Dear Friend,
One of the most difficult things in a Priest’s life is saying good-bye. As you know, Priests are called to experience many facets of the Church and so we are often asked to take on new ministries. I am saddened to say that it is now my turn to move on. This will be my last letter in OBLATES Magazine.

As you will read in the following pages, I have accepted a new retreat ministry assignment located in Buffalo, Minnesota. I know that I will forever carry in my heart the Oblate mission of spiritual enrichment and service to the poor.

During my time in Belleville, my goal has been to help promote the vision of St. Eugene De Mazenod when he established our order of missionaries over 200 years ago. As I move on to my new assignment, I’m passing this mission on to my fellow Oblates, Fr. Greg Gallagher and Fr. John Madigan, who you will read about in this issue (pg. 8). I am sure you will welcome them with the same open arms that you offered me when I came here more than 10 years ago.

Thank you for being such compassionate and generous friends through the years. You have helped thousands of our faithful brothers and sisters in Christ by supporting our missions in some of the most destitute regions of the world. My fellow Oblates are relying on your continued prayers and support to keep our worldwide ministries alive.

In the coming months, I will be helping Fr. Madigan and Fr. Gallagher transition into their new ministries here. I plan on returning to the Shrine every now and then, which is why, rather than saying good-bye, I will tell you that I will keep you in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers, until we meet again. I hope you will do the same for me.

May the Lord bless you and keep you always,

Fr. Louis Studer, O.M.I.