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  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The morning hours of today,Tuesday were spent in utter amazement watching Tony, the computer wizard, wave his magic wand over my laptop, that has been dysfunctional for months, bring it back on line and  integrate the desktop, laptop and blackberry into a smooth running network. Each unit capable of receiving and  sending e-mails. Truly a remarkable task to say the least.
Sister Joan Stafford, of great renown for her presence and compassion at the Brothers of Good Shepherd invited me me to drop by the Centre to allow the staff to send me off with their blessings.  The entire staff of seventy some showed up to offer their good wishes as well as the Brothers from Toronto and Hamilton. The Hamilton contingent was led by none other than Brother Justin, the Superior General of their Religious Community. I was deeply touched and moved by what followed. Sister Joan recounted a story from seven or eight years ago,  on the Feast of Christ's Birth when I offered drive her home, since we live in the same neighbor hood.  Sister Joan mentioned how surprised she was the many stops that were made to visit the Knights of the Road that were  lying on the grates or trying to catch forty winks in the doorways along Richmond West. Or the time the family six from
Mexico could not find any shelter on a Friday night and all ended  up at the place where this is being typed, the Oblate Residence, 10 Fermanagh Ave.
Brother Justin BGS, Superior General of the Congregation  of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd presented me with a crucifix which each brother  received on the occasion of his perpetual vows. The inscription around the crucified Christ read: "What you do to the least of my brothers you do unto me". Brother Justin placed the cross chain around my neck, gave me a lovely statue of the Good Shepherd, and then read a a framed  proclamation "Pro Caritas Illimitata", thanking Almighty God who has and continues to sustain them as they carry out their mission of service to His poor and disadvantaged people.
It is with that same spirit of joy and humble gratitude that the Congregation gives praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father for those loyal and faithful people who have shared deeply in our life and m ministry through their work and support. It is for this reason that the Congregation of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd incorporates Rev. Vaughan Quinn OMI as an Honorary Companion, entitled to all privileges and spiritual benefits, detailed in the Constitution, and place always in the loving mercy of God and the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Given at Toronto, November 18th 2008, Bro. Justin, General Superior.
The good wishes cards that i found most touching were those who came from the members of the staff none of whom of have been mentioned above. They are Nari and the kitchen workers, the house cleaning staff, and all of those that are the backbone of the community, who never really get much affirmation for the work they do.        

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Gifts for a Companion

Sister Joan many blessings.

Bro Tom with staff members.

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