History of The Centre

What is the story behind the Centre?

Since 1963, Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre has been used by over 18,000 couples for marriage enrichment and marriage preparation. Thousands have participated in retreat programs. Queen of Apostles was the vision of Fr. Michael Smith, OMI. He wanted to build a place that would meet the needs of married couples as well as individuals. In 1961, the Oblate Fathers Assumption Province purchased 13 acres in what is now southern Mississauga. The Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate was founded in France by Fr. Eugene de Mazenod in 1816. The first Oblates arrived in Canada in 1841 and devoted their apostolic efforts among the First Nations peoples in the west and Inuit of the far north.

Since then, Oblates have built churches, established educational institutions like Ottawa University and seven retreat centres. Today, Oblates are engaged in every type of ministry and apostolic work in every region across Canada.

Queen of Apostles is one of the few facilities in Canada meeting the practical and spiritual needs of married couples on a scheduled basis. It has also become the favored meeting place for many Christian organizations.

Mission

What is the mission of the Centre?

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre is under the direction of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of Assumption Province, a Roman Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers. The Oblate mission impels us to focus our resources on the needs of those whose condition cries out most urgently for spiritual renewal and healing. We are committed to foster strong couple relationship in marriage. As well, it is important to us to nurture a holistic spiritual development of individuals who seek to improve the quality of their life with God. We embrace the full participation and collaboration of laity and religious in our Oblate apostolate and the complementarity of men and women collaborating as equals.

Queen of Apostles is an ecumenical centre, a place of warm hospitality. For all who search for the meaning and understanding of life in our consumer oriented society our centre is a safe haven, holy ground.