Madam Speaker, there are very few in Montreal's English-speaking community who did not know Father John Walsh. His sudden passing last week was devastating news to the many thousands of people whose lives he touched.
Father John was a priest for 53 years. He served as a pastor, curate, chaplain, professor and biblical scholar. He spent decades serving local parishes, including St. Monica's in NDG and St. John Brebeuf in Lasalle, but in his lifetime he did so much more.
He co-founded the Procure Walk of Courage to fight prostate cancer. He spent years working to help Montreal's homeless. His 40-year association with the Nazareth Community led to the third Nazareth house being called John's House in his honour.
He was a champion of bringing communities together and devoted his life to building bridges between Christians, Jews, Muslims and first nations. He was a member of the Order of Canada, a great Canadian and a true Montrealer.
He will be sorely missed.