I am Dieudonné Bigirimana, a Dominican brother since 2010. I entered the Order in 2009 in Rwanda, my homeland, where my journey of faith first took root. After completing my novitiate, I pursued philosophical and theological studies across Africa, before continuing my formation at the Dominican University College in Ottawa, Canada.
On May 5th, 2019, I was ordained to the priesthood in Ottawa. For this gift of priesthood, I chose as my motto the words of Saint Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).
Looking back, indeed, I recognize myself as a student in the same school as the Apostle. Life has taught me, again and again, that the Lord’s grace is not a distant promise, but a present strength, sufficient hour by hour for every fear and fragility.
Born into a Christian family, I was raised in the Catholic faith by parents whose example of prayer and integrity quietly nourished my vocation. Yet, throughout my discernment, I often felt my own gifts too small for the path ahead. In moments of doubt, tempted to turn back, I heard the same voice that once spoke to Paul: Go! My grace is sufficient for you.
Even now, when I reflect on my limitations; my words, my presence, my humanity; faced with the vast mission entrusted to a priest in today’s Church and world, I trust that this same voice continues to speak. It calls me not despite my weakness, but through it. I am, by grace, a messenger of the Gospel; however fragile.
In my years of ministry within the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall and the Dominican Province of Canada, I have been guided by a deep desire to make faith approachable, joyful, and alive for my fellow pilgrims. I long to grow into a priest who radiates joy, remains accessible, and is always ready to serve.
May our time together be marked by trust, by shared laughter and prayer, and by a growing sense of fraternity, a communion that reflects the love of Christ dwelling among us.
Fr. Gilles Simard OP has been temporarily appointed by the Archbishop of Vancouver as the Parochial Administrator of Precious Blood parish, Surrey. He will be moving out of St. Mary’s Parish on November 1, 2025. We wish Fr. Gilles the very best and a fruitful ministry as the administrator and asure our prayerful support.
