Monday, September 9 – Montreal, Canada
“Most of the best gifts come in small packages, of course; it is not the quantity of stuff but its quality that makes a thing valuable.”
Because Father Iuliu is doing such a magnificent job driving, I am able to write this little blog in the car as we drive back from Montreal, where he and I had the opportunity to visit Nativity of the Mother of God (Nașterea Maicii Domnului) Mission on the occasion of their parish feast (hram) on September 8. I really enjoyed my time with the people there, and with Father Gheorghe Avram Suta, the mission’s administrator.
Nativity is a small community, indeed, but like many small things, I suspect it holds a big gift for God and for His Church that we have yet to see. Most of the best gifts come in small packages, of course; it is not the quantity of stuff but its quality that makes a thing valuable.
Father Gigi has worked very hard to sustain this mission, and I am praying that it truly find its way to becoming a financially self-sustaining, active, and vibrant parish. It has already crossed one milestone in that journey: owing to the generosity of Bishop Stephen Chmilar and the Ukrainian Eparchy of Toronto, and certainly to the sacrifices of the people of the mission as well, it has its own building, which it was able to purchase for well below its market value.
The joy on the occasion of the celebration was evident, the liturgy well-sung and prayed, and the dinner afterward quite abundant. It takes about twelve hours to drive from Canton to Montreal, but traveling with a companion to such an occasion as this makes the journey easy. But now my challenge is to face the work that is before me, even as I am strengthened by the fond memory of the celebration in which I was privileged to share, so I will keep this item short and share some photos with you instead of a long essay!
To Father Gheorghe and the people of Nativity Mission of Montreal: many blessings and many blessed years! La mulți și fericiți ani!