 On August 16, 2025, I made Perpetual Vows with the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJs), an international congregation of women religious, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. It was, for me, a day of great joy and the culmination of a journey of many years. I was reminded that St. Mary’s was my first parish when I moved to Calgary in 2001, and I was also struck by the fact that the FCJ Sisters have been part of this same parish for 140 years, when they came to the region to found the first Catholic schools in 1885. I was never someone who always knew she would be a Religious Sister. I was 37 years old when I first heard the call to religious life. Up until that time, I had been working as a teacher and living a very pleasant existence in Calgary, Canada. I was aware that something was missing from my life, although I wouldn’t have been able to put my finger on exactly what that missing element might be. “Church” and “God” were both parts of my life, but certainly not my highest priorities. I then entered a particularly difficult time in my life, dealing with the sickness and death of a loved one. It was in that space that I had a profoundly personal experience of Jesus, an experience that could not be ignored or forgotten, and it spurred me over the coming weeks and months to want to know God more deeply. As St. Augustine wrote, “You touched me, and I am set on fire to attain the peace which is yours.” My journey eventually led me to meet the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus. The FCJ charism of accompanying people in the experience of their contemporary crosses takes its roots from the witness of the women, like Mary of Magdala, who journeyed with Jesus during his ministry, stayed with him at the foot of the cross, and then went on to spread his message of the joy and hope of the resurrection. For me, this charism mirrored my own extraordinary experience of Jesus entering with me into my suffering to lead me to new life. So, over the next several years, I took the plunge, entering into the formal stages of religious life. 
During my first thirteen years with the Sisters, I spent time in FCJ communities in Canada, England, France, Spain, the Philippines, and the United States. As I lived in community with the Sisters and integrated Ignatian Spirituality increasingly into my daily life, my relationship with Jesus grew. My work as an FCJ over the years would allow me opportunities to meet and work with individuals in hospices, care homes, schools, churches, prisons, soup kitchens, retreat centres, and many other places. I had the privilege to learn from people of all kinds of ethnicities, religious beliefs and socioeconomic backgrounds. Eventually, I recognized the benefits of updating my theology for the purposes of ministry, and so I asked for permission to do further studies. I am currently finishing a Masters of Theological Studies at Boston College. Today, as a perpetually professed Sister, I recognize that my formation as a faithful companion will continue all of my life. My life is different in many ways from the one I was living when I first heard God calling me to religious life in 2011. I no longer dismiss thoughts of God to Sunday church services but strive to be aware of the sacred in the ordinary existence that is my day. My journey as a Sister continues to raise my awareness of the deep need we all have for connection with God, with each other, and with all of Creation. Also, I now wear the FCJ Cross, a sign to me and to all that I meet, that God walks with us no matter where we go, as the most faithful companion of all.
 Written by Sr. Michelle Langlois, FCJ for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of FCJ Sisters.
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 On August 15, Brother Jieo Aleksander Tecson, SDB, from Calgary and four other men made their first religious profession as Salesians of Don Bosco during a celebration of the Eucharist at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Haverstraw, N.Y. The other four men are Brothers Carlos Cerda Gutierrez, SDB, Lorenzo Carlo D’Alessandro, SDB, Nicholas Kurt Jandernoa, SDB, and Christo Ruben Philistin, SDB. Father Dominic Tran, SDB, provincial, presided at the Mass and received their vows in the name of the Salesian rector major. The five had completed a year of novitiate at the Salesian house of formation in Richmond, Calif., under the guidance of Father Joseph Thinh Nguyen, master of novices. Bro. Jieo Aleksander Tecson, 24, is a native of Quezon City, Philippines. His parents are Gaudencio and Maria Cristina Tecson, and he has a twin sister, Anna Kristina, and a younger brother, Jed Angelo. They immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, and became involved in St. Patrick’s and Holy Spirit parishes there.
Thus Jieo became a candidate at Orange, N.J., in August 2022 and a prenovice at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J., in August 2023. During his prenovitiate year, he taught catechism at St. John Bosco Parish in Port Chester, N.J. “The best part of my novitiate year,” says Bro. Jieo, “was the spirit of brotherhood I experienced with my fellow novices, in moments both of praying and of playing.” He also found a lot of satisfaction in ministry to the students at Salesian College Prep, adjacent to the novitiate house. After professing as a seminarian, he will continue his religious and priestly formation in Orange, N.J., while studying philosophy at Seton Hall University. There “I hope to deepen my relationship with God, better assimilate the spirit of Don Bosco, and continue cultivating my skills for ministry among the young. With God’s help, I wish to become more and more conformed to Christ, especially in his obedience, poverty, and chastity, and to learn truly what it means to be a sign and bearer of his love for young people.” Further down the road, Bro. Jieo hopes that he might become a missionary in some foreign land. “Most of my favourite saints were missionaries (the Canadian Martyrs among them!),” he states. But his ultimate aspiration is to become a saint. The Eucharistic Celebration Forty priests concelebrated the profession Mass, assisted by numerous members of the Salesian Family, family members of the newly professed, students from Salesian schools, and other friends. The 470-seat chapel was about two-thirds full. Introducing the Mass of Our Lady’s Assumption, Father Dominic (in three languages) voiced thanks to God for calling us, thanks to our mother Mary, thanks to our brothers for their “yes” to God, and thanks to their parents—who were commended a couple more times during the rites. Fr. Dominic’s homily focused on God’s initiative. On our own, he said, we’d never be ready to do God’s work. The Virgin Mary shows us that he can do great things in us, which he illustrated through several of Mary’s virtues and applied them to religious life.  Brother Jieo's family Written by Fr. Michael Mendl, SDB
 Mary, the Mystical Rose Concert Performers It was early in June, in the sacristy after midweek Mass here in Banff, that Fr. Dan Stévènot informed me that he had asked St. Mary’s parishioner Nan Hughes Poole to organize a concert for the Marian pilgrimage week here in the Rockies. Later that week, I sent a text message to Nan to ask if she still “needed any people” for this concert. In my mind, I was thinking I could volunteer as an usher at the front door of the church. However, my text messages often will not express everything that I intend to say, so as things progressed, I was invited to play the oboe in this concert in honour of Mary, the Mystical Rose. Now, I have played the oboe for about 17 years, since grade seven band class; however, it has been years and years since I have played regularly, and I have barely played any public concerts since I graduated from university in 2019. The psychological games and social pressures from music school had wreaked their havoc, and I developed a tremor in my hands and arms whenever I played solo or chamber music; ultimately, it is why my degree is a BA in music history, rather than a more performance-based B.Mus. However, the die had been cast, and I figured that I might as well accept the invitation and see what the Lord had in store, and see what fruit would be revealed. Now, writing a few days later, I can say with clarity that this was one of the most spiritually enriching musical experiences that I have participated in. Nan invited two of her closest friends, Kathy McMillan Wilhelm and Amy Anderson de Jong to star in the concert as vocalists, as well as pianist Jack Olszewski and violinist Lev Nesterov to round out the panel. The three vocalists have sung together for decades, and it was an honour to witness how their friendship is heard throughout the music. Singer-songwriter Irene Poole opened the second act as a special guest. The music was not strictly what some in the Church would consider “sacred music”, a definition which currently seems to centre upon Renaissance polyphony, written for use in liturgy. However, the works chosen by the vocalists formed a dramatic arc than ran parallel to the life of Mary — from settings of the Magnificat to frame the Annunciation and the Visitation, to African-American spirituals and German lieder to highlight the Nativity of Christ, followed by both Baroque and Modern works on the sorrows of Mary, and settings of the Ave Maria which marked Mary’s Assumption and Coronation. Poetry selections rounded out the program, which helped to draw out the main theme of the programme — that of Mary’s humanity. If there is one particular gripe that I have with contemporary popular Mariology, it is that we tend to make Mary inaccessible, placing her high and away from the rest of us sinners on a pedestal. Yes, she is the Immaculate Conception, having no stain of original sin, and never entering into it in her lifetime. However, we often forget that Mary is fully human (the most fully human of us all!), and that she has experienced everything that we experience. The work on the program that exemplifies this best is Henry Purcell’s “The Blessed Virgin’s Expostulation” from 1693. Purcell was the first to write opera in English, and so the work is a dramatic scene, depicting the anxieties, doubts and social pressures that Mary faces as she and St. Joseph search frantically for the child Jesus throughout Jerusalem. Throughout, Mary maintains her trust in God and in the divinity of her son, and yet is contending with human emotions that pull her in all directions, including intense worry for the very human Jesus. Well, I received no miraculous grace of the healing of my tremor this weekend. What I received instead is a far greater grace of knowing that my blessed Mother has also faced societal pressure and grave anxiety. It is a realization that Mary’s presence in our lives is not chiefly as an image of Christian perfection, although this is certainly a factor. Rather, she is crowned as heaven’s queen in service of humanity precisely because she has undergone all the trials of life, and is most intimately acquainted with its problems and foibles, and therefore is best suited to empathize with us and intercede for us because of the fullness of her humanity. She is near because she is one of us, one with us, and one for us. May we know her closeness in our daily lives, in whatever it is that we face.
Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Peter Poole and Jan Myhre.
Walking in faith, singing in hope Mary, Mother of Hope: Jubilee Marian Week began on Friday, Aug 15, 2025 in Banff with the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, where Bishop McGrattan presided at Mass. On Monday, Aug 18, immediately after the morning prayer, nearly 40 young adults from the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy carried the Jubilee Cross on a 26 km pilgrimage from Banff to Canmore. They prayed, sang, and walked together until they reached the Shrine, where the cross was placed for the duration of the week. 
The week also included two evenings of sacred music. The Mary, Mystical Rose concert brought together professional singers who offered their gifts in praise of God (read Solomon's article), while Crowned with Stars, directed by Carlos Foggin, filled the Shrine with a stirring offering of choral works, live strings, and organ. The concert also premiered Foggin’s new Marian composition Regina Caeli, which was specially composed for the concert. 
The liturgy included the erection of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, carried out by Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano under the authority of the Dominican Prior Provincial. The confraternity, centuries old and present around the world, is a spiritual family where the faithful commit to praying the Rosary and share in the indulgences and graces of the Church. Afterward, another moving moment was the Coronation of Mary, when a crown was placed on the statue of Our Lady. As Bishop McGrattan said in his homily, “Our Blessed Mother reigns now in heaven. She is the seat of all wisdom. She extends to the Church and to the world the eternal wisdom of God.” At the end of the liturgy, Bishop McGrattan gave the Apostolic Blessing with plenary indulgence, a special grace granted through the Holy Father for this Jubilee. With heartfelt gratitude, we thank Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano, pastor of the Shrine Church, together with his dedicated team, Linda and Shelley, and the many volunteers whose generous service helped make the celebrations truly prayerful and welcoming. We are also grateful for Fr. Daniel Stevenot, Fr. Troy Nguyen, and his SFXC team, who guided the young adult pilgrimage that opened the week with such faith and joy. Our Marian Jubilee Week celebration ended in joy as the whole assembly sang the beloved hymn Immaculate Mary: Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing, You reign now in heaven with Jesus, our King. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria Ave, Ave, Ave Maria As the final notes filled the Shrine, many hoped that this was a glimpse of what Jubilee Marian Week will continue to offer in years to come: a living tradition of faith, music, and devotion to our Blessed Mother: Mary, Mother of Hope.  Photos by Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.
 On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary for the Installation of Bennett Chacko and André Boudreau to the Ministry of Lector. The celebration was an important step in their vocational journey and a sign of encouragement for the whole diocesan community. The ministry of Lector is the first of the instituted ministries that prepares men for Holy Orders. By this rite, the Church calls them to proclaim the Word of God during Mass, apart from the Gospel, and to help others grow in love for Scripture. It is not only about reading well in public but also about living the Word, allowing it to shape one’s life and witness. Following this step is the installation of a seminarian as an Acolyte, which entrusts them with service at the altar and preparing the Eucharist. After completing their studies and formation, they enter the Vocational Synthesis Phase in the Diocese, a period of pastoral immersion that prepares them for ordination as deacons. From there, they continue toward priesthood, supported by their bishop, priests, and the wider Church. We extend our congratulations to Bennett and André on their installation as Lectors. May their love for Scripture deepen, and may they continue to be strengthened by the prayers of the faithful as they advance toward service as deacons and priests in the Diocese of Calgary. 
 Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio.
 The first-ever Walking Pilgrimage of the Cross of Hope took place this week, as close to 30 adults made the 26 km journey on foot from Banff to Canmore. With backpacks, songs, prayers, and the Vatican flag, the group set out early in the morning after a 5 am wake-up call, prayer, and a special send-off blessing. The pilgrimage was the culmination of a weekend for young adults that began on Friday night with the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated by Bishop McGrattan at St. Mary’s Parish in Banff. Afterwards, the group “camped” at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, generously hosted by Fr. Daniel Stevenot, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish. The weekend included a mountain hike and Mass on Saturday, a community BBQ that evening, and on Sunday, parish Mass followed by brunch, a Marian concert, and Eucharistic Adoration.
 Witness on the trail The Legacy Trail was busy that day, with bikers and drivers catching sight of the pilgrims. Darren noted that most of the reactions were positive. “Even if they didn’t believe, they’d wonder: why are these guys doing this? It could be a testament to the faith for unbelievers.” At one point, an RV driver pulled over, excited to see the procession. Fr. Troy went up to greet him, adding to the day’s many unexpected encounters. 
A Jubilee celebration This walking pilgrimage is part of the larger “Mary, Mother of Hope: Jubilee Marian Week” being celebrated in Canmore from August 18–22, 2025. It’s a week of Masses, Confessions, Eucharistic Adoration, devotions, reflections, and free concerts, with pilgrims invited to come for a day, a weekend, or the whole week. At the heart of the celebration is the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences during this Jubilee Year of Hope, a time to experience God’s grace in a profound way. For many of the young adults, this first Banff-to-Canmore pilgrimage won’t be their last. When asked if they’d do it again, Darren and Shane both said yes without hesitation. The Cross of Hope journey was more than just a 26 km hike. This pilgrimage was a visible witness of faith, a chance to grow closer to Christ, and a reminder that hope truly does not disappoint. Photos courtesy of Jenn Pashula and St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.
 Hi, my name is Joseph Ma. I’m 23 years old and have been involved with the Chaplaincy since its beginning, serving in various roles and witnessing our community grow. This past year, I graduated from St. Mary’s University with a BA in Psychology. This pilgrimage was a graduation gift to myself. Of all the beautiful places we visited, my top three stops were:
One thing I want to carry forward from this pilgrimage is action. Throughout the journey we were constantly on the move, and action was essential to keep up and truly experience each site. As a student, my busy schedule often made it hard to engage in acts of corporal mercy, but now that I’m out of school, I want to dedicate real time to this. Every saint we encountered lived these works of mercy, and I know I need to as well. There were countless moments of renewal: seeing Eucharistic miracles, singing beautiful music in churches built for those pieces, walking where saints had walked, and witnessing the faith and surrender of others. One day in particular stands alone. I spent my birthday in the Vatican, exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, attending Mass, receiving a birthday blessing at the altars of St. Joseph and St. Thomas the Apostle, touring the Vatican Museums, having an actual Catholic guide, and seeing the Sistine Chapel. The whole day felt like a special birthday gift from God. That day not only renewed my heart but also deepened my identity as a beloved son of God. A lasting mark of this pilgrimage is the certainty that I have a Father who loves me so much that He would give me such a perfect day to share with those I love who were with me both physically and in spirit. Written by Joseph Ma for Faithfully. Joseph joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.
In Norcia, we visited the Benedictine Monastery of our fellow Calgarian, Brother Paul. The monastery was on top of a mountain, and it was such a peaceful place to visit. We had a private Mass in the Extraordinary Form, joined the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and learned a lot about the life of St. Benedict and the monastic traditions of the Benedictine order. Assisi was also one of my favourites because I was able to learn more about the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, and the impact of their lives in our Church was so beautifully reflected throughout the town. Visiting the tomb of St. Francis was especially powerful for me, as I was able to reflect on his life of humility and radical love for God, which inspires me to live my own faith with greater courage. Walking through the towns where some of the greatest saints used to live, and learning about the rich culture and history of our Catholic faith, will have an everlasting impact on my life. I am so thankful to our priests, Fr. Cristino, Fr. Troy, and Fr. Santiago, for leading us on this pilgrimage that I will cherish in my heart forever. Written by Kathleen Brul for Faithfully. Kathleen joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) organized by St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Kathleen Brul.
 SFXC pilgrims at the Jubilee for Youth vigil after the Papal Mass
We also had the opportunity to meet many saints, who intercede for us pilgrims. These holy men and women included St. Benedict, St. Scholastica, St. Francis, St. Clare, Bl. Carlo Acutis, St. Anthony, St. Luke, St. Paul and more! In particular, we received the grace of being able to venerate the relic of St. Cristina and walk with her in procession in Fr. Cristino’s hometown of Sepino. This moment was significant for us since Catarina’s mother is named after this saint. Above all, we had many moments of profound encounters with Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who we visited in the Blessed Sacrament and received every day in Holy Mass. In Turin, we prayed in the presence of the Shroud, recalling His immense sacrifice of love for our sake. Following from the passion to the resurrection, we adored Him in the miraculously unveiled host in Lanciano and in the Precious Blood in Orvieto. Finally, we adored Jesus along with one million other young Catholics in Tor Vergata at the Jubilee Vigil with Pope Leo XIV.
Furthermore, we are accompanied by the saints, who intercede for us and stand as a “great cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12:1) before the throne of God. And, of course, our heavenly Mother, “our life, our sweetness, and our hope” always protects her children under her heavenly mantle and guides us back to her Divine Son. Written by Catarina Avila for Faithfully. She and her husband Aviv joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Catarina Avila.
 My name is Anne Navalta, I work as a Civil Engineer in Training. I’m part of the SFXC group at St. Mary’s Cathedral and I was very fortunate to be one of the 46 pilgrims in the Jubilee 2025 SFXC Pilgrimage group to Italy. It was an incredible experience. I find it very difficult to recall a single highlight or even name a favourite city we visited, in part, because we did so many things and visited countless places within our 16 days there - it’s all just become one, big, beautiful blur - but also because every moment of the trip and every town we visited had their special significance that it’s difficult to choose one as my favourite. What I loved most about the trip was the group and the routine everyone had together - daily Mass, daily morning prayer (Lauds), evening Rosary, plus the shared meals and conversations. Being surrounded by and communing with other Catholics daily who sought to deepen their relationship and appreciation of our faith while travelling in a country steeped in Catholic history, tradition, art, and architecture was surreal to me. It was also amazing to see different groups from countries all over the world congregating together to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Hope. In almost every town we visited, at the plazas outside the churches, we would see pilgrims waving their country flags, singing songs of praise and worship in their language, and inviting everyone to dance and join them in showcasing their love of God and His Church. A bunch of us even joined those dance circles a few times while other pilgrims from different countries were singing and playing on their guitars and bongos! Having said all of this, one particular moment that stood out to me the most was from one of our first days in Italy, in Sepino, the hometown of Fr. Cristino’s family. There, we were blessed to celebrate Mass at Chiesa Madre di Santa Cristina on July 24, the Feast Day of Santa Cristina, with the Archbishop of Campobasso. He said something that I think many of us will keep in our hearts for the rest of our lives: “Your pilgrimage begins when you go back home.” This, for me, set the tone for our pilgrimage. It made it more apparent that what we experience, the things we learn, and all the graces that we receive during the pilgrimage should not stay within the pilgrimage. We’re pilgrims for life. We are meant to pour what the Lord has filled us with during this time into our daily lives and into the people we surround ourselves with - extending the legacy of the Saints, many of whom we encountered throughout Italy, back to our community in our own way. I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of this pilgrimage, and I have a deeper appreciation of the Mass, our Priests, the Sacraments, the Saints, and our Church as a whole. I look forward to continuing to pull from this experience and become a better instrument of God’s will in my life and in others’ lives. Written by Anne Navalta for Faithfully. Ann joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Ann Navalta.
My name is Rosa, and I’m a travel nurse working in the US currently. I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Jubilee pilgrimage, learning about it from friends, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it. My top three stops in Italy were Assisi, Sepino, and Turin. I learned so much while exploring Assisi and visiting the sacred Basilica and chapels related to St. Francis, and seeing the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis. One of my most memorable moments is outside the Basilica of St. Clare, where many young Catholics from all over the world gathered together in singing a version of the Alleluia and dancing in a circle together; it was impossible not to join this worship circle and start dancing along. Sepino was a special place for all of us Calgarian pilgrims, as it is the hometown of our dear Fr. Cristino. We got to interact with locals in a small town in Italy and learn more about St. Christina as we joined the Feast at their local church. The bishop’s homily on that day left an impression on us as he emphasized the importance of continuing our pilgrimage when we return home, which is what we strive to achieve today as we’re slowly transitioning back to our reality back home. Turin left an impression on me as I learned about the Holy Shroud, AKA the Shroud of Turin. I’ve never heard of this shroud before, and it was fascinating to learn about the factual evidence behind the shroud, and made me think: well, how could anyone not believe in the Lord?  Despite the heat and crowdedness in Rome, attending Pope Leo’s Mass and visiting the four Jubilee holy doors really gave me a sense of renewal and strong motivation to incorporate my faith in my daily life better than I had before the pilgrimage. I have more clarity in my identity as a Catholic as I continue the pilgrimage in my life, and I see and hear things more clearly than I had before. This Jubilee pilgrimage broadened my openness to welcome God in my daily life, and I understand why I was there now. Thank you, SFXC, Fr. Cristino, Fr. Troy, and Fr. Santiago, for this amazing pilgrimage. As we all know, the pilgrimage doesn’t end here. Written by Rosa An for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Rosa An. Rosa joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) organized by St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.
In this Year of Jubilee, we are pleased to share inspiring videos from St. Anthony’s Parish in Drumheller. The parish has been actively embodying the life of Christ by nurturing ministries that strengthen faith and serve both parishioners and the wider community. Below are a series of video and stories shared by St. Anthony's Parish in Drumheller: Fr. Lukas Drapal shows his deep spiritual and communal life within the parish, as well as his spiritual leadership in guiding parishioners on their journey of faith through teachings, sacraments, and pastoral care. He explains his dedication as a mediator between God and the community, celebrating the Eucharist, administering the sacraments, and offering prayers that uplift and inspire. Beyond the liturgy, he helps comfort, counsel, guide and provide support during life's challenges and celebrations alike. Fr. Lukas Drapal embodies the love of Christ, serving as a shepherd who guides, nurtures, and leads the parish toward holiness and service. Couples for Christ Drumheller is a vibrant community committed to nurturing and strengthening marriages and families through faith-based initiatives. As part of the larger Couples for Christ organization from Calgary South A1, the CFC Drumheller focuses on fostering deep spiritual connections among couples while promoting the teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. St. Anthony's Pastoral Care Ministry is a vital ministry of the parish that aims to support and guide individuals and families within the faith community. Through one-on-one support and service in the hospital, senior homes, parish activities, and Bell Tower Fundraising programs, like spearheading the Shrove Tuesday and St. Anthony's Feast, pastoral care encourages connection, healing, and growth. It serves as a powerful reminder of the church's commitment to serve others, embodying the teachings of Christ by reaching out to those in need and nurturing relationships within the community. Committed to serving both the Church and those in need, the Catholic League of Women (CWL) engages in charitable activities, community service, and faith-building initiatives. By fostering camaraderie among members, the CWL promotes values of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Through their various programs and events, they offer scholarships to young women in the parish pursuing higher education. The CWL strives to make a positive impact while living out their mission of serving their parish, supporting families, and promoting social justice in line with Catholic teachings. St. Anthony's Drumheller Knights of Columbus is a steadfast fraternal organization that plays a vital role in the Drumheller community. The Knights are devoted to serving both the parish and those in need. The Knights of Drumheller are engaging in charitable actions and communal events, such as pancake breakfasts and spaghetti suppers, to raise funds for various charities, most particularly in the Bell Tower restoration.  The themes of culture, renewal, heaven, and pilgrimage were the four themes that stood out to me the most throughout our pilgrimage. In one of the first homilies of the pilgrimage, Fr. Troy spoke about culture and how it relates not only to shared language, customs and ideas, but also to a shared worship. A culture that worships anyone or anything but God will drown in itself. A culture, however, whose worship is centred and grounded in God will flourish and live. Fr. Troy encouraged us to think about culture and right worship as a means of renewal. Being in a country like Italy, it was hard not to see and experience that. I was deeply moved by all the richness, goodness and beauty of Italian culture. Their language, food, people, and customs. From the beauty of the churches, frescos and art, to the music, people, and delicious food, I was encouraged to see it all as a little taste of heaven. This pilgrimage taught me a lot about being a pilgrim and how to live as one.
 Finishing our pilgrimage in Rome was a beautiful way to end our pilgrimage. We got to experience all the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City, as well as the busyness and excitement of millions of other young Catholics joining together to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth with the Pope. It was encouraging and exciting to see so many millions of people joining together as pilgrims, and to feel a fatherly closeness to the Pope. It was also incredibly inspiring to witness the everlasting endurance of the Catholic Church and all the millions of brothers and sisters who have gone before us and reached our Heavenly goal. Walking through the Holy Doors of the four Roman Basilicas was a highlight and an experience I will continue to hold dear to my heart. I am very grateful and excited to see the fruits of this pilgrimage unfold not only in my life, but also in the life of our Diocese and all the people we prayed for. The pilgrimage goes on!
Written by Ana Maria Torres for Faithfully. Ana Maria joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Ana Maria.
 Not one, but four groups of women came together to study and reflect on the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and how they apply in their lives. They arrived with beaming smiles that lit up every corner of the parish basement, eager to learn. These women are part of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of a Woman) at St. Albert the Great parish. Endow was founded in 2003 in Denver, Colorado, by Betsy Considine, Marilyn Coors, and Terry Polakovic. It is a Catholic apostolate that calls women together to deepen their faith by exploring the timeless wisdom of the Church. Drawing from the writings of Pope St. John Paul II on the “new feminism,” the founders emphasized that every woman should recognize her God-given dignity and the unique gifts she brings to the world. Today, Endow reaches more than 40,000 women in over 130 dioceses worldwide through study and community.
Participants greeted each other warmly before sitting at their assigned tables. The atmosphere was alive with openness and readiness to share their spiritual journey. Each woman took turns reading two to three sentences from the chapter, followed by reflection questions. At first, the conversation was serious and thoughtful, but as it went on, laughter and light-hearted moments filled the room. It was an ordinary conversation, yet every word shared a firm conviction: to trust Jesus with all their hearts. Sitting among them was spiritually enriching; it was a fruitful opportunity to learn alongside faith-filled, insightful women about how to deepen one’s faith in God. One conversation about obedience became especially meaningful. We discussed how obeying God makes difficult things easier, and that His grace is always present when we follow His will. The moderator said, “If I persevere, good fruit will come because God is good.” “He wants the best for me because He loves me. I trust Him,” shared Kaitlin, a participant at my table. The members shared their different perspectives on obedience, but ultimately agreed it meant listening to God’s voice and saying ‘yes’ to Him. It requires letting go of the world’s pull toward pleasure, fame, and wealth, and becoming a follower of Christ. Though difficult at times, the gift of perseverance and God’s grace make it possible.  When reading one of St. Teresa of Avila’s letters about facing temptations and attacks from Satan, the women spoke openly about their thoughts. “It’s terrifying when you really think about it,” said Kaitlin. “I don’t want to think about it. I just pretend it’s not there. I need to focus on the beauty of God, which is what you’re meant to do,” shared another. We reflected that God’s power is far greater than the enemy’s. They discussed the importance of prayer, penance, and suffering as weapons against evil, and the need to discern when something feels spiritually “off”. The group provided a safe space to share insights, explore their beliefs, ask questions, and affirm one another’s spiritual journey. “It’s given me a little bit of a boost to be able to talk to other people, especially about prayer, because it’s an overwhelming thing sometimes to go through alone,” shared Kaitlin. “Thanks to this talk, especially to other women and mothers who are going through similar struggles in their lives.”
Participant Liza Zavisha added, “Anytime we can grow in our faith, because it’s one step closer to God.” “We want to keep learning and growing, and doing it with other like-minded women is such a gift.” By the end of the night, I felt spiritually refreshed and renewed. I left with joy, encouragement, and a richer understanding of God’s work in my life.
Written by Mary Joy Mendonza for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Mary Joy.
 You’re invited, whether for a day, a weekend, or the whole week! Join young adults and all pilgrims for this Marian Week in the heart of the Rockies. As part of our diocesan journey in the Jubilee Year of Hope, it’s a sacred time of prayer, pilgrimage, and celebration, and a special opportunity to receive plenary indulgences during this grace-filled year. August 15-18 | St. Mary's, Banff
Fri-Sat, Aug 15-17 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore) Friday, Aug 15
Saturday, Aug 16
Monday, Aug 18 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore)
Tue to Thu, Aug 19-21 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore) Daily Horarium during the Jubilee Marian Week at the Shrine Church on Tuesday to Thursday (Aug 19-21)
Friday, Aug 22 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore)
Sat-Sun, Aug 23-24 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore) Saturday, August 23 at the Shrine Church
 Long before the panels were set up in St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Hall, a teenager in Italy was gathering the stories behind them. Blessed Carlo Acutis, who had a gift for technology and a deep devotion to the Eucharist, created the online catalogue that became the foundation for the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition held here at St. Mary's Parish Hall, from Aug. 10–13, 2025. Born in 1991, Carlo was a tech-savvy Italian teenager who loved computers, animals, and video games. From a young age, he had a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist and a desire for others to come to know and love it as he did. Carlo researched Eucharistic miracles from around the world and created a website to catalogue them, complete with maps, photos, and explanations. His work became the foundation for the travelling Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition, now displayed in parishes across the globe.
 Sacred Relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis A call she couldn’t ignore The exhibition’s coordinator, Rita Shank, first saw it in Maui in 2023, and she couldn’t get it out of her mind. “I’m a cradle Catholic. I’ve always believed in the Real Presence, but when I saw this exhibit, it really registered,” Rita shared. “Some miracles show scientific studies of the consecrated Host; even 50 years later, the red and white blood cells are still alive. I got chills. The Holy Spirit just kept nudging me to bring it to Calgary.” She brought the idea to her pastor, Fr. Arjay Abanto, at Sacred Heart Parish in Calgary, and soon the first Calgary exhibit was underway. St. Mary’s Cathedral was their eighth showing, with more already planned, including Holy Spirit Parish later this year. “Volunteers are never hard to find,” she said. “People want to help. They see the value in sharing the truth, that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, and that He invites us to be with Him and in Him.” 
Fr. Niwton also told the story of St. Anthony of Padua, challenged to prove the Real Presence, St. Anthony presented the Eucharist to a donkey that had been kept from food for three days. Ignoring the food placed before it, the donkey knelt before the host. “These miracles give me goosebumps,” Fr. Niwton said. “They remind us that Jesus is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist.” 
An invitation to encounter Walking through the rows of panels, visitors read about bleeding hosts, incorrupt fragments, and conversions sparked by the Eucharist. Even beyond the stories, the exhibit offered something deeper, a quiet invitation to meet Christ in the Eucharist in a more personal way. “Once you understand that it is in the Eucharist that Jesus unites Himself most intimately to us, you can’t help but want to share it,” Rita said. “This is how He loves us.” The Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition will continue travelling throughout the Diocese and beyond. For Rita, it’s a mission from which she can’t walk away. “Every time we set it up, I see people touched in new ways. That’s what keeps me going.” Through the vision of a modern teenager, the relic of a soon-to-be saint, and the generosity of those who share this work, the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition offered more than information; it offered an encounter. For many, that encounter may be the beginning of a deeper love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Parishes or Catholic organizations interested in hosting the display are welcome to contact Rita Shank at the Exhibition, or contact Sacred Heart Parish at 403-244-2741.
At the heart of the evening will be the premiere of Foggin’s own Regina Caeli, written especially for this concert. Inspired by the Marian theme, the piece for choir and strings weaves together fragments of melodies from other works in the program with the timeless Gregorian chant for Regina Caeli. “Listeners will be able to hear how it all connects,” says Foggin, “almost like musical threads running through the evening.” In addition to his work as Music Director Laureate of the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, Foggin is an award-winning conductor and composer whose recent Litany of St. Joseph, premiered at Calgary’s Jack Singer Concert Hall in March 2025. For the upcoming Crowned in Heaven: A Concert for the Queen in Heaven, the professional choir, organized by Mark Dumbrique, will be joined by accomplished string players Theresa Dumbrique, Peter Li, Osmond Chiu, and Erin Beach, with Foggin at the organ and podium. This will be more than a concert. It is an invitation to pause, pray, and be lifted by music that gives glory to our Lord, and honours the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Heaven.   Mission Mexico is the Diocese’s outreach to the poorest in Guerrero, Mexico, supporting health, education, and emergency aid among Indigenous communities with compassion and solidarity since 2000.  Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Mission Mexico continues to bring hope, education, and life-saving assistance to those who need it most.
 Human beings have been called homo prospectus, which loosely translates as the One Who Anticipates the Future. Beyond complex language and sophisticated technologies, what makes humans unique is our ability to anticipate what is to come, and we spend a lot of our lives thinking about and planning for the future. My thoughts often drift towards driving back to Michigan next summer, or retirement, or watching my son land his first solo flight. But our ability to anticipate the future is limited because our lives are not as stable as they seem. Aldous Huxley once said, “the only thing we can say for certain about the future is that we are totally incapable of foreseeing it accurately,” and this limited ability to predict the future is visible in the Parable of the Rich Fool who stores up grain so that he can “take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry” (cf. Luke 12:19). “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.” ~Luke 12:20 The Rich Fool is spending his energy on a future he won’t have. I don’t know the state of the souls of some of my favourite artists – such as Otis Redding (dead at 26 in a plane crash), Albert Camus (dead at 52 in a car crash), and John Candy (dead at 43 of a heart attack) – but I wonder if they were all thinking more or less the same thing as the Rich Fool. They had achieved worldly success and were likely planning to enjoy the fruits of their labour. But nothing is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the hour. The same goes for me. I might not live long enough to enjoy retirement, meaning that I also spend a lot of time working toward a future I might not have. This realization could easily lead to a You-Only-Live-Once-focused hedonism, which would compound the foolishness of waiting to be happy until we’ve achieved a material milestone. God asks the Rich Fool, “Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ Gaudium et Spes provides the answer that “everyone must consider his every neighbour without exception as another self.” Whoever is not giving their riches to God (through their neighbour) is missing the point and failing to anticipate what comes after.
A Jewish philosopher, an Austrian farmer, and a Japanese doctor provide three examples of people who were not storing things up for themselves. They were people who rejected the prospect of taking things easy and were instead rich toward God. Some argue that the Christian belief in an afterlife discounts this world, but the examples above show that nothing could be further from the truth. These saints committed to this world precisely because they anticipated the eternal future of their souls.
Written by Jason Openo for Faithfully.
  A special gathering of young people from Canada took place in Rome on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, at the Church of Sant’Andrea della Valle, during the Jubilee of Youth (28 July to 3 August 2025), part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year celebrations. The Jubilee of Youth brought together thousands of young people from around the world for a week of prayer, catechesis, cultural exchange, and joyful witness. This international pilgrimage invited young people to deepen their relationship with Christ and to be living signs of hope and communion in today’s world. An estimated 1,000 young people from across Canada made the pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. Pilgrims represented dioceses, eparchies, national groups, movements, and associations from across the country. A delegation of young adults from the Diocese of Calgary, led by Fr. Troy Nguyen, Fr. Cristino Bouvette, and Fr. Santiago Torres, joined the global pilgrims in Rome as part of their Jubilee Year Pilgrimage. Their journey, organized through St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC), has taken them through sacred sites across Italy, including Montecassino, Sepino, Assisi, Padua, Turin, Florence, and Orvieto, before reaching Rome for the Papal Mass with Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata.
Adapted from CCCB. Photos courtesy of diocesan young adults SFXC pilgrims.
 In 2024, Elizabeth House continued to walk alongside young women and their children, helping them build skills, resilience, and hope. Through stable housing, life skills development, and community connection, participants moved closer to independence and lasting well-being. A year of deep growth 2024 was a year of deep growth at Elizabeth House. Amid the housing crisis and limited capacity, we supported 14 women and 12 infants, welcoming five new babies, through wraparound care that fostered safety, stability, and hope. With 100% of our residents maintaining housing, food security, parenting, and health, and 83% gaining financial and educational stability, our impact is clear. From launching the Women’s Group pilot to redesigning key programs, we continue building a place of sanctuary, strength, and resilience.
Lena’s story After fleeing her war-torn country, Lena arrived in Calgary seeking safety and a fresh start. Pregnant and close to birth, she found Elizabeth House—a place of hope where she could prepare for motherhood and rebuild her life. With the support of staff and access to essentials like healthcare, financial literacy, and business training, Lena gained the skills and confidence to thrive. She welcomed a healthy baby girl and poured herself into being the best mother she could be. Lena eventually moved into her own home, launched a small business crafting baby mobiles, and secured her first job in Canada.
 Twenty-nine years ago, she was fifteen and everything felt so overwhelming. She was about to bring a baby into the world all alone. She had no home, no support, and no idea where to turn. Becoming a single teen mom made her feel disoriented and scared. “I was left completely abandoned. I felt lost and hopeless, as if there was no place for me in this world,” said Elle, one of Elizabeth House's first residents. “I was two months from turning 16 and in those months, I had no form of income.” Her family members donated milk and clothes for Elle and her newborn while she figured out what to do. The social worker assigned to work with Elle had heard about Elizabeth House and told Elle that they gave assistance to young mothers like her.
At the time, young mothers like Elle were permitted to stay until the baby turned six months. After that, they had to move out because others also needed support. Elle did not feel ready and begged the sisters to stay; she was given another three months. “When my time was up and it was time to face the world on my own, it was terrifying when I eventually had to leave,” said Elle. “I fell into depression. I felt alone and unaware of how I was going to make it. I moved into a one-bedroom apartment.” Elle cried so much that day that she had to leave the home that gave her hope, assisted her, and taught her life skills. She struggled without the home, without the support she needed. “Many times, I didn’t think I was going to make it,” said Elle. “However, Sister Pat never disconnected from us. She continued her relationship with Steph and I. She would come and visit and always brought us donations.” Sister Pat never left Elle. She has always kept in contact with them until today. “Elizabeth House gave me the tools to survive and thrive and believe in the future,” Elle continued. “We stand here today because of the help we received all those years ago.” 
 Michelle Haywood, Program Manager (right) and Elizabeth House's Volunteers Written by Mary Joy Mendoza for Faithfully.
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January 2026
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