The Peru Gazette

Bishop LaValley greeted Rubin and Monica Remillard

By John T. Ryan

On Sunday, November 7, 2010 St. Augustine’s Parish was honored by the presence of Bishop Terry R. LaValley who was present to celebrate the Diocese of Ogdensburg’s Annual Harvest Mass of Thanksgiving. Farmers, farm workers and the faithful from throughout the North Country made up the large group of people in attendance. Bishop LaValley offered thanks to God for his presence in the products of our farms and prayed for God’s blessing on North Country farmers and their labors. Several local farmers were in attendance including Rubin and Monica Remillard, Jim and Sue Allen and Mason and Joan Forrence. Farmers from other communities also enjoyed the celebration and the beautiful reception in the parish center that followed.

Bishop LaValley personally greeted everyone immediately following the Mass. He appeared to know almost everyone. Many recall that he resided at St. Augustine’s during a summer of his seminary years. Bishop LaValley’s presence in Peru and in Clinton County is an emotional experience for many people. The Bishop grew up in nearby Mooers Forks as a member of St. Ann’s Parish. St. Augustine’s Pastor Reverend Alan Shnob also grew up in St. Ann’s and during Father Shnob’s college years he was Bishop LaValley’s released-time religious education teacher. Reverend Gilbert Menard who until recently resided in Peru is also a Mooers Forks native as was Reverend Francis White who was  St. Augustine’s Pastor from 1971 to 1978. Reverend Dennis Duprey, the Pastor of St. Peter’s Church, in Plattsburgh also claims Mooers Forks as his hometown. Ten priests and at least three women religious grew up in St. Ann’s Parish. Click here for more Harvest celebration photos

Sue and Jim Allen with the Bishop