By: Lifestyle & People Journalist
The Observer had a chance to talk to a new arrival to the city who is keen to make an impact in relation to helping the local community and in potentially bringing some peace and equilibrium to others.
Brother Remy Landry is a Priest of the Franciscan Order. Born and raised in Louisiana, the Brother left to live in a few different cities at various rectories. His most recent move sees him land here, in Hathian.
Observer: “Is there any reason in particular that you chose Hathian to move to?”
Br. Landry: “I was actually placed here by my former parish in Nevada. I was keen, however, to make a new beginning and embark on a fresh start somewhere else. It happens that I tend to get restless and long for different views, interactions and activities. I may be a Priest, but I also am dedicated to social justice, promoting peace and looking out for the marginalized in our communities. Nevada was not as exciting in that regard. I have heard that Hathian has a myriad of issues, but it also has a resilient community. The hurricane that devastated the city was handled well by all departments and the community, so I’ve seen.”
Observer: “What are you looking to do out here?”
Br. Landry: “I have reached out to all of the Municipal departments so far. I want to provide bereavement support and spiritual counsel and guidance for those who would like to speak to a Priest, whether it be the inmates in jail or the patients in hospital, the firefighters and EMTs who may need an ear and a shoulder to lean on. I also would like to provide the same counsel and support to the police and medical staff too; everyone is in need of help and care sometimes and I would like to step up and try to help in this way. I will also look at establishing a feeding the homeless program in collaboration with a local business here. There are also causes to get behind here that I feel I can involve myself in, too.”
Observer: “What have you been involved in previously, before your move to this city?”
Br. Landry: “I have been vocal about worker’s rights. I protested against cruel treatment of animals who were being tested on by a corporation. I also had led a protest against homelessness, seeking to ignite the city council to speak on the issues and offer solutions. I’ve opened my doors to people who have been wrongfully persecuted and hunted or tracked by organizations who would seek to destroy them. I rallied communities against racism in establishments and opposed appointments of crooked politicians.”
Observer: “It appears that you have been arrested in the past – is this correct?”
Br. Landry “Well, sometimes that happens in the due course of championing social justice causes.”
Brother Landry didn’t look that comfortable to talk about his past, but then who are in Hathian?
Observer: “Some of these charges are interesting. May we speak to you about them?”
Br. Landry: “For legal reasons, you would not be able to. I was never charged with the ones that you seem to be interested by.”
He definitely seemed rather stiff when answering this question.
Observer: “What do you hope to achieve out here, in a city known to be difficult to navigate and dangerously chaotic at best?”
Br. Landry: “I hope to offer a different way of operating to those who may have lost hope or for those who wish for more. I want to channel the power of the individual into the collective–we are stronger together and if united, we can become the change we wish to see. We can rise above it all and look upward, aspire to do better and be better. There is no judgment from me–I simply want to approach people with an open mind and let them have somebody in their corner. I want to provide options for people and help them work toward a better way for themselves, toward happiness and peace.”
We couldn’t help but note Landry looked relieved to be moving the topic on.
Observer: “Will you be planning sermons and preaching locally?”
Br. Landry: “I have to get situated but I am preparing myself to get things going, yes. I’m excited to see what will lie ahead of me.”
If you are interested in contacting Brother Remy Landry, he has left his email and cell number here for you to get in touch with him. ((Contact Kyil Dexler))