OUR LADY OF VICTORY MISSION
ON GABRIOLA ISLAND
A Brief History
In the 1920s, priests from Kuper Island began visiting Gabriola Island to offer Mass in private homes. In 1925, under the guidance of Fr. DeWeerts S.M.M., the DeMontfort Fathers took on the task of building a church. The site was generously donated by John Silva, a 40-year resident of Gabriola Island, who also provided logs for the construction of the 40' x 20' church. Dan McConvey contributed his labor, while Mr. DeLong donated funds and pews.
The Women’s Auxiliary played a vital role by providing altar linens and other essentials for the Mass. Community members contributed through donations of paintings, money, and labor. In 1926, a half-acre of land was formally purchased from John Silva for just $1.00, marking the completion of the Log Church's home.
On July 19, 1926, the mission boat "Maris Stella" (Star of the Sea) embarked on its maiden voyage along the East coast of Vancouver Island, carrying the Right Reverend Bishop O'Donnell of Victoria. Despite a stiff headwind, the boat reached Gabriola Island at 9 AM, where the Bishop blessed and officially opened the new church. During the ceremony, he sprinkled the walls with Holy Water and led the congregation in prayer, dedicating the church and altar to God.
The newly constructed church, built of logs, harmoniously blended with its surroundings. Not only was it solid, but it also captured the community's spirit beautifully.
In 2005, the re-dedication of "Our Lady of Victory Mission" took place, celebrating 80 years since the church’s establishment. The Most Reverend Bishop Richard Gagnon officiated the event, joined by Reverend Dariusz Zarebski, the Parish Priest of St. Peter's in Nanaimo. The congregation had worked tirelessly to refurbish the church and its grounds, creating a welcoming space for worship.
During the re-dedication Mass, Bishop Gagnon blessed the church and its altar, draping it with linen in preparation for the Eucharist. After Mass, he led the congregation in song to the grotto, which he blessed with Holy Water from Lourdes, acknowledging the community’s efforts and the hope that the gardens would serve as a place for meditation and prayer.
Mass Times
2nd Sunday per month at 2:30 PM
In the 1920s, priests from Kuper Island began visiting Gabriola Island to offer Mass in private homes. In 1925, under the guidance of Fr. DeWeerts S.M.M., the DeMontfort Fathers took on the task of building a church. The site was generously donated by John Silva, a 40-year resident of Gabriola Island, who also provided logs for the construction of the 40' x 20' church. Dan McConvey contributed his labor, while Mr. DeLong donated funds and pews.
The Women’s Auxiliary played a vital role by providing altar linens and other essentials for the Mass. Community members contributed through donations of paintings, money, and labor. In 1926, a half-acre of land was formally purchased from John Silva for just $1.00, marking the completion of the Log Church's home.
On July 19, 1926, the mission boat "Maris Stella" (Star of the Sea) embarked on its maiden voyage along the East coast of Vancouver Island, carrying the Right Reverend Bishop O'Donnell of Victoria. Despite a stiff headwind, the boat reached Gabriola Island at 9 AM, where the Bishop blessed and officially opened the new church. During the ceremony, he sprinkled the walls with Holy Water and led the congregation in prayer, dedicating the church and altar to God.
The newly constructed church, built of logs, harmoniously blended with its surroundings. Not only was it solid, but it also captured the community's spirit beautifully.
In 2005, the re-dedication of "Our Lady of Victory Mission" took place, celebrating 80 years since the church’s establishment. The Most Reverend Bishop Richard Gagnon officiated the event, joined by Reverend Dariusz Zarebski, the Parish Priest of St. Peter's in Nanaimo. The congregation had worked tirelessly to refurbish the church and its grounds, creating a welcoming space for worship.
During the re-dedication Mass, Bishop Gagnon blessed the church and its altar, draping it with linen in preparation for the Eucharist. After Mass, he led the congregation in song to the grotto, which he blessed with Holy Water from Lourdes, acknowledging the community’s efforts and the hope that the gardens would serve as a place for meditation and prayer.
Mass Times
2nd Sunday per month at 2:30 PM
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