Diocèse catholique d'Alexandria-Cornwall Catholic Diocese
220, ch. Montreal Rd, C.P./Box 1388, Cornwall ON K6H 5V4 * 613-933-1138
Meet our priests: Msgr. Rudy Villeneuve
I look at this body of mine, no longer young, ravaged by the years and I cannot understand why I had the privilege of being chosen.
I look into my soul that so often did not conform to its high calling and I understand even less.
Msgr. Rudy, 2008 Daisy Mass
Parish:
St. Columban's, relief priest
Place of Birth: Maxville, Ontario
Brothers
and Sisters: 3 brothers and 3 sisters
High School:
Maxville High School
University/Seminary: Seminary of Philosophy
(Montreal)
Le Grand Séminaire de
Montreal
University of Montreal, Masters in Social Work, PhD Theology
Fordham University, PhD Sociology
Date of Ordination: May 31, 1947
What assignments have you
had since your ordination?
Nativité
St. Andrews
St. Columban's (3 times)
Precious Blood (1st church where I was pastor)
St. Francis de
Sales
Ste-Thérese
St. Lawrence
St. Joseph's (23 years)
What have been some of the greatest joys for you as a priest?
There are two
really great joys, first and foremost is being able to say mass. Secondly the priesthood has allowed me to being involved in so many
activities over the years, including the CAS, the Children's Treatment Centre, the Red Cross, School Chaplain, School Board Trustee
and University professor. I've also had the opportunity to write a number of books and articles on a variety of social issues.
Who
influenced your vocation most to consider the priesthood?
There were a number of people who had a positive influence. First and foremost
were my parents, especially my mother. The local priests were also influential, especially Father R.J. MacDonald and Father Charlie
Gauthier.
What events or practices in your life helped you to discover and discern your call to the priesthood?
World War II
had begun and Father R.J. Gauthier had come looking for candidates for the priesthood. I decided to give it a try and have never looked
back.
What is one of your favourite scripture passages and why?
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
What are some of your hobbies?
When I was younger
I really enjoyed playing tennis. I also love to read.
What advice would you give to a young man who is considering the priesthood?
To
have an open mind. It's a wonderful vocation for any young man and the opportunities are so vast. It is such a wonderful opportunity
to do good for both the Church and the community.
What are some of your favourite books/spiritual reading/magazines?
I particularly
enjoy reading history, biographies and politics. I like Bishop Sheen's biography and John Paul II's books.
God is calling each
of us personally to help rebuild his Church. How must a priest respond to this call?
A priest has every opportunity to be in contact
with people and you should. For instance, I recently moved to a retirement home and it seems that I now have my own little parish
among the residents.
Of Interest to
Msgr. Rudy
Click here for an interview with theologian Christine Anne Mugridge discusses the "heroic" aspect of the priesthood, and what led
her to edit a compilation of vocation stories