Our Roots
The Companions of the Cross trace their roots back to January of 1984 when four men began to meet on a weekly basis. The group comprised a priest, Fr. Robert Bedard, a seminarian, and two others who were planning to enter the seminary that September. Initially, the primary purpose of the group was to provide mutual spiritual support. Nothing further was foreseen. Over the course of the next year, however, as the men remained faithful to their weekly gathering, a sense began to develop that God had additional plans.
As of May 1985, it seemed clear that they were to become a distinct community
of priests. By this time, a vision for ministry had crystallized to the
point that they felt they had a fairly good idea of what they were to
say "yes" to. The foundation of their 'vision' can be
delineated as participation in the renewal of the Church through an effective
evangelization founded on looking to the Cross - the power and wisdom
of God. Concretely this entails:
(1) trusting in the Lord and giving him
permission to move as he pleases; seeking his wisdom, his "now"
word, and waiting upon it, with proper discernment, not making any major
moves without it;
(2) profound openness to the Holy Spirit, the power
of God, and the various ministry gifts through which the Church is empowered;
a strong conviction that God desires to touch and inflame the lives of
all his people;
(3) the renewal of the Church through the renewal of the
person. Personal conversion, discipleship, empowerment, and 'calling
forth" of individuals to ministry comprise the chief strategy for
renewal. Social and institutional changes will flow more easily from a
renewed people. Personal conversion is the necessary first step.
The components of this vision included: a fully Catholic spirituality imbued with an evangelical heart and Pentecostal fire; surrender to the Lordship of Jesus; adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit; evangelization; consecration to Jesus through Mary; fidelity to the Magisterium; simplicity of lifestyle; some form of community; concern for the poor; ministry and hospitality to priests and seminarians.
Fr. Bob Bedard's project was, in response to God's call and initiative, to establish a community of priests to address their human and spiritual needs, and especially to provide for mutual support, in a common life and ministry, and thus to fulfill the intentions as formulated above.
In January 1988, after having reviewed the proposed statutes, then Archbishop J. A. Plourde of Ottawa granted the Companions of the Cross recognition as a public clerical association of the faithful according to the norms of Canons 302, 312 and following.
In June 1994, the Most Reverend Marcel Gervais, current Archbishop, and
other diocesan officials met with the Companions of the Cross. There being
sufficient evidence of a distinct charism, the Archbishop of Ottawa agreed
to allow the Companions to move towards becoming a Society of Apostolic
Life. For the next several years the Companions engaged in a community
wide process of articulating new constitutions and rule, which spell out
the vision of the community its nature, purpose and organization. These
constitutions and rules were eventually submitted to the Holy See in Rome
for approval. Canonical approval came from Rome in the Fall of 2002. This
provided Archbishop Marcel Gervais with the necessary means to formally
establish the Companions of the Cross as a new Society of Apostolic Life
during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at Notre Dame Basilica on
May 2nd 2003. The Companions give thanks to God for this milestone moment
in their history.
The Companions believe that the best years are yet to
come. Now that we are “official” we believe the Lord can anoint
our ministry and life with even greater graces. Deo Gratias!
