PRESS RELEASE June 7, 2005

On Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., the Archdiocese of Ottawa will hold its annual Diocesan Feast Day. This years celebration will allow the clergy and faithful to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of our Archbishop, His Grace Marcel Gervais. The Archbishops fellow bishops, friends and family have all been invited to attend. This special celebration will be presided by the Most Rev. Marcel Gervais, Archbishop of Ottawa, at Notre Dame Cathedral (Sussex Drive and St-Patrick Street).

The celebration of the Eucharist will be preceded by a procession of parish representatives bearing banners from all the parishes and missions of the diocese. A reception will follow in Cathedral Hall after the Mass. All are invited to attend.

Should you wish to interview the Archbishop prior to this event, please contact Gilles Ouellette at 738-5025, ext. 238. The Archbishop will not be available for interviews on the day of the celebration.

We provide you with some biographical information which might prove to be helpful.

Motto: "Evangelizare"

Birth: Sept. 21, 1931 at Elie, Manitoba
Parents: Frédéric Pierre Gervais; Marie Louise Beaudry
Ordination to Priesthood: May 31, 1958
Ordination to Episcopate: June 11, 1980
Studies: - Angelicum Athenaeum Pontifical Institute, Rome, 1958-1959;
- Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, 1959-1960;
- École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem, 1960-1961
1962-1976: Professor of Sacred Scriptures at St. Peter Seminary, London
1974-1980: Director of Divine Word at the International Centre of Religious Education, London
1977-1980: Publication of the "Journey" program, 40 lessons on the Bible
1980-1985: Auxiliary Bishop of London, Ontario
May 8, 1985: Bishop of Sault Ste-Marie
June 21, l989: Coadjutor Archbishop of Ottawa
Sept. 27, 1989: Archbishop of Ottawa
June 29, 1990: Bestowal of the Pallium by his Holiness Pope John Paul II
1991-1993: President, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Archbishop Gervais is presently President of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (Canada) and of NET Ministries.

For further information: Gilles Ouellette, 738-5025, ext. 238