 Something special has returned to St. John the Evangelist parish in Calgary: a newly painted statue of Our Lady of Walsingham graces our parish, bringing beauty, history, and a deep spiritual connection to one of the most beloved Marian devotions of the English-speaking world. But this statue’s journey to us has its own story—one that speaks of patience, providence, and the rich heritage of our Catholic faith. The statue, hand-carved in Oberammergau in Germany, was purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. To save money, Fr. Robert-Charles Bengry, our parish priest and Dean of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter in Canada, chose to buy it unpainted, thinking he’d get to it soon enough. “We’re a small and poor parish,” he explains. A few years passed, and with parish life always demanding his attention, the task unfortunately remained unfinished. But as the Jubilee Year arrived, Father knew it was time to finally bring it to life. “Truth, goodness, and beauty are so very important to us as Ordinariate Catholics of the Anglican tradition,” Fr. Bengry says, “and so I’m happy to have been able to beautify the parish in this way.” For many Catholics, Our Lady of Walsingham may not be a familiar title, but her story is deeply rooted in our shared Christian history. In 1061, the Virgin Mary appeared to a noblewoman in England, requesting that a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth be built. That simple home became one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in medieval Christendom. Sadly, during the English Reformation under King Henry VIII, the shrine was destroyed, and devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham was nearly lost. But love for Our Lady can never truly be extinguished. Over time, her shrine was restored near to the ruins, and today, it remains a place of deep prayer and encounter with Christ. “Our Lady wanted us to know Christ through the Holy House, ultimately through the family home, the domestic Church,” Fr. Bengry reflects, adding, “and isn’t that something we need today, in this time, in this culture?” For Catholics of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter—originally for those who come from an Anglican heritage but now with a greatly broadened mission—Our Lady of Walsingham is especially dear. She is our patroness, a mother who has walked with us on our journey home to full communion. “God has been so very good in bringing us home to the Catholic Church,” Fr. Bengry says. “As a thank-you of sorts, we’d love to welcome diocesan Catholics this Jubilee Year and introduce them to Our Lady of Walsingham.”  This Jubilee Year brings a special invitation. St. John the Evangelist has been designated by Bishop Steven Lopes (our Ordinariate Bishop) as a pilgrimage site, meaning the faithful can receive a Jubilee Indulgence by making a pilgrimage here, praying before the Blessed Sacrament, and fulfilling the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayers for the Holy Father’s intentions. The newly installed statue is more than a beautiful image—it holds a relic, a fragment of the ruins from the original Walsingham shrine site. To stand before Our Lady here is to stand in spiritual and physical connexion with centuries of faith and devotion. And there’s another unique touch: the holy water at St. John’s always contains water from the sacred well at Walsingham. “It’s very special,” Fr. Bengry notes, a tangible link to the graces of that ancient place of pilgrimage.
Submitted by St. John the Evangelist Parish Office
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 Written by Sean Lynn, God Squad Canada. Where to begin when recounting the extraordinary events of March 17th, 2025, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall? Does one trace the genesis back to the August 2020 God Squad board meeting, where the seed of this ambitious project was first planted? Or perhaps, to the hushed intensity of the orchestra rehearsal, a day prior? Should we linger on the anticipation of a family, eager to experience the music’s premiere, unsullied by rehearsal clips? Or capture the surreal arrival of the video team, greeted by the ethereal strains of Gregorian chant in the lobby? The journey to this Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” event was indeed a long and winding one but let us begin with the intimate dinner hosted by the God Squad board, welcoming Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Bishop William McGrattan, and Bishop Gregory Bittman. Amidst a warm meal and lively conversation, a sense of anticipation permeated the air. Soon, the group crossed the street, entering the concert hall to find a vibrant scene: a bustling ticket office, a lobby filled with excited attendees from across the diocese, and a palpable sense of expectation. A slight delay ensued as the numerous choirs adjusted to the stage, but the atmosphere remained charged. From backstage, as Bishop McGrattan and the Nuncio prepared, the sight of countless smiling faces radiated hope. Tony Rino, the evening’s MC, took the stage, and Bishop McGrattan opened with a heartfelt prayer. The Apostolic Nuncio followed, inviting the audience into the contemplative space of the Litany. The concert unfolded, a tapestry woven with diverse voices and profound expressions of faith. The 68-strong St. Vincent Liem choir launched the evening with a powerful tribute to St. Joseph, setting a tone of reverence. The Sainte-Famille Choir’s moving Agnus Dei transitioned into a gospel-infused celebration of the Holy Spirit. The “Vatican Choir,” the Blessed Iwene, Nigerian Igbo Catholic Community Calgary, captivated with their traditional attire and harmonious Igbo melodies. The Bishop McNally High School Choir offered a youthful and hopeful performance, followed by the delicate grace of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy Choir- The St. Hildegard Society. The first half concluded with international singer Michelle Todd, whose crystal-clear voice rendered captivating renditions of Ave Maria and Our Father, moving Tony Rino to tears. Intermission buzz was filled with awe and anticipation. Then, composer and conductor Carlos Foggin invited the audience to “allow the music to transport you to a place of reflection and prayer.” Concertmaster Theresa Dumbrique gracefully led the orchestra in tuning, and then, a hush fell as Carlos raised his baton. The opening chimes, reminiscent of church bells, ushered in a sacred atmosphere. The Kyrie Eleison, resonated with profound intensity, holding the audience captive until the final, glorious Amen. Describing the experience is a challenge. A “soul-penetrating performance,” as one attendee put it, captured the essence of the moment. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with calls for a repeat performance and a sense of witnessing something truly historic. The lobby shimmered with an electric energy as attendees processed the profound experience. The days following the concert brought a flood of heartfelt testimonials. One attendee noted the significance of the diverse choirs, highlighting the universal nature of the Church in Calgary. Bishop McGrattan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unity he felt as choir members joined for the Litany. Another shared their emotional response, moved to tears by the devotion to St. Joseph. The St. Vincent Liem choir expressed a desire to participate in future events, demonstrating the profound impact on their youth. Fr. Wilbert spoke of the graces flowing from this Jubilee Year event. Maria and Ian Doll offered a succinct and powerful summary: “Hats off to God Squad Canada, Carlos Foggin, all the singers, musicians, and volunteers that made the World Premier of the orchestral and choral Litany of Saint Joseph a powerful evening of witness, worship, and unity. Each choir was superb and unique in their choice of songs and expression. Carlos’ introduction of the Litany and his entreaty to put away our phones and prayerfully experience the music inspired us. The Litany blew us away. So many Catholics from across the diocese, united with our bishop and the Papal Nuncio to Canada in honoring Saint Joseph, was a huge witness to our city, our nation, the Universal Church, and the world and a tangible reminder that we are all pilgrims of hope.” As God Squad Canada contemplates the future of this project, prayers are requested. A professional video of the Litany is in production, poised to share this extraordinary experience with a wider audience. The echoes of March 17th continue to resonate, a testament to the power of music, faith, and unity. 
 Photos courtesy of Bandi Szakony for God Squad Canada
 “St. Joseph was chosen by God to be the guardian of the Holy Family. This was no small task.” With these words, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Papal Nuncio to Canada, opened his homily at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where close to 1,200 faithful gathered to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. This jubilee Mass was a profound Solemnity, marked by an Apostolic Blessing with a plenary indulgence, granted in the name of Pope Francis and imparted by Bishop McGrattan. The plenary indulgence, available to the faithful under the usual conditions—sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father—reminds us of God’s abundant mercy and the call to ongoing conversion. St. Joseph’s role in salvation history is often described in simple terms—he was the foster father of Jesus and the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary but Archbishop Jurkovič emphasized the depth of his mission. Joseph was entrusted with the care of Jesus and Mary, a responsibility that required immense faith and unwavering trust in God’s plan. His silent strength and steadfastness provided a stable and nurturing environment for Jesus to grow. “In the home of Nazareth, Jesus would have discerned that Joseph was a man of prayer,” the Archbishop reflected. “Like every Jewish boy, much of the religious heritage of Israel would have been imparted to Jesus in that setting through Joseph’s example.” The lessons of faith that Joseph passed down would later shape Christ’s teachings. “From Joseph, Jesus would have gained knowledge of the skills to be a good carpenter and builder,” he continued. “And this knowledge He used to teach His disciples that the one who listens to the word of God and acts upon it is like the wise man who builds his house on the rock.”
St. Joseph remains a patron and guide for the Church, for fathers, workers, and all who seek to follow God’s will. “May we learn from St. Joseph how to live lives that are pleasing to the Heavenly Father,” Archbishop Jurkovič urged. His life calls us to be people of faith, courage, and love—to be men and women who, like him, embrace our responsibilities with trust and devotion.
The celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral concluded with a rare and profound moment—a papal blessing with a plenary indulgence for those present. Bishop McGrattan led the faithful in a moment of repentance, preparing their hearts to receive this special grace. “Pray to God for our Most Holy Father, Pope Francis, our Bishop William, and for Holy Mother Church, and strive, by holiness of life, to walk in full communion with it,” Deacon Peter An announced before the bishop imparted the blessing. May we turn to St. Joseph in our struggles, in our work, and in our faith, knowing that through his example, we too can walk in trust, courage, and love. A Plenary Indulgence may be received in the Diocese of Calgary by doing the following during the period from December 29, 2024 through December 31, 2025: At least once during the Holy Year:
And, while striving to be free from attachment to sin, carry out any of the following:
 On Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the context of our diocesan Renewal, Ascension Catholic Parish with Regnum Christi hosted a faith formation day entitled Building a Better Life. This “Integral Formation” Day provided an opportunity to nourish various aspects of the Christian personality. It touched upon four themes, each corresponding to one of four “pillars” of development, namely our human, spiritual, apostolic, and intellectual formation. The presentations offered insights as well as practical tools to deepen the daily living of our faith. The day began with a session on The Language of Apology, led by Eileen Coady. She explored the profound impact of sincerity and vulnerability in relationships. Later on in the morning, Fr. Janick Caouette, LC spoke on Living Our Baptismal Promises. This delved into the extended rite of baptism from the Roman Missal. “Understanding more of the baptismal promises was incredibly insightful,” said one participant, “Everyone should hear them.” Michelle Hoffman guided participants through Ignatian Meditation Using Art, providing a structured and transformative way to pray. We listen to God in his Word, with art helping to open new intuitions, through Beauty. 
The closing session was an invitation to continue learning the Faith. David Keep delivered a moving talk on Intellectual Formation, sharing how learning about his Catholic faith led to his conversion—and to his ongoing journey, of continual conversion. His testimony highlighted the call to strive for holiness in everyday life, and it was “a reminder that growth takes time, guidance, support, and grace.” The day concluded with opportunities for fellowship and moments of quiet reflection, allowing participants to integrate the day’s insights into their own spiritual journeys. Each participant was also given a Jubilee virtue card, encouraging them to entrust themselves to the care of a patron saint for the year. Ascension Catholic Parish plans on continuing to provide content that is engaging, thoughtful, and relevant so that parishioners might develop different areas of their lives. As an activity aimed at personal growth and formation, the Formation Day fosters a greater awareness of the diocesan renewal by both teaching the great story of Jesus and His Church, as well as listening to others’ lived experiences of our life as Catholics. The lay association Regnum Christi was instrumental in organizing this event, in its mission to educate and prepare youth and families for joy-filled lives of mission, service and prayer through excellent integral formation. Other follow-up activities will be arranged over the course of this Jubilee year. Written by Fr. John Paul Luxbacher, LC. To receive invitations to Regnum Christi activities, please feel free to contact [email protected], with the tag “Formation Day.”
Today, on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church observes the World Day of Prayer for the Sick, a day dedicated to lifting up those who suffer and those who care for them. The Jubilee of Hope makes this year's celebration particularly special. In this spirit of hope and renewal, members of the Calgary Catholic Medical Association (CCMA) gathered on February 1, 2025 for their annual breakfast at Heritage Park Railway Café. With Bishop William McGrattan as the keynote speaker, the morning was a rich opportunity for reflection on the theme of holiness, service, and the integration of faith in the medical profession. As Bishop McGrattan highlighted, this jubilee year is indeed an opportunity for healthcare professionals to focus on the perennial challenge to integrate faith in one's life and work of service.
Becoming Beacons of Hope Bishop McGrattan's talk, "Mission of Hope," was a real call to action – an invitation to those in medical field to become beacons of hope. He wasn't just talking about expertise, but about living our faith openly. He reminded us what Pope Francis said in Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) – that holiness isn't some far-off, impossible dream for a chosen few, but something we're all called to. “Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church,” he shared, quoting Gaudete et Exsultate. “To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest, or a religious. We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are called to be holy by living our life with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.” (GE No. 14) He added, "For healthcare professionals, your daily work is more than a job—it is a vocation, a path to holiness. The long hours, the difficult decisions, the emotional weight of your work—these can all be opportunities to bring Christ’s love into the lives of the sick and suffering. But this kind of witness does not happen by accident. It requires intentionality, prayer, and a commitment to growing in faith."
Bishop McGrattan highlighted that this Jubilee Year is an extraordinary time of grace. Pope Francis, in his Bull of Indiction Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint - Rom 5:5), calls the faithful to a renewed commitment to the Christian life. Read also: Pope Francis' message for the 33rd World Day of the Sick “Every jubilee year is an invitation to be more intentional in our living of the Christian life. To renew our life and to focus on the many ways that we receive the gift of God’s grace. It is a year to experience the call to conversion, to strengthen the living of the faith, and deepen our relationship with God,” Bishop said. For Catholic healthcare workers, this means resisting the temptation to separate their faith from their profession. The Second Vatican Council warned against this tendency: “One of the most serious errors of our time is to see that religion and faith are not just acts of worship or simply fulfilling moral obligations and that one cannot simply engage in human affairs and think that such activities are divorced or separated from one’s religious life and faith” (Gaudium et Spes No. 43). Rather, faith must permeate every aspect of life—including work. Pope Francis cautioned against an “excess of activity” that lacks adequate spiritual grounding, warning that “without this spiritual permeation our activity can be tiring, burdensome, dissatisfying, and become an unbearable fatigue.” (Evangelii Gaudium No. 82) A Recipe for Spiritual Resilience How can healthcare professionals cultivate this integration of faith and work? Each one of us is called to do the personal work to grow in Holiness. The bishop emphasized that the willingness to grow in this way is an act of love towards God. The ‘recipe‘ he proposed can be found in The Six Daily Habits book by Fr. John O’Brien, SJ, who lives at the Martyr’s Shrine in Midland , Ontario.
Dr. Monique exlaimed, "It was very helpful for us to have the Bishop role model for us some of the daily habits he uses to carry out His own personal Mission as our Bishop. He spoke to us from his heart, which is a powerful way to teach an important message." As we mark this World Day of Prayer for the Sick and journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, let us take to heart the words of Pope Francis: “Let the grace of your baptism bear fruit in the path of holiness. Let everything be open to God; turn to him in every situation. Do not be dismayed, for you can do this in the power of the Holy Spirit.” (GE No. 15) For those in the medical field who seek a community of faith and support, the Calgary Catholic Medical Association extends an open invitation: Join us in living out this mission of hope. Photos courtesy of Calgary Catholic Medical Association. For more information about Calgary Catholic Medical Association, visit: catholicmedyyc.wordpress.com
Make Scripture a part of everyday lifeHere are some practical tips from the Dicastery of Evangelization (Vatican) to encourage the love of Scripture:
Online resources
 
A Moment of Grace in Calgary The relics visited Calgary as part of the National Visitation. On Saturday, Jan 4, the relics were hosted at St. Albert the Great Parish for veneration, reconciliation, and prayer ministry throughout the day. Bishop McGrattan celebrated Mass at 5:00 pm, followed by a short talk by Fr. John O'Brien, Director and Jesuit Superior of the Martyrs' Shrine in Midland, Ontario. Mathieu Couture, a parishioner of St. Joseph in Calgary who visited the relics at St. Albert the Great, reflected on the experience: “What stood out to me was that St. Jean de Brébeuf and St. Kateri Tekakwitha came from two very different worlds. Despite their differences, they were united in their love for Christ. Both endured great suffering for their faith, and through this shared suffering, they found unity.” He added, “I believe this is a message our world needs to hear again. In a time when society faces increasing division, we should remember Christ’s vision of unity: that we are one people in Him.” The relics tour offers opportunities for personal prayer and reflection. Attendees are encouraged to bring written prayer intentions, which will be taken back to the Martyrs' Shrine. Holy cards, rosaries, and medals can also be pressed to the reliquaries to create spiritual keepsakes.
A Moment of Grace in Tsuut’ina Nation A highlight of the tour was their stop at the Tsuut’ina Nation on Jan 5, where events unfolded at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre. The day opened with a Traditional Ceremonial Welcome of the relics, followed by Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop William T. McGrattan. Fr. Cristino Bouvette, who coordinated the visit, shared his reflections: “Hearing the sound of the drum and traditional singing accompanying the relics as they entered the auditorium on the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina Nation deeply moved me. To imagine that nearly 400 years ago, similar sounds, smells, and sentiments would have accompanied those same people as they walked in their flesh was a profound experience.” The schedule included a Jesuit-led program highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of the relics. Educational exhibits explored early relationships between Indigenous peoples and Catholic missionaries, as well as stories of Indigenous Catholics with open Causes for Canonization. A special exhibit also featured memorabilia from the 2022 Papal Visit to Canada. 
The visit to Tsuut’ina Nation offered a tangible step toward Truth and Reconciliation. Fr. Cristino noted, “An important part of the work of Truth and Reconciliation is not to focus exclusively on the worst part of our shared history, as important as it is to confront, but to look far enough back to the countless instances of harmonious relationships shared between Indigenous Peoples and the Church in Canada.” The presence of the relics from both the Canadian Martyrs and St. Kateri Tekakwitha served as a reminder of this shared history, inspiring hope for ongoing reconciliation efforts. One particularly moving story shared by Fr. Cristino involved a local Indigenous elder who had missed the opportunity to greet Pope Francis during the Papal Mass in Edmonton due to illness. “To see her today leading the procession of the relics on to her traditional territories and helping to represent the Chief and Council on behalf of her whole Nation felt like she got to make up for that earlier disappointment,” he said. As the relics continue their journey across Canada, they invite all people—Catholic and non-Catholic alike—to experience moments of grace and reconciliation. Whether through prayer, reflection, or learning about the history of the saints, this tour offers a unique chance to connect with Canada’s spiritual heritage.
 The relics made a brief stop to Our Lady of Peace Church at Tsuut'ina Nation  Image: Vatican News The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has proclaimed a Jubilee Year through his apostolic bull Spes non confundit ("Hope Does Not Disappoint"). This extraordinary year of grace will be inaugurated in all local churches (dioceses) on Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In our Diocese, Bishop McGrattan will preside over the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year during the Eucharistic celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral on December 29, 2024, at the 12:00 pm Mass. All priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful are warmly invited to join the Bishop for this historic moment. This Jubilee Year calls the entire Church to search for signs of hope and to become signs of hope for others. We are reminded of our mission to be sources of hope in our families, for our neighbours, and especially for those who are imprisoned, sick, dying, or marginalized. The young and the elderly alike are called to unite in this faith journey, embracing the transformative power of hope in our lives and communities. Rite of the Opening of the Jubilee Year As part of the Eucharistic celebration, the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year will begin with a special entrance through the principal door of the Cathedral, a symbol of Christ (cf. Jn 10:9). The opening will include a moment of prayer outside the Cathedral, the singing of the Jubilee hymn, an invitation to bless and praise God, the proclamation of the Gospel passage, and a reading from the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year. At the threshold of the Cathedral door, the Bishop will lift up the cross and invite the faithful to venerate it with the acclamation: “Hail, cross of Christ, our only hope.” The faithful will respond, “You are our hope, we will never be confounded.”
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