Following Father Herlihy's term, Father Gerald Cousineau O.M.I. was appointed
pastor on July 1, 1959. An Ottawa native, he also grew up in St. Joseph's
parish and graduated from the University of Ottawa. Although he served for
only three years, Father Cousineau took
on the responsibility of building a new rectory for the parish. A tireless
worker in Christian education, his efforts have been felt throughout the
parish and city. At St. Patrick's College, Father Cousineau had been teacher,
principal and rector. He was appointed Provincial of the Oblate Fathers
in 1962, a position he held until 1968. He was then appointed Pastor of
St. Joseph's Church and in 1971 returned to Canadian Martyrs as Assistant
Pastor. During his long association with Canadian Martyrs Parish, Father
Cousineau won the hearts of the parishioners, and in March 1980, a farewell
party was given in his honour, at which time the parish wished him a happy,
healthy, well-earned retirement. |
Father Donald Brennan O.M.I., who was an assistant to Father Cousineau,
was appointed pastor in 1962 and remained in that office until November
1968. Father Brennan graduated from St. Patrick's College after having received
his early education in Maniwaki, P. Q., where he was born. He was very popular
with the young people of the parish and dedicated much time to their welfare.
Regular weekly meetings were held for both senior and junior members of
the Catholic Youth Organization (C. Y.O.). He also organized hockey teams
among the altar boys. It was during Father Brennan's term of office that
the many changes, resulting from Vatican 11, were to take place, a heavy
responsibility for a young priest serving his first pastorate. His hobby
was growing flowers which was very apparent from the beautiful arrangements
of shrubs, roses and annuals decorating the church grounds. |
Father Kevin McNamara O.M.I. succeeded Father Brennan. He was appointed
pastor on November 18, 1968, after serving for a year as assistant to Father
Brennan. A former federal public servant who chose a religious life, Father
McNamara brought with him a vast knowledge and experience in the field of
finance. Before coming to Canadian Martyrs, he served for several years
as bursar of St. Patrick's College. A native of Eganville, Ontario, a community
which has given a great number of its sons and daughters to the Church,
his background of small town friendliness was to make for an easy adjustment
to parish work. He served until August 15, 1974, during which time much
of his responsibility were the continuing adjustments to the many changes
resulting from Vatican 11. He also directed the formation of the first Parish
Council. |
On August 5, 1974, Father Archie Daley O.M.I. was appointed pastor. Another
son of St.
Joseph's parish, Father Daley graduated from St. Patrick's College High
School and continued his religious education at Holy Rosary Scholasticate,
later going to Rome to study philosophy and theology. Upon his return, he
had many pastoral assignments throughout Canada and for a number of years
he was Director of Retreats at Villa Madonna Retreat House in Ottawa. A
most charitable man, he took special interest in the sick and the needy.
He left the parish on August 15, 1979, to serve as pastor of St. Bernard's
Church, Enfield, N. S.
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