One of the highlights of the OCADL 2009 Annual Convocation was the dinner speech by the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Chaplain General of Canada, Deacon Padre Lawrence D. MacIsaac. Most of us had little or no understanding of the way the permanent deacons serve in the Canadian Forces, and were captivated by the generous and dedicated service these men provide to our women and men serving Canada throughout the world in conditions of extreme danger. Colonel MacIsaac is Principal Chaplain and director of priest-chaplains and deacon-chaplains from every faith, as well as two imams and four rabbis. In 2007, he was awarded an honourary Doctor of Divinity by the Atlantic School of Theology for the leadership he provided in transforming the Canadian Forces Chaplaincy into one of the most ecumenical and interfaith chaplaincies in the world. Yet as every other deacon does, he strives “not to be served, but to serve”.

Padre MacIsaac illustrated his stories with touching pictures of the chaplains, soldiers and people of the area. This was the first time that a representative of the military ordinariate attended OCADL, and we all benefitted from his presence and contributions.

Padre Colonel Deacon MacIsaac describes a tour of duty in Afghanistan at OCADL 2009