Fr

Fr. O'ReillyRedemptorist Father Eugene O’Reilly, C.Ss.R, true to his Irish decent, used lots of humor to entertain and get his message across to about 120 people who came out every evening for the Fall Mission that was put on by the Regina Deanery Pastoral Council. 

The mission began on Sunday, November 5th at Holy Cross parish, with Father Eugene speaking on our image of God and how important it is for us to come to know that God truly loves each and every one of us with an unconditional love. 

Monday night, he spoke on the Beatitudes, concentrating on just a few of them and stressing that they all focus on love, the new law that was given to us by Jesus. 

Tuesday night focused on the beautiful sacrament of reconciliation.  In his talk, Father Eugene gave many humorous examples to point out that the fears we had of this sacrament as children are often still with us as adults and how we need to come to an adult understanding and appreciation of this, the sacrament of God’s mercy.

The mission wrapped up Wednesday evening focusing on discipleship, with the gospel reading from Holy Thursday recalling how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples.  Using examples of how we can ‘wash feet’, he challenged all of us, disciples of Jesus, to follow this example he gave us.

Father Eugene closed out each evening’s talk with one of his songs, beautifully wrapping up the session.  The song on Tuesday evening was particularly moving, singing “Father I Have Sinned” with the Holy Cross music ministry group Joyful Noise.

A time of coffee and fellowship followed each evening, also giving those present the opportunity to visit with Father Eugene or purchase one of his CD’s or DVD’s. 

Special thanks to:

  • the Regina Pastoral Council Deanery reps who helped out in any way
  • Father Richard Jasiak, for his accommodation and assistance of the mission
  • the Holy Cross music ministry groups of ‘Joyful Noise’ and ‘Anthem’
  • Fathers Ed Hengen, Richard Jasiak, Brian Meredith, Rick Krofchek, Norm Marcotte and Marcel George who helped with the sacrament of reconciliation
  • Holy Cross parish for the use of their facility
  • Holy Cross parishioners who helped out with various liturgical ministries
  • the Annual Appeal – for partially funding this mission
  • and last, but certainly not least, all who came out to take advantage of the mission

To say that the mission was a success would be putting it mildly!  Even before he left Regina, many people were suggesting we have him back again soon.  At a feisty 73 years of age, Father Eugene has been presenting these missions for over 30 years throughout Canada and the US.  We certainly hope God blesses him with continued good health so that he can be back in Regina soon!