiration and a witness to the world today.

In June of 2008 Oblate Local Community of Tache gathered in Winnipeg for so called Congress. Considering that there is very few Oblates left in this community the group that attended this session was rather small. The Arctic was represented by Fathers: Greg Oszust, Bogdan Osiecki and Tony Krótki. Father Daniel our youngest had been already in Poland on his time of rest after three years. Others could not make to the session. After the session which was interesting because we had been talking for three days about the Alzheimer's disease and 78% of the participants are Old Timers yet incredibly alive and active. What a spirit among those Oblates, they do not want to get old for sure. It is probably the dedication and mission that keeps the life sharp. While at the session Oblates from the Arctic gave presentation on their experience of the culture adaptation, challenges, life and hopes.

At the end of June and soon after the session in Winnipeg the Oblates of the Arctic went for days of rest. Father Bogdan and Greg traveled West to BC and Fr. Tony to God's Country - Alberta. For Fr. Tony this summer was something else. Lot of pain and struggle, sadness and sorrow which started soon after he left the Winnipeg gathering. He went to Edmonton to meet his friends on ‘Lac St. Anne’ west of Edmonton. Next day he traveled with his friend to visit her father in Peace River who was diagnosed with cancer just recently. They made it on Sunday and at the house of her parents Fr. Tony celebrated Mass. The next day they traveled to Peace River for the first chemotherapy. Fr. Tony had chance to get to know Denise's father a wonderful, joyful man with positive attitude and not worried much about his sickness. It was good to be there Fr. Tone said. It is painful but uplifting to see a person with faith and trust, considering the family on the first place while battling his own war with devastating disease. You may read more about Father Tony's summer experience in Loosing Friends  article.