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My Lord, My Mother, My Patroness

7/7/2025

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The title of this testimony may not make sense now, but it will by the end, as those mentioned in the title are the most important people in my faith journey.

I was raised Protestant. I always knew who Jesus was and knew a good amount of Scripture, but I still struggled with my faith. No matter how much I tried to follow Jesus, I always stumbled, and in 2023, I gave up on my faith.

Eventually, I returned to it, but I still wasn’t taking it all that seriously until September of 2024. Just a month before, I had suffered a terrible breakup that left me in a sorrowful state, and I was heading toward becoming a man I didn’t want to be.
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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Serenade to Mary: "He who sings, prays twice"

5/16/2025

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​Mother, Queen of Peace, accept this crown and help us so that we never forget our commitment to place all our strength at your disposal, always in complete dependence on your goodness, your wisdom, and your power."
A serenade is usually performed for a loved one—intimate, and reserved for a special occasion. Very often, the organizer is not even a musician, but so wholehearted in their devotion that they believe only the language of music can properly express a love deeper than words. It is rumoured that St. Augustine once said, “He who sings, prays twice.” Whether or not the phrase is rightly attributed to the saint is less important than the transformative power music holds. As part of the Mass—whether used to express jubilation or mourning—music undeniably adds a deeper dimension of praise and devotion to prayer.

Last year, A Serenade to Mary was organized to celebrate the Month of Mary—with great success. Choirs from various parishes across the city participated, showcasing not only the strong connections we share within the broader Catholic community in Calgary, but also the beautiful diversity of our faith, enriched by many cultures, languages, and traditions. We were especially grateful for their continued presence well into the evening. Their time, effort, and willingness to travel to our parish spoke volumes—not only of their generosity and dedication, but also of the deep sense of unity we share as a spiritual family coming together to honour our Mother Thrice Admirable. It was a powerful reminder that when we unite our voices, languages, and musical talents, we create something truly extraordinary for our congregation.
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Our purpose with this event was to honour our Blessed Mother under the title Queen of Peace. This name, rooted in her divine connection to Christ, reflects her role in bringing peace to the world—just as her Son, the Prince of Peace, does. An old statue beautifully captures this image: Mary holding an olive branch in one hand and the Christ Child in the other. When Pope Benedict XV added the title Queen of Peace to the Litany of Loreto in 1917, he wasn’t introducing something new, but rather affirming Mary’s long-standing legacy as a source of joy, stability, and peace. In a world constantly shifting, he offered us a renewed reminder of her gentle and steadfast presence. During the serenade, we are invited to look beyond our own lives and the temporal world, and to reflect on the universality of God’s family and the vital role Mary’s motherhood continues to play in our salvation.

Many of us did not sing the night of the serenade. We did not clap after every piece—we demonstrated our gratitude in other ways, as it was not a concert. Yet even those who didn’t participate as one might in a musical event were elevated. In love and community, all of us “prayed twice.”
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Following the success of last year’s event, we saw an opportunity to establish A Serenade to Mary as a tradition—one that could grow in visibility and invite even more members of our community to take part, especially in this Jubilee Year. In the power of the Risen Lord, Mary continues to labour with love to bring forth a new world: one where we recognize each other as brothers and sisters, where every person has a place—especially those cast aside by society—and where justice and peace shine brightly.

We hope you can join us this year:
A Serenade to Mary, Sat, May 18 at 7:00 pm
St. Bernard’s Church, 711 37 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3C1

“I am confident that everyone, especially the suffering and those most in need, will come to know the closeness of Mary, the most affectionate of mothers, who never abandons her children and who, for the holy people of God, is ‘a sign of certain hope and comfort,”  ~Pope Francis. 

Submitted by Guillermo and Monica Fiebelkorn, Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement
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Prayer for the Consecration of Canada to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

6/30/2024

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​Let us pray

May the Cross of your Son, planted on Canadian soil and in Canadian hearts, be known as the Tree of Life, whose fruit is visible and available to all in the garden of this world.

Mary our Mother, we place our country Canada in the sanctuary of your Holy Heart for we know that there we will find Jesus, who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Litany for Canada

​Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Sacred Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Star of the Sea, pray for us.
Our Lady of Roc Amadour, pray for us.
Our Lady of Recovery, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Cape, pray for us.
Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.
ur Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Snows, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Prairies, pray for us.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
​Our Lady of Canada, pray for us.
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Photo: Our Lady of the Cape Pilgrimage in Calgary in May 2022.
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Mary, Mother of God

1/1/2024

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The first day of each new year begins with the Marian celebration known as the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. Pope Francis, like many of his predecessors, has demonstrated a deep devotion to Mary. In the very first days of his Pontificate, the newly elected Pope was seen praying in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. 
 
This Basilica was erected in honour of Mary, the Mother of God, which is the first and most theologically important title of Our Lady. It is a witness to that great synodal gathering in the history of the Church, the Council of Ephesus, in which the divine motherhood of the Virgin Mary was authoritatively defined as an expression of the sensus fidei. This Church is also the first Marian shrine in Rome and the entire West, in which the image of the Mother of God – the Theotokos – is venerated under the title of Salus Populi Romani.
From the very first meeting with his brother cardinals, Pope Francis spoke of Mary’s essential role as Jesus’ mother. He said: “I entrust my ministry and your ministry to the powerful intercession of Mary, our Mother, Mother of the Church. Under Her maternal gaze may each one of you walk happy and docile on your path, listening to the voice of Her divine Son, strengthening your unity, persevering in your common prayer and bearing witness to the true faith in the constant presence of the Lord.”
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Pope prays in front of the icon of Mary "Salus Populi Romani" at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Photo: Vatican Media.
It has become his custom to visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major on the eve of his pastoral trips abroad and to pray for her intercession. This devotional gesture teaches us that it is from Mary that the Church learns true discipleship, and that when it goes out on mission, it is always in the footsteps of Mary. In recent weeks he has expressed his desire that upon his death that he would be laid to rest in this Basilica and not at St. Peter’s which has been the tradition and practice of recent popes.
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In his homily at the First Vespers on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Dec. 31, 2023), Pope Francis reflected on gratitude and hope, and how faith enables us to live the beginning of each new year in contrast to a worldly mentality. This is because "faith in Jesus Christ, God incarnate, born of the Virgin Mary, gives us a new way of experiencing time and life". This faith allows us to express gratitude to God and to envision the future with hope rather than simply expressing feelings of satisfaction and optimism as we enter a new year. ​
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Icon Salus Populi Romani in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Rome.
The Pope invited those present to think about the immense gratitude that would have been present in Mary's heart as she looked upon the newborn Jesus and pondered this experience in her heart, as the Mother of God, while knowing with Joseph the divine origins of this Child. The Church, he said, learns gratitude, but also hope from the example of Mary. She was full of hope, filled with grace, and living in the trust and hope that God’s will was being fulfilled through her fiat. This is not the optimism of the world. It is "faith in God who is faithful to his promises," and which "takes the form of hope" in our lives. "The Christian, like Mary, is a pilgrim of hope."
This year, the Pope recalled the theme of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 and encouraged us to begin our preparation as "Pilgrims of Hope" in a Year of Prayer. He said that the Blessed Mother can teach us to "live each day, each moment, each effort with our inner gaze turned to Jesus. Joys and sorrows, satisfactions and challenges. All in the presence and with the grace of Jesus, the Lord. All with gratitude and hope."

​As we begin this new year may we experience through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, this renewed spirit of prayer.
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The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators
of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform
​from within both humanity
​and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee 
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, 
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen. 

Prayer by Pope Francis for the Jubilee 2025
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Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan

​December 31, 2023
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Oct. 17, 2023 | Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in the Holy Land

10/15/2023

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As we witness the humanitarian catastrophe in the Holy Land with hearts that cry out to God for an end to war and violence, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has called for a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer for peace and reconciliation.

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Therefore, Bishop McGrattan is calling on the Diocese to respond to the request of the Cardinal by designating Tuesday, October 17 as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in the Holy Land in the Diocese of Calgary.

“We ask that on Tuesday, October 17, everyone hold a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer. Let us organize prayer times with Eucharistic adoration and with the recitation of the Rosary to Our Blessed Virgin Mary. Although most probably in many parts of our dioceses, circumstances will not permit large gatherings, it is possible to organize simple and sober common moments of prayer in parishes, religious communities, and families.” - Cardinal Pizzaballa  | Read full letter
Ways to pray as an individual, with your family and the parish community….
  1. Observe a day of fasting and abstinence, and hold or participate in a parish Eucharistic Adoration for Peace and a Rosary for Peace in the Holy Land. The Holy Father also asks that Catholics continue to pray especially in this month of the Holy Rosary through the intercession of Mary, "for the gift of peace for the many countries of the world marked by war and conflict.“ 

  2. Pray for peace as an individual or with your family at home. 
    1. Read the following for ways to pray for peace in the world at home.   
    2. Pray the Novena for Peace in the Holy Land. Individuals or families can join in the Novena for Peace in the Holy Land from Hozana.org. Novena will be sent daily to your email with specific intentions for peace in the Holy Land. 

  3. Include the the following petition in your prayer:
    For those killed, displaced, and impacted by the terrorist attack in Israel and the ensuing war, may God grant eternal rest to the deceased, console those grieving, protect and comfort those in fear, and guide world leaders so this conflict may be brought to a peaceful end, let us pray to the Lord...  

Read: Statement by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President, to the Catholic Faithful in Canada on the Recent Escalation of Conflict in the Holy Land - Read letter
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With Mary, toward a synodal assembly

6/4/2023

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Over 200 people gathered in Canmore to celebrate Holy Mass on the feast of the Visitation (May 31, 2023), commemorating the visitation of our Blessed Mother Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. This year, the feast had a special focus on the upcoming 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023, centered on the theme of synodality. The Synod on Synodality aims to explore ways for the Catholic Church to better engage with its members and encourage greater participation in the life and mission of the Church. In addition, the Our lady of the Rockies community also celebrated the third anniversary of the dedication of The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies. 

Despite initial concerns about attendance due to it being a Wednesday morning, many people made the effort to drive to Canmore for the day of prayer. Our Lady of the Snows Academy in Canmore also brought over 80 students from their Gr. 5 and Gr. 8 classes to participate in the Mass and barbeque. What a blessing! During the Mass, Bishop McGrattan led the faithful in praying the Prayer for Synod on Synodality, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and asking the Lord to help embrace the Synodal journey with faith and hope. We were also led in our sung prayers by the Seeds of the Words religious members.

The event was made accessible to those unable to attend through a livestream provided by Rikki Sabater and his wife Mencie from St. Anthony's Parish. Afterward, a delicious barbeque lunch with burgers, hotdogs, and drinks was served by Sean Lynn and the God Squad Canada team. The day concluded with an outdoor Marian procession and rosary prayer led by Fr. Pilmaiken and the Seeds of the Words Community with the support of our Knighst of Columbus. Special intentions were also offered for the Synod leaders, government officials, the poor and vulnerable, the people of God, and the young people who are the future of the Church.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Pilmaiken, his volunteers at Our Lady of the Rockies parish, God Squad Canada, Knights of Columbus, and Seeds of the Word community for their help and support for this beautiful celebration. Their dedication and hard work made the event a truly prayerful experience for all who attended.

As we journey towards the Synod of Bishops, let us continue to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. May we be renewed in our commitment to Christ, empowered to witness the Gospel, and filled with a renewed zeal for building God's Kingdom on earth.
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Photos credit: Victor Panlilio
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Celebrating Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day

5/14/2023

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On the 106th Anniversary of Our Blessed Mother’s apparition to three humble shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, Our Lady of Fatima Parish welcomed Catholics from all across the Diocese of Calgary to honour her holy feast day. And just like in Fatima, the crowds appeared!

The church, which was constructed by immigrants from Portugal, was filled with devoted followers of the Blessed Mother. The sanctuary and narthex were overflowing with people who participated in the Rosary, Holy Mass, and candlelight procession. It was clear that the believers were deeply respectful and fervently praying, which indicated that the graces poured through Mary’s Immaculate Heart at Fatima are still being bestowed upon her children today. In each “Ave Maria” and “Holy Mary,” the faithful from across the diocese and from different cultural backgrounds wholeheartedly and with one unified voice entreated to their mother, presenting her with their spiritual bouquets of roses.

In Father Fabio’s homily, he emphasized that “in Nazareth, the Virgin Mary brought the Son of God into the world. But in Fatima, Mary's mission was different: to bring the world to Christ, with a call to conversion, indicating that the Blessed Mother's devotion points out to Christ, our Saviour.” 
 
The message of Our Lady at Fatima continues to live in the hearts of her children, whom she protects within the intimacy of her Immaculate Heart. This universal call to holiness in which the Blessed Mother draws us ever closer to her Beloved Son resounded even more strongly this Saturday. Their smiles and tears were evident signs of their devotion and closeness to the Blessed Mother. Let us, with each passing day, always remember Our Blessed Mother’s most sweet requests: to pray the rosary daily and to do penance to console Her Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart of Her Divine Son, Jesus!

In October 13th, the Portuguese-speaking Catholic community of Calgary will celebrate the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. 
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Submitted by Caterina Avila, Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Photos courtesy of Our Lady of Fatima, Parish.
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Turning to our Mother

12/12/2022

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The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, is Mission Mexico Day in the Diocese of Calgary. But do you know the story of our Lady and Juan Diego? Watch this 20-minute video and learn about our Mother’s love as deigned by God.

Our Lady appeared in Mexico to show her love for all peoples especially the most simple of heart. May we embrace her love and share it with others, especially those in need. 
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“Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you.” – words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego on Mount Tepeyac in 1531.
Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” Isaiah 49:15
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Mary is the embodiment of perfect love. May we imitate her way of love.
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The blessed visit of Our Lady of the Cape

7/18/2022

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Revered as the Queen of Canada, Our Lady of the Cape was unheard of until the western pilgrim statue tour visited our Diocese in May 2022, and culminated at the Papal Mass in Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton. Thanks to the hard work of Christine Gamache, Our Lady of the Cape pilgrim coordinator for our Diocese and the pilgrim tour team, the faithful in the Diocese of Calgary were re-introduced to the beautiful devotion, and had the chance to venerate Canada's National Madonna and to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  ​

Christine and the pilgrim team has gathered amazing stories, photos, and testimonies from the Our Lady of the Cape's pilgrimage in Calgary & Canmore to share with you. Grab a cup of tea, and enjoy this beautiful collection of photos, stories, and testimonies from those who participated in this blessed visit of Our Lady of the Cape.
STORIES, PHOTOS, TESTIMONIES
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In Mary's loving presence

6/22/2022

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 An inspiring grotto housing the statue of Mary seems only fitting for the backyard of Elizabeth House, a transitional housing program supported by the Diocese which welcomes pregnant and parenting women who need a safe place to live.
 
Mother Mary is symbolic of womanhood and motherhood and Elizabeth House staff are hopeful that the resilient women who access the house and services provided there will find the grotto to be a place of healing and hope as embodied in Our Lady of Guadalupe.
 
Dave Curry, who built the grotto with the help of Peter Dugandzic, shared that the project was meaningful to him because the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe holds pro-life significance. He spoke about the hard work of constructing the beautiful brick grotto in the summer heat last year and how it was recently completed.
 
Dave said that it was “beautiful doing something for Elizabeth House and for Mary”. Dave is a member of the Knights of Columbus Don Bosco Council at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church and built the grotto with the help and support from the Knights of Columbus.
 
Elizabeth House has capacity to house seven women and their babies. This program offers resources, support, and a safe place for women to start their motherhood journey. Elizabeth House states that through their program courageous mothers are empowered to work towards a transition to independent living as well as pursue the education or job skills training necessary to help set the foundation for a bright future.
 
Marin Lepp, an Elizabeth House staff, said the grotto and statue speak to the “the incredible support and spiritual foundation that this place has for all of the women who we welcome from every background, every walk of life. This represents strength in womanhood and in motherhood and that looks so different for all of our ladies based on their circumstances.”
 
Marin called the the grotto a grounding place, and a guide in Elizabeth House’s approach to reconciliation for Indigenous peoples. She reflected that at the centre of the work is “motherhood, womanhood and the strength around that.”
 
The special garden area where Our Lady of Guadalupe has taken up residence was blessed recently by Bishop William McGrattan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.
 
“I think the legacy of Elizabeth House is something that we’ve received from the religious and I think it’s something that allows us to witness to and continue the sanctity of human life and to know that we’re helping families, especially women who want to make this choice. It’s counter-cultural and I think the Church needs to be present and allow them to go forward with this particular support that they need,” said Bishop McGrattan. 
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Bishop McGrattan emphasized the importance of making sure that Elizabeth House continues. He stated that the program has important donors and volunteer associations who value and support the work of Elizabeth House and stated that this work is “an important commitment as well. Just the experience of them being here supporting these young women and their children is something. They know they’re living their faith.”
 
Bishop McGrattan also reflected on the significance of Mary as a symbol of grace, joy, and hope for all. He stated that “First of all, she is Christ’s mother. The mother of the visible and the image of the invisible God. But she is also the image and the model of the Church and she is an exemplar. In Mary, the Church joyously contemplates the image of all that the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be. The Church recognizes in Mary the model of the path and the practice it must follow to reach complete union with Christ.”
 
Bishop McGrattan hoped that when people from Elizabeth House are outside in the backyard the grotto the statue of Mary will catch their eye and that  “they might be drawn into a moment of reflection, a moment of prayer. And that’s what images and statues are for. They draw our attention, they focus our thoughts and our sentiments. Often we formulate the words of prayer. This is how I think it will be an important statue here in this backyard of Elizabeth House,” he said.
 
“We know that those who come here in this yard and are able to pray, and contemplate, will ponder as Mary did in the silence of her heart the truth and the gift of human life and the gift and choice that they’ve made. We pray and hope that this will be a time and a moment where they see the hand of God through our Blessed Mother that they have made a choice for life and that we are supporting them.”


Written by Mario Toneguzzi & Elizabeth House Staff for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Marin Lepp. 
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