Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Father Andrew MacDonald of P.E.I., who recently passed away.
To quote Campbell Webster, “His courage no doubt originated with his faith, but perhaps most importantly, he did not allow his faith and courage to be confined by any one institution. He would even denounce his own church, as an institution, if it was not standing with the poor and the oppressed.”
Father MacDonald supported the island's strong Catholic traditions. He was a founder and ongoing member of the Latin American mission program and was its first missionary in the Dominican Republic.
He was a promoter of youth involvement in social issues and fought against social injustice. As often as not, being a fiddler himself, he supported the cause through song and music.
Parishioners were blessed by Father MacDonald's word and touched by his efforts to better the world.
On behalf of the House of Commons, I would like to recognize and thank Father MacDonald for his dedication and his contribution to global society.