 This Sunday, we celebrate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the cathedral of the Pope and “mother and head of all churches in the world.” Built by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, it was the first public church in Rome. This feast reminds us that every church building is a sign of the living Church and that each baptized person is a living stone in the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for the Pope, for unity in the Church, and for hearts renewed in faith.
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 On Tuesday, October 28, parishioners, families, clergy, and pro-life advocates filled St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Diocese of Calgary’s inaugural Mass for Life, a Eucharistic celebration devoted to honouring the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Presided over by Bishop William McGrattan, the Mass invited all to rediscover the heart of the Church’s mission to defend life. In his homily, the Bishop reminded the faithful that the protection of life is not a political stance but a spiritual mission, one rooted in Christ’s sacrificial love. His words made a deep impact, encouraging each person to witness to the Gospel of Life with courage, charity, and compassion. Several pro-life and pastoral organizations were present, including ALIES, the CCCB’s Horizons of Hope Palliative Care initiative, the Catholic Women’s League, 40 Days for Life, the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, and the Calgary Pro-Life Association. Each offered practical ways for parishioners to learn, pray, and act in support of a consistent ethic of life. After Mass, attendees visited the display tables to ask questions and learn about new opportunities to serve. Organization representatives noted the high level of interest and engagement, describing the evening as a clear sign that this shared mission is sustained by faith and grace. The Diocese will celebrate the Mass for Life annually, offering the faithful a chance to grow in faith and unity around the Church’s call to protect life.
Photos by Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.
The Red Mass, which was brought back to Calgary by the St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild in 2014, has historical origins in Paris in 1245, or possibly began with Pope Innocent IV in 1243, and is recorded to have taken place in England in 1310. Regardless of who began the tradition, it has been meaningful in Canada since it was celebrated in Quebec in 1926 to highlight the opening of the Courts. It is said to be “red” because of the scarlet robes traditionally worn by English Supreme Court justices, and with a deeper theological meaning, symbolizing the coming of the Holy Spirit and commissioning of the Apostles. “There is a hunger for fellowship with those who share in the same work, and who share a passion for their faith,” said co-organizer Tom Ross, acknowledging that the celebration of the Eucharist together will be the high point. Cardinal Collins is expected to deliver the homily at Mass and will speak about Church topics of recent interest at the reception following Mass, which requires a ticket. When he was young, Collins, whose mother worked for a lawyer, said he “had thought of being a lawyer,” himself. “To speak and to be learned in the law, I just thought I would be a lawyer like Thomas More. I thought that would be wonderful.” With admiration for those in the legal profession, Collins will speak on the key elements that made St. Thomas More an example to follow, not only for his time, but for ours. He emphasized that a key commonality that legal professionals today share with the era of Thomas More, who lived from 1478 until he was executed by Henry VIII in 1535, is the issue of conscience. “We know exactly what he thought about conscience because he wrote letters from the dungeon in the tower to his dear daughter Margaret. He explains in great detail what conscience means,” he said. “He said he had studied the issue (of Henry VIII’s desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon, and make himself the head of the Church) and was clear on the history of the Church, and the fathers of the Church, and it was clear that Henry’s claim was false.” “It wasn’t just his ego,” said Collins, referencing media depictions of St. Thomas More’s individual decision, “it was that he had studied the case. Con-science means ‘with knowledge,’ so it wasn’t his ego, it was the truth.” In the present day, Collins said he recognized that there is a lot of pressure on lawyers to conform in ways not always aligned with our Christian faith. “That’s a lot of pressure. They’ve got – like Thomas More – families to think about.” Cardinal Collins pointed out that St. John Fisher, a contemporary of Thomas More, who was also imprisoned and martyred, “could be courageous because he was a celibate and he didn’t have a family to lose.” “I would say that because he had a family to think about, it was in some ways more difficult for Thomas to lose everything – his position and his money. The money was for the sake of his family.” Collins emphasized that Henry VIII and his counterparts made great efforts to try to convince Thomas, including to use his daughter Margaret to appeal to his emotions, but that he could not simply change his mind. “He could not live a lie. He was an honourable man.” Comparing More’s troubles to today, Collins said, “I would say there’s a lot of pressure on politicians and lawyers, and that they have to be like Thomas. Thomas was careful in how he did things, and he was faithful. He didn’t take unnecessary risks, but when push came to shove, he stood up for the faith.” Cardinal Collins looks forward to the Red Mass and sounded confident that he could find a lot to say about one of his personal heroes. “He's a great hero, and there are wonderful lawyers and politicians, and so we should celebrate them and celebrate a model of someone who did it very well and who lives forever. In all the struggles, we can look to Thomas More for guidance.”
Written by Jessica Cyr for the St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild
 Seeking the quietness in the day, in the midst of your usual routines, The Seven Sisters Apostolate is a Eucharistic Association of women who feel called to strengthen the church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week throughout the year for the sole intentions of a specific priest in their Parish. The Anchoress of our Apostolate is charged with assigning each sister one Holy Hour to pray alone before the Blessed Sacrament for a pastor chosen for us. Although we pray alone, we gather once a year, close to the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to celebrate with our pastors and sisters and to renew our commitment to the Apostolate. On June 28 this year, the Apostolate at St. Luke’s Parish held our third annual Potluck Lunch at the church. Our Pastors, Fr. Fernando Genogaling, Fr. Derek Remus, and Fr. Barnabas Esegine, joined us and offered thanks for our prayers for their intentions. We were grateful for the opportunity to “break bread” together, and judging by the volume of chatter in the room, it was clear that our pastors and all of the sisters of the Apostolate enjoyed each other’s company. To date, the Seven Sisters Apostolate at St. Luke’s Parish has 42 sisters who pray every week for the priests who shepherd us and for Bishop Rev. William McGrattan. Although our commitment to pray for our pastors is for one year, the members of the apostolate may choose to recommit for a further year, as many of our sisters have done.
History of the Seven Sisters Apostolate This Apostolate was started in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2011 by Jeanette Howe and Fr. Joseph Johnson. Through their prayers and advocacy, the Apostolate has grown from a group of seven women to over 2600 groups on six continents, in 50 States in the USA, and in almost all of the Provinces of Canada. If your Parish is interested in this ministry and would like more information about the Seven Sisters Apostolate, please visit sevensistersapostolate.org We thank our anchoress, who belongs to the Seat of Wisdom presidium of the Legion of Mary, and as part of her Spiritual Works of Mercy, is committed to starting this Apostolate at our Parish. We are grateful for her leadership and the opportunity to be part of a powerful prayer group whose commitment to prayer for the pastors of our Parish has enriched our own lives. Written by D. Gibson, member of St. Luke’s Parish in Calgary.
Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio, and The Sisters of the Apostolate who pray for the Parish priests and our Bishop.
I want to recognize and celebrate the work of Mission Mexico over these past 25 years. This program is a testament to the faith and generosity of the people of Calgary, reaching out to the poorest of the poor with arms of faith, hope, and charity for the people in the mountain regions of Guerrero. This program has given them hope and a better future for themselves and their families, firmly grounded in the love of God.  On Saturday evening, Oct 25, 2025, Mission Mexico celebrated their 25 years of service! The celebration took place at St. Anthony’s, where about 45 friends gathered for tacos, burritos, and lively conversation.
We were privileged to welcome Mike MacDonald, who leads the charity’s work in Mexico. After showing the celebratory anniversary video, Mike recounted the impact of his ministry among the poorest families in the mountains of Guerrero, and recalled the recent visit of board members, John Paul and his wife, Harriet. Board chair Sean Lynn announced that, in honour of the 25th anniversary, the scholarship bursaries will be increased to 64 awards and several one-time projects. This is just one of the many initiatives that parishes can support, whether by fundraising for the bursaries or by contributing to the other projects supported by Mission Mexico.  At Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in Calgary, a dedicated group of lay volunteer missionaries live this Gospel every week. Under the guidance of Deacon Ricardo Rosero and coordinator Gladys Alvarez, the Pastoral Care Ministry in Spanish serves those who are ill, elderly, or confined to their homes, bringing them Holy Communion, prayer, and companionship. “Our commitment,” says Deacon Rosero, “is to foster a more humane and Christian culture in the face of pain, suffering, disability, loneliness, death, and grieving.” Serving Christ in the sick Eighteen commissioned Ministers of Communion and an equal number of Silent Apostles, companions who accompany and pray, visit the sick each Sunday. They carry the Eucharist to parishioners who can no longer attend Mass, offering not only the Body of Christ but also presence, comfort, and a reminder that they remain part of the Church. Throughout the year, the team brings Communion weekly to nearly forty people across the city, whether in senior residences, hospitals, or private homes. Each pair of missionaries covers a different area of Calgary, ensuring that the whole city is reached “in one Sunday,” as Deacon Rosero explains. “Our mission is to bring the Kingdom of God closer to them through our service.” Special visits are made on holy days such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Christmas, and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In moments of serious illness, the pastoral team also coordinates with the parish priest so that the faithful can receive Confession or the Anointing of the Sick. A ministry of prayer and presence Prayer remains the heartbeat of this ministry. Each month, parishioners gather for two evening liturgies:
“We pray for the sick, for their families, and for those who care for them,” Deacon Rosero notes. “It strengthens our own faith and the faith of the parish.” When a patient dies, the ministry accompanies the family in mourning and remembrance. Last year, twelve people who had received Communion from the missionaries passed away. Their names were remembered during the Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed, celebrated on the final Wednesday of Ordinary Time. Training new missionaries
A milestone this past year was the successful translation and launch of the Pastoral Care Ministry Training Course in Spanish. Deacon Rosero and Gladys Alvarez spent months adapting diocesan formation materials, written originally in English, so that Spanish-speaking Catholics could receive instruction in their own language. The inaugural five-week course ran in May and June 2025 at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, with thirteen participants completing certification. All now serve actively in the ministry. The new course covers the theology of suffering, pastoral listening, practical guidelines for visiting the sick, and the spiritual significance of bringing Holy Communion outside Mass. Participants also learn how to collaborate with clergy, maintain confidentiality, and accompany families with compassion. Beyond their Sunday visits, the volunteers cultivate fellowship and spiritual renewal through regular formation and prayer. They participate in parish retreats, Eucharistic adoration, rosaries, and processions. Twice a year, they attend workshops or spiritual retreats to deepen their understanding of mercy and pastoral care. Moments of joy and friendship are also part of their rhythm: a summer gathering for volunteers and families, and a Christmas celebration where missionaries give thanks for another year of service. Witness of compassion The Spanish-speaking Pastoral Care Ministry represents one of the many cultural expressions of faith flourishing within the Diocese of Calgary. Its volunteers bridge language and distance to ensure that no one is forgotten. “Many of our brothers and sisters cannot come to church,” Deacon Rosero says. “When we arrive with the Eucharist, their faces light up. They know the Lord is with them.” The ministry’s impact is measured not only in numbers, thousands of Communions distributed each year, but in transformed hearts, both of those visited and of those who serve. As the Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope, the volunteers of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish embody that hope through every visit, prayer, and gentle word offered to the suffering. “Christ Himself comes to the sick through our hands,” Deacon Rosero affirms. “That is why we serve, with love, reverence, and joy.” In this ministry, the diocesan call to Renewal becomes visible. Every visit reminds the homebound and the sick that they matter, to God and to their parish family. And every volunteer, moved by compassion, discovers anew that they too matter in the mission of the Church.  Written by Quinton Amundson, The Catholic Register Calgary Bishop William McGrattan said the Church cannot ignore the profound implications of the rapidly advancing technological revolution that is artificial intelligence. Speaking at the AI symposium hosted at St. Mary’s University in partnership with the Diocese of Calgary Oct. 17–18, McGrattan emphasized “we must not be an AI-illiterate Church,” urging participants — technology experts, theologians, ethicists, clergy and laity — to avoid both a “paralyzing fear” and an “uncritical embracing” of artificial intelligence. The Calgary bishop shared a potential AI action strategy that arose out of a previous summit staged in Edmonton this past May by the Mission Collaboration Initiative (MCI). The MCI is a forum created by the Alberta bishops in 2018 to empower key Catholic organizational leaders to advise diocesan shepherds about key issues that could impact the Church’s evangelization mission. Four pathways forward were formulated through synodal listening sessions, an exercise also conducted throughout the symposium at St. Mary’s. Path one is education and formation where the Church needs to be open to dialogue and learning, as a sufficient knowledge base will enable Canadian Catholic leadership to effectively present its ethical voice. “This is critical for us to have the sense of confidence and authority when dealing with issues of health care and education,” he said. McGrattan also stressed that “it is incumbent upon us to double down on the formation of the human person.” We must be mindful of the “competing visions at work in our society and culture” undermining Church teaching about personhood. “Not to generalize, but we have these ancient heresies that continually resurrect themselves in various forms,” said the native of London, Ont. “The Gnosticism that in some ways the human person is disembodied, that our consciousness, our thinking, is what defines us solely as a human person without reference to the gift of the body. Or the reductionism of the human person to what is just simply material, to what we’ve heard as the temptation of this transhumanism, to actually see our humanity be transformed into a material machine.” The second path ahead is developing guidelines for the responsible discernments and adoptions in the use of AI. McGrattan first outlined some of the key ethical considerations — AI challenges. These quandaries include privacy concerns, job displacement, social isolation, idolatry, environmental impacts, algorithmic discrimination and depersonalization. He also detailed the Catholic doctrines, linking with these aforementioned dilemmas, that must be championed during this unfolding sea change. 
The dignity of work principle acutely corresponds with the concerns of mass job displacement. This creed could be promoted by advocating that the affirming value and purpose of labour could be safeguarded by ensuring there are meaningful human-centric roles available for workers who see some of their assignments overtaken by automation. For example, if AI takes charge of administrative tasks, healthcare workers can devote more time to personalized patient care. Fostering authentic community and human accompaniment is the third pathway. Strengthening community life can help to confront the loneliness epidemic at work in society today and could magnify further as AI development continues to proliferate. McGrattan also suggested that cultivating authentic bonds of fellowship can “be a way of mitigating unhealthy dependence and reliance on AI for companionship.” Pathway four is continued proactive engagement with technology leaders and policymakers. “The goal here is to have the Catholic Church’s voice heard and also integrated into the development of AI,” said McGrattan. He concluded by spotlighting AI's potential to advance the Church's mission, such as amplifying evangelization efforts by overcoming language barriers, enriching catechetical formation through personalized learning and freeing clerical staff for more pastoral care. The next steps for the Alberta bishops are to establish a commission on technology, advocate for the inclusion of AI ethics in school curriculum and Catholic institutions and organize public forums to engage the broader community on artificial intelligence.  At St. Albert the Great Parish in Calgary, Homecoming is a beloved fall tradition, a joyful time when parishioners come together to reconnect, welcome new faces, and celebrate all that God is doing in their midst. This year, however, Homecoming 2025 carried a special focus: Parish Renewal. Our renewal journey has reminded us that renewal is not only something happening within our parish; it begins in each of us. As we come home to our parish family, we are also called to come home to Christ through prayer and personal conversion. That message of “Welcome Home” was visible everywhere throughout the celebration, from the joyful greetings at our doors to the heartfelt words shared from the ambo. Homecoming began with Name Tag Weekend, a parish tradition, where everyone attending Mass was invited to wear a name tag, from work, school, or even a creative homemade one designed by the children. It was a fun and meaningful way to get to know one another better and to recognize that each name represents a unique story of faith that makes our parish family stronger. At the same time, the parish hall came alive with the Ministry Fair, where parishioners explored the many ways to serve, grow, and share their gifts. It was a beautiful expression of how renewal becomes visible through active discipleship and stewardship. The following weekend featured our Volunteer Appreciation Tailgate BBQ a spirited, faith-filled celebration where volunteers and their families came together as one “home team.” Wearing the colors of their favorite sports teams, parishioners shared food, laughter, and fellowship in gratitude for all who serve so generously throughout the year. Homecoming 2025 concluded with the joyful unveiling of our Parish Renewal Plan, marking a milestone moment for the community. After two years of listening, prayer, and discernment, the Parish Renewal Team presented the plan and invited all parishioners to join this new chapter of faith and mission. Each person received a printed copy of the plan, along with a comfort cross and prayer card featuring the parish’s new Mission Statement. Simple reminders that parish renewal begins with personal renewal, and personal renewal begins with prayer. Following each Mass, the parish gathered for fellowship and refreshments graciously hosted by Couples for Christ, while viewing the newly released Diocesan Renewal video, connecting St. Albert the Great’s journey to the wider renewal movement across the Diocese. Homecoming 2025 was more than an event…it was a living expression of renewal and welcome. As we move forward, may every heart at St. Albert the Great continue to be renewed in faith, hope, and love, so that together we may build up the Church and make our parish a true spiritual home for all. Welcome Home, to renewal at St. Albert the Great!  Written by St. Albert the Great's Parish Renewal Team.
What would a Church, explosively alive, look like? How can we form priests who see the goodness and potential in people to evangelize the world? These were some of the questions Fr. Bob Bedard reflected on early in his teaching career. Being asked by the Archbishop of Ottawa to help found St. Pius X Boys’ High School was not something Fr. Bob ever imagined he would do. In fact, he never wanted to set foot in a high school again after a very negative experience as a transitional deacon. However, there he was, off to become a teacher! His vocation as a teacher and principal in a Catholic high school would prepare him for an even greater mission, founding one of the most solid seminaries the Canadian Catholic Church has ever seen. Now, 40 years later, the Companions of the Cross continue to lead the way in forming priests who are deeply rooted in faith and relevant to the lives of people in today’s world.
 Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies … Through your work, your efforts to change unjust social structures or your simple, heartfelt gesture of closeness and support, the poor will come to realize that Jesus’ words are addressed personally to each of them: “I have loved you (Rev 3:9).” ~Dilexi te Pope Leo XIV has released his first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), on the Church’s care for the poor, on the Feast Day of St. John Henry Newman, Oct 9, 2025. Signed on Oct 4, 2025, the document was originally drafted by Pope Francis before his death and later revised and promulgated by Pope Leo XIV. It continues the reflection begun in Pope Francis’ final encyclical, Dilexit nos (“He has loved us”), on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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 Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary. This weekend marked the beginning of the third year of our Diocesan Renewal… You are Called, You Matter, and You Belong. It also coincided with a Worship Conference for liturgical ministry coordinators entitled The Church at Worship, held at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s High School. Those who attended the two-day gathering participated in a solemn Evening Prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, three conferences delivered by Fr. Frank Scalia of the Archdiocese of Montreal, and several practical workshops, all designed to renew the heart of liturgical ministry. The Conference focused on deepening our understanding of the Church’s liturgical worship through prayer and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. General liturgical principles were introduced to guide our celebrations and to reflect on the various forms of liturgical leadership that serve the Body of Christ in our parishes.
On Friday evening, participants gathered at the Cathedral for a chanted Evening Prayer that began with the Service of Light, or lucernarium. In the silence of the darkened church, the assembly gathered in procession with the Easter Candle, as the proclamation of light was chanted, “The Light of Christ – Thanks be to God.” The sharing of the flame among the assembly became a powerful symbol of our faith in Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death. Fr. Scalia’s reflections were both rich and instructive. On Friday evening he offered a foundational vision of liturgical worship, emphasizing that the Church’s liturgy is a spiritual and sacramental encounter with the living Lord in His Paschal Mystery. He reminded participants that the rites and prayers of the Church, handed down through the generations, have become the language of our Faith, enabling us to know it, celebrate it, and live it. Lex orandi: the way we pray together informs, lex credendi: the way we understand and believe the Faith, and leads to lex vivendi: the way we live as baptized Christians and missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.  On Saturday, Fr. Scalia outlined the principles of liturgy that form the foundation of renewal, drawing upon the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. He emphasized that the Eucharist is the sacramental reality that makes present the one and same sacrifice of Christ offered for our salvation. To celebrate this sacred mystery with dignity, devotion, and adoration, several principles must guide us:
In his final conference, Fr. Scalia reflected on the meaning of liturgical leadership, drawing from several Gospel passages where Christ reveals the deeper truth of Christian leadership, a love expressed in service that seeks the good of others. He reminded participants that every liturgical role, whether visible or unseen, must always be exercised as a form of service for the good of God’s People gathered in worship. This spirit of service prepared participants for the Saturday afternoon workshops, which focused on the specific ministries that contribute to the beauty and reverence of our liturgical celebrations: altar servers, sacristans, lectors, choir members, hospitality ministers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, liturgical environment, and liturgical committees. These sessions were led by lay representatives, permanent deacons, and priests of our Diocese, fostering dialogue, learning, and collaboration… a true sign of the fruits of our ongoing Renewal. As we continue to implement parish pastoral plans and sustain our Diocesan Renewal, we must always return to the primacy of grace received through the Church’s liturgical life, in prayer, the Sacraments, and most especially in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the Christian life.
Photography: Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 Written by Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS It is with a profound sense of purpose and joy that I share with you our unique spiritual journey with the Men's ministry God Squad - Heroic Men of Canada. It isn't a retreat confined to four walls, but a pilgrimage of the open road, a journey by motorcycle across the vast landscapes of Canada and the United States, visiting five or six national shrines and churches. More than just a physical ride, it is a spiritual adventure deeply inspired by the lives of saints, particularly Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles, the courageous founders of the Salvatorian family. The year 2025 has been declared a Jubilee Year by the Holy Father, a time specifically dedicated to the profound theme of hope. In our rich Christian tradition, pilgrimage stands as a privileged and powerful form of prayer during such a sacred year. A pilgrimage is a deliberate stepping out of the ordinary rhythms of daily life to encounter God more deeply, on the road, in the quiet contemplation of the journey, in the hallowed embrace of sacred places, and in the profound communion shared with brothers. This is precisely why we have conceived this special Motorcycle Pilgrimage of Hope. Our route will take us to national shrines of Canada that resonate with our Salvatorian spirit, places that powerfully remind us of our fundamental call as Catholics: to make the Saviour known to all people, everywhere, and by every means possible. This journey is a tangible expression of our faith, a testament to our commitment to Christ in a world that desperately needs His light. The Journey's Structure: Fueling Body and Soul Today (July 28, 2025) is Day One of our journey. Each stop along our route will follow a simple yet profound structure, designed to deepen our spiritual resolve and understanding:
The overarching intention of this pilgrimage is to discover, deepen, and strengthen our vocation, to uncover the best version of ourselves, which is, in truth, God's version of us. Traveling in the company of saints and fellow pilgrims will provide a unique crucible for reflecting on this divine call, challenging us to grow into the person God created us to be. How you can join us: A brotherhood of prayer
Even if the open road on two wheels isn't your path, your participation is vital and deeply valued. We invite you to join us spiritually by sending us your prayer intentions. We will carry these intentions with us, remembering you and your needs at every shrine and sacred place we visit. You can send your intentions to: [email protected] or on the Heroic Brotherhood https://brotherhood.heroicmen.org/c/prayer-request Know that you will be remembered in our prayers at every stop, forging a powerful spiritual brotherhood that transcends physical distance. A word of thanks and a call to action I am profoundly grateful to God for this extraordinary opportunity and to all those who have contributed their time and effort to bring this project to fruition. Special thanks are extended to the friends who have dedicated themselves to this vision, and to God's Squad Canada, for their support and friendship. Start the engines of your hearts, open them wide to the grace of God, and let us ride together into this Jubilee Year with unwavering hope!  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to someone about your personal relationship with God, without judgment, advice, or pressure? This fall, the FCJ Christian Life Centre is inviting individuals to receive eight months of free spiritual direction as part of their Spiritual Direction Training Program (SDTP).
The offer is simple but meaningful: from October 2025 to May 2026, participants in the SDTP practicum are looking to accompany individuals in monthly one-on-one sessions. These student directors have completed their first year of formation and are now entering their practicum under the close supervision of experienced team leaders. Spiritual direction is a quiet, prayerful space to reflect on how God is moving in your life. It’s not about being “more holy” or doing more; it’s about becoming more aware of how God is already present and active in your everyday journey. There is no cost for the sessions, which will be offered in person at the FCJ Centre. If you’re interested, please visit www.fcjcentre.ca or reach out to Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, FCJ by July 31, 2025: 403-228-4215 or email [email protected].  I will pay my vows to the LORD, in the presence of all his people.” ~Ps 116:12 Written by Sr. Salome Kociuba, O.P. In all the gospels, we see a woman, Mary of Bethany, who broke the vessel of precious balm to anoint Jesus. We also hear the criticism of witnesses, “Why was the ointment thus wasted?” (Mk 14:4). This gesture, defended by Jesus as coming from the overabundance of love, is repeated in every religious profession. Commenting on the Gospel passage, Mother Mary Francis, a Poor Clare and spiritual author, once said: “There will always be Christ’s need for those who will in the world’s eyes waste their lives on him, who will break their love over him and let it run over him for no other reason than because he is all-lovable, because there is no better thing to do with one’s life than to break it and let it run all over Christ and his Church.” I believe every religious sister has been asked more than once in her life what she would do differently if she could start again and whether she would choose this path. Yes, we would; over and over again, we would choose Christ, or rather, we would recognize His choice of us, and follow Him, wherever He goes.  In our Calgary community, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Szymona (also known as Sr. Simon). It has been 25 years since she first professed her vows in the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Dominic. A jubilee year, whether in religious life or any person’s journey, is a time of grace. It offers a sacred opportunity to thank God for the many blessings received over the years and to reflect deeply on the commitment made and faithfully lived. Consecrated life is, above all, a profound encounter with Christ, who draws near to His wide-open Heart and assures us, “I am with you always,” regardless of the circumstances. It also provides a witness to others that Christ can truly be “enough,” and that life given to Him can be fulfilling and joyful. It is the life of those who have chosen Him to be their only love, both now and in eternity. 
During the celebration, Sr. Szymona said that the various aspects of life in the convent surprised her. This life proved to be more challenging but also more beautiful than she could ever imagine: “totally worth it!” God truly gave her a hundredfold of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, and lands, just as He promised (Mt 19:29). He is never outdone in generosity. She encouraged the families present to pray for new vocations, especially within their households, so that their sons and daughters, siblings, and grandchildren could discover for themselves the goodness of the Lord and the richness of His love and mercy for His chosen ones.
As Sr. Szymona, surrounded by many of our parishioners and friends, as well as priests and consecrated men and women who gathered at our church, renewed her vows, we accompanied her with our prayers. Her Jubilee coincided with a special time in the Church, the Year of Hope. As we reflected on the meaning of this celebration, we gave praise to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the gift of our Sister’s vocation. We prayed that she continues to walk the path of hope with unwavering faith and conviction. We entrust her to the care of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, that through her intercession, Sister may continue to bear witness to God’s love wherever He sends her.  Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath On June 13, 2025, a small group of us, invited by Anthony Banka from the Catholic Pastoral Centre, participated in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Kirby Centre in Calgary. The theme of the Expo was “Growing the Conversation.” We heard encouraging messages from several invited guests, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek. After the speeches, participants were invited to browse the incredible range of organizations and agencies in our city dedicated to supporting seniors, whether they be Indigenous, immigrants, refugees, or long-time Calgarians. We were invited to represent the Diocese of Calgary and chose to focus on our Catholic response to palliative care as seniors approach the end of life. Our booth featured posters, pamphlets, and various other resources designed to communicate the inherent dignity of every human person, a dignity that remains intact from the womb to the tomb. We highlighted the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ program Horizons of Hope, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every person feels loved, useful, and wanted until the moment they are called home by our loving Creator. As each of us engaged with individuals walking through the auditorium, we made a conscious effort to meet everyone as a fellow human being, a brother or sister of our Father in heaven. If our materials speak of human dignity and love of neighbour, then we knew we were called to embody that message in each encounter. These brief yet meaningful interactions often began with a warm smile or a simple gesture of welcome, an invitation from one person to another to share in the joy and hope that comes from the Good News: that we are all family. By engaging with heartfelt sincerity, we believe many people felt a genuine connection to our message and were moved to take some of our materials home. It is our hope and prayer that, through these resources and the encounters they experienced, individuals might come to see the beauty and sacredness of life, even in its final stages, and choose life, trusting that God will welcome them to their eternal home once their time has come.
 Prison Ministry Volunteers Appreciation Gathering at St. Luke’s, Calgary The Prison Ministry brings compassion and hope behind bars through eight ongoing programs in Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2024, volunteers faithfully served youth, women, and men in local Remand and Correctional Centres. Where we serve
Calgary: Rebuilding after the Pandemic
The year of 2024 offered powerful glimpses of God at work in our correctional centres:
Lethbridge: Steady Support, Week After Week At Lethbridge Correctional Centre, a small but committed team offers twice-weekly Rosary gatherings with time for reflection and questions. Inmates also receive Communion twice a month, monthly confession, regular one-on-one pastoral care, and participate in seasonal liturgies such as a Christmas prayer service, with treat bags for all inmates and staff, and Ash Wednesday services. Their steady presence reminds inmates and staff alike that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
 Traditional drums and flutes played as families danced outside the newly consecrated St. John the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Church in Calgary on June 18, 2025. This joyful sound marked the end of a long wait for Alberta’s Chaldean Catholic community. Held on the Feast of St. Ephrem, the consecration was led by Bishop Robert Jarjis, Eparch of the Chaldean Eparchy of Mar Addai in Canada. He was joined by three Chaldean bishops and several priests from across the world. More than 300 Chaldean families in Calgary now have their own church home! “Throughout the ceremony, traditional chants of joy were heard through the church,” said Fr. John Jwad, associate pastor of the parish.“There were tears in the eyes of many,” said Fr. John, “when the bishops solemnly consecrated the altar, the tabernacle, and other sacred objects in the sanctuary.” The celebration continued outside with music and dancing, something reserved in Chaldean culture for very special moments. “Some members of our community arrived in Calgary as early as the late 1970s, and ever since, the dream of having our own Chaldean Church has lived in the hearts of our people,” shared Fr. John. “Over the years, many bishops and priests supported and guided us through the many steps required to reach this day.”
 Msgr. Noel Farman, the first pastor to serve the community, and Fr. Hanni Joro, who helped unite people around the goal, were part of that journey. After his ordination in 2023, Fr. John began working with family and friends to raise funds. “Together we were able to raise over $1 million.” The breakthrough came after a visit to Saskatoon’s Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church. There, a parishioner shared how they had found their church by sending letters to churches across the city expressing interest in buying. Fr. John decided to try the same approach. “I returned to Calgary and we sent letters to over 100 places of worship throughout the city,” he said. “Just a few weeks later, I received a response from Prince of Faith Lutheran Church. Within a few months, the purchase terms were finalized.” The agreement was signed on November 1, 2024, exactly one year after Fr. John’s ordination. From there, volunteers worked together to renovate the building. “In the months that followed, many dedicated members of our community worked tirelessly, day and night,” Fr. John said. “To them, we are deeply grateful.” Now, the community has a space to gather, worship, and grow. “For the Chaldean people, the Church is more than just a place of worship and prayer. It is truly a home for the entire community,” said Fr. John. “For many years, the Chaldean community in Calgary was without such ahome. But today, we are filled with joy and gratitude, as we finally have a Church where we can come together to worship, celebrate, and support one another through both joyful and difficult times.”
Photos courtesy of St. John the Apostle Chaldean Church, Calgary.
In September, I started reading the Gospel of Matthew. I had never read the Bible for myself—I had always just heard it in bits and pieces at church and in different youth groups. When I finished reading Matthew, it gave me a lot to think about. It especially made me think more favorably about the Catholic Church. But I was never going to be Catholic. They have that wacky Pope and believe in that nonsense about Mary! That’s what I told myself, anyway. One late night, I was sitting alone and came across the 60 Minutes interview with Pope Francis. I was completely moved by listening to him speak. He was such a merciful man, and you could tell just by hearing him that he was of God. It completely turned the narrative I had on its head. That night, I accepted Pope Francis as one of the many Christian leaders and saw him as a true man of God in our dark world. But it was still a long road before I would proclaim papal supremacy like I do now. Sometime after that, a post came up from a Catholic solo metal project I had started listening to because I liked the songs about Jesus. The project was called Hell’s Enemy, and the man behind it is named Fredrick—a metalhead turned Catholic convert, much like myself. Fred made a video explaining what Catholics believe about Mary. After watching it, I sat down and began to think a lot more about her. I thought back to when I was a young boy, I had always adored Mary. A large part of that was because I had only my biological mother, and my father was not in my life. So it was easy for me to find comfort in someone like Mary. I loved Mother Mary, until I grew up and was taught by many Protestants that she was nothing special, just a sinful woman God picked to give birth to Jesus and nothing more. After reflecting on this, I decided to say a simple prayer to our Mother. Humbly, I asked, “Mother Mary, please pray for me.” I kept praying that prayer every day, and eventually, I was led into Saint Patrick’s on October 13th. My life was changed after attending Mass. I had never felt the presence of God more than I did that day. But it would still be a little longer before I entered RCIA. On November 10th, I attended Mass a second time. After that Mass, I talked to a lady who passed my information to Deacon Terry. I went about my life and waited for a call. A few days later, I got one. Deacon Terry asked me some light questions and when I could meet. We met that same week, and during that meeting he asked me why I wanted to be Catholic. I told him I wanted a faith that had more commitment. But there was a bigger reason I didn’t share at the time. Mary. She was the biggest reason I was there. I had a few supernatural encounters with our Mother—her presence was overwhelming and constantly around me until I went and signed up for RCIA. She poured out her love to me, and it was so overwhelming that it left me with an aching feeling in my soul, a calling. My soul and heart were not yet ready for that kind of love, but the outpouring of her love left me no choice but to enter the Church. Almost as if to say, “Alright Mother, you win! No more!” I was afraid to share these experiences I had with the Blessed Mother, because I was absolutely afraid of sounding like a crazy person. But now that I’ve grown more comfortable in my faith, I am unashamed to talk about my relationship with the Holy Mother. My love for Our Mother only grew when Ray, who was a sponsor for Justin (the other catechumen besides myself, who was also received into the Church last year), gave me a rosary. Praying the rosary changed my life! Every time I pray the rosary, I’m filled with a love for Jesus and his Mother. As I pray, I am filled with Mary’s maternal love for me, and it has shattered many habits that once had a strong hold on me. So thank you, Ray, for giving me my first rosary! For those who have been in the Church and have paid attention to me or gotten to know me, you know how the rest goes. I did a ton of research into Church history and theology. I came to church every week (besides one time when the winter weather was bad) and actively participated in the Mass. The reason for all of that is because my love for Jesus has grown beyond belief, and I love going to church, which is something I never thought would be possible. Now, there is another important figure in my faith journey I absolutely must mention: my beloved Saint Catherine of Siena, my Patroness. On the night of Christmas Eve, after coming home from Mass, my friends and I began to discuss the relics that the Church had. Little did I know, the Holy Spirit had something in store for me that night. I was guided to the head of Catherine. Yes, the very first image I ever saw of her was her decapitated head in a glass box. I was absolutely intrigued, so I looked up her name. Just a few seconds after hitting the search button, her portrait by Giovanni Battista appeared. I sat there and stared at it for a few seconds, taking in her face, the stigmata on her hands, and the crown of thorns resting on her head. Before this moment, I was struggling to find my saint. I knew one had picked me out from the rest and was deeply interested in me, so much so that by their prayers and constant battle against the forces of evil over me, there was never going to be a version of me that didn’t end up Catholic. Believe me, the fact I’ve even made it to the age of 21 is nothing short of divine intervention. Someone was dragging me along, keeping me on track so I wouldn’t stray too far. Whoever it was, they were as sharp as a sword when it came to matters of faith, so much so that, even to this day, they remain a controversial saint in the Church. After sitting there a few moments, looking at her, something hit me right in the soul. It was as if Catherine herself came down from heaven to smack me in the face and reprimand me for not coming to her sooner. But nonetheless, joyfully, I was here now. Let me tell you, if Mother Mary was the one to give me a loving push to go to Saint Patrick’s, Catherine was grabbing me by the wrist and dragging me up the steps. As I got to know Catherine more, I could see she was strengthening me with all the power God had given her. There have been many times I’ve been afraid to do or say something, but every time, she’s dragged me into doing it. One example was during our 40 hours of adoration. I sat in the middle pew and got settled. After just a few minutes, I heard a voice, clear as ever, say to me: “Pick up your stuff and go sit at the front. Go. Now.” With the sharpness, yet at the same time gentleness of that voice, I knew it could be no one else but Catherine of Siena. I did as she asked and sat at the very front of the church. I had a beautiful visit with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I sat there for three hours, praying, reading Scripture, and adoring our Lord. St. Catherine is someone I can get behind easily. Her honesty and disregard for what people might think or feel about what she would say when it came to the truth was a perfect match for me. I tell people now all the time that they better be careful when they ask me for my honest opinion, because I have the sharpness of my Patroness. Along with her attitude and personality, she adored what most would consider morbid imagery, but all she saw was beauty in it. I’m in full agreement with her on that. She always talked about blood and desired to be martyred, as she once wrote: “I pray that sweet Light (Jesus) leads us to bleed to death for the truth.” Truly, I tell you, with her attitude, her love of dark imagery, and her need to go against the culture of her time, Catherine was, in many ways, one of the first "metalhead" types to ever exist. That only added to my love for her. There could not be a more perfect saint for me. Only the divine could arrange such a close and intimate relationship. That’s the way I would describe my relationship with Catherine: she is absolutely a guiding figure, but more importantly, she is a friend, my best friend. Even with all the friends I have on earth, no one comes close to her. She will always put me on the path of Christ, even if it means she has to drag me across the parking lot and up the steps of the church to do so. Because that’s the kind of person she is, and we all need a friend like that. There’s not too much I can promise you, but if I make it to heaven through the grace of God, wherever Catherine goes, I won’t be too far behind, and vice versa. Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us! Now, having shared with you my testimony of faith, my relationship with our dear Mother, and my friendship with my beloved Patroness, how does this testimony end? With a call to action. For those who read this, if you haven't already, I urge you to consider the following: First, to grow a devotion to our Blessed Mother. The Church is at her best when Mary is honored and devotion to her is at an all-time high. So please, take the time to spend with Mother. Maybe even bring her flowers—whether at your home shrine or at church. Don’t be afraid to show your love for her, because she loves you unapologetically. Second, to grow in closeness to your Patron or Patroness. Take some time to ask for their guidance and intercession. Build a relationship with the one who prays for and watches over you—they care deeply for you. Third and finally, be unashamed of your Catholic faith. When you eat in public, make the sign of the cross before you eat. When you pray with friends and family, say the Hail Mary—no matter what they may think. When the opportunity arises, always share your faith with people and invite them to Mass. My friends, you are part of the true Church of Jesus Christ! Be proud to be a part of His holy Church! In conclusion, I want to say thank you to my Godmother, Rita. Rita has been a great help as well as a good person to just have a great conversation with. I’m very thankful to have gotten to know her. Thank you also to everyone in the RCIA at Saint Patrick’s, the parishioners there and at Holy Family, the clergy at both churches, and everyone at Saint Mary’s Cathedral who showed me such wonderful hospitality as a visitor when I attended their parish for a few days in early April. Thank you all for welcoming me with love into Christ’s Church like no one else ever has. No matter where I go, I have family nearby—as long as there’s a Catholic Church. I look forward to what else awaits me on this journey. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us! Ave Christus Rex! Ave Maria! Written by Luke Banek, St. Patrick's in Medicine Hat.
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