Northeastern and Southeastern Area Oblates Celebrate Jubilees

By Becky May

Fr. James Flavin, OMI knew as the last remaining Oblate in his novitiate class, that this Jubilee in Tewksbury, MA., would have to be a special one.  Fr. Flavin started preparing for the celebration three months prior to June 10, 2013.

The Jubilarian Celebration took place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA.  Fr. Wilfred Harvey, OMI was the Principal Celebrant, and Fr. James Flavin, OMI was the homilest.

Following the Eucharist, the Oblates enjoyed music, food and helicopter rides.

“I wanted this celebration to be something memorable,” said Fr. Flavin, who through his own days as a pilot asked for personal rides to be given to willing Oblates right behind the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence.

More than a dozen Oblates braved the heights in the helicopter.

“I was definitely happy and surprised by how many Oblates wanted to take a ride,” said Fr. Flavin.

After the food and fun, Provincial, Fr. Bill Antone, OMI got up to say a few words and congratulate not only himself but all the other men who have dedicated their lives to an Oblate life.

                                               

 

 

This year’s Jubilarians from around the country including Lowell are:

60 years: Rev. Joseph Schwab, OMI

 

50 years: Rev. Chester Cappucci, OMI, Rev. James Flavin, OMI, Rev. Leo Guilmette, OMI, Rev. Roger Hallee, OMI, Rev. Wilfred Harvey, OMI and Rev. John Henault, OMI

 

40 years: Rev. Norman Comtois, OMI, Rev. Paul Hughes, OMI, Rev. George Roy, OMI and Rev. Aloysius Tierney, OMI

 

25 years: Rev. Alejandro Roque, OMI

 

Celebrating the Anniversary of First Vows were:

 

75 years: Rev. George Croft, OMI

 

70 years: Rev. Lucien Sawyer, OMI

 

65 years: Rev. Armand Carignan, OMI, Rev. Bertram Silver, OMI and Rev. Martin Walsh, OMI

 

60 years: Rev. Gilmond Boucher, OMI, Rev. Henry Delisle, OMI, Rev. William Hallahan, OMI, Rev. Charles Hurkes, OMI, Rev. Arthur King, OMI, Rev. Albert Martineau, OMI, Rev. Dave O’Brien, OMI and Rev. Lucien Richard, OMI

 

50 years: Rev. John Hanley, OMI and Rev. David Ullrich, OMI

 

40 years: Rev. Louis Lougen, OMI, Rev. Bill Antone, OMI and Rev. Mitch Byeck, OMI

 

25 years: Bro. Paul Daly, OMI, Rev. Greg Gallagher, OMI, Rev. Thomas Horan, OMI and Rev. Joseph Labelle, OMI

 

To see more photos from the Jubilee, click here.