Friday, July 17, 2009

Heading back to Ottawa, with stops at OLSWA (Barry's Bay) and Wilno

My brother-in-law John Bayfield has been indefatigable in developing the lakeside cabin and its grounds over the last 28 years. The latest is this inukshuk...(just a little less colourful than the mascot of the Vancouver Olympic Games Ilanaaq the Inunnguaq; ilanaaq is the Inuktitut word for friend).

Heading for Ottawa, I again broke my trip midway, this time with a visit to Dr. David B. Warner, President of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy for the last couple of years.


Three months after his arrival, Dr. Warner received a difficult medical diagnosis of multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer).He has continued to lead the Academy during initial emergency treatments, three surgeries, and massive chemotherapy. Despite the battles, the cancer is once again active, so he has determined to step aside for his personal well-being and for the good of the school which needs vigorous leadership.

God has used the prayers and sufferings arising from this story for the remarkable advancement of the Academy.



We spoke of the financial challenges being faced by the Catholic liberal arts college and entrusted its future to St. Joseph, patron of the universal church, Canada and all church financial officers.
His is quite a striking legacy to build on; today he proudly showed me around the facilities which are taking the school to a new level, one the whole Catholic community can be proud of.

Please remember Dr. Warner in your thoughts and prayers as well as OLSWA in this time of transition.

Lastly, on the last stage of my drive, I dropped in to Wilno's beautiful Church of St. Mary of Czestochowa, Queen of Poland, the first Church for immigrants from Poland in Canada, founded by Polish Kashubs in 1875. The current beautiful church was dedicated in 1937.

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