The Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of Canada met for their annual meeting about our seminary in Canada. The seminary meeting was combined with a regular gathering of the bishops to discuss pastoral and administrative matters of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia in Canada. Those attending were Bishop David Motiuk of Edmonton, Bishop Bryan Bayda, CSsR of Toronto, Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR of Saskatoon, Bishop Andriy Rabiy of Winnipeg and Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski of New Westminster - Metropolitan-elect of Winnipeg.
Holy Spirit Seminary was established in the nation’s capital Ottawa in 1981 and made its home in the former scholasticate of the Basilian Fathers and then, as the number of seminarians grew, to a former Augustinian monastery. In 2018, the whole seminary program moved across the country to Edmonton, Alberta and took up residence at the former House of Studies of the Basilian Fathers under a rental agreement. Since then, the Bishops, or rather the Seminary Foundation, have decided to purchase the facilities, giving the seminary a more rooted location.
At this meeting for seminary matters, seminary staff prepare and provide reports on a variety of matters – formation program, including academic, financial status and special projects. The Rector of the seminary, Fr. Julian Bilyj reported on much of the information, while Bishop David Motiuk provided detailed financial reports. The Director of Spiritual Formation, Fr. Mark Bayrock, gave a detailed report all the activity and goals associated with spiritual formation.
The Bishops had ample opportunity to meet with the seminarians at mealtimes, in the beautiful chapel for Liturgy and vespers as well as large liturgical events outside the seminary. One major event was the inauguration of a special program of Eastern Christian Theology Courses at Newman Theological College. The highlight of the three events was an amazing hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by local Bishop David Motiuk, at St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic church. The bishops were joined by priests and clergy and a special 70-person choir – including the seminarians – directed by Dr. Melanie Turgeon.
The seminarians also sang the Vespers at St. Josaphat Cathedral on Saturday evening and the Divine Liturgy the following Sunday morning. Metropolitan-elect Michael Kwiatkowski was the main celebrant and was joined by Bishop David Motiuk and Bishop Michael Smolinski. In his homily Bishop Kwiatkowski spoke about the witness and courage of Metropolitan Andrew Sheptytsky and Blessed Hieromartyr Theodore Romzha – two heroes of the Church in Ukraine in the last century.
It was a pleasure to observe that the two seminarians from New Westminster Eparchy, Alexander and Juan were very involved with the life of the Seminary – in particular the liturgical life.
Please pray for the seminarians, pray for the development of the seminary and pray for many more vocations – i.e. men who would have the insight and courage to explore if the Lord is calling them to serve as priests in His Church.
