A Basilian priest passionate for prayer, renewal

Fr. Watrin serves as chaplain for John Paul II Bible School

- WCR photo by Ramon Gonzalez Basilian Fr. Clair Watrin enjoys his new position as chaplain of John Paul II Bible School.

By RAMON GONZALEZ
Western Catholic Reporter
Radway

At 76, an age when most priests are retired, Father Clair Watrin is just changing jobs.

Three months ago, the charismatic Basilian priest was appointed chaplain of the John Paul II Bible School, a job that involves celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and providing spiritual direction for the school’s nine students.

He also teaches the sacraments at the Bible school.

Watrin, who will celebrate 50 years as a priest June 28, 2009, has impeccable credentials for the position of chaplain.

Multi-faceted career

He has served as a high school teacher, chaplain at the University of Lethbridge, founder of the live-in spiritual movement, leader of the charismatic renewal movement, parish pastor in Ontario and Saskatchewan for a decade and missionary priest in St. Lucia for 15 years.

When he returned from St. Lucia a year ago, he was named chaplain of the Bible School in Bruno, Sask. And if that wasn’t enough, Watrin also led retreats and gave missions, something he would like to do more often.

Born in Hay River, Alta., Watrin did his high school in Calgary at St. Mary’s Boys School.

He first thought of the priesthood in Grade 9.

“I just thought it would be a good way to go to heaven,” he recalled.

The thought didn’t last, and in Grade 12 the young lad decided to go to military college instead.

He was set to leave, ticket in hand, when a Basilian priest said to him, “I thought you were going to become a Basilian.”

A change of plans

That’s all it took for Watrin to change his mind again. He cancelled his military college plans and joined the Basilians at the young age of 20. He did his novitiate along with 15 other young men at Richmond Hill, just 25 km north of Toronto.

Three years later — after getting his degree in philosophy — Watrin began teaching high school in Toronto. He taught for two years and then went into the seminary to study for the priesthood.

A renewal of the renewal

Watrin became involved with the charismatic renewal movement in the late 1960s and started the live-in retreats in Lethbridge in the early 1970s.

Both movements — along with the John Paul II Bible School — seem to be in decline these days, their numbers seriously reduced.

“There is a need for a renewal of the renewal,” he said.

Setbacks aside, Watrin still enjoys his priesthood, which he said is marked by a healthy and happy relationship with the Lord.

“No matter what happens, it’s a joy to pray,” he says.

“What motivates me is the joy of the Lord and the joy of serving him.”

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