FATHER BRIEN

While sitting in my classroom in the late 60s! Some mysterious man walked in our class. It was the new priest who was just ordained as a Priest in the Valley of Memramcook.

He had a black hair floe and was carrying aguitar.

His name was Father Emery Brien and we all loved this man. Emery was different from other priests. Hegot a group together and played the drum and guitar inthe Church.

This was very unheard of in those day. It was called - Le Groupe rythmé de Memramcook.

Every Saturday evening, Acadians would attend the service and the main reason was to listen to these performers.

Years later, he would coach kids in hockey. In the early 80s, Father Brien was transferred to Saint Louis de Kent and a huge party <>was held in the valley to say Good bye to this fine Priest.

I might add there wasn’t dry eye in the area.

I visited Emery once or twice while he was station in his new village but after a few years, I lost touch with Father Brien. I heard that he was transferred to the Acadian coast in Nova Scotia.

I remember in the mid 90s, I just happened to be around Yarmouth and just like a blood hound, I located Father Brien.

He was giving a service and the side door of the church was open. There he was giving out the word of the Lord but he looked different. His hair was all white but he was still interesting to listen to.

During these last few years, I once again lost touch with this fine Priest until I began my protest in my tent in front of the Legislature.

I was told that Father Brien was station in the Capital! I just couldn’t believe it! I quickly phoned the Priest and he came to see me. It sure was nice to see my old friend again.

He was the main force of my protest!

As I told Bernard Lord - Father Brien told me that for the Children? I am doing the right thing!

I told Bernard - Alleluia! I have the Lord on my side! If I could have the other Lord on the same side, everything would be perfect.

During the evenings, Father Brien would come and visit me and we would discuss many different issues.

I was curious of his views on the scandal inthe Catholic Church? He reminded me if I recalled he was a hockey coach?

He told me that some Priests abuse their hold on Power. They believe they can get away with almost anything. He told me that many kids came to him for a hug. If the parents are not around, he makes certain there’s no hugging.

He will hug a child if the parents are around.It’s a darn shame that the scandal ruined it for the good Priests!

I soon found out that the life of a Priest isn’t all that great! They’re human just like us and of course they have their bad days but they must always remain in a happy mood!

I’ll never forget the time, he told the story of a couple first born who died soon after brith. Very few little word can be use in a very emotional issue like that one.

Ever since, I found out that Father Brien is located in the Capital? I have been going to church for the past one year and a half and I really enjoy my stay in the Church!

Father Brien invites the kids over to his table to say the prayer - Our
Father in Heaven and this makes it more interesting for the kids.

Once it comes time to preach to the audience? He doesn’t stay out front. He walks around the church and preached to the kids and ADULTS.

So why did I decide to write about this Priest you asked?

On Dec 19th, it would mark the 40th anniversarythat Father Emery Brien was ordained as a Priest!

I just can’t believe how times fly!

As I told Father Brien a few months ago- If I would have told him in the late 70s that one day, he’ll be stationed in Fredericton. What would havebeen his answer?

We presume that he would have said - You must be nuts!

What the odds of me being in the Capital fighting against these bureaucrats and my best friend would be the Priest! Sure makes a person wonder? What a big different since the first day that he walked into mylife in the late 60s!

I pray that Father Brien will be around for many years to come! He is truly one of the best!