NEWS FROM CANADA

Written by Father Peter McKenna, SCJ

On June 25, 2000, members of the Anglo-Canadian Province gathered in Delaware, Ontario to celebrate the establishment of the first SCJ community residence -- birthplace of the Anglo-Canadian Province.

Anniversary Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Delaware, Ontario

In 1948 Fathers John van Buuren and Alphonse van der Vorst of the Dutch Province arrived in Montréal. Their purpose was to strengthen the Canadian presence of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, who had arrived in Canada in 1910. They began by founding Sacred Heart Minor Seminary (1950-1969) which welcomed almost 450 students, six of whom became SCJ priests, seven members of the diocesan clergy, and one a bishop. Other former students continue to make significant contributions in the fields of education, social services and in the life of the Church.

Father Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, representing the general administration of the Congregation along with representatives of the Dutch, Indonesian and United States Provinces, as well as the Region of French Canada, the alumni of Sacred Heart Seminary and the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, founded by the SCJs of Anglo-Canada joined with Anglo-Canadian SCJs in a grace filled celebration marking this important milestone in the life of the province.