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Alumnus of the Year 2011

Msgr. André DROUIN, P.H.,
B.Th. 58, M. in Pastoral Studies (Family Studies) 79

It is almost impossible to summarize in one or two pages the numerous accomplishments of Saint Paul University’s Alumnus of the Year 2011. Following in the footsteps of many others who did their utmost to improve society, strengthen the life of the Church, and come to the assistance of those who were impoverished in various ways, Msgr. Drouin exemplifies everything that Saint Paul University wishes to promote.

A native of Ottawa’s Lowertown, André was born on January 4, 1934. His family were parishioners of Notre-Dame Cathedral Parish, where he was baptized. The family was blessed with seven children.

André was educated in various schools in the Archdiocese of Ottawa. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1958, by Archbishop Marie-Joseph Lemieux, OP, who was Archbishop of Ottawa at the time, and was named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in 1996.

Msgr. Drouin`s ministry as a priest was carried out in four different directions simultaneously.

As a diocesan priest, his parish ministry is probably identified mostly with his tenure as pastor of St. Anne`s parish in Ottawa where he spent almost thirty years. In 1995, he was named Regional Vicar (Region I | French-speaking), and during his years of service made it a point to work very closely with his English-speaking counterparts, attending countless meetings and celebrations and participating actively in their activities.

A second dimension is his ministry as a chaplain to a number of groups. Promoted to the rank of Major, he served for twenty years as chaplain of the “Régiment de Hull” as well as chaplain for several Veterans’ groups. He was also Diocesan and National Chaplain of the St. Vincent de Paul Societies in Canada, chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabelle, chaplain at CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) and, in this capacity, worked closely with the Children’s Aid Society.

A third dimension is his intellectual life. In addition to his studies in Philosophy and Theology, Msgr. Drouin also has degrees and graduate certificates in Geography, Catechetics, and Pastoral Studies (Family Studies) (M. 1979). His background knowledge and experience are evident in his carefully prepared homilies and instructions.

But it is probably the fourth dimension of his life that makes him stand out far beyond so many others: his particular care for the sick, the dying, those involved in prostitution, those who are alone without friends, and so many others of God’s favorite people. André is particularly well known for his accompaniment of priests who are dying (to date, some 30 priests), including the Bishop who so many years ago had ordained him a priest, and, also for his care for of persons living with HIV/AIDS. He is there with them, especially when they have no one else to turn to. When he began this form of pastoral ministry, the people he was accompanying usually died within a short period of time. Today, thanks to the advances in medical techniques, he can accompany them ten or more years down the road.

André Drouin exemplifies Saint Paul’s mission: commitment to the local Church; commitment to intellectual research; and commitment to others, especially those who are most abandoned or in special need.

Saint Paul University is indeed proud to name him Alumnus of the Year 2011.