What is today recognized as Esquimalt’s Memorial Park which commemorates the fallen of World War I, this historic place was previously the location of a chapel dedicated to St. Joseph, built in 1858. In addition to its memorial context, this place is valued for its association to Father Louis d’Herbomez, who was the superior of the Oblates in Esquimalt in 1857.
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate came to Canada from France in 1841 to promote Christianity to Indigenous people and settlers. While many of their contributions were celebrated in the past, they have more recently issued apologies for their role in the residential school system and for the part they played in the “cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious imperialism” towards Indigenous people.