Canadian Martyrs Page Fourteen

ADDENDUM

Canadian Martyrs is one of the relatively few parishes of the Archdiocese to be served by a religious order. Parishioners owe a great deal to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate for their administration and spiritual guidance of the parish from its beginning. Through the Oblates, the life and work of Canadian Martyrs Church and St. Patrick's College were intertwined. The two flourished under the able hand of the Oblate priests. Both the parish and college served the spiritual needs of people in their respective community and academic interests. The parish was richly served by the help of academic principals, faculty and the presence and participation of students and their parents. It was often stated that young persons living in Ottawa East could receive, if so inclined, their elementary, secondary and college education without leaving the family home e.g. Father Laurie Conlon.

A large number of Oblate priests and brothers contributed to the spiritual and overall development of the parish and its members. It is not possible to convey here their unique types of service. A special thanks is included at this time to each and every member of the group. (Editor's Note: See the Oblates Section here)

Some Oblate religious who have served in the parish over the past years, and who are not mentioned elsewhere, are: Reverend Fathers Floyd Tedrow, Percy Spratt, Patrick Phelan, Doc Watson, Geoffrey Dowsett, Ronald Blacquiere, Myles Power, Charles Callanan, Barclay Manders, Francis Camp bell, John Wells, Edward Marcuk, Leo Sweeney, John MacNeil; Brothers Norman Jette, Michael Smallcombe, Robbie Langille, John Pollock.

It was the Oblates who initiated the parish's special devotion to the Virgin Mary, their patron. Among the 50th Anniversary celebrations was the rededication of Our Lady's Shrine situated at the left front side of the church. The statue was restored to its original beauty and the shrine completely refurbished. The parish is indebted to Father Archie Daley, who, in anticipation of the Jubilee, was able to secure funds to have this restoration work done. It was through the hard work, commitment and artistic skills of Father Toby McGivern and parishioner Mr. Joe O'Reilly that this Jubilee project was completed. The beautiful marble statue was donated to the parish by the late Mr. and Mrs. William Bruder who were among the founding parishioners.

The Oblate Order has honoured two of the parishioners of Canadian Martyrs, Mrs. Helen O'Connell and Mr. Jim Chambers, with a Citation for their work with the Order.

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