No sooner has the Christmas season left us and we are already planning for Easter. Joint celebrations involving the French and Spanish-speaking communities were rehearsed. It was truly a celebration this year, an occasion to welcome Spring in all of its splendour. On April 29th, we inaugurated our lovely stained glass window, an ambitious project completed over only 18 months, the artist being Josef Aigner, originally from Munich, Germany, now living in Toronto. The International Year of the Family and the 1994 Parish theme of COME CELEBRATE LIFE were the driving forces behind the success of this project. For both practical (light and heat) and aesthetic reasons, the idea of installing this window represented a concrete example of a joint venture between the two communities - French and Spanish. Designed by one of the parishioners, Monique Laperriere, she briefly describes its symbolism: "By its warm and luminous colours and by its cosmic motion, this work of art strives to be the reflection of God, Creator of beauty, the Source of Light and Life. For me, colour and movement become words, expressing a greater closeness to the cosmic Christ. It communicates the Word of God and the joy of creation." The stained glass window is composed of more than 600 individual pieces paid for by parishioners and by many well-wishers. Thank you to all. The artist, Josef Aigner, originally from Munich, Germany, and now living in Toronto, attended the April 29th event.

Two other examples of artistic talent adorn the front of the Church - the baptismal font and tabernacle. The artist and parishioner, Mimi Boudreault, explains their significance in her own words: "Without magic ... with clay, these works represent a personal offering to the Creator of the Universe. Using the Japanese Rakti method of modelling clay and sculpting wood, the creation of the baptismal font and tabernacle express the heart of Sainte-Famille. The symbols of life and hope and the resounding silence found in a potter's workshop ..."

What does the future hold for Sainte-Famille Parish? More joint activities - both pastoral and cultural involving both communities - are definitely on the agenda.

Receipts from the placing of ads in our Parish Bulletin ($100 per year) and the rental of our basement hall ($350 per event - who could resist this free publicity?) are most welcome!

Sainte-Famille is a home away from home. A special mention here can be made concerning the students from St. Paul's University who enrich our celebrations. However, parishioners are not limited to the immediate Canal area. Many come from throughout the city and from across the Ottawa River. Recent correspondence from afar - Belgium, Germany and Guyana - reminds us that we are a special Parish and not easily forgotten.

In conclusion, we can say that if Sainte-Famille has been able to flourish from its founding to the present, it is because of the quality of the religious leadership and the sharing of a vision. Since 1981, Gratien Girod has been our parish priest. When he is away, we have been blessed by the presence of others - Jacques Kabangu, Andre Babusia, Antonio de Souza - to whom we owe our appreciation and thanks.

* 1901-1981: Paroisse Sainte-Famille d'Ottawa, by Le Cercle social Sainte-Famille, 1981