On Sunday, December 1, Fr. Bernard Antoine, C.S.C., a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Province in Haiti, was installed as rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory during a festive Mass. Fr. Claude Grou, C.S.C., superior of the Canadian Province, presided at the Mass, which was held in the oratory’s main basilica.
During the Mass, in keeping with a longstanding tradition, Fr. Antoine received the ceremonial key of the Saint Joseph’s Oratory from the outgoing rector, Fr. Michael DeLaney, C.S.C. A member of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers and the first non-Quebecois to lead the oratory, Fr. DeLaney had completed his four-year term as rector.
Over 600 pilgrims, including many members of Montreal’s Haitian community, came to offer their support and prayers for Fr. Antoine as he began his new mission. Several members of Fr. Antoine’s family were also able to be present for this grand occasion.
Read more about what is happening at Saint Joseph's Oratory
After the Mass, priests, religious, and some employees of the oratory gathered for a celebratory luncheon at the Congregation’s Maison Sainte-Croix, fostering fellowship and marking this significant moment. At the same time, some of Fr. Antoine’s family members and friends from the Haitian community hosted a lunch for their group in the Pichette Hall, further enriching the day’s celebratory spirit.
Fr. Antoine was ordained a priest in his native Haiti on December 19, 1993. Much of his previous ministry in Haiti was in the field of psychology and education. From 1993 to 2000 and then again from 2009-2017, he worked at the Congregation’s flagship school, College Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours in Cap-Haïtien, ultimately serving his last years there as director. He arrived to Saint Joseph’s Oratory in 2017, and from 2019 he has served as the vice-rector for pastoral ministry.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory,” said Fr. Antoine. “With the support of all my confreres in Holy Cross and the professionals who form the dynamic team at the Oratory, and especially with the grace of God, we will succeed in upholding the work of Brother André within the Church and Quebec society as a sign of God’s love and presence for all humans.”
Learn more about the "Miracle Man of Montreal"
Every year, over two million pilgrims visit the Saint Joseph’s Oratory, which was the dream and vision of St. André Bessette, the humble Holy Cross Brother who became known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal” for the healings and graces that God brought to thousands upon thousands through him. The oratory today continues that legacy and mission of hospitality and healing.
Along with Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix Church in Le Mans, France, which houses the International Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is one of the Congregation’s two patrimonies, recognized for the unique way in which it is linked to the Congregation’s heritage and embodies its mission today.
“We pray fervently for Fr. Bernard, that the Lord may support and guide him in his devoted ministry to Saint Joseph and Saint Brother André. May his efforts to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed and bear fruit for the community and for the mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross,” said Fr. Grou.