February 26, 2009
The appointment of Catholic priest Fr Lester Mendonca as Military Chaplain to the Canadian Forces at their Educational Training base at Borden, Ontario, is indeed a great honour for Canadians and immigrants of Indian origin in Canada. This is indeed an awesome moment for all Indians (and Mangaloreans).
Fr Lester Mendonca who is also a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, was ordained in Ontario in 1992 by the Vicar Apostolic of Arabia Bishop B Gremoli. His family has been in Canada since nearly three decades. As an incardinated member of the Vicariate of Arabia, he has served as assistant parish priest in Bahrain (1993-1997), in Muscat (1997-2002) and as parish priest in Qatar (2002-2005). Fr Lester was sent to Rome to complete his seminary studies at the Urban College of Propaganda Fide where he completed his doctoral dissertation in Biblical Theology many years later. Fluent in Italian, French, Urdu and Arabic, Fr Lester brings a lot of freshness into his pastoral ministry.
As a parishioner of his in Muscat, my family and many others and their children can bear testimony to his ministry. In 2006 he was sent to Canada, by the Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, Msgr Paul Hinder to fulfill the objectives set before him.
After having obtained permission from the Public Affairs Department of the Canadian Forces Borden for an interview, representing www.daijiworld.com - I had the unique opportunity to engage him in an informal conversation. Here are some excerpts:
Fr Lester, could you brief the readers about your movements in Canada?
In Canada, I thought that I could use the time to update and upgrade my pastoral skills with an eye on the changing pastoral needs of the expatriate population in the Vicariate of Arabia. To this end, I was able to complete many healthcare related counseling courses with an emphasis on chaplaincy skills.
Could you give me a brief description about chaplaincy and counselling skills?
Chaplaincy with counseling skills is an avenue that is special to North America and the developed countries. The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (www.nacc.org), the Association of College and University Chaplains (www.nacuc.net) and the Canadian Association of Practical and Pastoral Education (www.cappe.org) were instrumental in helping me realize how a Catholic priest could reach out to all believers and be a witness of Christ to them.
What is the role of a priest in a military base in Canada?
In a military chaplaincy culture, the role of the chaplain or 'Padre' (as one is called) is essential. Our primary function is to provide religious and spiritual ministrations to all members of the Canadian Forces (CF) and their families regardless of religious affiliation. The Chaplain becomes a viable link between the ranks and has access to every junior or senior rank member, and this is a privilege. In brief, a chaplain does not carry arms but is a constant source of moral and spiritual strength. The CF chaplaincy branch in its wisdom and vision consequently sees trained multi-faith personnel as a step forward to fulfilling the growing spiritual and morale needs of her members.
What are the required qualifications to become a Canadian military chaplain?
To become a chaplain in the CF, the minimum requirements are to be ordained or mandated by a nationally registered faith group and to have both the Bachelors of Arts and the Masters of Divinity degree (or equivalent). Applicants must provide evidence of support of their application from their local ecclesiastical authority. They must receive support from a representative on the Inter-faith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC), the endorsement of the ICCMC and the mandate/approval of the Chaplain General. The ICCMC normally expects applicants to have 2 years experience in a civilian ministry. Applicants will be expected to meet CF physical and medical standards and go through a CF and branch selection process, and that includes tests, interviews and an acceptance board.
Canadian military chaplains are presently Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish. It is however open to persons of other faiths as well. It is proud to have among its members, chaplains who are monks, ordained pastors, pastoral associates and even deacons from all over Canada. The first Muslim chaplain was enrolled in 2003 and is a good colleague of mine, here in Borden and at the Chaplaincy School. Whether you are married or single and regardless of age, if you meet the requirements for a chaplain, your application will be considered.
What is your present role as a chaplain?
Presently as chaplain to 16 Wing -one of the Air Force units at CFB Borden - I assume the pastoral and counseling responsibilities for CF air force members. This is indeed an awesome position to fill. On the weekends, I celebrate Masses in French and in English for the Catholic members of the CF and their families, and also provide Sacramental education to the many children and youth in the three schools on the base.
Any fitness requirement to become eligible as a chaplain?
Fitness is essential to a balanced state of mind and body and this is why the CF provides every member with all the necessary facilities and benefits from healthcare, to a fully furnished gym, courts, pools and recreation centers. Moreover, the chaplain also has the ability to learn military skills and other ‘tricks of the trade’ typical of the military and chaplaincy areas. All of this is done in a professional atmosphere with a dedicated staff of military personnel. The skills taught also include confidence building, repelling off of high walls and helicopter skids and leadership training during winter and non-winter field exercises. Chaplains are required to pass the physical tests required by their units.
Could you tell me about the facilities in the Military Training School?
CFB Borden is Canada’s largest military training base. It is home to several CF units and schools which train or support training to officers and non-commissioned members at every rank in many army, air force and navy trades. Included among CFB Borden’s schools is the Canadian Forces Chaplain School and Centre.
In addition to the units and schools, CFB Borden has multiple indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, a military family resource centre, both French and English elementary schools, a museum, a library and extensive outdoor training areas.
St Joseph’s Chapel is a place where Masses are held for the Catholics and at the Trinity Chapel, services are held for the Protestants. We also have a Multi-faith prayer room for non-Christian believers.
Are you fully content with the present pastoral responsibilities?
I thank among others, my own Bishop, Msgr Paul Hinder, for his consent to enable me to be here and for his solidarity to serve the people of God, beyond faith boundaries as a Catholic priest. This experience is very enriching as well as humbling.
What is your message for readers of www.dajiworld.com?
I encourage the many young adults in Canada, whether you are single or married, priest or lay - to look at the Military Chaplaincy (air, land or sea) vocation and profession closely, as it is open to all faiths as long as the requirements are met. You can always contact the Chaplaincy branch at http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/cfcb-bsafc/index-eng.asp for more information. Whomever you speak with will be very helpful.