Category: St. Mary's University

In Mary’s Name: Celebrating faith and community at St. Mary’s University

9/6/2025

As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Mary’s University is looking forward to welcoming our community for two very special occasions: the Consecration Mass with Bishop McGrattan on Friday, Sep 12, and Mary’s Festival on Saturday, Sep 13, a full day filled with music, good food, carnival games, local vendors, and plenty of family fun. (Read: Splashing fun and community spirit at the first Mary's Festival)

Carrying Mary’s name as a Catholic university is both a profound gift and a humbling responsibility. Her name calls us to remember who she is for all of us: a mother, a friend, a steady companion who walks with us in both joy and struggle.
As I begin my journey as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, I find myself looking to Mary as a model of humility and courage. She gave her fiat, her “yes” to God, with trust and boldness, relying on Him to guide her mission. In the same way, I pray for the grace to carry out my role faithfully, building on the strong foundations already laid here at St. Mary’s.
Mary speaks to each of us in our own unique circumstances. For students, she is a companion who knows the uncertainty of new beginnings and the hope that comes with them. For mothers and families, she is a quiet guide in the daily tasks that shape lives with love. For all who work, serve, and lead, she is a reminder that peace and perseverance can sustain us through challenges.

At St. Mary’s, we strive to reflect Mary’s spirit of humility, hospitality, and confidence in God’s promises. We live this out by creating a welcoming environment for our students, by encouraging and nurturing their potential, and by fostering a true sense of belonging for all who step onto our campus.

In Mary’s name, we find encouragement, hope, and joy. And it is in that same spirit that I warmly invite you, your families, and your parish communities to join us this September. Come celebrate with us on Friday, Sep 12 (from 7 to 9 pm), at the Consecration Mass, celebrated by Bishop McGrattan, and again on Saturday, Sep 13 (from 11 am to 4 pm), at Mary’s Festival, as we honour Our Lady and the beautiful community that surrounds St. Mary’s University.

Written by Dr. Scott Morrison for Faithfully. Dr. Morrison is St. Mary’s University’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor since August 5th. He has been a long-standing sessional instructor of St. Mary’s, teaching an undergraduate course in the Faculty of Education and leadership certification courses. He has been instrumental in shaping the university’s Bachelor of Education program for secondary students and its soon-to-be launched Master of Education program. A former member of the St. Mary’s Board of Governors, he chaired its Governance and Nominating Committee for three years.

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Joseph Ma: My pilgrimage, a birthday gift from God

8/18/2025

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Hi, my name is Joseph Ma. I’m 23 years old and have been involved with the Chaplaincy since its beginning, serving in various roles and witnessing our community grow. This past year, I graduated from St. Mary’s University with a BA in Psychology. This pilgrimage was a graduation gift to myself.

Of all the beautiful places we visited, my top three stops were:

Lanciano
Encountering the Eucharistic miracle here was incredible. After we arrived, we watched a presentation on the different scientific studies conducted on this miracle and learned that it is the first recorded Eucharistic miracle. This experience inspired some of us to sing a choral arrangement of Ave Verum before our Lord in adoration. Though it made us a little late, the moment renewed my love for the Eucharistic Lord and remains a highlight of the trip.
Norcia
Visiting the birthplace of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica felt like a mini retreat. The Benedictine Monastery emanated peace, and the witness of the monks was both radiant and transformative. The Abbot shared how young Benedict likely learned monastic ways from hermits in these mountains, wandering them and encountering the beauty and goodness of our Lord. Standing in the place he once lived and walked was deeply moving. Hearing the Abbot speak about their trials, how the instability from earthquakes became an opportunity for radical trust in God, inspired me to deepen my own surrender to Him. Their faithful response to disaster, ministering to the townspeople and now opening a school, filled me with joy. As a side note, joining the monks for the chanting of the Divine Office was, without question, one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.
Turin
Turin, at first glance, was one of my least favourite cities. It was covered in graffiti and sometimes seemed unsafe, but for the pilgrimage, it was unforgettable. I have a special fondness for St. John Bosco, and standing where he ministered was powerful. Yet the true pinnacle was venerating the Shroud of Turin. After Fr. Troy’s thorough explanation of its history, science, and the details of Christ’s passion pressed into it, being in its presence was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Fr. Cristino then connected the trip’s inspiration back to Turin, explaining how St. Don Bosco’s ministry followed that of St. Joseph Cottolengo, who served the sick and poor, and St. Joseph Cafasso, Don Bosco’s spiritual director and minister to prisoners before their executions. In turn, Don Bosco’s own work inspired saints like St. Dominic Savio, St. Maria Domenica Mazzarello, and many Blessed, eventually influencing a young Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati to “reach the heights” of sanctity. Thus, Turin is truly a city of saints, a witness that holiness is contagious and born from an encounter with Our Lord that transforms the soul. Such an encounter is never just for oneself; it is always a gift meant to be shared with the world.

One thing I want to carry forward from this pilgrimage is action. Throughout the journey we were constantly on the move, and action was essential to keep up and truly experience each site. As a student, my busy schedule often made it hard to engage in acts of corporal mercy, but now that I’m out of school, I want to dedicate real time to this. Every saint we encountered lived these works of mercy, and I know I need to as well.

There were countless moments of renewal: seeing Eucharistic miracles, singing beautiful music in churches built for those pieces, walking where saints had walked, and witnessing the faith and surrender of others. One day in particular stands alone. I spent my birthday in the Vatican, exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, attending Mass, receiving a birthday blessing at the altars of St. Joseph and St. Thomas the Apostle, touring the Vatican Museums, having an actual Catholic guide, and seeing the Sistine Chapel. The whole day felt like a special birthday gift from God.

That day not only renewed my heart but also deepened my identity as a beloved son of God. A lasting mark of this pilgrimage is the certainty that I have a Father who loves me so much that He would give me such a perfect day to share with those I love who were with me both physically and in spirit.

Written by Joseph Ma for Faithfully. Joseph joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.

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Cardinal Collins unpacked the Book of Revelation in Calgary: A call to choose Christ

10/13/2024

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The room was packed. The evening before, it had sold out, and the next day, some extra seats were released, which also sold out. People from all different demographics were present: seniors, families, young couples, and students. They all came because they were fascinated by one of the most intriguing topics in the Bible: the Book of Revelation. Additionally, Cardinal Collins had completed his PhD on the Book of Revelation, so the audience was set to receive a professional, in-depth look at a book that has puzzled so many.

The Cardinal spoke about how the Book of Revelation needs to be understood within its historical context. Many Christians at the time it was written were being persecuted for their faith. So John, the writer of the book, was trying to encourage them to give their lives for Christ. John sought to provide them with an eternal perspective amidst their current struggles by helping them see that they were choosing to worship the Lamb or the Beast, to strive for the Heavenly Jerusalem or the Lake of Fire. This stark choice, and the contrast between the glory of heaven and the pains of hell, was meant to inspire the Christians of that time to give their lives for Christ, for the Lamb who conquered death by His death.

Then he tied it marvelously into our own context by pointing out that the struggles of the Christians in the 21st century are not that much different from the Christians in the 1st century. Although we as Christians might not have to choose between life and death (at least in the Western world), we are still given the choice to choose between the Lamb or the Beast, between Jesus and Satan. The battle between these two options is symbolized by the woman in scarlet, the prostitute who rides on the Beast. The Cardinal pointed out that this symbolized an aspect of the spiritual life where we are allured by sin and not just outright rebellion against God. Therefore, we need to be aware of this path as well, because it also leads us towards the Beast and the Lake of Fire, and therefore, choose to live for Christ in a world that rejects him.

All in all, it was a great evening of formation and community, as we were treated to some great snacks and food from St. Mary's University! St. Mary's aspires to become that place where meaningful conversations about faith and faithfulness to the teachings of the Church intersect.

I am excited for our next speaker, Fr David Bellusci O.P, who is a Dominican priest and a biographer for one of the great young saints of this century: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassatti. If you want to learn more about this amazing saint for the young, please come out to St. Mary's on Jan 23, 2025!

Written by Fr. Troy Nguyen for Faithfully. Fr. Troy is the Vicar of Young Adults and chaplain for St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy | www.sfxc.ca | Photos courtesy of St. Mary's University

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Mary's Festival - this Saturday!

5/26/2024

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As we began to plan for Mary's Festival last fall, we tried to envision what type of event this could be.

It began with the idea that we could utilize the picturesque landscape of St. Mary's University overlooking Fish Creek Park as a venue for a disc golf tournament with Godsquad. However, we also considered how we would appropriately celebrate consecrating our University to our Blessed Mother, which would have happened the day before on the Visitation of Mary. So, we wondered, "why don't we have a festival where we can bring everyone together in an authentic community?"

We were then inspired to bring in events that would draw in the families: carnival games, bouncy castle, face painting, cotton candy from the Seeds of the Word Community, FacetoFace for youth activities (Gr. 6-8, and Gr. 9-12), a dunk tank (soon to be filled with several priests and a president!) and even a mermaid!

Of course, the adults needed something to do, so we also plan a Frisbee Golf Tournament with Godsquad (9 am to noon), a beer garden, food trucks, some live music, and Catholic Connect Marketplace where vendors can sell their religious goods or other everyday goods and services that we use and network with the community at large.
But most importantly, we began to see that Mary's Festival could be more than just a family fun event (although it is that!).

We began to see that the Mary's Festival could be a representation of what we desire this university to be—a place where our Catholic identity is celebrated and authentically lived while at the same time inviting people from all walks of life to share in this joy. St. Mary's University can be a place where not only the surrounding community but the entire city could be revitalized by students whose minds have been expanded and whose hearts have been inspired by the genuine pursuit of the Truth.

St. Mary's University can be the center of cultural, intellectual, and spiritual revitalization for all in the Diocese of Calgary, and Mary's Festival can be our way of participating in and ushering in its mission and vision. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, so it takes a Catholic community to raise up a Catholic University!

So, I invite you to bring your family and buy tickets now to share in all the wonderful festivities happening this Saturday, on June 1 from 11 am to 4 pm, but also to be a part of a movement that helps bring forth a strong Catholic university for generations to come.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

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Written by Fr. Troy Nguyen for Faithfully

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Mary's Festival: A Celebration & Consecration of St. Mary's University to Our Blessed Mother

5/12/2024

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As I shared when I wrote for Faithfully a few months ago, I learned about Calgary and the wonderful Catholic community in the diocese here when I was invited to apply for the job to become St. Mary’s University’s next president in early 2022.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
– Isaiah 43:19

From my home in Texas, as I was preparing to share with the search committee a vision for the university, the scripture that came to my mind was the following: See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? – Isaiah 43:19

We are so very drawn to fresh starts and new beginnings as humans, aren’t we? The liturgical calendar itself, remembering our Baptismal calling, the sacrament of reconciliation - each of these permit us to start anew. I believe that that is a large part of the reason that it has been so refreshing and life-giving to experience a movement of Renewal across the diocese following the synodal process.

St. Mary’s University is embarking on a renewal of its own as we launch our 2024- 2029 Strategic Plan Expanding Minds, Inspiring Hearts. With our sights set on becoming the preeminent Catholic university in Canada, many new things are springing up, as the prophet Isaiah invites us to realize.

To that end, I’m very pleased to share that we have a special event that everyone in the diocese is invited to: Mary’s Festival on June 1. If you have not ever been to our beautiful campus before, mark your calendar and purchase your tickets today!

We are opening our doors wide for a fun family day with live music, food trucks, and games on Saturday, June 1 from 11 am to 4 pm. If you haven’t heard about it yet, consider this your personal invitation from the president! From food trucks to a dunk tank, a vendor marketplace and live musical entertainment, we want Mary’s Festival to be a joyful celebration and I invite everyone to come for what will be a whole lot of fun for the whole family including junior and senior high programming with FacetoFace Ministries!

I encourage you to help us spread the word to your friends, family members, and colleagues!

The first time people visit St. Mary’s University, they often say, “Wow! This place is amazing. I had no idea that this was here.” For that reason, those of us who work here often call St. Mary’s a “hidden gem.” Our aim is to help people discover the wonderful community and excellent education that is offered at St. Mary’s.

From our campus, we have a stunning view of Fish Creek Provincial Park as well as the Sisters of Providence lands. If you don’t want to drive to the SE Quadrant, consider taking the LRT and getting off at the Lacombe / Fish Creek stop. What a great opportunity we have to come together, in the spirit of renewal and community, to draw strength from one another and to invite others under God’s big, beautiful tent!

We thank the Calgary Diocese, God Squad Canada, and St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy for coming alongside us in co-sponsorship of this event! Importantly, I also invite you to come the evening before, Friday, May 31, at 7 pm for a Consecration Mass where we will officially consecrate St. Mary’s University to Mary on the Feast Day of the Visitation. Bishop McGrattan, University Chancelor, will be presiding and will be joined by Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Nathan Siray, and St. Mary's University Chaplain, Fr. Troy Nuygen.

The Mass and reception will take place in McGivney Hall, M100.

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Written by Dr. Sinda Vanderpool, President and Vice Chancellor, St. Mary’s University, for Faithfully.

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In Mary’s Name: Celebrating faith and community at St. Mary’s University

Joseph Ma: My pilgrimage, a birthday gift from God

Cardinal Collins unpacked the Book of Revelation in Calgary: A call to choose Christ

Mary's Festival - this Saturday!

Mary's Festival: A Celebration & Consecration of St. Mary's University to Our Blessed Mother

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