I was born on the 6th of November 1945. I was told that it was during a snow storm.
Born in Treherne, Manitoba but was raised and reared in the neighbouring village
of Somerset.
I found a noisy bunch upon my arrival home as the eleventh of 12 children. I grew
up in a humble setting. My parents were special to me. My mother shared with me her
strong faith and my father taught me to respect all people. Our home was always open
to those around us. One more mouth did not seem to bother my parents, as we shared
the little we had.
I attended Richard School until Grade 8 after which I entered to the Junior Seminary
of St. Boniface with classes at St Boniface College for four years. In 1964, I entered
the Missionaries of Africa known as the White Fathers. I travelled for the first
time down east to Lennoxville to beginning my formation as a brother (Lay missionary).
Two years of noviciate followed and then returned to St. Boniface College to finish
my first degree. I prepared myself to be a teacher and went to Tanzania where Swahili
is spoken. I taught for three years and enjoyed it very much. I returned to Canada
to begin my pre-masters in Education but then decided to do my theological studies
in London, England.
Since my experience in Africa, I always lived in an international community. Ordained
as Priest on August 2nd, 1980, I returned to Tanzania to do parish work. An appointment
to Western Canada to do missionary and vocational awareness in 1986 kept me busy
for 7 years. Soon after returning to Tanzania, I became part of the Regional team.
The members of the 1998 General Chapter elected me to the General Council. I served
the Society and the missions in this capacity for 6 year with our offices in Rome.
I returned to Canada to work for the Propagation of the Faith for two years and then
appointed as Provincial of our North American Province. I held this responsibility
until my election as Bishop of Prince Albert.