Archbishop's back to regular duties and feeling well

Archbishop Raymond Roussin, SM, says he is glad to be back to full duties again after several months of recuperation.

Jeff Graham / The B.C. Catholic

The archbishop met with about 125 priests of the archdiocese at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Coquitlam Wednesday before returning to his office Thursday.

Throughout the Catholic Charities building at 150 Robson St., staff from various offices welcomed him back to his day-to-day activities and wished him well.

Archbishop Roussin announced late last year that he would be taking time away from the office to deal with clinical depression, and he said the massive support he received locally as well as from elsewhere was a huge factor in his recovery.

He will be making some changes to his schedule, trying to fit into his calendar more visits with the faithful, and in particular to parishes, schools, hospitals, and inner-city service apostolates.

Speaking to the priests, he admitted the past few months have been a challenge, not only for him but for others who his illness has affected. “There is no doubt about it, this past year has been most difficult for me, and I dare say that it has been hard for you in many ways. I do regret this very much.”

He assured them, however, that the experience has been worthwhile and he is feeling better. “My months of rest and treatment were profoundly needed and thus welcome. They helped in my healing.”

He used the opportunity to speak of the ways in which the experience had affected him spiritually. “I have always preached the Way of Christ, which ultimately brings us to His Cross and resurrection,” he said. He has also often prayed to the Blessed Virgin, asking that she form him in the image of Christ. “These last months helped enormously to refocus my life on Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ specifically present to all I live, to all we live.”

From the day he announced his illness the archdiocese was flooded from around the world with assurances of prayer. He stressed the importance of those prayers in his recovery and asked that they continue. “I am most grateful to the many people here in the archdiocese and beyond who have prayed for me during this time,” he said, adding that he has tried to return the favour as much as he could.

Initially he plans to work at his office two to three days a week, and to do visitation within the archdiocese the remainder of the week.