Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

On July 26, 2008, in Watertown, NY, two MSC priests celebrated jubilee anniversaries of ordination. Father Mark McDonald, MSC, currently the Superior General of the worldwide MSC congregation, celebrated his 40th anniversary, and Father Pierre Aubin, MSC, Local Superior of the MSC community in New York, celebrated his 50th anniversary. A special Mass was held at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, in Watertown, NY. Fr. Joseph Jablonski, MSC (Provincial Superior) was the homilist and there were several concelebrants including local clergy and MSC from both the USA and Canadian Provinces. Mass was followed by a dinner celebration at North Side Hall. Fr. McDonald is originally from Watertown and is a member of the USA Province, but as Superior General spends most of his time in Rome (or traveling to visit the MSC communities in the 54 countries in which we serve). We were very happy that we had the chance to celebrate with him here in the USA.

Fr. Aubin is fluent in French and holds several degrees including a Bachelor's of Education, a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, and a Master's in Mathematics. One of his first assignments was as a teacher, first at the MSC seminary and then at a high school in Watertown, NY. He founded the Sacred Heart Foundation in 1967, and served on its Board of Directors until this year. Fr. Aubin has also co-authored two books: Agencies for Project Assistance and Divided Loyalties. He currently serves both as the Local Superior of the MSC community in New York and as the pastor of The Catholic Community of Cape Vincent, Rosiere and Chaumont.

Before being elected Superior General of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 2005, Fr. McDonald served as pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Watertown, NY. He has also served as Provincial Superior of the MSC USA Province and served for over 10 years in the missions in Colombia. He holds both a Bachelor's and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and, in addition to English, is fluent in Spanish, French and Italian.

Congratulations to Fr. Mark and Fr. Pierre on your many years of ministry. Thank you for your wonderful service to the Church and her people!