​The Assembly of Women Religious of the Diocese of Calgary offer their deepest condolences upon the passing of Bishop Emeritus Frederick Henry to Bishop McGrattan, Bishop Henry’s family, relatives, and friends. We remember Bishop Henry for his love of God and the Church. He was an inspiring preacher who even after retiring continued to speak in parishes.

We treasure his deep commitment to the social teachings of the Church and those in greatest need. He was a courageous and compassionate man who lived out his love of God and the Church throughout his illness. We have heard many inspiring stories of how caring and compassionate Bishop Henry was to all who were looking after him, many of them remarking on his genuine interest in each person. May he now enjoy the fulness of God’s love and rest from his labours. May he rest in peace.

- Assembly of Women Religious Executive

The Daughters of Mary

On October 4, 2017, the Daughters of Mary arrived in Calgary at the invitation of then Bishop Frederick Henry. The idea to share our mission in Calgary originally came from Sr. Jessica Militar, DM, who was the local superior at our mission house in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sr. Jessica reached out to Bishop Henry via email to inquire about the possibility of our Institute establishing a presence in Calgary. In January 2016, Sr. Jessica and Sr. Emelyn met with Bishop Henry, who discussed the potential for the sisters to work at Elizabeth House.
 
The first three sisters arrived in Calgary were Sr. Ely Nasol, DM, Sr. Maria Salvacion Serrato, DM and Sr. Elena Aguilar, DM. However, Elizabeth House being fully staffed at the time, they were unable to work there and instead ended up at the Pastoral Center. Today, there are still three sisters in Calgary, Sr. Emelyn Rosento, DM, Sr. Gloria Sarol, DM, and Sr. Elena Aguilar, DM.
 
We are thankful for the generosity of Bishop Henry, who played a crucial role in helping the Daughters of Mary establish a community in the Diocese of Calgary.

Precious Blood Sisters

The Vatican Council and its implementation throughout the Church were underway. Religious Communities were asked to plan an Extraordinary General Chapter. Giant steps were being taken in our Church over a short period of time.

Father Henry was returning from studies in Rome and assigned as a Professor at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. In this context, in 1973, Father Henry was assigned as confessor to our Precious Blood Community in London, numbering about 40 Sisters. For religious communities this was a time of renewed and deepened understanding of our particular charism in the Church. For all of us it was a time of prayer, study, and discernment.

Father Henry became a stabilizing, positive and peaceful influence through a transition time which continued through many years. It was from this background of community relationship with Bishop Henry that our Precious Blood Community here in Calgary welcomed Bishop Frederick Henry as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary on March 19th, 1998.

The Bishop was one to whom we could always turn.  During retirement years, Bishop Henry served once again as a much-appreciated Confessor for our Precious Blood Community, and in 2022 directed our annual Retreat. Our relationship with Bishop Henry spans more than 50 years. Bishop, we thank you for your encouragement, your care, understanding and support of our way of life as a contemplative community in the Church. Our prayer, our gratitude are with you, Bishop, our faithful friend and guide.

-Sr. Margaret Nadeau of the Precious Blood Sisters on behalf of their community.

Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth

Bishop Henry had a great compassion for those in greatest need. This was also a deep concern for our community, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth. He also acted to make a difference in the lives of those in need and sought to change the social situation in our Diocese to make their lives better. One aspect of this was to educate people about the reality of our present-day society and how our Church has answers for alleviating poverty.

​When asked to speak to my Grade 12 Religious Studies classes at St. Mary’s High School, he readily came and spoke to the students about the social teachings of the Church. The students were very attentive to him. It was a blessing to have the Bishop of the Diocese speak to the students on a subject for which he was an exemplary teacher. May he rest in God’s peace and may his good works go with him.

​–Sr. Dianne, OSE

Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ)

The Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) offer their deepest condolences to Bishop McGrattan, Bishop Henry’s family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. 

We will always remember his love of God and the Church. He was a courageous and compassionate man who lived this out throughout his life. As a homilist he had a gift of inspiring his congregation and in particular children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. We have heard many inspiring stories about how caring and compassionate Bishop Henry was to all who were looking after him at the end of his life. Many of them remarked on his genuine interest in and concern for each person. May he now enjoy the fullness of God’s love.

-Sr. Ger Curran f.c.J.

Dominican Sisters

"I have worked as a sacristan at Our Lady Queen of Peace (Polish Parish) for many years and have had several opportunities to encounter Bishop Fredrick Henry. He made an impression of a modest and caring individual. He was easily accessible, kind, always first to approach and greet everyone, and enthusiastic about his visits. He gladly accepted invitations to our parish to preside over the sacrament of confirmation and on many other occasions. He made references to the current political situation in Poland and shared his devotion to Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, Polish priest-martyr of the communist regime. 

Bishop Fredrick gladly accepted invitations to our religious community as well. I am particularly fond of the memory of my Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession in 2012, which coincided with the 150 Jubilee of Our Congregation. The bishop presided over the solemn Jubilee Mass and witnessed my renewal of vows; he offered a special blessing. Afterward, he gladly joined us for dinner in the parish hall. He was a big enthusiast of Polish food! I thank God I could meet this kind and dedicated priest, and I pray God invites him to eternal reward!" 

Sr. Lucyna Gryboś, O.P. (Dominican Sisters) 

The Most Reverend Frederick Bernard Henry, Seventh Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, died on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the age of 81 years.

In living out his episcopal motto, “Dabo vobis pastores” (I will give you shepherds), Bishop Frederick Henry was a true spiritual father to the laity and the clergy of the dioceses he served.

Frederick Bernard Henry was born in London, ON, on April 11, 1943, the eldest of five sons in the family of Leo and Noreen Henry. After finishing high school, he entered St. Peter’s Seminary in London, ON, and was ordained to the Priesthood on May 25, 1968. He served as Associate Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Windsor, ON, before being sent to further his studies.

In 1971, he earned a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and in 1973, a Licentiate in Theology, specializing in Fundamental Theology, from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Father Henry was an Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy at St. Peter’s Seminary from 1973 to 1986. He also became Dean of Theology and Rector of St. Peter’s Seminary from 1981 to 1986. As Rector, he oversaw the updating and reorganization of programs in theology and formation, as well as a major addition to the seminary’s library to accommodate its growing collection. He was named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in 1985. 

Frederick Bernard Henry was named Auxiliary Bishop of London and Titular Bishop of Carinola by Pope John Paul II and was ordained to the Episcopate on June 24, 1986. He was installed as the Fourth Bishop of Thunder Bay, ON, on May 11, 1995 and as the Seventh Bishop of Calgary on March 19, 1998. Due to health concerns, his request for an early retirement was granted by Pope Francis on January 4, 2017, after serving as the Bishop of Calgary for 19 years.

During his tenure as the Bishop of Calgary, the Diocese experienced significant growth, including several economic downturns and increased immigration. These developments le to the construction of several new churches, the establishment of programs addressing poverty, and the continued expansion of Catholic school divisions. He was known for his strong stance on social justice and life issues, working closely with leaders of other faiths to foster bonds of friendship and mutual understanding, united toward the common good.

Bishop Henry is survived by his brothers, Dave (Sharon), Leo (Maureen), Larry, and Rick (Darryl); 11 nieces and nephews; and 21 great-nieces and nephews.

​We invite you to join us in prayers for The Most Reverend Frederick B. Henry, the Seventh Bishop of Calgary. Funeral liturgies will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 18 Ave SW, Calgary) as follows:
​

• Monday, December 9, 2024
  Public Visitation: 9 AM to 4 PM
  Funeral Vigil: 7 PM 
  
  
• Tuesday, December 10, 2024 
  Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM | Watch Livestream
  Rite of Committal: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Calgary
  Reception: St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Hall

Funeral Mass of Fr. Gilles LeBlanc was celebrated on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church in Calgary followed by a graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  
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Father Gilles LeBlanc was born on May 18, 1949, in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. He is pre-deceased by his parents Frederick and Suzanne LeBlanc and his brother Paul LeBlanc. He is survived by his siblings: Andrea Acherly, Ronald LaBlanc, Gladys Bordage, John LaBlanc, Reggie LeBlanc. He was ordained a priest in 1985. He passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023 at Providence Care Centre. 

​Visit the obituary page at https://www.evanjstrong.com/obituary/FrGilles-LeBlanc

Fr. Gilles LeBlanc's Pastoral Assignments

Father Gilles LeBlanc was ordained a priest on April 26, 1985, at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Paul J. O'Byrne. Fr. LeBlanc began his pastoral assignments as an Assistant Pastor at St. John’s, Calgary, in June 1985, followed by St. Mark’s in Calgary in August 1985, serving until 1987. He then served as an Assistant Pastor at St. Ann's in Blairmore from July 1987 to 1988. In 1989, he accepted a pastoral assignment as Pastor of St. Andrew’s, Vulcan, Champion, and Carmangay, where he served for two years. Later in his ministry, Fr. LeBlanc was assigned at St. Anthony’s in Calgary from 2006 until July 2008. His last pastoral assignment was at St. Patrick’s in Medicine Hat from August 2008 until his retirement in June 2010. 
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• Read "Custodians of Beauty" - featuring Fr. Gilles LeBlanc  
• Watch video "Co-Creating with God"

Please join us in remembering Fr. Gilles by viewing these beautiful photos of his funeral mass, captured by Victor Panlilio. Let us all pray for his eternal rest and the souls of all the faithful departed, and may they find peace in the loving mercy of God.

Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio | See all photos here

Bishop McGrattan's homily at the Memorial Liturgy for those grieving the loss of a child through miscarriage and stillbirth, November 24, 2022 at St. Mary's Cathedral.

In the communal life of the Church the witness of faith and belief in Christ is always confirmed in the following – “Faith if it is genuine works through love”. Another way of stating this truth is that in the Christian life our faith is to be expressed through acts of love.
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This evening those families who have gathered, parents, grandparents, and children are united in the painful reality that they have suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth. Despite this pain and grief which is shared by those here present they also witness to a communal act of love in the remembering of their children in prayer.

This is also a genuine witness of faith to the sanctity of life. That all human life from conception to natural death is a gift from God who is the Creator. He is the author of all life and in Christ we come to know and believe that through his death and resurrection we receive the gift of eternal life from God the Father. This is the hope that must also unite us in the prayer of this memorial liturgy.
​
In the Old Testament, the remembering in prayer of God’s salvific presence in the midst of his people was always an act of “anamnesis”. It is a spiritual remembering and an act of faith in which they experienced the very presence of God’s love. In the First Letter of John this evening we heard the sacred author reminding the early Christians of this same truth. “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are”. Other translations of this passage replace “See” with “Remember”. This evening we remember the love that the Father has given these parents through marriage. A love in which He invites husband and wife to share in His “co-creative love”, to express mutual love for each other and to be open to bringing new life, children into the world.    

The painful truth is that I never knew my grandfather, at least in any way that a grandchild should. My grandfather went overseas to fight in the first world war, full of pride. But he returned, like so many other young men, broken in spirit. In the years after his marriage to my grandmother, life afforded him little opportunity beyond labour as a brick layer. He tried to be a man of faith, but with every bottle he drank, his sense of worth diminished. When his body finally became too tired to work, his waning years disappeared before the television screen, his mind consumed by his addiction. Whatever mercy he asked for in his final days, there is no doubt he carried tremendous pain to the grave.

How many of us carry the memories of those whose stories leave us with no tale of redemption, no dramatic moment of grace to close the curtain of life, no bright ray of hope shining on their horizon. We are left sorting through the broken dreams and fractured relationships to find a goodness we can hold up, something to tell us this life meant something.

During the month of November, the Church encourages the faithful to spend 30 days praying for the dead. Pope Francis has said: “Church tradition has always urged prayer for the dead, in particular by offering the celebration of the Eucharist for them: It is the best spiritual help that we can give to their souls, particularly to the most abandoned ones.”
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It is in the words of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, where I find great hope in the gift of purgatory, the time when God purifies those souls who long to know the peace of His eternal presence, but still carry the scars and sin of this life on earth. Benedict XVI offers these words for us:

Written by Lance Dixon, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Mary's University

Catholic teaching
According to information from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Roman Catholic church lifted its prohibition against cremation in 1963. Twenty years later, the option was coded in canon law. Over time, Christian Funeral Rites were altered to set the parameters for when cremation can take place before a Funeral Liturgy. 
 The rites detail where cremated remains are placed during the Funeral Liturgy (never on or immediately in front of the altar). They also spell out the need for all of the cremains to be placed in a secure vessel.

Fr. Edmund Vargas, a former pastor at Sacred Heart, first talked to Kennedy about establishing a columbarium in 2005. When the first of the 3,000 niches went on sale about five years later, the church-based facility was one of the first—and possibly the first—in Canada. Then-Bishop Fred Henry blessed the first columbarium at Sacred Heart on May 13, 2011, with the first interment that same month. The second columbarium opened in 2013.

Accessible by elevator and stairs, visitors enter the columbaria through a locked door. Mourners receive a punch key code that allows them to visit the indoor space 364 days of the year. “The only day we are closed is Boxing Day. I know some people come here every day to spend time with their memories,” notes Kennedy. “On the second Saturday of each month, we also host a special memorial service in the church. Those are always well-attended, and many people visit the columbaria after that mass.”

A sacred space 
The hallways inside the columbaria are adorned with 13 stained-glass windows. Purchased from a Catholic church in Buffalo, New York, the 150-year-old windows were painstakingly restored and framed. “We’ve backlit the windows, and the effect is beautiful. Visitors feel like they are walking past actual windows. You lose any sense that you are in a basement,” explains Kennedy.

Once inside, visitors can rest on comfortable benches upholstered in an elegant shade of burgundy. Recessed ceiling lights contribute to the calming hue of the muted-yellow walls and ceilings. A lack of adornment inside the columbaria keeps eyes drawn to the niches.

“Father Edmund chose very meaningful names for the columbaria,” adds Kennedy. The first columbarium is called the Holy Land, and its sections are named after Holy Land locales, like Bethlehem and Mount Herman. The Galilee section includes smaller areas named Grace, Hope, Joy, Peace and Serenity. A special section in the Serenity area holds the cremains of stillborn babies and others who died soon after birth. 

Most of the niches in the Holy Land are single niches, “but people can reserve two single niches, side-by-side, as long as they are available,” says Kennedy.

The second columbarium, with more niches designed for two or four urns, is named Holy See. Each of its sections references a Holy See location. Again, families can purchase several niches in an area.

Learn more
People interested in touring the columbaria can reach out to Kennedy at Sacred Heart. He’s also available to speak with groups, including parish-based groups like the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Women’s League. Those interested will receive an Estate Planning Guide from a Catholic Perspective. 

“People have a lot of questions, and I’m here to answer them,” says Kennedy, who’s already secured a Sacred Heart niche for he and his wife. 

While he’s learned not to guess what questions people will bring to their first conversations about the columbaria, Kennedy’s accustomed to how the meetings end. “There is comfort in knowing what will happen after you die. After people choose a niche, their response is typically the same. They tell me, ‘I feel relieved.’”

One of the humbling privileges of serving as the vocation director of our diocese is coming into contact with young men who sincerely desire to give their lives to our Lord and the service of His Church. I would like to briefly share with you the impact one such of those young men has had upon me in the last year and a half. 
 
You may recognize the young man in the photograph as the one who presented the oil to be blessed as Oil of the Sick only two weeks ago at the Mass of Chrism. He and I first came into contact over Skype while he was still serving on a NET Ireland team. He had been diagnosed with cancer there which threw a wrench in his plan to return home at the end of his missionary year with the hope to enter the seminary for our diocese. His doctors were confident that he would recover there and return home well. 
 
That never turned out to be the case, and although he did make it back to Canada, he went through a roller coaster ride of sickness and health. His longing for the priesthood never wavered but at the beginning of April, when his doctors prognosticated that he would have only three months to a year left to live, he resigned himself to the fact he would never be ordained. Nevertheless, I asked him to consider himself my "assistant vocation director", wherein he would unite his sufferings to the Cross of our Lord for the intention of many and holy vocations to the priesthood for our diocese. He was unwaveringly committed to this spiritual work. Being present at our Chrism Mass was an opportunity for him to feel a share in our presbyterate.
 
Much sooner than expected, our assistant vocation director, Ted Andrew, peacefully passed from this life in the early hours of an Easter Octave morning, April 25, with his loving parents by his side. 
 
He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Youngstown following the funeral Mass at Sacred Heart in Oyen on Tuesday, April 30. Please join me in offering your prayers and Masses for this spiritual brother of ours, that His Father will look upon him with mercy, and in His goodness, favourably hear his prayers for the growth of our presbyterate. 

Presentation of the Oil of the Sick at the Chrism Mass (April 15, 2019). 

Written by Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Director of Vocations