SCJs in Canada
The Priests of the Sacred Heart have maintained a presence in Canada since 1910, when the first group came to Alberta to offer pastoral care to the French population located there. In 1936, a residence was established in Montreal at 2830 East Boulevard Gouin, where our community still resides. In 1950 we established our first community in Ontario. Our Ontario administrative center is located at 58 High Park Boulevard in Toronto.
We have had a rich history of varied ministries in Canada since 1910. We have ministered to immigrants and assisted them with the whole process of settlement in Canada. We have been engaged in education at the secondary and university level. We have also worked in the formation of candidates for pastoral lay and ordained ministry. Our members have devoted themselves to parish ministry; chaplaincy in schools, hospitals and correctional institutions; hospice care for persons with AIDS; ministry to the divorced and separated; ministry to the homeless; counseling and the formation of counselors; retreat work, spiritual direction; youth and child protection work.
World Youth Day Celebration in Canada
On Sunday, July 21, 2002, the Priests of the Sacred Heart held a celebration for the World Youth Day, in Hagersville, Ontario, Canada. For more than a year, the SCJ Vocation Directors of Canada and the United States worked together to prepare a welcoming event for young pilgrims from many of our parishes and institutions, coming not only from Canada and the United States, but also from Brazil, England, Ireland, Germany, and other countries.
This Sunday gathering was the first event of the World Youth Day celebrations for all these young pilgrims, and for the parishioners of St. Mary's, St. Ann's and St. Patrick's, who welcomed them to their parishes. Nearly a thousand people took part in the celebration.
Father José Fernandes de Oliveira, SCJ, (best known as Padre Zezinho) and his band came from Brazil for the occasion. They entertained people with their songs, as did groups from different countries: the Toronto Indonesian Community, groups from Great Britain, Mozambique, the Caribbean, as well as native people from British Columbia, and others. After a BBQ prepared by volunteers from the host parishes, a solemn outdoor Mass put a joyful end to the day.
The Priests of the Sacred Heart also maintained an information booth in the Vocation and Services Pavillion for the young pilgrims present in Toronto.
