Milestone ordination anniversaries marked in June: Fr. Phaneuf and Msgr. Senger celebrate 60 years as priests in the diocese of Saskatoon

Four priests of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon -- who were all ordained in the month of June -- were among those attending a grand opening celebration for Columbian Village in Saskatoon June 19 (left to right): Fr. Michel Bedard (ordained 51 years ago on June 28, 1974), Msgr Raymond Senger (ordained 60 years ago on June 5, 1965), Fr. Denis Phaneuf (ordained 60 years ago on June 5, 1965), and Fr. Emile April (ordained 58 years ago on June 3, 1967). Ordained on the same day in 1965, Msgr. Senger and Fr. Phaneuf were guests of honour at 60th anniversary celebrations June 8 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Posted By: Kiply Lukan Yaworski June 26, 2025

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Two priests ordained for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on June 5, 1965, celebrated their milestone anniversary at come-and-go events held on Pentecost Sunday, June 8 in two adjacent buildings.

Fr. Denis Phaneuf and Msgr. Raymond Senger were ordained together by Bishop Francis Klein at St. Paul Co-Cathedral in Saskatoon 60 years ago, and a tea for each retired priest was held on the same day — for Fr. Phaneuf at Columbian Village and for Fr. Senger at neighbouring Columbian Manor.

Friends, former parishioners, colleagues, neighbours, and well-wishers stopped by at the afternoon receptions for both Phaneuf and Senger.

Photos:

Fr. Denis Phaneuf (right) celebrated his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination at Columbian Village, with many guests and visitors stopping by the come-and-go tea held June 8, including Knights of Columbus members Adrien Piche (left), and Bob Jeanneau (centre).

Msgr. Raymond Senger (left) celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination with many visitors and guests stopping by to bring greetings, including Fr. Daniel Yasinski, and Knights of Columbus past State Deputy Joe Riffel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Denis Phaneuf visits with some of those who attended his 60th anniversary tea June 8 at Columbian Village. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Msgr. Raymond Senger gives a blessing to one of the guests at his 60th anniversary tea June 8 at Columbian Manor. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Anniversary tea for Fr. Phaneuf at Columbian Village June 8. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Anniversary tea for Msgr. Senger at Columbian Manor June 8. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Milestone celebrations in 2025

Other milestone ordination anniversaries this year among clergy in the diocese include:

  • 60 years – Fr. Paul Fachet, OMI (Dec. 12 , 1965)
  • 50 years – Fr. Ken Beck (April 26, 1975) and Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando (June 29, 1975)
  • 35 years – Bishop Mark Hagemoen (May 12, 1990)
  • 30 years – Fr. David Tumback and Fr. Rheal Bussiere (both ordained on June 23, 1995)
  • 25 years – Fr. Jerome Ogunleye (Aug. 3, 2000)
  • 20 years – Fr. Bassim Shoni (May 27, 2005) and Fr. Paul Oshin (Aug. 5, 2005)
  • 15 years – Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo (July 10, 2010) and Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu (Aug, 21, 2010)
  • 10 years – Fr. Prince Sarpong (July 18, 2015) and Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor (June 19, 2015)