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Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010
Week of April 15, 2002
Joyful Oblate supported Cursillo movement
By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton
Father Clement Richer, pastor, two-term provincial of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (Grouard Province) and spiritual director of renewal movements, died on Good Friday.
Richer, 82, was providing assistance in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan for Holy Week.
In his priestly ministry, he served in the following parishes: Falher, Girouxville, Wanham, Spirit River, Guy, Jean Cote, Marie Reine, Valleyview and Fort Vermilion.
Although he retired from active ministry in 1989, he continued his involvement in the Cursillo movement while living in St. Albert in the following 10 years.
"He was doing an excellent job in presenting the teachings of the Church. And I learned from him."- Archbishop Arthe Guimond of Grouard McLennan |
Archbishop Arthe Guimond of Grouard McLennan had the opportunity to work with him in Cursillo.
"He introduced me to the movement and I began giving Cursillo myself," Guimond told the WCR.
The archbishop said Richer was a joyful person and pleasant to work with.
"He was doing an excellent job in presenting the teachings of the Church.
"And I learned from him. It's been a very positive experience," Guimond said.
"Thanks to him I had the opportunity to give Cursillo. It's been a tremendous encouragement to me.
"I still give Cursillo and I enjoy doing it."
Born in Riviere-Qui-Barre, Alberta, on Feb. 23, 1920, Richer received his education in Donnelly and at Juniorate St. Jean in Edmonton.
He joined the Oblates in 1940 and was ordained a priest in 1946.
Oblate Provincial Father Camille Piche told the WCR, "Father Richer was insisting on continuing to serve even though he was already 81 years old."
The week Richer died, he was invited to Girouxville to help with Holy Week celebrations.
Richer attended the Chrism Mass, celebrated the Last Supper Mass on Holy Thursday in Fahler.
On Good Friday afternoon, he was expected to lead the Way of the Cross at Fahler.
"He didn't show up. They checked to see if there was something wrong.
"They found him dead in the rectory," said Piche.
The energetic Richer died among his people, the people he served all his life.
Piche recalls him as being "full of energy and apostolic zeal."
Richer will be remembered for his ministry among the francophones, the native people and the Cursillo movement.
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