St. André Bessette Friary’s New Signage

Our new St. André Bessette Friary, in Ottawa, Ontario is the home of Our Lady of the Angels Province friar and Guardian, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. (pictured above at far left), as well as friars from the Philippines, India and Romania. The erection of our third friary in Canada strengthens the presence of the friars in Canada; an intention of our Order’s Minister General.

There will be a dedication of this new “International” Friary that will include the second of our Province Masses, Celebrating the Centenary of The Militia of the Immaculata (MI). It will be held on August 22, 2017, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Church (Venier, ON), where Fr. Dominic Lim, OFM Conv., another resident friar of the St. André Bessette Friary (not pictured as he is still traveling in from the Philippines), will be serving as pastor. Our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. will be the principal celebrant and homilist of 5:00 p.m. Mass and the Archbishop of Ottawa, The Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, S.J. will also preside. Following the Mass, the Archbishop will bless and dedicate the new friary in honor of St. André Bessette (Brother André). All are welcome to attend.

The newest friar to join the community in Ottawa arrived on Sunday, July 23rd. Friar Jeremiah Budău, OFM Conv. (pictured above next to Friar Jobe). Friar Jeremiah hails from Bacau, Romania and Professed Simple Vows in 2006. After his theological studies and a period of pastoral experience in both Ireland and England, he was Ordained to the Priesthood in Manchester, England (2014). He served for three years at St. Clare’s Church, a pastoral ministry of our Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody, before coming to Ottawa. Friar Jeremiah will now serve as pastor of St. Ignatius Martyr Church, in Ottawa, ON. Pictured to the right in the photo above is Friar Saviour Karamvelil, OFM Conv., from India. He is another new resident in the St. André Bessette Friary, who will serve as a Catholic Hospital Chaplain with Archdiocese of Ottawa’s Hospital Based Spiritual Care Assistance.

A special thanks to Mr. Richard Fairweather, who generously volunteered to construct and beautifully paint the sign which now stands before the entrance of our newest friary.