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Ceremony will honour Father Pucci 7 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, May 7, 2009 Continued from page 3 Pucci is proud that he was able to have the same effect as his teachers did. Today, the boundaries are roughly the same, but the once predominantly Italian congregation is now mostly Portuguese, though it is representative of 30 different nationalities and languages, said Pucci. As the Italian-speaking congregation had sought an Italian-speaking priest, Pucci said Predelli not only spoke perfect English, but also Italian, French and German. "He was a bright man," said Pucci. St. James still holds one of its Sunday masses in Italian and Pucci said the third generation parishioners of those first Italian immigrants have dubbed it the mass of the grandparents. Pucci admits Oakville has changed over the years, recalling when it was a town of 35,000 and there was never a real need to lock doors -- and the time he found a young man sleeping in his car, the advent of drugs among youths, the growth of the town and the changes in society. Though Pucci still travels to Italy and will do so later this year, and his extended family members have stayed in Italy rather than come to the U.S. or Canada, he said, "Now I feel more at home here than in Genoa." The children of his late sister Julia -- Pucci's niece, Tulia and nephew, Marco, both of whom are in their 60s, will attend Pucci's celebration Saturday. Bishop Anthony Tonnos, of the Diocese of Hamilton is also expected to be in attendance. "Among all the parishes in Oakville, St. James is one that has a feeling of community. The people, being so different from others in the community, bonded. They needed each other. When people are more the same, there is less togetherness," said Pucci. And though there may have been times when Pucci questioned his calling to the priesthood, he has always been steadfast. While a priest may do many things, it is their first duty to consecrate the Eucharist, that is the link to, indeed foundation of, Christianity. And while many priests did question their vocation after the Vatican Council II, Pucci is encouraged by the fact that the active backlash against the Church and religion that exists elsewhere in the world, does not exist here. Pucci, who outlines concern about youth suicide, notes young people must be imbued with greater fortitude to withstand challenge and sacrifice. Pucci says religion must be a vehicle to good rather than hold punitive power, if one fails to meet certain standards or doctrines. Pucci remained at St. James until 1990. He returned to Lewiston, New York, spent some time in Pennsylvania and in the Philippines, but returned to St. James in his retirement. Although he's officially retired, Pucci still brings communion to the sick at the hospital and celebrates mass at the parish. For information about Saturday's celebration or the parish, contact the rectory at 905845-3603. It's the best way to truly experience an inspired community of active adults too busy to act retired. Our hotel style service, refined dining, daily events and activities will let you know first hand why you'd feel old living anywhere else. Call for free trial stay details. Call today for details, or just drop by and stay for a while or the day! (905) 469-3232 www.delmanor.com 1459 Nottinghill Gate west of Dorval, off Upper Middle FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED - NO WHOLESELLERS PLEASE PONTIAC SELL DOWN TO CHOOSE FROM EXPLOSIVE 10 V6, 5-speed auto., 16" alloys, power everything, OnStar, 4-wheel disc brakes, AM/FM/CD, carbon black with ebony interior. Stk. #ST99. M.S.R.P. $29,855 New 2009 Pontiac Torrent FINANCING 0% ACADIAS IN-STOCK MONTHS 21 72 New 2009 TOFROM CHOOSE G5 Sedan M.S.R.P. $21,625 Automatic, A/C, remote climate start, CD/AM/FM, ABS brakes, power window & locks, 16" alloy wheels & more. Stk. #P257. $18,999* OR $167 Cash Purchase Price Bi-Weekly $1000 Pontiac Owner Loyalty 5 Year 160,000kms Warranty Student Bonus Program $500 Voucher Included with Purchase $13,999* OR $129 Weekly Cash Purchase Price Bi- New 2009 G5 Coupe SE M.S.R.P. $21,625 *Sale prices are plus freight and A/C tax, admin., etch and license plus GST & PST. Cash prices include $1000 Pontiac loyalty. KERR CADILL AC Between 3rd Line and Dorval Drive P O N T I AC B U I C K G M C OPTIMUM USED VEHICLES Serving the Surrounding Community for 39 years 6 POWER SUNROOF, REMOTE START, REAR 110V OUTLET, 19" ALLOY RIMS, POWER LIFT GATE, REAR PARKING ASSIST, TRAILER TOWING PKG. STK# X1426 MSRP 2009 GMC ACADIA SLT ISB AWD 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE CXL AWD DIAMOND WHITE, POWER SUNROOF, DVD, 19" ALLOY RIMS, TRAILER TOWING PKG. BUCKET SEATS. STK#X1438 $ 410 South Service Rd., Oakville 905.845.1681 AVERAGE SALE PRICE $ 52,875 43,429 * $ 39,999 NO FREIGHT CHARGES! OUR SALE P CE UR PRICE ENCLAVES IN-STOCK 2 MSRP $ AVERAGE SALE PRICE $ ACADIA AND ENCLAVE ARE GM EMPLOYEE PURCHASES. 60,035 49,500 * $ 45,888 NO FREIGHT CHARGES! OUR SALE PRICE