My parents were very supportive of my desire to enter Religious life. I entered the novitiate of the community in Medicine Hat and my three years of formation there confirmed God’s call to me. As a professed Sister, I taught senior and junior High School students for eight years and then was asked to lead the formation programme for the community. I was in that role for six years. I had always deeply desired to become a counsellor, and with the support of my community, I went to Ottawa to take a Masters degree in Pastoral Counselling. For 10 years in Edmonton, I did individual and marital counselling at the Pastoral Institute, an ecumenical counselling centre. It was very important and broadening for me to work with our Protestant brothers and sisters. During that time, a colleague and I worked with women’s spirituality groups and facilitated ecumenical women’s retreats. Most of my life in the community has been spent in service to the community itself through leadership positions: twice as Provincial Leader, one term on the General Council, and more years than I can count as Local Coordinator in various communities of our Sisters. As I reflect upon my many years of Religious life, I am filled with awe and deep gratitude for God’s unfailing daily fidelity and loving presence in my life. People often say to me: Thank you for your fidelity, but it is God who is faithful to me. It has been a very rich life. Every new ministry, even though it called me to uproot my life, has been filled with such blessings. I thank and praise this great God of ours! Written by Sr. Yvette Plessis, SCSL
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 On Saturday, November 22, 2025, St. Peter’s Catholic Church welcomed the Diocese of Calgary’s second Renewal Gathering for Lay Associations. Co-chaired by Ryan Schmidt and Janet Lymer, the gathering brought together 96 registered participants representing 41 lay associations. The room carried a simple message: the Holy Spirit has already planted a wide range of charisms in our Diocese, and renewal will grow faster when we stop working in isolation. The day began where renewal must begin: at Mass. From there, we moved into a steady rhythm of testimony and table dialogue, starting with the Diocese’s Year 3 Renewal video, “Lighting the Fire of Renewal.” Its message: You are called, You matter, You belong set the tone for everything that followed: encounter is personal, witness is public, and both require conversion 
 Lay associations are not add-ons to parish life. They are the baptized living the Church’s mission through discipleship, service, and evangelization across southern Alberta. Gathering together made this visible, as diverse charisms met in prayer and dialogue, revealing how our gifts are meant to complement one another. Through testimony and Conversations in the Spirit, participants listened deeply and discerned where the Lord may be leading next.
Carla Hamarsnes: Renewal begins on our knees Carla Hamarsnes (Apostoli Viae) offered a candid testimony of returning to the Church after leaving as a young adult. She described the intensity of her search, daily Mass, reading, online formation, events, devotions, and a strong sacramental life, yet still feeling that deep interior transformation remained out of reach. The turning point came through daily mental prayer, setting aside intentional time and space for Christ. Her witness highlighted a clear message: parish renewal is sustained not by programs, but by personal, faithful prayer.
Walking forward together If there was one clear takeaway from the day, it was this: renewal will not be “delivered” to us. We will live it into being: through prayer, through encounter, and through witness. Lay associations are already carrying much of this work across the Diocese. The invitation now is to strengthen our collaboration: share resources, cross-promote events, partner with parishes, and keep returning to the Eucharist and to personal prayer as the source of fruitfulness. As we continue walking this renewal journey, called, loved, and sent, may our many charisms become one clear witness: Jesus Christ is alive, and His Church is being renewed.
Fr. Eli Canete: God’s unending grace of love, compassion, and fidelity in my priesthood12/12/2025
Yesterday, today, and forever… The goodness of the Lord never ceases to amaze me as His love and mercy work very powerfully in my ministry as His priest: unworthy yet chosen by the Lord; unworthy but graced by a new life in Christ in the priestly service; unworthy, however, called to serve our community. My vocation began in our family. My father was a civil engineer, Elias Canete, who died when I was 5 years old, and my mother, Fidela Canete, was a registered nurse. I am the third of four siblings. My mother died in March 2021 during the peak of COVID when I moved to St. James, Calgary, from Taber. My parents were deeply involved in their communities and the people they worked with. I saw love and passion in their hearts, finding meaning and purpose in their noble services and humble works. Attending regular Sunday Masses in the Church, praying the rosary, and helping parishioners in need became the family’s regular routine and tasks. And so, when I took the exam and passed the entrance exam to St. Anthony High School Seminary, my Mom was so happy. I was 12 years old when I started my seminary years. It was through my mother’s encouragement, daily prayers, and support that helped me sustain my vocation. Moreover, with my grandmother’s constant guidance and influence through prayers and love for the Sacraments, I pursued my vocation. With the grace of God and the support of friends, close families, and prayer warriors, I did finish my studies. However, it is through the maternal intercession of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, that my love for the priesthood has been sustained. Now, I look back with gratitude to the three great women who influenced and continue to impact my priestly vows and commitment: my mother, grandmother, and Mary, my spiritual mother. In the church of St. Mary’s, Brooks, we have a beautiful icon of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, holding the hand of her Son, Jesus. The serenity of Mary’s face reflects not only maternal love but a depth of peace in the midst of knowing. Mary holds both joy and sorrow in her arms just as Jesus invites His disciples, and me, to do. 25 years of service… I see and live the best and worst of my life. I encounter the highs and lows of my journey. I walk with people who were wounded but healed. In a day of my life as a priest, I celebrate the joy of baptism and later on administer the anointing of the sick and pray for the dying. At the end of the day, I find comfort and consolation in the words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, “Everything is grace in the eyes of our God,” with family, friends, and fellowship nourishing the gift of my service in the Lord. I would like to share with you a beautiful letter I received in our priests’ retreat this year 2025 from the Triumph Retreat Team. It begins saying: Dear Fr. Eli, I love you. I have called you by name. You are mine. Before I formed you, I knew you. And before you were born, I consecrated you. You did not choose me. I chose you. (John 15:6) Because you are precious in my eyes, I love you. I have loved you with an everlasting love so I continue to show you my constant love. How can I abandon you when my love for you is so strong? (Jeremiah 31:3) Written by Fr. Eli Canete
Each parish ministry has shaped me both as a priest and a person. Everywhere I have served, people have welcomed me with love, and I have always tried to give my very best, whether as an associate pastor or as a pastor. Some unforgettable memories include the 100th Anniversary of St. Rita’s parish in Rockyford, where we built outdoor Stations of the Cross and welcomed Bishop McGrattan to celebrate the anniversary Mass. Another memorable moment was walking from Rockyford to Calgary over two days to raise funds for the One Rock Youth Festival. My favourite scripture passage comes from the beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:3-12). These words have guided my spiritual life and pastoral ministry from the beginning. I thank God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for calling me to the Priesthood. Through the years, I have come to understand His love more deeply and have found great joy in serving His people. I also thank my family, who were my first seminary. My parents and siblings practice their faith with devotion and simplicity. Their example and prayers helped me to listen to God’s call and follow it faithfully. The priesthood is a precious gift, both to us who are called and to the entire Church. Without the priesthood, we would not have the Eucharist, the sacrament of Reconciliation, or the blessings that accompany life’s most important moments. A priest walks with people from birth to death, often quietly and without recognition, but always as a servant of Christ. I am humbled to share in the mission of Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. Finally, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the people of God whom I have met in my ministry. Every parishioner, every family, and every community has touched my life in a meaningful way. As St. Paul beautifully says, “I give thanks to my God every time I remember you. I always pray with joy for all of you.” I thank God, my family, my brother priests, and all the faithful for their support over these 25 years of priesthood. Please continue to pray for me, as I will continue to pray for all of you. Written by Fr. Joseph Showry Raju Nagothu
 From December 5–7, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish welcomed Bishop McGrattan for a pastoral visit marked by prayer, encounter, and genuine closeness with the parish community. Such visits are a long-standing practice in the life of the Church, offering the Bishop an opportunity to walk with his people, listen attentively, and encourage the faithful in their shared mission. For our parish, his visit was a special moment of grace, an encounter that, in some way, reflects Christ's visit and redemption of his people. We pray that his presence among us, together with the blessing he imparted, may instill in each of us a renewed warmth of charity and kindness, the precious fruits of the Holy Spirit. The visit began on December 5, when Bishop McGrattan met with parish staff, visited a sick parishioner in their home, and spent time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. He also visited St. Anne’s School to meet with the children and teachers of the Polish School. These encounters help strengthen the vital relationship between parish and family in supporting the education and formation of our young people.
On December 6, the Bishop began the day by celebrating the Holy Eucharist and preaching to the parish community. He then dedicated the day to meeting with various parish groups: the Rosary Society, Bible Study group, Knights of Columbus, Lectors and Collectors (Ushers), Families of Nazareth, St. Thérèse of Lisieux Family/Society, Padre Pio Prayer Group, Knights of the Immaculata, and the Altar Servers. He also enjoyed lunch at the Dominican Sisters’ House. The day concluded with another celebration of the Eucharist and meetings with the Parish Council and the Parish Renewal Committee. These encounters highlighted the collaboration between the Bishop and our parish groups, as well as the diverse spiritual activities that help strengthen our community. On December 7, Bishop McGrattan celebrated Mass and preached to the parishioners. He addressed all those involved in parish ministries, recognizing their dedication, sacrifice, and unique contributions to the life of the Church. He also met with parishioners and with both the children’s and adult choirs. On behalf of the entire congregation, we express our heartfelt gratitude for his pastoral visitation. His presence was a true joy and a special blessing for our community. May the words he shared with us be a source of courage, a light for our path, and comfort in our trials. He brought encouragement and hope to everyone involved in pastoral work and to all the people of the parish.  Written by Jane Wylotek, Parish Council member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Calgary. Photos courtesy of the Our Lady Queen of Peace, Calgary.
Written by Fr. Lawrence Manolache.
Life is about rules, exactly like traffic rules. We can get from one point to another in life, without suffering collisions or accidents and arrive somewhere if we respect those rules. Life conditions are like traffic conditions, combined with weather conditions.
We sometimes get upset that our progress in life is very slow or even stagnant. That happens mostly when all participants in life want to make the same progress at the same time on the same street of life and some of the participants resort to selfish methods and obstruct the flow, the progress of others. That was Communism for me. We are indignant until we reach the point where we see the cause of the congestion that those several individuals entered in collisions, because of their unfair way of getting advantages in life, because they wanted that progress of life in a much faster, exclusive way and they ended up creating some congestion of social progress. Other times, we are the ones who neglect the maintenance of “this car”, this life of ours, and eventually get broken, stagnant, without fuel, without energy. When we find ourselves on the edge of the life road, someone will eventually stop and give us some help, but the wilderness very rarely has such opportunities, so I have learned to stick with the road and not go wild in life. So, I understood that life has its rhythm, and if we want to play in the great orchestra of life, we must catch onto that rhythm and respect that. From a very young age I understood that sound is communication, creator of beauty, expression of life, LOGOS. Thus, enchanted, fascinated by the beauty of sound, full of curiosity where the sound’s coming from, I began my analytical, almost philosophical studies, without much academic help, but in a very natural, organic way, with the props and examination of the sound-giving instruments created by God, through which my heart captured the sound waves of creation that resonate and vibrate in the soul of each of us mostly when we are synchronized, attuned and in harmony with God’s will. In the sounds made by the waves of the sea, as growing up in Constanța, a seashore city of Romania, by listening to the falling dried leaves in autumn, through the singing birds, in everything that moves, there is a sound of creation, that I could recognize and attribute to God's will. Acceptance of this creative message of nature and harmonizing my life to that, gave me the sense of immense peace that at the age of nine I already felt urged to share with everyone, to make others aware of that beauty. That was the point of understanding my calling. I understood that the Great Symphony of the entire Universe, whose composer is God Himself, is sung by everything that is set in motion. We are all participants in this great symphony as musicians, and particularly, we human beings are gifted to learn and understand, to read, so we are all called to respect the musical charts, to play by its rules and to be very attentive to the Conductor of this Great Universal Orchestra, who is the Holy Spirit. I am now training and working hard to be selected to play and sing in the Heaven’s Choir, where the traffic conditions are perfect and smooth, for everyone in Heaven is on auto-pilot mode, driven by God’s nature.That is the PERFECT LOVE.  Image: Gemini It may come as a surprise that long-standing protections for good-faith religious expression could be weakened under proposed changes to Bill C-9, raising concern that even sincere expressions of Christian belief could be misunderstood or challenged. Bill C-9 has passed the first and second readings and is now undergoing review by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, with the latest proposed amendment referenced above, subject to a vote possibly as early as this afternoon. Given all that could be at stake if the amendment passes, the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, with other government officials in carbon copy. What you can do right now
Related articles: Source: CCCB & Archdiocese of Edmonton
Rerum Novarum Partners has secured a license to bring this film to Calgary as a community screening. Tickets will be approximately $7, and if the event generates any profit, half will be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in support of those in need.
Screening Details Triumph of the Heart - Introduction and Viewing Sat, Jan 10, 2026, at 7 pm | Cardel Theatre – Quarry Park 180 Quarry Park Blvd, Calgary To get tickets, email [email protected] This screening is an invitation to come together as a community to reflect on faith, courage, and the enduring power of love. Parish groups, families, and individuals are warmly encouraged to attend and invite others.
I shared my dream of becoming a nun with my mom, and she advised me to finish my studies first since I was still too young to enter the convent. Her words of encouragement gave me the conviction to pursue my goal, and I was convinced that I’d find my true calling once I’d completed my education. I studied at Bicol College of Arts and Trade, earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. During my college years, my dream of being a nun seemed to slip away. I was committed to fulfilling my responsibilities in school, which involved a daily routine of studying, rising early, and attending classes. I had a supportive group of friends who regularly attended the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena on Wednesdays. Although I did not join them, I felt that God had instilled a sense of direction in my life. My six-month practicum for my degree was completed in Manila, where I gained valuable experience and skills. Back in my hometown of Naga, I established my own small business through God’s blessing and my family's unwavering support. As my small business generated income, I found myself drifting away from my aspiration to become a nun, and it rarely crossed my mind anymore. A friend, however, invited me to attend a “Search-In” event hosted by the Daughters of Mary, Mother of the Church Institute. This was a turning point for me, as it reignited my dreams and encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my vocation. After attending the event, I took the time to share my feelings with my mom, and although she didn’t say much, the time we spent together was truly special and comforting. Months passed, and I went to see Fr. Mario Villaraza, SDB, our parish priest, because I needed him to write a recommendation for me to enter the convent. He refused to give me the recommendation. He told me I was only visible at Sunday masses, not at any other church activities. So, I joined the afternoon choir, as my main goal was to obtain a recommendation from him. After expressing interest in joining the choir, I received the required letter from him. I sang in the choir until I joined the community of Sisters. When I was scheduled to enter the convent, I suffered a severe headache that lasted two weeks and forced me to postpone my plans. This unexpected setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it gave me more time to reflect on my vocation and prepare myself spiritually for this big step. I believe that when God extends a calling, His grace follows it. For me, that calling was to a life of religious devotion, where I’ve discovered the peace and love I was searching for in Jesus. Twenty-seven years have passed since I entered the convent, and what a blessing it’s been. I recently celebrated my 25th anniversary of vows as a Daughter of Mary, and I’m filled with gratitude for this remarkable journey and my vocation. It has been a blessing for me to be here in Canada serving with my Sisters in the Diocese of Calgary. My advice to young women searching for their vocation is to pray a lot and reflect about it. They should ask for guidance from a Vocation Director or a faith-filled friend. It really helped me to visit the community of Sisters that I joined. God bless you. Written by Sr. Gloria Orcena Sarol for Faithfully.
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