Banquets

The first major celebration took place at Our Lady of Czestochowa parish in London, Ontario where Fr. Zbigniew Rodzinka and Fr. Mateusz Sobierajski minister on Sept. 8th. Bishop of London Ronald P. Fabbro CSB presided at the Jubilee Mass and preached the homily where he thanked the Michaelites for their dedication and hard work in the last 50 years in the life of the Diocese . Bishop Emeritus John M. Sherlock, Rector of the Lublin University, Fr. Antoni Debinski, General Superior Fr. Kazimierz Radzik, all of the Canadian Michaelites, diocesan and religious priests, sisters and parishioners joined our bishop in prayer of thanksgiving. The parish youth band made this celebration special and uplifting. The words of thanks were expressed by the chairperson of the parish council.

Following the gathering at the altar all of the celebrants, invited guests and over three hundred parishioners went to the beautifully prepared Polish PSN Hall for the banquet celebration. Fr. Andrew, our Superior, was the MC of the evening. The whole evening was intertwine with music, dance, food and speeches. General Superior handed Benemerenti Medals to: Bishop Fabbro, and parishes of Holy Family in Sault Ste. Marie and Our Lady Queen of Peace in Sarnia. Also our history book was handed out to more than a few people as a way of thanking them for the years of friendships and support. This special evening ended with Cracovia’s dance and Bishop’s blessing.

The second banquet took place in Toronto at St. Teresa’s parish - where Fr. Adam Gabriel and Fr. Joseph Morawski minister - on Sept. 15th. Here, not only did we celebrate our 50th and 100th anniversaries but also the 10th anniversary of the presence of the Michaelite Fathers in the Archdiocese of Toronto. The Jubilee Mass was preceded by cordial gathering with Archbishop of Toronto Thomas Cardinal Collins. Mass was presided by the Cardinal who preached the homily and was concelebrated by Bishop John Boissonneau, Auxiliary bishop of Toronto, General Superior of our Congregation, many Michaelite, and over fifteen priests who joined us for the celebration. The words of thanks, appreciations and recognition were expressed by representatives of the parish at the end of the Mass, by young people in their singing during the Mass and by parishioners who filled the church and offered their prayer of thanksgiving.

What made this gathering very special was the presence of Jakub Rudnicki, freshly professed Michaelite, who just a week ago finished his novitiate in Pawlikowice in Poland and returns to Canada to start his studies.

Shortly after the Mass was finished all participants and invited guests assembled at the parish hall for the jubilee banquet. Wonderfully decorated hall gathered over 300 people. Fr. Andrew was the MC of the evening during which many prominent figures brought greetings and congratulations, young parishioners danced, recited poems, Benemerenti medal was given to Cardinal Collins and several books were handed to some members of the parish community. Way into the night celebration continued by the end of which Archbishop gave us his final blessing.

The third banquet was celebrated in London at St. Mary’s church, where Fr. Joe Dabrowski is the pastor, on Sept. 22nd. This joyous evening started with 5 pm Mass with Bishop Emeritus John M. Sherlock presiding. To our great surprise Bishop Francis Reiss of Detroit joined us for the evening. St. Mary’s parish celebrated its 110th anniversary and completion of the recent renovations. Therefore, the Michaelite’s milestones and parish accomplishments were celebrated truly in the Italian style. Local St. Mary school’s students sang during the Mass and an Italian band led us in joyful singing during the banquet festivities during which Fr. Joe was the MC.

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