3 November 2024
Dear Parishioners and Clergy of the Archdiocese,
I meant to write this letter earlier than this, but I find myself easily distracted these days. I ask forgiveness from Brylle Buenaventura, the focus of this letter.
After his own considerable reflection and prayer, Brylle feels called to present himself as a candidate for priestly ordination in the Diocese of Nelson, BC. You will recall that Brylle came to us in 2022. Due to his particular circumstances, we hired him as a pastoral worker for two years, during which time he could come to know us and our archdiocese, and we him. We assigned him as a parish worker at St. Paul’s Parish, High Prairie, under the mentoring of Father Lawrence Odoemena. He also worked a great feal with Father Victor Ezenwanne in Grouard, Gift Lake, Atikameg and Peavine. Last summer, while I was in therapy in Edmonton, Brylle spoke to me about his feeling called to explore what he felt to be God’s call for him, to serve in the Diocese of Nelson, BC. After exploring this more, I was in touch with the bishop of Nelson, Bishop Greg Bittman. Since the term of Brylle’s work contract with us was up on 31 October, Brylle left our archdiocese on 1 November and is settled in a parish in Kelowna, where he and that diocese will become familiar with each other.
In leaving us, Brylle spoke of his gratitude for being with us for the past two years. There are no bad feelings on either side in his move. He wanted me to know that he will always look forward to those occasions when paths will cross between Grouard-McLennan and Nelson. He stopped by the chancery during a Curia meeting to say goodbye, ask for our blessing, and have a photo op. I pray for God’s continued blessings in his life. May the Lord continue to be at his side as he seeks to fulfil God’s divine will.
Yours sincerely in Christ the Redeemer,
