Franciscan Friar Offers Pastoral Care to a Northern Community

Moosonee

Friar Ed Debono lives in Kingston, Ontario – a historic town at the source of the St. Lawrence River on the other side of which lies Cape Vincent, New York.

Some time ago Bishop Vincent Cadieux asked Friar Ed to assist in pastoral duties in Moosonee. Moosonee is also in Ontario, but located in the province’s far north, near James Bay. To reach Moosonne one can either take a train or fly. No roads lead to the town. Its population of 1500 souls is mostly Cree.

Life in Moosonne differs from life in the south in many ways. For the local Cree people hunting is a way of life and not a pastime. Delivery of various products from the south keeps prices high. But as always the community strives onwards.

Friar Ed Debono

During his time in Moosonee, Friar Ed kept very busy. He visited the local school, held a Mass, baptized six people, and also officiated a funeral. The people of Moosonee welcomed him heartily and left him with many pleasant memories.