 My ordination in Taiwan - May 26, 2001 In 2000, I left my homeland and arrived at Fu Jen Catholic University to learn a language completely foreign to me: Mandarin. Just over a year later, on May 26, 2001, I was ordained a priest. A long-deferred calling was finally fulfilled. For the next four years, I served in Taipei and Ilan; parish ministry shaped my faith and pastoral heart in ways I could never have anticipated. Then came another closed door. Because of Taiwan's immigration policies regarding foreigners, my future dimmed once more until a providential encounter changed everything. I met Father John Mak, who was visiting Taiwan then. He was on the verge of retiring from Calgary's only Chinese Catholic Church, with no Chinese priest to succeed him. Through him, I was introduced to Bishop Henry, who generously sponsored my work permit for Canada with a visitor visa. What followed was a decade-long pilgrimage of patience: navigating complex applications, meeting rigorous English requirements, and trusting, always trusting. By God's grace, I finally obtained Canadian citizenship. I arrived in Calgary in February 2005, not knowing a single word of Cantonese. But I have learned this: great things happen when we say “YES” to God. When we cooperate with His plan, He equips us for every challenge. I learned Cantonese not from textbooks, but from the parishioners themselves – by immersing myself in their lives, speaking and listening, fumbling and growing. I am no genius. But God has never failed to provide.  First Mass in Vietname after 10 years of return  First visit back to my hometown, along with 40 parishioners from OLPH Today, I have served as Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for over twenty years. OLPH is my home now. I never dreamt of this. I never planned to serve the Chinese community in Canada. And yet, here I am. How did this happen? How was any of it possible? Over the years, I learned Mandarin and Cantonese to serve the community. I performed magic tricks just to see the children's eyes light up. I taught myself to mend broken antique clocks – to raise funds so the youth could journey to World Youth Day. I sharpened my chef skills to gather two hundred parishioners annually on New Year's Eve, like one big family around the supper table. I got my hands dirty with handyman work, saving the parish every penny I could. I buried myself in secretarial books and accounting ledgers, trimming every extra cost from the parish office. And now, I fully support opening a daycare at OLPH – a place to nurture children with bilingual, Catholic education rooted in compassion and love. Except for Mandarin, I never sat in a single classroom for these skills. They all came – simply, quietly – through God's grace. And what lies ahead? Only God knows. Looking back, I see it clearly now: every step – from Vietnam to Taiwan to Canada – was guided by a hand greater than my own. What began as a search for direction became a journey of trust, surrender, and unexpected provision. The same God who opened doors in Taipei opened them again in Calgary, reminding me that vocation is never a single destination – it is a lifelong pilgrimage. Today, I carry with me the languages I have learned, the communities I have served, and the quiet certainty that great things happen when we say “YES” to God. I am never walking alone.  The Chrism Mass at St. Mary Cathedral (March 30, 2026), honoring priests marking milestone anniversaries of ordination. Rev. Joseph Ming Dong Nguyen,
Interviewed by Anne Lam, The OLPH Echo Magazine coordinator
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His seminary years, however, were soon disrupted by the realities of war. In 1972, a major military offensive brought instability to South Vietnam, forcing seminarians to leave the seminary and return home. Although formation eventually resumed, the fall of South Vietnam in 1975 brought another interruption. Under Communist rule, religious life faced significant restrictions, and the dream of priesthood seemed increasingly uncertain.
For the next five years, Ignatius lived amid persecution and limitations on religious freedom. Yet God's call remained strong in his heart. In 1980, seeking both freedom and the opportunity to continue his vocation, he joined countless others fleeing Vietnam by boat. The journey was filled with danger from the very beginning. The vessel was old and leaking, and its engine barely functioned. Realistically, the prospects for a safe voyage looked slim. Looking back, Fr. Ignatius sees God's hand guiding every step of the journey. Shortly after reaching Hainan Island, a powerful storm struck the region. Had the refugees remained at sea, the consequences could have been devastating. After about a week, the voyage resumed. Along the way, local residents warned them of a dangerous whirlpool in their path, allowing them to steer safely away. For Fr. Ignatius, these moments were clear signs of God's providential protection. The refugees eventually reached Hong Kong, where they spent several months in refugee camps while awaiting resettlement. Then, on October 27, 1980, Ignatius arrived in Canada and began a new chapter of life. His vocational journey continued with renewed hope. Through the support of the Diocese of Calgary, he studied English at Newman College in Edmonton before entering Christ the King Seminary in Mission, British Columbia, in 1981. The challenges were significant, as he completed all studies and formation in English, his second language. Through dedication, hard work, and God's grace, he persevered. On September 5, 1986, Ignatius Tran was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Paul O'Byrne. Since then, he has faithfully served parish communities throughout Alberta, including St. Bonaventure, St. Agnes, St. Francis Xavier, Sacred Heart, Ascension, Holy Spirit, and St. Gerard's Parish. As Fr. Ignatius celebrates the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination in 2026, his life stands as a witness to God's faithfulness. Through war, exile, language barriers, and decades of ministry, one truth has remained constant: "Without God I could do nothing." His story reminds us that when God calls, He never abandons those He leads, but faithfully guides them through every storm and every blessing.  The Diocese of Calgary continues to support people as they discern and respond to God’s call to serve the Church. Through priesthood and permanent diaconate formation, consecrated life, the Ordo Virginum, and prayer for vocations, the Church accompanies those discerning how the Lord is calling them to serve.
Accompanying Future PriestsFor the second year, Bishop William T. McGrattan expressed gratitude for parishes throughout the Diocese, both rural and in the City of Calgary, that welcomed seminarians into their communities on weekends. The Summer Seminarian Placement Initiative has become a fruitful part of their formation, giving seminarians the opportunity to gain pastoral experience in parishes that are often new to them. The placements allow them to become better acquainted with priests throughout the presbyterate, while giving parishioners the opportunity to encounter their future priests.
Forming Permanent DeaconsPermanent deacons serve across parishes, diocesan ministries, hospitals, care homes, prisons, and outreach, bringing Christ’s love to those in need. They assist in the liturgy, proclaim the Gospel, and minister through baptisms, marriages, funerals, sacramental preparation, and pastoral care. Formation prepares men for ordained service through discernment, study, and pastoral formation. Group 11 has seven candidates who may be eligible for ordination in 2026, while Group 12 has four candidates currently in formation. For Group 13, interviews and assessments are being completed to begin formation in September 2026.  Deacons also accompany couples through Sacred Grace, supporting civilly married couples as they prepare for a sacramental union. In 2025, deacons accompanied 91 civilly married couples through preparation, paperwork, interviews, formation, and marriage integration courses. One couple shared, “Your care and dedication in helping our civil marriage become a sacramental union is truly a wonderful work of God, and we feel deeply blessed.” Discerning Consecrated LifeThe Office of Vocations continues to accompany women and men discerning a call to Religious Life and the Ordo Virginum. In 2025, outreach continued through Catholic school presentations, confirmation retreats, and young adult ministries.
Praying for VocationsPrayer remains at the heart of fostering vocations. In 2025, the Diocese marked the second year of the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations, a tradition of 40 hours of continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in solemn exposition. Throughout the year, the devotion was held in 27 parishes and 13 Catholic high schools, for a total of 1,200 hours of devotion. Bishop McGrattan established the devotion on Ash Wednesday 2024, asking that it be held in different parishes each week of the year so that it becomes “a perpetual tradition in our Diocese.”
 This summer, several of our seminarians spent time serving in parishes throughout the Diocese of Calgary through the Summer Seminarian Placement Initiative. The placements gave them the opportunity to experience parish life in communities beyond their home parishes, while learning from priests, and getting to know parishioners along the way. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to be an important part of their formation, giving seminarians a chance to experience the day-to-day life of a parish and the ministry of a priest before beginning their pastoral internship. Here are their reflections on their time in the parishes this summer.  Mikhel Sari with the community of St. Gerard's Parish, Calgary The goal of the Summer Pastoral Placement is to provide an extended pastoral formation for the seminarian during the summer months outside of the seminary. This summer, I was assigned to St. Gerard's Parish in Calgary. With Fr. Ignatius Tran as parish priest, St. Gerard's Parish is a vibrant community that is living out the Catholic faith in the spirit of the Diocesan Renewal. I learned much from Fr. Ignatius and the parishioners, but my main takeaway is that Jesus Christ is present in everyone. The people of St. Gerard's Parish showed me the face of Jesus Christ through their generous support, prayers, and even in the Sunday coffee conversations. I am eternally grateful to Fr. Ignatius and the faithful of St. Gerard's Parish for welcoming me and supporting me in my formation. May God bless them richly. -Mikhel Sari During the summer months, I was blessed with the opportunity to spend my weekend pastoral assignment at the twin parishes of St. Ambrose in Coaldale and St. Catherine in Picture Butte. During my time there, I experienced the joy and beauty of smaller rural parishes, where the faithful come together with a strong sense of community and belonging. This experience helped me grow in my formation and deepened my understanding of the importance of community in fostering a vibrant and thriving parish. I was particularly inspired by the way the people of these parishes supported one another and shared in the life of the Church. I am deeply grateful to the parishioners and to the pastor for welcoming me so warmly and for allowing me to share in the life of their communities. My time in these parishes provided me with many insightful and meaningful experiences that have contributed to my growth in formation as I continue to discern my vocation to the priesthood. - Matthew Gensorek This summer, I was assigned to St. Albert the Great Parish in McKenzie Towne. It is a large, vibrant parish with five weekend Masses and many weekday activities. I was warmly welcomed in May by Fr. Andrew and Fr. Krys, Deacon John, Deacon Joseph, and all the volunteers and parishioners. The parish community quickly became like family to me. I was greatly edified by the community’s living out of the Lord’s command to love God and neighbour, shown especially in their generous spirit of Christian hospitality. Their commitment to their faith, to each other, and to the Diocesan renewal uplifted me in my discernment, and continues to inspire me as I begin a new year of studies at the seminary. I am immensely grateful to the clergy and community of St. Albert for welcoming me, and I look forward to visiting over my holidays! - Jeffrell Painaga During Summer 2026, I was placed at St. Bonaventure Parish in South-East Calgary. I was particularly excited about this placement as I attended St. Bonaventure Junior High School many years ago, and visited the Church during those years. It was a moving experience to be able to return to the Parish as a Seminarian and to serve in that capacity. At the Parish itself, Fr. Colin, and Fr. Lawrence welcomed me kindly and put me to work altar serving, and reading at various weekend Masses. I was grateful to serve and inspired by their Priesthood. I also had the opportunity to serve alongside Deacon Rey, and many enthusiastic altar servers. Finally, during my weekend visits, I was moved by the many kind words of support I would receive from Parishioners after Mass. Thank you all for welcoming me into the St. Bonaventure Parish community! - Adam Kucharski My weekend parish placement at Corpus Christi Parish in Calgary was a deeply meaningful part of my formation and a beautiful reminder of why I am discerning the priesthood. Because the parish community is small, I had the opportunity to get to know many of the parishioners personally, and I was genuinely touched by the love, warmth, and hospitality with which they welcomed me into their community. Their generosity and faith allowed me to experience something of the joy of belonging to a parish family, and spending time with them helped me to see more clearly the people whom I hope one day to serve as a priest in the Diocese of Calgary. In the midst of classes, assignments, and the many demands of seminary formation, it can sometimes be easy to lose sight of the purpose behind it all. My time at Corpus Christi brought that purpose back into focus. Being with the faithful, praying with them, listening to their stories, and simply sharing in the life of the parish reminded me that I am not preparing for a career, but for a life given in service to Christ and His people. I came away from the placement grateful not only for the warm welcome I received, but also for the renewed sense of joy and purpose it gave me in discerning the call to the priesthood. - Benjamin Taylor
My final highlight was the opportunity to altar serve at various Masses over the weekend, which allowed me to get to know the altar servers and the volunteers who worked so diligently and joyfully to prepare for Holy Mass. In summary, it is clear that lay Catholics play a substantial and vibrant role in the growth of the parish alongside the priests, which I am blessed to experience powerfully in the community of St. Luke’s. - Evin Kurian My summer placement was very joy-filled, inspiring, and above all, very fun! Seeing families, young and old, come to Holy Mass each week and getting to know names and faces was a great experience. I really enjoyed meeting the various volunteers engaging in ministries, from altar servers to sacristans to those charged with distributing Holy Communion to the sick. It's inspiring to see the many different ways the local People of God serve our brothers and sisters. - Jake Klassen We are grateful to the parishes who welcomed our seminarians this summer and to our seminarians for sharing their experiences. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they discern God’s call and prepare for a life of service to Christ and His Church.
In the early years of my career as a special education teacher, I worked with the most vulnerable students, students who struggled academically for many different reasons. They were often written off for any chance of student “success” long before anyone gave them the chance to rise. It was fitting that our school took a phoenix as its mascot: a phoenix for these students would rise from difficult circumstances… from ashes.
St. Joseph of Cupertino’s feast day is approaching on September 18th. How fitting that this is also the date marking the 40th anniversary of our Catholic post-secondary institution, St. Mary's University in Calgary. Was this founding date a deliberate choice, or just one of God’s many divine coincidences? That answer is lost to history. Either way, St. Joseph of Cupertino is a perfect heavenly friend to honour as St. Mary’s continues to pursue great heights. St. Mary's mission is to become Canada's preeminent Catholic university: serious scholarship, faithful teaching, and high standards. Yet like St. Joseph of Cupertino himself, its strength won’t be found in ability alone. One aspect that makes St. Mary's distinctly Catholic is that academic excellence and genuine care for student success can rise together. Right now, that conviction takes shape across campus in many ways, including these important examples:
These are just a few examples of how St. Mary’s University leans into its identity as a truly Catholic university. As St. John Paul II wrote in Ex corde Ecclesiae, a Catholic university must "penetrate and inform" every part of university life, so that learning and genuine love for the person go hand in hand. At the heart of that identity is holiness. Like St. Joseph of Cupertino, St Mary’s University won’t fly because of anything but praying without reserve. This is where you come in. We invite you to join St. Mary's Prayer Guild, an individual prayer commitment to pray for the spiritual needs of the university. Guild members offer weekly prayer for the students who are trying to rise, the faculty who form them with patience, and the benefactors whose generosity makes this mission possible. St. Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us. St. Mary's Prayer Guild is an individual commitment to pray for the intentions of St. Mary's University each week. If you would like to join us, please email Kimberly at [email protected] to receive a prayer booklet and the current prayer needs of StMU. Submitted by Kimberly Cichon, for St. Mary's Prayer Guild
 Join us for a Eucharistic Celebration with Bishop William T. McGrattan, Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026, at 5 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral, on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. All are welcome! National Day of Truth & Reconciliation On Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Canadians commemorate the work towards reconciliation by honouring residential school victims, survivors, and their loved ones.
 On August 9, parishioners at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish gathered for the annual Feast of the Nations, a day of food, cultural performances, and fellowship. Now in its 13th year, the Feast has become a much-anticipated day for the parish family, bringing together people from different countries and cultures to celebrate the richness of their diversity while sharing in the unity of their Catholic faith. This year’s celebration was especially rooted in the Diocese of Calgary’s call to parish renewal: “You Are Called. You Matter. You Belong.” The day began where parish life begins — at the Eucharist. During Mass, the parish’s cultural diversity was reflected in the liturgy, including an offertory procession that incorporated African traditions. After Mass, parishioners carried flags representing countries from around the world as they processed to the outdoor celebration, where they enjoyed cultural performances, food, and activities for children and adults. 
For Fr. Shibu Kallarakkal, pastor of Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish, the Feast is about more than showcasing different cultures. It is a day when the parish comes together as one. “It is almost a day of our parish,” he said. “We all come together. We are all eating together. We are all celebrating the Mass together. We are all enjoying the show together.” Despite their different backgrounds and traditions, parishioners spend the day celebrating as one family. “Regardless of our cultural difference, regardless of all other differences, we come together,” Fr. Shibu said. The Feast also included opportunities for families to learn and connect. Police were present to provide information to parishioners, while activities throughout the day gave children and adults a chance to take part in the celebration. An estimated 1,000 to 1,500 people attended this year’s Feast, which also raised $33,000. For Fr. Shibu, the Feast is ultimately a reminder of what it means to belong to the parish community. “You are called, you matter, you belong.” In a parish made up of people from many nations and cultures, the Feast was a chance to celebrate what they share: their life together as one parish family. “We are one, and we are one family,” Fr. Shibu said.
 For the people of Nepal affected by severe flooding: that those who have died may rest in peace, those who remain missing may be found, grieving families may be consoled, and first responders and relief workers may be strengthened as they bring aid and hope, let us pray to the Lord." Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is calling for urgent support following catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal on Aug. 26. By Aug. 28, the disaster had claimed 584 lives, with more than 2,000 people missing. Roads and communication links have been washed away, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed. Many thousands of people, including at least 17,000 children, have been affected. Caritas Nepal has already deployed teams to the affected areas, working with local authorities on rescue efforts and providing food and emergency supplies to displaced families. Development and Peace is asking Canadians to give generously to support this urgent humanitarian response. Read more Ways to give:
A message from Sister Cecilia Durasa, the Executive Director of Caritas Nepal. In this urgent appeal, she addresses the catastrophic flash floods that devastated the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river corridors following a massive rock avalanche on the Nepal-China border on August 26.  As we look back on Marian Week in the Rockies, we are pleased to share this special celebration from Holy Trinity Parish in Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass. As one of our parish communities in the Southern Rockies, Holy Trinity marked the Solemnity of the Assumption with prayer, music, fellowship, and a warm welcome to visiting religious Sisters. Fr. Joseph Nagothu, Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Blairmore shared about the celebration:
The Holy Trinity Parish Choir enriched the celebration and helped the congregation honour the Blessed Virgin Mary in a prayerful, joyful spirit.
Our parish is blessed to be located in the beautiful mountain community of Crowsnest Pass, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We are grateful for the many visitors who come to this area and for the opportunity to welcome people from different places to worship and share their faith with us. We thank God for the blessings of this beautiful celebration, for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and for all those who continue to strengthen and inspire our parish community through their faith and service.   Marriage is a lifelong vocation, and in 2025, the Diocese of Calgary continued to support couples as they prepared for and lived out this calling.
The Diocese’s main in-house marriage preparation program, Joy-Filled Marriage, accompanied engaged couples as they prepared for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The program combines practical relationship skills with the Catholic vision of marriage, helping couples build a strong foundation for married life. For couples who needed a different format, including those where one person lived outside Calgary, For Better For Ever provided another option for marriage preparation. Sponsor couples guided engaged couples through key topics as they prepared for marriage. Participants in the Joy-Filled Marriage program spoke positively about the experience. One couple shared, “We left feeling better prepared, more connected as a couple, and grateful for the opportunity to intentionally invest in our relationship before marriage.” Another participant reflected, “Overall, the program offered a strong foundation for married life, integrating practical relationship skills with a deeper appreciation of the spiritual dimension of marriage.” The Diocese also supported couples beyond marriage preparation. From January to April 2025, Marriage Enrichment Workshops were offered to strengthen couples in their vocation of marriage. Sessions addressed Natural Family Planning, Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Financial Stewardship. The workshops were well received, with couples expressing appreciation for the practical tools and faith-based approach, according to one of the organizers. Strong interest following the workshops indicated a desire for this formation to continue and expand in 2026. Through marriage preparation and enrichment, the Diocese continued to accompany couples at different stages of their vocation, offering opportunities to grow in both practical relationship skills, and their understanding of the spiritual dimension of marriage.  This year, seven men begin formation as Group 13 of the Diocese of Calgary’s Permanent Diaconate. Each comes with his own story of faith, family, parish life and service, and each enters this time of formation still listening carefully for where the Lord is leading. We invite you to keep Marco, Paulo, Fernando, José, Robert, Erwin and Teofilo, and their wives and families, in your prayers. May the Lord guide their discernment, deepen them in prayer and service, and form them with wisdom, humility and open hearts as they seek to respond faithfully to His call.
I have sensed a call to serve God from an early age, initially believing it might be a call to the priesthood. Instead, the Lord first called me to be a husband and father, preparing me in another way for a life of service. Over the past ten years, that call became stronger as I became more involved in parish life. My discernment has been shaped by Rosa, my mother, parish priests, and close friends. Serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, RCIA Catechist, and Knight of Columbus has deepened my sense of calling. Walking part of the Camino de Santiago also taught me what it means to serve while journeying as a pilgrim. Rosa and our sons have been very supportive throughout this discernment. At this stage, the ministries of Word and Charity speak most deeply to my heart, while I also find joy in assisting with the Sacraments. As we begin formation, I hope to deepen my knowledge of the faith, develop a more disciplined prayer life, and grow in humility. I pray for the intercession of the Immaculate Mary, St. Joseph, and my guardian angel as I seek to balance family, work, formation, and service.
The example of priests, deacons, parishioners, and others who quietly serve has inspired me to look more closely at my own calling. My wife, Maila, has been an important part of this journey. Her support, prayers, and encouragement have given me the confidence to take this step. I know that this journey of formation involves not only me, but also our family. Of the three areas of the deacon’s ministry— Word, Sacrament, and Charity—Charity speaks most strongly to my heart. I want to serve people who are struggling, lonely, or in need, and to be a welcoming presence that helps them experience Christ’s love. I also have questions and some fears about whether I am ready. But I trust that God will guide me. My prayer is simple: “Lord, if this is where You are calling me, give me the grace to follow You faithfully.”
Our professions have given us different opportunities to work with people, serve others, and appreciate the dignity and value of every person we encounter. My journey toward considering the Permanent Diaconate has been gradual. It was not one particular moment, but a growing sense that God might be inviting me to serve Him and His people in a deeper way. Through prayer, parish life, the example of others, and the experiences God has placed along my path, this invitation became something I could no longer ignore. I eventually felt called to step forward and discern where God was leading me. Maria has been an important part of this journey. This calling has never felt like something that belongs to me alone. We have prayed, talked, and discerned together, trusting that God will continue to reveal His plan for our family. As I begin formation, my prayer is to remain open to God's direction: “Lord, form me into the servant You are calling me to be.”
I learned to deeply love the Church and to recognize that God guides our history and never makes mistakes. The Lord later granted me the opportunity to serve as a catechist and help form communities of people who had been away from the Church. I had the joy of seeing vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life arise from these communities. I also met Cecilia through the Neocatechumenal Way. She has walked with me in faith and has been an essential part of this discernment. Together, despite our weaknesses, we strive to pass on the faith to our children through praying together and the Eucharist. For me, the Eucharist is at the center, together with the Word of God. Both have been fundamental in my journey of faith. We begin this formation sincerely discerning God's will, trusting that “Where the Holy Spirit leads, by the grace of God we will faithfully follow,” (John 3:8).
That decision eventually led me to serve as a Knights Field Agent from 2016 to 2023, supporting numerous councils and parishes. During those years, I also became increasingly involved in parish ministry as an EMHC, Lector, and Greeter. While travelling for work, I listened through the entire audio Bible three times. Attending several Masses each weekend and hearing different homilies also helped deepen my faith and sense of calling. My discernment toward the Diaconate began with the active encouragement of Fr. James Hagel and later continued at St. Albert the Great Parish with the support of Fr. Andrew Maruszczak. There, I became more deeply involved in liturgical ministry, Pastoral Care, the parish’s 25th Anniversary Committee, and the Parish Pastoral Council, where I serve as secretary. Outside parish life, I enjoy riding my motorcycle and volunteering with charitable and community rides, including Ride for Dad, pro-life initiatives, and motorcycle safety advocacy.
It was my wife who first suggested that I might be called to this ministry. She saw the passion I have for our Catholic faith and encouraged me to consider whether God might be leading me in this direction. At first, I was a little skeptical. I had previously discerned a call to the priesthood, but that journey did not lead me there. This call, however, seemed different—much quieter and more subtle. As I continued serving at the parish, I began to wonder if perhaps God was gently leading me toward the Permanent Diaconate. I am still discerning. I don't have all the answers, and I see this formation journey as an opportunity to learn, grow, and listen. My prayer is that through this journey, I can learn to quiet my heart and the many distractions around me so that I can hear God's voice more clearly. I have come to embrace the simple motto Christus, veritate et caritate, servire—to serve Christ in truth and charity.
Through prayer and discernment, my question gradually changed from “What do I want?” to “Lord, what do You want me to do?” I began feeling called to serve God more deeply through the Permanent Diaconate. My wife, Marilou, our daughters, Loraine and Cyril, my mother, and my siblings have supported my discernment through prayer, encouragement, and service.
Word, Sacrament, and Charity are all deeply meaningful to me. Through the Word, I desire to preach and evangelize. Through the Sacrament, especially the Eucharist, am grateful to be with Christ. Through charity, I hope to show Christ’s love through healthcare, prison ministry, pastoral care, and service to others. Together, they represent one calling: bringing Jesus to His people. My greatest hope during formation is to know God more deeply, love Him more, and become a better servant. I pray for wisdom, humility, holiness, and compassion. I trust that God’s grace is greater than my weaknesses. I pray for courage, perseverance, and an open heart to follow Him.  Faithful from across the Diocese of Calgary and beyond filled the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies in Canmore on Sat, Aug 22, 2026, as Bishop William T. McGrattan celebrated the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary and concluded the Diocese’s second annual Marian Week in the Rockies. The 11 am Mass also placed a special focus on vocations, as the Diocese witnessed important steps in the formation of three seminarians. Seminarians Bennett Chacko and Andre Boudreau were instituted in the ministry of acolyte, while Benjamin Taylor was admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders. Bishop McGrattan noted that celebrating these rites at a diocesan gathering offered an opportunity to witness publicly to the importance of vocations in the life of the Church. Newly ordained Deacon Daniel Salé of the Archdiocese of Edmonton joined the celebration as Deacon of the Word, while our diocesan seminarians served at the altar throughout the Mass. In his homily, Bishop McGrattan turned to Mary as both Queen and a model of Christian discipleship. “Mary should be the example of holiness, and we should see her intercessory role in the life and the mission of the Church.”
Celebrated on Aug 22, the Queenship of Mary marked the final day of Marian Week, which began on the Solemnity of the Assumption on Aug 15. “She is our mother, and today we recognize her as our queen,” the Bishop said. “She is the first disciple, and she is the model of faith.” Bishop McGrattan then connected Mary’s faith with the Church’s call to ministry and service. “It is that immaculate faith that should motivate every priest, bishop, and deacon to serve the faith with great love and devotion.” That call to service was made visible in the rites celebrated for the seminarians. 
For Bennett Chacko and Andre Boudreau, institution as acolytes marked a significant step toward Holy Orders. This is the final instituted ministry a seminarian must receive before ordination to the transitional diaconate. As instituted acolytes, Bennett and Andre are entrusted in a particular way with a deeper responsibility of service at the altar and in the celebration of the Eucharist. The Bishop symbolized this by presenting each candidate with the paten and chalice containing the bread and wine for the Eucharist, emphasizing service to Christ and His people. 
For Benjamin Taylor, Admission to Candidacy marked another important step in priestly formation. Through the rite, he publicly expressed his intention to continue preparing for Holy Orders, while the Church formally received that intention as he continues his discernment and formation toward the priesthood. Together, the rites offered the congregation a visible glimpse into the gradual journey of priestly formation and the many ways a vocation is discerned, formed, and lived within the life of the Church. For Bishop McGrattan, that witness carries particular importance during the Diocese’s Pastoral Renewal. During this time of renewal in the Diocese of Calgary, we need to renew a culture of vocations, to encourage our young people to consider and to open their lives to the love of Christ.” ~Bishop McGrattan The theme continued in the Prayer of the Faithful, which invoked Mary as Blessed Mother, Queen of the Apostles, Queen of Peace, and Queen of Heaven and Earth. The assembly prayed that the faithful might be “encouraged, strengthened, and renewed” in their service of God, and also prayed for parish communities undergoing pastoral renewal.
At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop McGrattan imparted the solemn blessing for a feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that those gathered would always know her protection. His final hope brought together the celebration of Mary, Marian Week, and the vocation rites witnessed that morning. “It is my prayer and hope that this week of Marian devotion here in the Rockies will continue to promote a culture of vocations." Photography: Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary.
 Picture this: a mother and daughter together on stage. Anna lifts her violin while her mother, Daiga, settles at the piano. As the first notes rise through the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, a moment years in the making begins. Award-winning violinist Anna Štube and her mother, pianist Daiga Štube, will reunite on stage for the first time in years, bringing together their shared love of music to support Elizabeth House, a Calgary organization that provides shelter and resources to mothers and children in need. Before they step on stage on Aug 28th, Anna and Daiga sat down to reflect on a lifetime of shared music. Their connection was obvious from the start, marked by easy banter and affectionate teasing. It was a glimpse into a time before international stages and competition awards, a glimpse into Anna as a daughter learning her first notes alongside her mother. Anna’s journey as a violinist began when she was just five years old. She remembers hearing her cousin practise and then begging her parents for a violin. What followed for both mother and daughter was years of making music together at senior homes, weddings, and Crossroads Market. The work was demanding. Anna recalls, fondly, practising for hours, sometimes until three in the morning. For Daiga, supporting those long hours wasn't a burden, but a mother's calling. "It was not work; it was just a lifestyle," Daiga says. "I thought that was my responsibility as a mother, to support her in whatever she wanted to do." While Daiga is proud of her daughter's technical growth through the years, she is even more moved by Anna’s personal resilience, especially her ability to build a life and support network while living independently in Toronto.
Anna agrees, adding that age has brought both perspective and a lighter heart. "Music is life," Anna says. "I can’t live without it. It has come out as the best way that I can make a difference in my lifetime, the best way I can express myself, to connect with people and to share that gift with others.” Then she adds, “But you realize what life is about, and that you can't take it so seriously. I think I'm sillier now than I was before! You have to laugh, spend time with people you love, and lift each other up." That sense of purpose is at the heart of why Anna chose to bring her music to the stage in support of Elizabeth House. When asked what it means to use her gift to support women and children in need, she says, “That’s the best thing when you can use your passion to make some good in the world. That’s what underlies everything that I want to do in life, to make that difference, to make a change in people’s lives.” That desire to make a difference is rooted in Anna’s own experience of being supported by a community during challenging seasons. She spoke about losing her father and the people who surrounded her family during that time, helping to carry some of the weight. “There are many things in my life that have been really hard to navigate,” she says, “and I likely would have been in a very different place than I am now had it not been for a supportive community around me and I want to be able to give that back.” Now, returning to the stage together, Anna and Daiga are offering their shared gift in support of mothers and children who need a community of their own. Their concert is more than a reunion. It is a continuation of something that began when a five-year-old girl picked up a violin and her mother stood beside her. A mother, a daughter, a violin and a piano, and music offered in service of others.  Picture this: a mother and daughter together on stage, music filling the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies. Better yet, experience this moment firsthand at a free concert on Aug. 28, featuring Anna and Daiga Štube at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies.
 Founded in 1986, St. Mary’s University is a Catholic liberal arts and sciences institution in southeast Calgary. Grounded in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, the University seeks to nurture the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, preparing graduates to lead lives of meaning and service.
St. Mary’s also continued to expand its academic offerings, including progress toward launching the Master of Catholic Education. The program is designed to equip future educators with strong theological and pedagogical foundations rooted in the Catholic tradition. Inspiring Dialogue
Together, these highlights reflect St. Mary’s ongoing commitment to Catholic education, community, and service, while strengthening its role as a place where faith and learning come together.  
On August 29, 2026, I stood at the doors of St. Mary’s Parish in Cochrane, greeting the people who had come to witness one of the most significant moments of my life: my Profession of Solemn Vows as a Franciscan Friar. As I welcomed family, friends, friars, priests, religious, seminarians, professors, co-workers, members of Couples for Christ, and people I had encountered through the years, tears began to flow.
Each familiar face brought a memory back to life. I remembered communities that welcomed me, people who accompanied me, places where I served, and moments when God quietly led me from one chapter to another. Again and again, I was reminded of God’s overwhelming love, faithfulness, mercy, care, and compassion. So much of that story unfolded in the Diocese of Calgary. I came to Canada from the Philippines in 2010, and the Diocese of Calgary became my first home in Canada. The humble St. Francis of Assisi Parish in downtown Calgary became one of my first spiritual homes. There, I encountered CFC Singles for Christ, a community that gave me a deep sense of belonging and accompanied me in the pursuit and discovery of my vocation.
One particular encounter remains vivid in my memory: I was invited to sing the Exultet during the Easter Vigil with the Precious Blood Sisters of Calgary. There, I met Fr. John Schuster. After the Vigil, he made sure to get my contact information and soon sent me details about a diocesan vocations information session.
It seemed like a simple invitation, but a seed had been planted. Slowly but surely, its roots grew deeper. At that point, I did not know exactly where the Lord was leading me but through prayer, community, ministry, and the people God placed along my path, the question of vocation continued to grow in my heart. Calgary was also where my vocation in healthcare developed. For eight years, I worked in various healthcare settings—from supporting people living with brain injuries, to hospital and community care, and eventually becoming a Registered Nurse. As a nurse, I worked in dialysis, cardiology, and internal medicine before discovering a particular love and passion for Mental Health and Addictions. 
Those years brought me face-to-face with human vulnerability. I encountered people in moments of illness, uncertainty, loneliness, suffering, healing, and hope. Nursing helped me understand that the love of God cannot remain simply an idea. Love must become flesh. Compassion must become presence. Mercy must become encounter.
In many ways, Calgary became a training ground where the Lord taught me what it means to incarnate His love, mercy, and compassion through being present to another person. My first significant encounter with Franciscan spirituality came through the Secular Franciscans of Calgary. I met Dennis Grady, OFS, through "Francis and Friends", a group dedicated to accompanying people struggling with alcohol addiction. I was later given the opportunity to join them on a two-week music mission in the Dominican Republic. Then, through the Diocese of Calgary’s One Rock event, I encountered the Franciscan Friars at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre. Something stirred within me. The possibility of a Franciscan vocation began to move from a distant thought to a question demanding a response. In 2019, I left nursing to serve full-time as a lay missionary and pastoral worker with Couples for Christ. During that year, particularly while serving in British Columbia, the call to Franciscan life became stronger. In 2020, I officially entered the Order of Friars Minor. Six years later, I found myself standing at the doors of St. Mary’s Parish, Cochrane, surrounded by around 300 people who had gathered for my Solemn Profession. As I greeted them, I realized that I was not simply looking at a congregation. I was looking at my story. 
My brothers, my family, my friends, Couples for Christ, religious sisters and brothers, priests and seminarians, professors and co-workers—people with whom I had prayed, served, studied, worked, laughed, struggled, and journeyed. Looking at them, I realized that my Solemn Profession was not simply a celebration of my “yes.” My yes carries within it countless other yeses.
It carries the yes of my family, who first taught me faith and love; the yes of my Franciscan brothers, who welcomed me into fraternity; the yes of communities that gave me a home and the yes of people who prayed for me, challenged me, encouraged me, taught me, served with me, and believed in the vocation God was slowly revealing. A significant part of those countless yeses came from the people of the Diocese of Calgary.
Written by: Friar Aldin Francis Canobas, OFM | Photos courtesy of Friar Aldin Francis Canobas, OFM
 Saturday, August 26th was a great day of celebration for the Sisters and the many friends of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of the Church, as well as the parishioners of St. Cecilia’s parish where the Sisters attend. Bishop McGrattan offered the Mass that was concelebrated by Fr. Derek Remus, the parish priest, and at the end of the Mass, gave a special blessing to the three Sisters, Sr. Emelyn, Sr. Gloria, and Sr. Ellen, that will strengthen them in their service to the Lord and His Church. Sixty years ago, in the Archdiocese of Caceres in Bicol in the Philippines, Archbishop Teopisto V. Alberto wanted to form ladies as catechists for his Archdiocese. His friend, Mother Therese Vincente, a Carmelite nun, encouraged him to form a Religious community instead. He followed her advice and founded the community in 1966, shortly after the Second Vatican Council. It was at this Council that Mary was described as Mother of the Church. In the area of Bicol, there is a great devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, and the Archbishop wanted the community to be devoted to her under this title. He started with eight Sisters and today there are over 100 Sisters. The community became a pontifical institute in the Church on the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, June 29, 2013, and is now present in the Philippines, Italy, USA, and Canada. How did it come about that we have this community of Sisters in our Diocese? Three Sisters were missioned to the Archdiocese of Regina, Saskatchewan, at the request of Archbishop Bohan to serve the needs of the retired priests in Martha House. Having experienced the needs of the Church in Canada, the Sisters approached Bishop Henry of Calgary Diocese about another mission of the community here. Bishop Henry initially thought to have the Sisters serve at Elizabeth House, but there were no openings at the time. So, he installed the three Sisters at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, Sr. Ely in the Tribunal, Sr. Bing in Pastoral Ministry, and Sr. Ellen in Finances. Over time, Sr. Ely was recalled to the Philippines and Sr. Emelyn came to replace her. Sr. Mariflor replaced Sr. Bing for a few years before returning to the Philippines and then Sr. Gloria came to assist in the Tribunal. The Sisters have shared their joy in being here in our Diocese and are grateful for the witness they are able to provide that draws others to Christ. “They are always amazed at seeing Religious Sisters in habits, telling them that there is another way of life. The external sign makes a difference for them. We get asked, ‘Are you real nuns?’ and often the people make the sign of the Cross when they see us.” These Sisters are blessing our Diocese with their many gifts and talents as well as their particular devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. They get very excited when they describe the beautiful processions they have experienced in the Philippines. Their community charism is specifically about making Mary known as Mother so that people can come to her, that she will listen to them, and show her care for them. The Sisters celebrate this devotion with everyone who honours Our Lady, but especially with the people of Bicol who now live all over the world. The Sisters rejoice that this region of the Philippines under Mary’s mantle has been a fruitful soil for priestly vocations, sending priests wherever they are needed. May Our Lady pray for our Diocese that we also may have many priestly vocations from our own parishes.
 Source: City of Calgary Across four Catholic cemeteries this week, Bishop William T. McGrattan celebrated Mass for the faithful departed, gathering families and loved ones in prayer and remembrance. At Queen’s Park Cemetery in Calgary, the gathering drew a strong turnout, with organizers bringing out additional chairs as more people arrived. The outdoor Mass was celebrated in the parking area in front of the mausoleum, overlooking the quiet and peaceful grounds of the cemetery. Together, those present prayed for the deceased and found comfort in the Church’s hope in the resurrection. In his homily, Bishop McGrattan reflected on the cemetery Mass as more than a private act of remembrance. By gathering publicly in prayer, he said, Catholics give visible witness to their faith in Christ, to the dignity of every human person, and to the promise of eternal life. “Even though your loved ones are silent, you speak for them tonight,” the Bishop told those gathered. “You speak by your presence. You will speak by your prayers.” He reminded the faithful that from the earliest days of the Church, the deceased have been remembered in the celebration of the Eucharist. The cemetery Mass continues that tradition in a particularly tangible way, bringing prayer to the very place where loved ones have been laid to rest. This year’s Mass at Queen’s Park also carried special significance as the first annual cemetery Mass since the dedication of the Our Lady of Loreto Crypt, a resting place for children lost before birth. Bishop McGrattan remembered these children and their families in prayer, pointing again to the Church’s witness to the dignity of every human life. At the heart of the celebration was the Christian conviction that death does not have the final word. Through Christ, Bishop McGrattan said, believers have received “the gift and the promise of eternal life.” A special word of gratitude is also extended to Fr. Edmund Vargas of St. Michael Catholic Community, who has faithfully organized these annual Cemetery Masses throughout Calgary and helped make these opportunities for communal prayer and remembrance possible.
 Priest Assignment; Deacon Assignment; Clergy Personnel Announcements; Pastoral Assignment; Priests Move
 Image source: Adobe Stock. Retired clergy continue to play an important role in the life of the Diocese of Calgary. In 2025, 37 retired priests and a bishop remained part of the diocesan community, bringing with them years of pastoral experience, wisdom, and faithful service. Many parishioners remain grateful for the years these priests spent serving their communities, particularly as pastors. Their presence also continues to be a gift to their brother priests, offering guidance and, when possible, stepping in to help when other priests are away. Retired clergy live in a variety of settings. Some reside at parishes, while others live at Dorchester Square, apartments owned by the Diocese, or in their own homes with support from family members and benefactors.
  Elizabeth House is nearing the end of 2026 Birdies for Kids campaign and is still just short of its $170,000 fundraising goal. Donations are currently about 9% behind last year, making these final days especially important.
You can support Elizabeth House online now, or give during Roses for Elizabeth on Fri, Aug 28 at 7 pm at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies in Canmore. The concert features award-winning Calgary-raised violinist Anna Štube, joined by collaborative pianist Daiga Štube, with a freewill offering in support of Elizabeth House. Whether through the concert or an online donation, your gift helps Elizabeth House continue walking alongside pregnant women and mothers experiencing housing instability.
How to donate
 By the time the first notes sounded, the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies was already overflowing. Every seat was taken. Extra rows of chairs had been set out behind the main seating area, and on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, the church was filled with parishioners, pilgrims, and visitors gathered for The Sun, the Stars, and the Queen of Heaven, an afternoon of sacred music that became something more than a concert. Under the direction of Carlos Foggin, the nine professional voices of the Marquis Chamber Choir joined the Foothills Brass Quintet, timpanist Chris Santos, and organ in a programme that moved from great jubilation to moments of tenderness and prayer.
 The programme spanned centuries of sacred music, from Gregorian chant and polyphonic works by Palestrina, Frescobaldi, Gabrieli, and Victoria to Richard Strauss’s grand processional music, Parry’s I Was Glad, and Vaughan Williams’ majestic setting of the Old 100th Psalm Tune, sung as All People That on Earth Do Dwell. The congregation also joined in Immaculate Mary and All Creatures of Our God and King. The latter, drawn from the canticle of St. Francis of Assisi, was particularly fitting during this special jubilee year for the Saint, while The Sermon of St. Francis brought another Franciscan element to the programme. Behind the afternoon were countless hours of preparation by Foggin, an accomplished organist, conductor, and composer who brought together the musicians and shaped a programme in which their gifts were ultimately offered in praise of God. He also performed on his new portable Viscount Cantorum organ, an instrument he was especially excited to bring to the Shrine. The organ itself brought a small last-minute adventure. Before the performance, the musicians discovered that the Shrine’s sound system was limiting its volume, and a timid organ sound was simply not an option! As it happened, the ensemble included both an audio technician and a recording engineer. With Fr. Pilmaiken's permission, they made adjustments just minutes before the concert and restored the organ sound, what Foggin later called, humorously, “a small miracle.” The afternoon's impact was also evident in those who filled the Shrine. Parishioner Bandi Szakony from St. Anthony's in Calgary described looking around and seeing “a representative cross-section of our vibrant diocese.” The concert also reached beyond the regular parish community. One attendee, who had heard about the event through friends at the Shrine and in the local newspaper, explained that it was not her parish because she was not Catholic, adding warmly that “it would be if I were Catholic.” Her presence reflected the mix of familiar parishioners, pilgrims, visitors, and new faces gathered that afternoon. In his reflection, Bishop William T. McGrattan described sacred music as part of the Church's rich patrimony and its ability to draw people more deeply into the mystery celebrated in the liturgy. He described the music as “celestial manna,” helping those gathered enter spiritually into “that eternal mystery, that movement of salvation that we celebrate in the Eucharist.” “This is both a concert, but also a spiritual experience,” he said. The Bishop described the concert as becoming a “touchstone” of Marian Week in the Rockies and expressed his hope that this developing tradition would continue to bring forward “the richness of what we have received in terms of the patrimony of the Church,” while welcoming pilgrims and visitors to the churches in Banff and Canmore. That spiritual character came into even clearer focus in the final portion of the programme, which moved into the Office of None, the Church’s traditional mid-afternoon prayer. Together, those gathered prayed the Salve Regina, Psalms 122, 126 and 127, listened to Scripture, and joined in the closing hymn. The musicians were then met with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation before the opening Parry anthem returned as an encore. Bishop McGrattan offered the final blessing, bringing to a close an afternoon in which music, prayer, and faith had come together at the Shrine. Photos by Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary.
Photography: Kevin Muico, for the Diocese of Calgary
Every aspect of our parish life should be reframed towards this end. Renewal is something you can almost taste: in preaching that opens the Word of God and leads people more deeply to Christ; in a beautiful sacred space and prayerful music for worship; in a community where each person is welcomed and accompanied; in generous service to those within and beyond the parish; and in the faithful stewardship of the gifts God has entrusted to us. The light must not remain inside the basket, but shine out to the entire neighbourhood, drawing souls into it and leading them to Him. Through Renewal, we all become missionaries. As we approach a full year since our Renewal Plans were initially launched, we should consider our progress against this mission Christ gave us. Every parish is in a different place, and that’s okay. Let us consider the next big leap. To help guide the way, here are five scriptures to reflect on, each based on one of the established keys to successful parish renewal: Are we becoming missionary?And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”
Are we forming leaders for the mission? Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety." – Proverbs 11:14
Are we becoming a community where people belong? For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:35-36
For reflection: What happens to someone from the moment they first walk through our doors, and what helps them know they belong? Is everything rooted in prayer and Christ?
For reflection: Are our ministries and decisions flowing from prayer and leading people into a deeper encounter with Christ? Are we turning discernment into action?
If each of us is meant to be light to the world, our parish is meant to be lights in our neighbourhoods, towns, and reserves. May they become so brilliant that all may give glory to our Father in heaven. Written by Ryan Schmidt, Director of Renewal.
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