Ten diocesan priests receive Ten diocesan priests receive Papal honor Papal honor

MSGR. GERARD O. MSGR. GERARD O. SABOURINSABOURIN

► MSGR. GERARD O. SABOURINMSGR. GERARD O. SABOURIN, born on January 11, 1935; ordained on , born on January 11, 1935; ordained on June 4, 1960. June 4, 1960.

► Since his ordination to the priesthood in 1960, Father Sabourin has served Since his ordination to the priesthood in 1960, Father Sabourin has served in pastoral ministry in a number of parishes around the Diocese of in pastoral ministry in a number of parishes around the Diocese of Providence including six years as pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Wickford. Providence including six years as pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Wickford. However, most notably, for forty years he has served as director of the However, most notably, for forty years he has served as director of the diocesan apostolate for handicapped persons. In that ministry, Father diocesan apostolate for handicapped persons. In that ministry, Father Sabourin has been a recognized leader in promoting the best possible Sabourin has been a recognized leader in promoting the best possible quality of life for men and women who suffer from a variety of physical quality of life for men and women who suffer from a variety of physical and emotional handicaps. and emotional handicaps.

► While being director, from 1971 to 1981 Father Sabourin also served as While being director, from 1971 to 1981 Father Sabourin also served as chaplain to Ladd School, a state residential facility for developmentally chaplain to Ladd School, a state residential facility for developmentally challenged children and adults. In recent years he has resided and challenged children and adults. In recent years he has resided and assisted in the direction of a small group home for such individuals. He assisted in the direction of a small group home for such individuals. He has also assumed leadership in the diocesan apostolate to the deaf and has also assumed leadership in the diocesan apostolate to the deaf and hearing impaired. hearing impaired.

► Since 1981 Father Sabourin has been associated with a small parish Since 1981 Father Sabourin has been associated with a small parish mission that he has been instrumental in developing into the Blessed mission that he has been instrumental in developing into the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community. He presently serves as Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community. He presently serves as administrator of the community while continuing as director of the administrator of the community while continuing as director of the apostolate for the handicapped. apostolate for the handicapped.