 At the age of seventy- six, I have seen and lived through much of the ebb and flow of Catholic renewal that came and went in the 20th and now the twenty-first century. Candidly, I was anaesthetised to any Church change and continued practicing a rather lifeless faith. I left the Catholic church in early 2020 and only returned in 2023. I was curious to know if anyone had noticed that I had left and returned. Some believed I was dead. Imagine my reaction when I held a door open for a lady with a walker. I didn't know her but imagined her to be in her early eighties. I assumed she'd pass me, enter the church and I would probably never see her again. She stopped, looked me straight in the eye, fixed her gaze on me, put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Gerald, you've been away too long." I was thunderstruck, speechless. This was something I wanted and needed to hear since I never really felt at home in Catholicism. I thought that was all she wanted to say. It would have been enough. Still, she continued to meet me eye to eye, her right hand on my left shoulder. Since I thought her ready to enter the church, I moved accordingly, but she said, "Stop. There's more." "Welcome home," she said. I tell you I felt my knees buckling. She very carefully, very clearly articulated "son," and was gone, leaving me to wonder about the implications of this meeting. Way: A Personal Reflection on Renewalby Gerald Morton The old man in me of unbent knee, Written by Gerald Morton, All Saints Parish, Lethbridge.
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St. Augustine’s Parish in Taber was honoured to share with parishioners and guests a special evening recognising the many accomplishments, lasting friendships, and cherished memories that Father Tim Boyle has created over the past 50 years. A bit of history explains why this celebration was held at, and is so special to, St. Augustine’s Parish. In 1973, a young Tim Boyle arrived in Taber as a transitional deacon, serving the parish until his ordination to the priesthood a year later. On October 12, 1974, Bishop Paul O’Byrne came to St. Augustine’s and celebrated a Mass of ordination to the priesthood for Fr. Tim. Fr. Tim continued to serve in Taber for a further 3 1/2 years as an associate pastor under the guidance of the Pastor, Fr. Donald O’Dwyer. Fr. Tim, originally a young man from Camrose, AB via Calgary, began a blessed priestly ministry in the Church that has spanned 50 years. Throughout these years, he has continued to serve the Diocese of Calgary in various parishes. Now, having retired from active parish ministry, he serves as the Bishop’s Vicar for Clergy. The Celebration Our evening on Saturday, Sep. 28, 2024 began with Fr. Tim celebrating Mass, accompanied by Fr. Philip Le and Deacon Brian Kinahan. The music was a collaboration from our three music ministry groups, featuring songs from both past and present. During Mass, Fr. Tim shared stories of the parishes where the sacred vessels, presented to him by his family at his ordination, had travelled over the past 50 years. 
All present were truly blessed. Once you are ordained, you are a priest forever! We were so pleased to be able to celebrate this lifelong priestly ministry right here in Taber where it all began. May God continue to guide Father Tim and fill him with His grace as he continues the work of harvesting souls for Him.
 A note from writer and compiler, Solomon Ip: Once again, we arrive at the yearly celebration of our jubilarian priests. What this jubilee class lacks in terms of quantity, it most definitely makes up for in quality. This year, we have four well-respected pastors, among whom we find two Vicars General of our diocese, the current Bishop's Delegate for Sexual Misconduct, a former refugee, the founding pastors of parishes, and priests who pastored their congregations as they built new churches. This year, I am also extremely excited to be able to collaborate with one of my seminarian brothers on these jubilarian interviews. Jeffrell Painaga is a perfect candidate to write about Fr. Jack Pereira, and I am so grateful finally to share this experience with one of my brothers. It is through the witness of many great pastors that young men are inspired to follow in their footsteps. Fathers, please think of these articles that the two of us wrote as our gratitude and our admiration; we can only hope to follow Christ so boldly, should we one day share in Christ’s priesthood. Brothers and sisters, please join us in prayer for an increase in vocations. ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ ~Matthew 9:37
Written by Jeffrell Painaga for Faithfully.
Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully.
 This year's Priests' Study Days brought over 80 priests to the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, focusing on the theme "Co-responsibility in Mission," and the kickoff of Year II of the Pastoral Renewal. The Renewal journey, which began in 2023, continued with a new phase that officially launched on Oct 4, 2024, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. On Tuesday, Oct 8, the day began with the "Cast into the Deep" Pastoral Renewal video, inspiring us to a renewed sense of trust and mission. Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico, chair of the Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team, followed with key updates, and Bishop McGrattan joined remotely from Rome to present survey results. Priests then received their parish-specific insights, which sparked lively discussions as they shared surprising, encouraging, and thought-provoking takeaways.  We now invite you to hear directly from Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico, who led the Renewal session at the Study Days. Read our interview below as she shares her thoughts on Pastoral Renewal and offers her perspective on the journey ahead.
Bonnie, how did you get involved with the Pastoral Renewal Team?
Can you share a bit about your background and journey?
 Dr. Bonnie Anncchiarico and her family at St. Mary's church in Brooks. Can you share your experience of presenting Year II at the Priests' Study Days? What was the key message you wanted to convey about the future of Pastoral Renewal?
What does Pastoral Renewal mean to you, and do you have any words of encouragement for us?
What are your hopes for Renewal as we enter Year II?
Photos courtesy of Dr Bonnie Annicchiarico, Fr Iqbal Kurshid, and Office of Communications.
Written by Lauretta Dearing, OFS, member of St. Paul's Parish in Airdrie.
 On September 20th, Saint Luke's Parish became the gathering place for an important and cherished tradition: the 45th Annual Sisters Night, hosted by the Knights of Columbus. This banquet is a special occasion where the religious sisters from the Calgary Diocese, along with clergy and lay faithful, come together to honour the immeasurable contributions these women have made to the Church and society. It is the only time each year that all the religious sisters of the diocese gather in one place, making the night a unique and uplifting celebration of faith, dedication, and service. The event drew a total of 101 attendees, including 34 religious sisters, Bishop William McGrattan, three priests, three deacons, and four consecrated virgin candidates. For decades, the Knights of Columbus have been committed to organizing this event, recognizing the sacrifices and impact of religious sisters across Canada. This year's gathering was no different, reflecting both the gratitude of the community and the enduring legacy of service carried on by the sisters.
 In his opening remarks, the Emcee spoke of the deep historical contributions of religious sisters and nuns to the development of Canada. From the earliest days of European settlement, these women were pioneers in building many of the country's foundational institutions. The sisters established the first schools, providing education to countless children, including those in remote and underserved areas. They also played a key role in building hospitals, offering compassionate care long before public health systems were established. Orphanages, too, were built by religious orders, where the sisters provided homes and care for children without families. But beyond their tangible contributions, the sisters have also been steadfast in their spiritual roles, offering guidance, wisdom, and prayers in every corner of the country. Their quiet yet transformative presence has been a pillar of the Church’s mission, and the Knights of Columbus feel it is essential to recognize their enduring influence. In his address, Bishop McGrattan spoke warmly of the sisters’ dedication and expressed the diocese's deep gratitude for their work. He acknowledged the unique role they play, not only in providing spiritual support but also in being a visible example of Christ's love in action. His words resonated with the room, where there was a sense of respect and admiration for the sisters' ongoing efforts. The event was also an opportunity for attendees to connect and reflect on the shared mission of the Church. Alongside the sisters, consecrated virgins candidates, priests, deacons, and laypeople all engaged in fellowship, united in their devotion to serving others. This sense of community is one of the hallmarks of Sisters Night, reminding everyone present of the collective strength that arises from shared faith. Honouring courage and faith The highlight of the evening was the tribute to the religious sisters. The Knights of Columbus ensured that the event was not only a time of celebration but also one of reflection on the profound courage it takes to embrace the consecrated life. In a world that often prioritizes material wealth and individualism, the sisters' lives of selflessness stand as a powerful counterpoint. They have chosen to live by the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, dedicating themselves entirely to the service of God and others. Of note, two sisters that were celebrating a jubilee of vows were Sr. Paula Mullen, FCJ, 60 years and Sr. Emelyn Rosento, DM, 25 years. As the 45th Annual Sisters Night came to a close, it was clear that the event had once again succeeded in honouring the profound legacy of the religious sisters. For all in attendance, the night served as both a celebration and an inspiration to carry forward the mission of love and service that the sisters embody so beautifully. Written by Kevin Dick, member of Knights Of Columbus Council #6994.
 In a time when meaningful connection is essential, our parish gathered for a special Renewal Gathering on St. Michael’s Feast Day, September 29, 2024. This intentional choice set the tone for a day filled with faith and fellowship, centered around the blessing of our new St. Michael statue. This ceremony fostered unity and served as a powerful symbol of protection and courage in our faith journey. The gathering was a key part of our diocesan Pastoral Renewal initiative, aimed at deepening our understanding of being a community of missionary disciples, reminding us that we are called, we matter, and we belong.  After the blessing, we enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, reflecting the joy of being together and the warmth of our parish family. It was heartening to see parishioners of all ages in attendance, especially since we provided childcare for families with young children. With our hearts and minds prepared, we entered the sanctuary, warmly welcomed by our host, Mike Fitzsimmons. Uplifting praise songs led by the ‘Love One Another’ Community invited everyone to join in worship. The atmosphere was charged with the Holy Spirit as we engaged in a guided Lectio Divina and prayer led by Fr. Edmund and Fr. Kelvin, focusing on the Road to Emmaus narrative from Luke 24:13-35. This scripture teaches us to be open to the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need to recognize Christ’s presence in our lives, often in unexpected forms.
 Engaging with Scripture allowed deeper truths to be revealed, fostering spiritual growth. The breaking of bread symbolizes the significance of the Eucharist and community in encountering Christ. Ultimately, the disciples’ transformation from despair to joyful witnesses of the Resurrection illustrates how openness to the Holy Spirit leads to personal renewal and a commitment to sharing the Good News. The presentation on the Diocesan Pastoral Renewal, featuring a short video and slideshow, provided insight into our shared mission. This vision made our goals feel attainable, emphasizing our collective responsibility in living out our faith. It’s comforting to know we’re all in this together, highlighting the importance of community support in our journeys. Following the presentation, Christian Estrella led a reflection encouraging small group conversations about the three Pillars of Renewal. These discussions sparked new ideas and fostered a sense of ownership over our mission, providing a unique opportunity to ask meaningful questions that could help our parish become a vibrant hub of faith and outreach.
 The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), along with Aid to the Church in Need Canada (ACN), Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada, and Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (DPCC), has launched an urgent appeal for prayers and support for Lebanon, following the recent escalation of violence in the region.
As conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has spread into Lebanon, thousands of families are facing displacement, and local agencies are providing shelter, food, medical care, and psychological support. Bishop William T. McGrattan urges us to join in prayers for peace and donate to trusted organizations to help those in need. To offer your support, you can donate online or by phone through the following organizations:
Many people know about Religious Life in the Catholic Church, but did you know that there are other types of Consecrated Life as well? While Religious Life is the largest component of the Consecrated Life recognized by the Catholic Church, there is also an Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World, the Ordo Virginum. Unlike the celibate Religious who make vows within their communities and live the common life according to the spirituality of their Institute, these women live independently while consecrated through a holy resolution to be dedicated solely to the Lord their Bridegroom and obedient to the directives of the Bishop of their Diocese. They live according to the Rule of Life they draw up and they support themselves through their work in the world as does any independent person. Why would a woman choose to be a Consecrated Virgin instead of a Religious Sister? First of all, it is a call from God, a true vocation to follow the Lord and to be of service to His Church. Women who have other responsibilities, specific careers, or circumstances that would preclude them from entering a Religious community have found this vocation to be one specially suited to them. These women take up the task of praying for the Bishop and the needs of the Diocese, making them particularly close to the Diocese and its Bishop. We are blessed in our Diocese to have five women who have entered into the formation process to become Consecrated Virgins. Unlike single women living in the world, Consecrated Virgins make a public holy resolution during which they will be consecrated during the Holy Mass by the Bishop. (To be consecrated means being set apart exclusively for God.) This is a supernatural vocation that sets the woman apart for the needs of the people of her own time. Consecrated Virgins have assumed the docility of the Virgin Mary through prayer, contemplation, and a life of holiness that is open to the promptings of God’s grace and animated by charity for the sake of others. There are many exemplar virgin Saints after which the Consecrated Virgin can model her life for Christ, such as St. Catherine of Siena and virgin Saints from the early Church who are mentioned in the canon of the Mass such as St. Anastasia, St. Lucy, and St. Agatha. Since Consecrated Virginity lived in the world is new to many people, it seems helpful to provide some information about the why of such a way of life.Consecrated virginity is a way of being totally for Christ, to be married to Christ the Bridegroom of the Church, and to live the reality we will all, hopefully, experience in the life to come with Christ. As explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Virgins who, committed to the holy plan of following Christ more closely, are consecrated to God by the Diocesan Bishop according to the approved liturgical rite, are betrothed mystically to Christ, the Son of God, and are dedicated to the service of the Church. By this solemn rite…, the virgin is constituted . . . a sacred person, a transcendent sign of the Church's love for Christ, and an eschatological image of this heavenly Bride of Christ and of the life to come." (CCC 923) When seeking to explain this vocation, the candidates for Consecrated Virginity expressed some important understandings:
The Consecrated Virgin, in her spiritual motherhood, is dedicated to Christ and His Church. Her heart is to be open to God’s people, showing forth facets of the love of the Church, our true Mother. Fundamental to her vocation is praying for the needs of the Church, in particular the needs of the Diocese, the Bishop and its priests. Like the priests, deacons, and Religious men and women in the Church, the Consecrated Virgins pray the Liturgy of the Hours (the official prayer of the Church), praying for the Church and with the Church. As one candidate said, “Our hearts are open for Christ’s people, as we walk with them in compassion, accompanying them.” This initiative of the Diocese of Calgary of offering the opportunity for women to become Consecrated Virgins according to the ancient practice of the Church is in line with the new evangelization and the Pastoral Renewal of the Diocese. Consecrated Virgins exemplify the accompaniment of the People of God and witness to Christ and His Church.
 The room was packed. The evening before, it had sold out, and the next day, some extra seats were released, which also sold out. People from all different demographics were present: seniors, families, young couples, and students. They all came because they were fascinated by one of the most intriguing topics in the Bible: the Book of Revelation. Additionally, Cardinal Collins had completed his PhD on the Book of Revelation, so the audience was set to receive a professional, in-depth look at a book that has puzzled so many. The Cardinal spoke about how the Book of Revelation needs to be understood within its historical context. Many Christians at the time it was written were being persecuted for their faith. So John, the writer of the book, was trying to encourage them to give their lives for Christ. John sought to provide them with an eternal perspective amidst their current struggles by helping them see that they were choosing to worship the Lamb or the Beast, to strive for the Heavenly Jerusalem or the Lake of Fire. This stark choice, and the contrast between the glory of heaven and the pains of hell, was meant to inspire the Christians of that time to give their lives for Christ, for the Lamb who conquered death by His death. Then he tied it marvelously into our own context by pointing out that the struggles of the Christians in the 21st century are not that much different from the Christians in the 1st century. Although we as Christians might not have to choose between life and death (at least in the Western world), we are still given the choice to choose between the Lamb or the Beast, between Jesus and Satan. The battle between these two options is symbolized by the woman in scarlet, the prostitute who rides on the Beast. The Cardinal pointed out that this symbolized an aspect of the spiritual life where we are allured by sin and not just outright rebellion against God. Therefore, we need to be aware of this path as well, because it also leads us towards the Beast and the Lake of Fire, and therefore, choose to live for Christ in a world that rejects him. 
All in all, it was a great evening of formation and community, as we were treated to some great snacks and food from St. Mary's University! St. Mary's aspires to become that place where meaningful conversations about faith and faithfulness to the teachings of the Church intersect. I am excited for our next speaker, Fr David Bellusci O.P, who is a Dominican priest and a biographer for one of the great young saints of this century: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassatti. If you want to learn more about this amazing saint for the young, please come out to St. Mary's on Jan 23, 2025!  Written by Fr. Troy Nguyen for Faithfully. Fr. Troy is the Vicar of Young Adults and chaplain for St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy | www.sfxc.ca | Photos courtesy of St. Mary's University
 Canadian archdiocesan and diocesan vocation directors assembled at the FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre in Calgary from Oct. 1-4 to contemplate how they can join forces to inspire more calls to the priesthood and consecrated life. Organized by Newman Theological College’s Benedict XVI Institute for the New Evangelization, the “Awakening Vocations" Conference offered the approximately 30 clerics expertise on how to craft a strategic plan and constructively dialogue about what is and is currently not working with vocational ministries. Apostolic Nuncio to Canada Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič and Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto from 2007-23, delivered keynote addresses. Jurkovič analyzed the Dicastery of the Clergy’s 2016 document Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis - The Gift of the Priestly Vocation. As for Collins, in addition to presenting his remarks, he also led a lunchtime working session centred on spotlighting the efforts of the lay vocations organization Serra Canada.
 Fr. Cristino Bouvette, the vocations director for the Diocese of Calgary and a conference coordinator, said attendees gained important insights from the four-day symposium, but perhaps the most significant gift was the companionship. “In many cases, we are facing similar things, similar challenges, and it is very encouraging to realize that we’re not doing our work alone even though it sometimes feels like you are a bit isolated in your diocesan context,” said Bouvette. “To be with other vocation directors to share similar things you are facing and working on is encouraging and uplifting.” Fr. Connor O’Hara of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall echoed Bouvette’s sentiments by saying it was “consoling” to learn that all of the vocational directors have “very similar experiences, challenges, blessings and scopes of work that they’ve been asked by their bishop to see to.” All the priests unanimously agreed that this spirit of solidarity cannot be constrained to just a four-day event in Calgary. An Oct. 3 working session was devoted to considering the structure and vision of a potential nationwide vocations director association or confraternity. Additionally, there was also deliberation about creating various clusters with three to five vocations directors so these clerics could engage in concentrated conversations about their respective diocesan situations and keep each other accountable. “I am looking forward to putting together groupings of priests that will work and meet together going forward from this conference,” said Fr. Daniele Muscolino of the Diocese of Sault. Ste. Marie. “We can continue to share resources, update each other about how things are going and talk about best practices.” Bouvette and Muscolino both told The Catholic Register there are advantages to having these clusters being regionally based, but there is also inherent value in having a vocations director from Toronto routinely gleaning insight from a peer in Victoria, B.C. The priests received a glimpse of what an ongoing working relationship could look like during a breakout group session to craft a strategic vocations plan for the next year. These roundtable discussions were facilitated by Bill Tomiak, the executive director of the local Catholic Christian preparatory school Clear Water Academy — managed by the Legion of Christ — and Dr. Sinda Vanderpool, the president and vice-chancellor of St. Mary’s University. Other presenters included Peter An, a seminarian in Calgary; Fr. Kris Schmidt, the Archdiocese of Edmonton vocations director; and Fr. Geoffrey Young and Fr. Murray Kuemper of the Diocese of Saskatoon. Bouvette presented the research on the state of vocations authored by the Benedict XVI Institute for the New Evangelization, specifically its former director Dr. Ryan Topping. The Register reported earlier this year how the revelations within "Meet Our New Priests: 12 Key Findings about the Background, Discernment, and Seminary Formation of Canada’s Recent Ordination Classes" paint an alarming picture of the state of priestly vocations. Alluding to The Vatican Central Office of Church Statistics’ replacement ratio for seminarians to priests (RRSP) equation, Rome suggests there should be “12.5 seminarians for every 100 priests.” As of October 2023, Topping tabulated there are 6,025 active or retired priests in Canada. The RRSP required to replenish that total is 753, but there were only 211 active seminarians a year ago. Yet-to-be-published research about the Canadian vocations director landscape was also presented. The Benedict XVI Institute anticipates publishing its "Fishers of Men" report within several months. Written by Quinton Amundson, Catholic Register. First published in Catholic Register on Oct. 11. Published with permission. Photos courtesy of Newman Theological College, Benedict XVI Institute.
Children attending our educational program at the Dominican Sisters Daycare Center learn about God's creation and redemption through daily Bible stories and actively discover God's presence in our world through various activities. One of the areas where they experience the significance of creation is our garden. Vegetables and flowers planted by the Sisters are not only a sight to behold but also an opportunity for the children's active participation in the beauty, effort, and fruit of God's work. Their hands-on involvement is a source of pride and joy for everyone and an essential aspect of our educational approach.
For the Sisters and children, spring is a time for preparing the soil and planting seeds. It is also a time to learn patience, observation, and systematic care for the tiny seed hidden in the ground, trusting that God will sustain it. By observing the growth process firsthand, children develop a deeper understanding of botany, ecology, and environmental science. This knowledge enlightens them and helps them feel like participants in creation and co-creators of God's work, inspiring a sense of connection and shared purpose among parents and educators. Focusing on the children's active role in the growth process strengthens the support for the educational approach. So, where do the veggies come from? They grow up, down, and around! Summer is when we first see the results as vegetables grow. The children taste fresh cucumbers, smell carrots, and compare the size and weight of green zucchini. In autumn, during harvest, the children also learn to give thanks for God's gifts of fruits and vegetables. By collecting potatoes, beets, and carrots from the field, they learn to work together and appreciate the beautiful gifts God has given us. They also check what items from our garden made it to the lunch table and eagerly try all the veggies on their plates! There are many smiles at the Sisters' table as we share stories about the daily moments we witness during this process. For example, not everyone wants the items they collect to end up in the kitchen.
Here’s a great story from our garden lessons: As the children poured potatoes into the shared basket, Sister Zacharia noticed Antoni hiding a bucket of potatoes behind him. She approached and said, 'Antoni, you can put the collected potatoes into the basket here.' Antoni shook his head and replied, 'These are my potatoes; my mom will cook them for dinner.' There was no question of adding them to the basket—what Antoni collected was already his. He was delighted to provide dinner for his family and proudly placed the fruit of his labour in his locker!
Written by Sr. Zacharia Hryc, OP. Sister Zacharia is a Dominican Sister of Immaculate Conception Province. She is an Early Childhood educator at the Dominican Sister Daycare Centre, Calgary.
 On a bright sunny day, African Catholics living in Calgary flocked to the first African-organized Mass celebrated in Calgary. The Bishop presided with concelebrants representing the main African nations of South Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Nigeria living in Calgary. The celebration was a visual and auditory extravaganza, showcasing the enthusiasm and joy that African Catholics bring to their liturgical celebrations. With such a diverse congregation, Bishop McGrattan wisely devoted part of his homily to the Diocesan Renewal. He said "the core of the Renewal is a growing personal intimacy with the Lord." How simply explained and easy to understand! How much scope for reflection, which I did for days afterwards. The light went on for me after almost a year of posters, Zoom and in-person meetings and the indefatigable efforts of the Pastoral Centre to keep me informed and active. Good thing I am retired and have a high pain threshold! The light revealed this.
We need to aim high. I never recollect going into an exam just to get a D! Thank you Bishop McGrattan for that one sentence. Written by Cedric de Souza. Cedric is husband of Greta, father of four and grandfather of seven, all the joy of his life. He was born and educated in Kenya, Uganda, India, Britain and now is a happily retired resident in Alberta. He and Greta are long time parishioners of St. Bonaventure's Parish in Calgary, where he has served in several volunteer positions. He is currently the chair of St. Bonaventure's Parish Renewal team.
 St. Mary’s Cathedral was alive with colour and culture on Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024, as over 300 people gathered to pray and celebrate our migrants and refugees brothers and sisters. Fr. Avinash Colaco, rector of St. Mary’s, graciously presided over the Eucharistic Celebration in the absence of Bishop McGrattan, who was attending the Plenary Assembly in Ottawa. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Cathedral’s team, Catholic Calgary Immigration Society, and many dedicated volunteers, including the lively musicians from St. Mark's Parish choir —the evening was a true testament to unity, faith, and diversity within our diocese. Traditional attire lit up the pews, and the shared joy extended to the food and conversations after Mass. Alongside tasty sandwiches, Jollof rice, steaming hot congee, and other cultural dishes were shared and enjoyed by all. Fr. John Jwad, pastor of the Chaldean Catholic Community, and a son of Iraqi immigrants, delivered a moving homily during the Mass. He spoke of the challenges many immigrant families have faced, fleeing persecution and finding safety in Canada. 
Photography by Thiago Campos, Our Lady of Fatima, for the Diocese of Calgary.
 Statement from Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President To the Catholic Faithful of Canada: An invitation to pray and fast for peace today, Oct 7. During this month of October dedicated to Mary, and especially today on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, at a time when there continues to be so much violence between peoples and nations in the Middle East (and elsewhere), I invite all Catholics in Canada to take up Pope Francis’ invitation to pray and fast for peace. Prayer is a most powerful instrument, capable of healing division, changing hearts, opening minds, and bringing new beginnings to situations which seem impossible. Mary, who bears the title Queen of Peace, is a powerful intercessor who, likewise desiring peace among all peoples and nations, brings our prayers and petitions to God and makes them more effective. Fasting, in this context, provides a special way by which to join ourselves to the suffering of others, in solidarity with them, as well as to the sufferings endured by Christ during his Passion and Crucifixion. We may think, as we fast, of the many forms of human suffering that are associated with war and all forms of violence, and thereby strengthen the earnestness and concreteness of our prayers. As we pray and fast for peace, let us also seek in our own lives to become instruments of peace wherever we live, taking inspiration from the beautiful and famous poem of Saint Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” It is in welcoming dialogue, embracing forgiveness, and supporting efforts to foster justice and reconciliation, that such steps help to create a society where all people can flourish in the way that God intended. |
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