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Santiago Torres

5/11/2022

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Mr. Santiago Torres will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate by Bishop McGrattan on Saturday, May 21 at 11 am at All Saints Parish in Lethbridge. Earlier this month, Chris Moraes, the President of the Serra Club of Calgary sat down with Santiago at his home parish of St. Bonaventure to ask him about his vocations journey and his upcoming ordination.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
“I am currently 33 years old. I was born in Colombia and moved to Canada when I was 16 years old with my mother, step-father and my younger twin sisters. My parents separated in my youth and moving to Canada was a challenge. At that time I was not practising my faith. I enjoy making visits to my native Colombia and visiting my father when I am there.”

Who is your favourite Saint? 
My grandparents have always been very influential on me and my faith. When I was young they gave me a book about St. Dominic Savio. At his first holy communion St. Dominic said to God that he never wanted to sin again which was a very inspiring message for me. I took him as my confirmation saint and his story has inspired me to always trust in the Lord and has given me strength many times throughout my life.

When did you first become aware of your call? Who was instrumental in encouraging you to explore it?
At the age of 16 I met a girl at my school who was also from Colombia. We grew close and eventually began dating. She was very strong in her faith and brought me to Mass and encouraged my prayer life. Eventually we ended our relationship but my faith remained because of her. On one occasion I heard about a CCO Mission at my parish. My first deep conversion took place when I attended an evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I was invited to take part in a Faith Study and that was when I really started to connect all of the aspects of my faith and especially came to discover a real relationship with our Lord Jesus. After that I started to get involved with CCO and I joined the executive of the campus ministry group at the UofC. This allowed me to share with others the encounter that I had personally experienced with Christ.

How has the Diocese of Calgary been instrumental in the discernment of your own vocation? 
The Blessed Sacrament chapel at St. Bonaventure is where I really began to hear the Lord calling me to his service. It was also the witness of several priests that allowed me to be open to this call. Around the time of my conversion, Father Cristino was on his pastoral internship at St. Bonaventure and he likes to recall the story that he began praying for my vocation way back then. The spiritual direction from Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon was instrumental in navigating fears, doubts and feelings of unworthiness for such an important calling. The friendship of Fr. Troy Nguyen in the early days of discernment also helped to ease some anxieties about going to spend the first few years at Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon to begin my priestly studies. \

What has been the greatest challenge that you have gone through as in your Seminary formation?
The seminary is a place that really helps you to get to know yourself. It is an interesting balance of guidance, formation, and evaluation. At times it can magnify your shortcomings, and there are times when you find yourself comparing yourself to the other gifted and faith filled young men. It does, however, also help to discover the great gift of the priesthood and to accept that despite feelings of unworthiness, that God can indeed call you to serve him in this vocation.
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What has been your greatest joy or consolation in this journey?
The abiding understanding that God always responds to openness with faithfulness and that he wants to fulfil you with happiness. The relationships that are forged with your brother seminarians allow you to wrestle with the doubts. It is a true brotherhood and gives you strength for the journey of discernment.

In the few months that it has been established in our Diocese, have you been aware of the Serra Club and its activities?
Yes, absolutely. Sometimes the seminary can become a bit of a bubble and you just keep your head down and keep working towards the goal. It is a wonderful realisation that you are not alone on your journey and that there are many dedicated people out there praying with and for you. The letters of encouragement from students and lay people have been a great blessing to me and I am grateful for the presence of the Serra Club and the work that its growing membership is doing to promote and support vocations in our Diocese.

What is the thing you are most anticipating as your ordination to the transitional diaconate it approaches?
The thing I am most excited for is simply just “Living it” and being entirely dedicated to the ministry of the deacon. I am sure it will bring new questions, new challenges, and new learning. The ordination brings both a sense of finality of one process but also a new beginning of a new one in the ordained ministry.

What piece of advice would you give to a young person who feels like they might have a call to a religious vocation?
First of all, talk to someone about it. A spiritual director, vocations director or your parish priest will help encourage, guide, and help you to know that you are not crazy for thinking you might be called to the priesthood. Fr. Wilbert was able to reassure me that despite my insecurities, that God would sustain and inspire me to keep saying “Yes.” Secondly, Give the Lord the chance to show you that He is God and that he  knows and loves you and that wants what is absolutely best for you.


Photo credit: Chris Moraes.

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Santiago Torres, currently in seminary formation and studies at St. Joseph Seminary, Edmonton, has been called to Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate.

​He will be ordained  a transitional deacon by Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, at the parish where he completed his pastoral year, All Saints’ Parish, Lethbridge, on 
Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11 am. 
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  • To attend the Ordination, please register online here
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Radiating Christ

1/23/2022

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PictureBr. Michael Perras. Photo: Solomon Ip.
Above his bedroom door, Br. Michael Perras, OFM, has a small banner made by his great-aunt who was an Ursuline sister which reads: “To Radiate Christ”.  For him, it serves as a reminder to put on Christ when putting on his habit every day.  Yet it also speaks to something deeper, the call for Christians to radiate Christ to the other.  Those in consecrated life have chosen this as their life’s work, whether contemplative or active, ordained or not, male or female.          

The feast of the Presentation makes this clear to us — that we are to live in imitation of Christ, the “light to enlighten the nations”.  This feast has long fascinated Br. Michael (Mount St. Francis, Cochrane), in particular the figures of Sts. Simeon and Anna. In Br. Michael’s words, they serve as reminders: reminders to be amazed and to give praise, reminders to hope and trust, reminders of the elders in our lives, reminders of those who pass on the amazement of encountering Christ, and as reminders of those who call out the truth of who we are — in many ways, they are types of the consecrated life itself.  The feast itself is a reminder:  the hints of our baptismal promises in the liturgy are a reminder that we live as children of God, in the dignity of being anointed priest, prophet and king as Christ was in his Incarnation among us.  Finally, Candlemas has been traditionally seen as the tail end of Christmas, with its themes of light-bearing.  It is only right then, that the consecrated life and the Presentation of Christ are celebrated together, serving to remind us that we are all called to be bearers of light, and to witness to the light — to radiate Christ into the world.
           
When we think of the consecrated life, the mind quickly turns to nuns and religious sisters, and for good reason.  Women far outstrip men in North America to the vocation of consecrated life, both in number of vocations and variety of orders.  However, they do not comprise the only groups under the term “consecrated life”.  Rather, the consecrated life includes all who profess public vows of poverty, chastity in the form of celibacy, and obedience, within a permanent state of life recognized by the Church.  Compared with sisters and nuns, brothers, monks and friars are far less common in North America, especially within this diocese. Some orders have come and gone quite quickly, such as the Benedictines, while others enjoyed enduring tenures among us, such as the Brothers of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Franciscans have maintained a steady presence in Cochrane from the 1940s until now, and among them lives the sole non-ordained religious brother currently in the diocese:  Br. Michael.

For Br. Michael, the call to religious life “came out of nowhere”.  He grew up in a parish which receive Redemptorist missions regularly, and had two great-aunts who had been Ursuline sisters, but these seemed to be more “stepping stones” to the consecrated life, not “runway moments”.  His parents owned the grocery store in Glenavon, SK, which was a primer in the life of service, and this continued in his life into youth ministry work throughout Saskatchewan.  However, several things drew him to the Franciscans. Having tried to live simply during his pre-Franciscan life, an added depth was encountered in religious life, where the continual call to simplicity means to live out of who one is.  Community and fraternity naturally grow out of this simplicity, with the discovery that “I can live out who I am in this way” among the messiness and the goodness of community, not changing who God has asked him to be. 

The centrality of the Incarnation to the Franciscan charism also drew Br. Michael. St. Francis’ life was centred upon the humility of the Incarnation and the charity of the Passion, and for Br. Michael, who has been drawn to the Incarnation since childhood, this aspect of the charism is central:  “God with us”, Emmanuel. Flowing out of this incarnational reality comes a broader understanding of living the Gospel as good news, in everything done in everyday life.
           
Br. Michael sums up his experience of consecrated life quite succinctly in the phrase “big brother, little brother, always a brother”. As the eldest of four, being the big brother has always been a part of his life; and joining the Order of Friars Minor, the experience of “minority”, of being little and simple, is central to the charism. From this place of being a biological brother flows the life of being a religious brother. Biological siblinghood calls us to the importance of relationship and building bridges, and questions how we build links, how we forgive and reconcile, and how we engage with others with different viewpoints; it is only natural that religious brotherhood does the same in different dimensions — being present to others, listening to others on their journey, encouraging what they have and offer. Br. Michael sees his vocation as that of a link in a chain — being others’ connection to faith and to the Church, the Church’s connection to the world, and linking these together in new and unexplored ways.

Each religious brother and sister lives out their vocation in a different way, stemming from the consideration of what they have and what they offer. Historically, unordained brothers were manual labourers who made life function for their order; nowadays, many are engaged in academic pursuits or in active ministry work — Br. Michael himself works in retreat ministry and spiritual direction. Despite changing situations, the most important facets of consecrated life have not:  to announce the Good News, and to witness to the Good News lived out in the lives of the people of the broader community. 

For Br. Michael, consecrated life is an invitation for us to deeper listening and awareness of God’s working in our lives and those around us. In our noisy world of instant gratification, consecrated life gives us pause to reflect on what and who we are listening to. The work of fraternity, hospitality and service that so many religious carry out points out that all Christians have a vocation to community and to being the Church. The ordained priesthood can often seem removed to some, and so the accessibility of consecrated life speaks to the connection, approachability, inclusivity and dialogue that all Christians are meant to embody, to the centrality of relationship in humanity. To sum it up, consecrated life is a sign for us to live life for the other, and not for the self.
           
In Br. Michael’s words, consecrated life is one of “witness and connection, being present and listening” — a life remarkably similar to those of Sts. Simeon and Anne.  As we approach the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, let us grow in the lessons that consecrated life teaches us: chiefly, let us grow “To Radiate Christ”.  


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​Written by Solomon Ip for 
Faithfully. Solomon Ip is a born-and-bred Calgarian, a member of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, and is an exhibit interpreter at Heritage Park in Calgary.  He worships at St. John the Evangelist, Calgary; All Saints, Lethbridge; and the Calgary and Lethbridge branches of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. ​
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There is no mission without contemplation

12/19/2021

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Sr. Bridget (formerly Alissa Going) in her profession to Consecrated Life in Brazil.
Over the past few months as I have become acquainted with the members of the Seeds of the Word, I have come to see Our Blessed Mother in each one of them: a joyful young woman dressed in simple blue clothes, her life overflowing with the Life of God. The Seeds of the Word is a Brazilian contemplative and missionary community whose mission in Calgary began in 2014.  Visiting their home, I have peeked into the community’s life of prayer, penance, and mission, which they live in cheerful hiddenness. Their contagious smiles reveal the treasure of their courageous hearts which have opened to receive and give the gift of God.

The focus of the community is intimacy with Jesus Christ through the Word of God. For them, Jesus is the Precious Seed, whom they receive in personal and communal prayer, and then share with the world. Christmas is the most important feast for the community because of the centrality of the Word of God in their spirituality. Sr. Ana Sophia shares her experience: “I always get emotional at Christmas time when we contemplate that Baby... the Word of God Who came to save the world. It is so powerful to look at Him.”

One of the newest sisters, Sr. Bridget, formerly Alissa Going, from Vauxhall, AB, professed her first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience on December 3, the feast of St. Francis Xavier. Through these vows, she has made a commitment to her first year of consecrated life. As Sr. Ana Sophia explains,

“the call to consecrated life is a special call from the Lord, not to everyone, but just a few people who He separates from the world to Himself because these people need more than what the world offers us. That’s why we leave everything behind for Him: because those good things are not enough. We need more.”

​Consecrated men and women show each of us, whatever our state in life may be, that it is only in giving ourselves to God that we can receive Him. At Christmastime, the Child Jesus reaches His sweet hands out to us in love. In order to truly hold Him in our arms, we must release our mortal grasp on all the things that pass away. If human weakness trembles at the prospect of such self-emptying, it is still when it senses the warmth of love shared in the manger.

​Ana, one of the postulants said, “We do not lose anything. We just gain everything.” Sr. Mary Elisabeth remarked that as Sr. Bridget consecrated herself to God, “she was so happy, she was glowing!” It is nothing less than the radiant glow of heaven, in which consecrated people participate on earth.

The community follows Our Lady’s Christmas-time model in being both contemplative and missionary. After receiving the Word of God in her heart and in her womb, our strong and selfless Mother travelled with haste over rough hills to share the gift of God with her cousin Elizabeth. If it is contemplation to receive the embrace of God, it is mission to offer this embrace to others.

The community’s Rule of Life states that “there is no mission without contemplation.” The generous prayer lives of the Seeds of the Word overflow into their lives of mission. They are missionaries in everything they do, lovingly offering each moment of their day for the salvation of souls. “If during the day we don’t go anywhere, we are still missionaries in the house.”
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The specific apostolate of the community varies based on the diocese they are in. In Calgary, the Seeds visit schools, parishes and groups to share the Word of God. Their sabbatical year program, which currently takes place internationally, is an opportunity for people of all ages to grow closer to the Word of God and to find their places in the Church. Sr. Bridget took part in the program as a way to take a step forward in discerning her call to the consecrated life.

Ana said of Sr. Bridget, “It was very beautiful to see her courage because if you want to follow Christ you need to be very courageous... to go to another place where God is calling you. It was very beautiful to see how she said yes to God’s plan, whatever it was, even if it was hard for her. We pray that many other people here in the diocese will also answer the call of God, even if it is difficult.”

Each sister in Calgary has left her family and country to share the Word of God in our city. Like Our Blessed Mother, they are eager to travel long distances and surmount tall hills for the sake of sharing the Gospel. I was blessed to be present to bid farewell to Sr. Bridget and Sr. Edith Mary as they left the St. John Paul II house in Calgary to go to the community’s new mission in the Philippines. As the door closed behind them, one of the remaining sisters said with a sad smile on her face, “this is the life of the missionary.”

​“Religious life,” Sr. Mary Elisabeth insists, “takes courage to embrace, to say that I will say no to the things the world gives me and to say yes to a life that is hidden many times, a life with sacrifices many times, but a real life, a life with Jesus who is real. It's not a life of dreams. It's a real life in which you love God through people. It’s a life offered to others. It’s a life that is given 24/7.”
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Regardless of the state of life to which God calls him or her, each Christian is called to a courageous life of contemplation and mission. As Christmas draws near, we are each invited to open our hearts to the Infant Jesus, that Adorable Little Seed, Who wishes to be planted firmly in our souls and to bear the fruits of love, peace, and joy in our lives. 

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Written by Angela Blach for Faithfully. ​Angela Blach is a member of the St. Francis Xavier chaplaincy. She is taking a gap year from her History degree at the University of Calgary. When she's not at work, she enjoys reading, writing, taking walks, and spending time with her friends.

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We can grow in intimacy with the Word of God and support the mission of the Seeds of the Word by purchasing their yearly Lectio Divina Compendium. It is a little book that lays out the daily Mass readings as an aid to praying with Scripture. For this and other inquiries, the Seeds can be contacted at seedsoftheword.community@gmail.com.
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Christmas cards for the retired priests

12/1/2021

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Every year the students at Christ the King Academy in Brooks, Alberta sign up for a variety of service projects and good works to help prepare their hearts for Christ’s coming during this Advent season. Usually, the students engage in works such as baking muffins, praying for the living and the dead, or cleaning up around the neighbourhood. This year however, we started what we hope to be a new tradition – writing Christmas Cards to our dear retired priests of the Diocese!
 
The idea came about during the grade six’s religion class, when learning about the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the life of service a priest undertakes. The students were quick to realize that the vow of celibacy meant that for many priests, we as Catholics are their family members! While priests are serving in their parishes, they are surrounded by the many families who help take care them and thank them for their service… but what happens when a priest retires? 
 
The students were surprised to learn that our retired priests are still helping celebrate Mass and administering Sacraments where they can, despite no longer have a parish family around them. We discussed how we can show our love and thanks to these priests who spent their lives working for us, and the answer seemed clear – we would write them Christmas cards! Each student wrote a card to some of the retired priests in the diocese to let them know we are praying for them by name as a class and we are forever grateful for their years serving us. 

Written by Michael Metcalf for Faithfully. Michael is a Grade 6 Teacher in Christ the King Academy, Brooks, AB. 

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Fr. Stefan Ganowicz: A servant attitude

10/24/2021

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It is with great pleasure that I offer a few words to honour Father Stefan Ganowicz on this very special occasion of his 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood! 

Father Stefan was ordained in his home town of Poznan in Poland on the 20th of May 1971 and on started his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Calgary in March of 1974. Although I have known Father Stefan since 1984 it was only in the early 1990’s that I had a chance to get to know him better when he became Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish here in Calgary. I sensed from the time I got to know him better that he was a priest truly inspired by the vision and spirit of the Second Vatican Council. His paradigm of being “Church” was deeply inspired by the Church’s own vision of empowering the People of God to claim more profoundly their Baptismal grace and together with their Pastor join in an awareness of the great calling to Apostolate of Christ as both ordained and laity.

Fr. Stefan would enthusiastically embrace any and all opportunities that would enkindle within the faithful he was serving, a greater love of God and an authentic expression of their call to Christian ministry as laity. It is to no surprise that Bishop Paul recognized his passion for this and utilized his giftedness as not only a parish priest but also to serve on the Diocesan Theological Commission as Chaplain for Mount Royal College and Bishop Carrol High School, as well as the Bishop’s Representative for Ecumenical Affairs within the Diocese of Calgary. Following this, he was also appointed as Chaplain to the Reserves of The National Defence Unit, Calgary Highlanders. 

Father Stefan recalls with sincere gratitude, how Bishop Paul graciously gave him special permission one year, to allow the newly confirmed youth of St. Patrick’s Parish in Medicine Hat to be prepared and to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at a school Mass. Fr. Stefan wanted to use this a special teaching moment to show that the newly confirmed are now fully initiated into the Church. It was not the norm and so he recalls this moment as a real tribute to Bishop Paul’s willingness to go the extra mile to be supportive.

It was when he was appointed to the Hospital Chaplain’s team in the year 2000, that I really got a true sense of Fr. Stefan's great charism and passion for building the Kingdom of God primarily by supporting and embracing the opportunity to work alongside our Pastoral Care lay ministers in the acute care hospitals of Calgary. As the person overseeing the Health Care Apostolate of the Diocese at that time, I recall emails and letters coming from doctors and nurses thanking the diocese for the outstanding pastoral care ministry that Fr. Stefan provided at the Peter Lougheed Hospital. His ability to validate each human person in their most frail and vulnerable hours was a true testimony of Fr. Stefan’s effective pastoral care skills as a priest. His ability to include family members and staff into the rituals and prayers was a precious gift to all involved. 

On this beautiful occasion of Father Stefan’s 50 years as a priest he can truly look back on a vocation that has enriched so many people and helped make the Kingdom of God more visible in this world. At the heart of his ministry was a servant attitude that allowed the Lord to do the Lord’s work through his ministry as a priest and together with the baptized faithful become an instrument of grace in the apostolate of pastoral care for the sick. In the words of St. Paul in Philippians 1:6 "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Congratulations Fr. Stefan and may the Lord richly bless you with good health in mind and body as you continue to serve the Lord as a faithful priest, in the vineyard of the Lord! 
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Fr. Stefan Ganowicz

Ordained: 
May 20, 1971 in Poznan, Poland. Arrival in Canada: 1972.

Pastoral assignments
  • Associate Pastor: St. Patrick’s, Medicine Hat (1974-1976)
  • Associate Pastor: St. Anthony’s, Drumheller (1976-1978)
  • On Staff: Corpus Christi, Calgary June 23 (1979-1981)
  • Member of Diocesan Theological Commission: (1980-1984)
  • Pastor: St. Agnes, Carstairs and St. Francis Xavier, Crossfield (1981-1984)
  • Associate Pastor: St. Mark’s, Calgary (1984-1985)
  • Chaplain: Mount Royal College and Bishop Carroll High School (1985-1987)
  • Bishop Representative to Ecumenical Affairs (1985-1987)
  • Pastor: Sacred Heart, Strathmore (1987-1990) and St. Anne, Hussar (1988-1990)
  • Chaplain to the Reserves of The National Defense, Unit of the Calgary Highlanders, Calgary (1990-2009)
  • Administrator: St. Bernadette’s, Calgary (1990-1996)
  • Administrator: St. Anne’s, Calgary & Chaplain Bishop McNally High School (1996-1999)
  • Administrator: St. Anne’s and Chaplain at Peter Lougheed Hospital (2000-2001)
  • Chaplain: Peter Lougheed Hospital (2000-2003)
  • Chaplain: Peter Lougheed Hospital, Calgary (2003 to 2017)



Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath for Faithfully, October 2021.
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Fr. Joseph Hau Duc Tran: You are a priest forever

10/23/2021

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Fr. Joseph Hau Duc Tran was born on May 19th, 1934, in French-controlled Vietnam.  He was educated in the French system, and left his native country at 19 years old in 1954 at the end of the war between France and Vietnam.  He spent the next four or so years with the Dominicans in Hong Kong, beginning his philosophy studies there, before being sent to Rome and France to continue his theology studies.
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Fr. Tran studied for his Doctorate in Sacred Theology in Rome, where seminarians were split into three groups — he was among those assigned to the Spanish group.  The Dominicans allowed for his ordination before his studies were finished, and so he was told to arrive at a certain basilica early on a Friday morning for his examinations, which were to be presided over by a cardinal.  His Eminence asked Fr. Tran a number of questions on philosophy and theology, which were to be answered in Latin; there were also a number of personal questions about ecclesiological ideas and languages spoken.  Soon enough, he was told to prepare for his pre-ordination retreat, and to be at St. Peter’s Basilica for July 2nd, 1961.

Fr. Tran says that he could talk at length about the ordination ceremony, about the papal liturgy of the time (which he says is not so different from how it is today), about how crowded the basilica was…  Yet, what impressed him most about the ordination was the morning of, where he and his fellow ordinandi were treated to special audience with St. John XXIII.  Fr. Tran was struck by the saint’s humility and accessibility.  He greeted each candidate personally and shook their hand; he looked very unofficial, as though he were just one priest among many brothers.  The rather rotund St. John XXIII also struck Fr. Tran with his impressive size and the presence that came with it, which seemed to chase away all fears.  Yes, indeed — St. John XXIII was truly “Il Buon Papa”, the Good Pope.

After obtaining his doctorate, Fr. Tran was sent to Manila in the Philippines to teach at the University of Santo Tomas, where he remained for 10 years.  This was followed by two years in France and Rome, and then to Los Angeles, where Cardinal Manning assigned him as assistant at Our Lady of Loretto Parish, and to work with Vietnamese refugees arriving to the United States.  He remained in California for 4 years before joining a cousin who was an associate priest in Illinois.  After his time as chaplain of the St. Francis Medical Centre in Peoria, Fr. Tran came to Canada.  Initially spending four years with Queen of Martyrs Vietnamese Parish in Edmonton, he was invited to Calgary to become administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bridgeland, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish downtown.

At this time, a number of parishes in the diocese of Calgary were being considered for closure, and Fr. Tran was concerned that his little church on Sixth Avenue was in its last days.  He wrote letters to the planning committee, asking for St. Francis to be kept open.  He invited Bishop Henry to preside over the next set of confirmations, and for a reception to be given.  This was the beginning of a fruitful relationship between Fr. Tran and Bishop Henry — after the reception, Bishop Henry informed Fr. Tran that his parish was not in danger of folding, and he was given the mandate to revive the parish to further serve the needs of the downtown community.  During his 19-year tenure at St. Francis, Fr. Tran advocated for the expansion of his little parish, including lobbying for a floor of The Bow to be given to St. Francis, which was unfortunately defeated, 7 to 6.  Due to his advancing age, Fr. Tran reluctantly retired in 2016, “only beginning to be fully alive”.

In my discussion with this well-travelled and well-seasoned man of God, it becomes apparent that Fr. Tran, like the saint who ordained him, has a very unique view of the Church, and its eternal nature.  “Nobody can say what the Church looks like — it is mysterious and yet human.  I have been a witness of the times, and I have been many places, the Church is changing all the time.  It is like a bouquet of flowers blooming, everlasting roses which are ever new… the Church is alive, impressive with tradition, but yet ever changing, ever new.”  At 88 years of age, Fr. Tran professes that each passing year only increases his loyalty to the Church, which is “something marvellous, something to be loved.”  His advice is that “we should let ourselves be led by our high goals”, and that “there is nothing to be worried about in the Church.”

Fr. Tran’s ordination motto is:  “You are a priest forever” (Psalm 110:4), which seems to have had some significance.  In my conversation with Fr. Tran, his understanding of the Christian life as being destined for eternity is truly a cornerstone.  “If He calls me away tonight, so be it — let His will be done.”  If not, then he will continue to do penance in this world.  But one thing is certain, Fr. Tran gives thanks to God for his sixty years of priesthood, “a marvellous blessing lasting to eternity.”
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Fr. Joseph Hau Duc Tran, OP
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Ordained:  July 2nd, 1961, St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome by St. John XXIII

Pastoral Placements in the Diocese of Calgary:
  • Administrator:  Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Calgary (1996-1997)
  • Pastor:  St. Francis of Assisi, Calgary (1997-2016)

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Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully. Solomon is a born-and-raised Calgarian, who got letters after his name in Lethbridge. He worships at All Saints, Lethbridge; St. John the Evangelist, Calgary; and both the Calgary and Lethbridge chapters of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. He is an oboist by training, chorister by grace, hobby wordsmith, amateur calligrapher and museum enthusiast.
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Fr. Marino Infante: In his own words

10/23/2021

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Where were you born?
I was born in a town called Laoang, Northern Samar, Philippines. There are five of us in our family. I grew up in a very religious family — we were nurtured by our parents by going to Church every Sunday and every single day to attend Mass.  I am the fourth in the line up. One of my sisters is a nun from the Religious Congregation of the Reparatrix Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Naples, Italy. After her nine years of formation in Italy, she was sent back to Philippines to serve in their congregation. My parents and my sister (the nun) are instrumental in my call to the priesthood.
 
How did you discern your vocation? 
I started my discernment in 1985 when I was in my 4th year of high school. My vocation was inspired by the priestly life of my two relative priests, Fr. Leandro Infante and Fr. Romeo Infante; and most especially my vocation was inspired when I witnessed an actual ordination in my hometown right after my high school graduation. I entered into my seminary formation in 1986 at the age of 18; and was ordained at the age of 28.
 
What is your favourite prayer?
Since my childhood, my parents would always put a rosary in my pocket to remind me of praying the Rosary; and since then, the Lord’s Prayer and The Hail Mary have become my favourite prayers.
 
What is your go-to advice when people ask you, “Father, how do I become closer to Jesus?” 
The best advice I give when people ask this question —  is PRAYER or DAILY MASS or Daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
 
Any advice for those discerning a vocation?
If anyone is considering the priestly vocation, let him be prayerful first, seek the help of his pastor and his parents and keep on responding God’s call through daily reading of the Word of God.
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Anniversary video of Fr. Marino Infante
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An interview with Fr. Marino Infante, October 2021
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Fr. Marino Infante

Ordained: March 10, 1996 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Laoang, Diocese of Catarman, Northern Samar, Philippines, by Most Rev. Angel Hobayan

Pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Calgary
  • Associate Pastor: St. Peter’s, Calgary (2008-2011)
  • Associate Pastor: Holy Spirit, Calgary (2011-2012)
  • Associate Pastor: St. Luke’s, Calgary (2012-2016)
  • Pastor: St. Michael’s, Bow Island (2016-2018)
  • Pastor: St. Mary’s, Brooks (2018-present)
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Fr. Samer Naaman: Loving as the Father Loves

10/23/2021

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St. Basil's Melkite-Greek Catholic Parish
Fr. Samer Naaman during Liturgy at St. Basil's Melkite-Greek Catholic Parish
I believe that the priestly vocation is founded and grown in a believing family that sets a good example for its children. My father used to participate in Mass every day, and so did my mother. In addition, she was involved in spiritual activities in several churches near our house. My brothers and I saw their faith and were affected by their devout practice. In addition, my uncle was a bishop, and he visited us at home from time to time. My brothers and I enjoyed meeting him and listening to his words. His presence often made us wonder about the priestly vocation and the reasons that motivate a person to become a priest... 

The thought of the priestly vocation first came into my mind at the age of twelve when I said for the first time: "I want to be a priest." My parents didn't pay any attention to my words then because I was young and probably unaware of what I was saying. With time, I became sure of my desire to be a priest in the service of God and mankind. I moved away from my brothers and my parents at the age of eighteen to study philosophy and theology, and I was very happy. I was certain of the Lord Jesus' saying that “every sacrifice we make for Christ on earth, we get double it in this life plus eternal life,” and that there is “greater joy in giving than in receiving.” In my university studies, which lasted eight years, my theological knowledge was established, especially in the theology of Christ, the interpretation of the Bible and the meaning of the sacraments... As for studying philosophy, it gave me the ability to think logically, open up to the truth in others, and to accept the other as different. 

I worked hard in my priestly ministry to be open to everyone, and to serve every person, and I realized how much people today are in need of people who would listen to them. So I trained in listening skillfully and worked hard on knowing people’s needs in order to help them meet those. What enhanced my skills were my master's studies at the University of Montreal in accompanying patients in hospitals. Therefore, studying for a master’s degree in theology taught me a lot about listening and its importance, and my first booklet came out under the title “Psychological and Spiritual Accompaniment.” As for my master's in philosophy, it taught me the importance of dialogue between human beings, religions and cultures in order to enrich humanity and to reduce conflict. And I reached the following conviction:  the difference between humans is natural, and their difference in seeing God is natural. As for their human intellectual and ideological differences, they are natural, logical, and necessary. 
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I thank God for granting me the grace of priesthood which I do not deserve no matter how hard I work for it; I ask him to abide in me till the end, because if I were to go back in time and age, my choice would be nothing other than the priesthood. The priest, in my view, is a father who loves all human beings in the example of his heavenly Father, and works to serve them, especially spiritually.

Written by Fr. Samer Naaman for Faithfully, October 2021.
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Fr. Samer Naaman

Fr. Samer Naaman is ordained on June 29, 1996. He started his ministry in Calgary on July 1, 2020. He is the pastor of St. Basil's Melkite-Greek Catholic Parish
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Fr. Jack Bastigal: A sower went out

10/23/2021

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Born to Slovakian immigrant parents in the Drumheller Valley, Fr. Jack Bastigal's priestly vocation is a product of good seed sown in good soil, sown while he was still an altar boy at the tiny mission church of St. Francis of Assisi in Rosedale. The Drumheller Valley at the time was a patchwork of small mining towns, served by a team of three priests stationed at St. Anthony's Parish in Drumheller itself; one to serve Nacmine, Midland and Newcastle west of town, another to serve Rosedale, Wayne, East Coulee and Dorothy to the east, and the third to remain in Drumheller.

ln Fr. Jack's childhood, Fr. Stephen Molnar served the east leg of the valley, and was a frequent visitor at the Bastigal house, mostly for Mrs. Bastigal's cooking. However, there would come the questions and the suggestions from the priests growing up: "Maybe you might want to think about becoming a priest ... " Fr. Jack describes this as the planting of the seeds: "You really don't know if they're going to mature or germinate." 

The Bastigal family moved to Calgary, and Fr. Jack went to St. Mary's High School, where he graduated in 1954. The Basilian Fathers there kept planting more seeds, asking what he was going to do after graduation, a topic that was well-discussed among his "buddies" there - what kinds of jobs to get, what would be good work. Fr. Jack strongly considered engineering, and then finding work in the nascent oil industry in Calgary. He had applied to Gonzaga University in Seattle, and was accepted. His parents were thrilled - they had advocated that Fr. Jack get a good education, find good work, and avoid the difficult work that had been working in the Drumheller Valley coal mines. But lo and behold, the seeds stuck ... 

A month or so before his departure for Seattle, something seemed wrong.  It was impossible to verbalize, especially to his parents, but he needed more time to decide before jumping into this career; the Bastigals were decidedly less than thrilled. 

ln the mid-1950s, it was possible just to walk into a potential employer's office and see if they were hiring, and so Fr. Jack went down to the Imperial Oil Refinery looking for work- he was hired to the labs on the spot, thrilling his parents once again. But around Christmas, things just seemed wrong right again, and so Fr. Jack quit his job, causing another debacle with his family. One would have assumed that this cycle would not continue on, but it did twice more through the winter and spring of 1955 ... Fr. Jack was hired on in customer relations with the Electric Light Department of the City of Calgary, and all was going smoothly until the spring, when suddenly working in an office building on Sixth Avenue SW wasn't as appealing as being outside. Fr. Jack transferred to the Parks Department, and he still vividly remembers seeding the grass at 14th Street and Memorial Drive NW. Around this time, he reconnected with the president of his class from St. Mary's, Mike Tansey. Mike had been set on becoming a priest, and had gone to St. Joseph's Seminary immediately after graduation. Fr. Jack was hesitant. He had thought about going to seminary, but wasn't sure if it was for him. Mike was reassuring: "If it isn't for you, you'll know pretty quickly. lf you come up there, and you see it isn't for you, just let them know, and off you go!" So it was that Fr. Jack Bastigal made his decision to enter the seminary, at this point in time at the original St. Joseph's Seminary on 110th Street in Edmonton, where first year accommodations were in a 10' by 12' room, shared with another seminarian. It was a real testing of the vocation, whether or not one was serious about it. To make a long story short: along came ordination in 1961. 

Fr. Jack stresses that discernment of the vocation is very personal; each vocation comes in a different way. For some, it is an automatic understanding, for others, less so. He is grateful to the priests who brought up the possibility of the priesthood over the years, as each one made him consider it seriously over the years. "It pushed me to make a decision, and- lo and behold!"

When asked about highlights in his years in ministry, Fr. Jack brings up treasured memories and friendships built up in ecumenical work. In the early 1960s, demarcations between denominations were still strict, but opportunities for ecumenism seemed to come up more regularly for Fr. Jack than his brother priests. One of his first placements was as assistant at St. Pius X in Calgary, and chaplain at the University of Calgary. It was initially a challenge, working with the other chaplains within the same offices: "When you leave the seminary, you're convinced that it's the Catholic Church, and the others aren't following the way of the Lord fully!" But the experience sowed its own seeds - as Fr. Jack was challenged and shared understandings with other professors and chaplains, it opened up a broader understanding of "who is acceptable by God, who is being used by God". Later on, these seeds would bear their own fruit.  

Years later, Bishop O'Byrne asked Fr. Jack to become founding pastor of Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Calgary. At the same time, he became aware that a good friend from Calgary Interfaith, Pastor Bob Schoenheider, was currently selling his congregation's small Lutheran church building in the downtown core, and looking for a space to build. Since both needed land they began discussing the possibility of a joint venture, an ecumenical centre to house both congregations. The idea was presented to Bishop O'Byrne and Lutheran Bishop Bob Jacobson, who were happy to endorse the project. And so was born the Sandstone Valley Ecumenical Centre, with two distinct worship areas, a common narthex, meeting rooms and offices; the beginning of a journey together in faith. 

Unfortunately, over the years, Mount Calvary Lutheran had its struggles, and eventually folded, but the friendships that Fr. Jack built with the people of Mount Calvary have stayed firm. He says that "it's those kinds of things that make such a difference: you recognize that you are all looking to praise, honour and worship the same God".  While Sandstone Valley Ecumenical Centre is no more, the seeds it has sown have borne fruit. Once past his term as bishop, Bob Jacobson of the Lutheran church and his wife were received into the Catholic Church. He was allowed to take Catholic orders, and became chancellor of the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan.

Again, while at St. James in Okotoks, Fr. Jack's experience in ecumenical settings was crucial. One of the teacher-librarians at the Catholic school, Marilyn Smith, had mentioned that her husband was an Anglican priest, and that he would like to meet with Fr. Jack. After the usual pleasantries, Fr. Jack asked Fr. Steve if there was anything specific he would like to discuss; the response was that he and his wife were thinking of becoming members of St. James' Parish! A while afterwards, Fr. Jack was struck while preaching one Sunday that Fr. Steve might consider becoming a priest in the Roman Rite. This matter was mentioned to Bishop Henry, and it was suggested that Fr. Steve might be assigned some readings and a course of study. After this study period, a letter of recommendation, and lightning-speed approval from Rome, Bishop Henry came to St. James' Parish in Okotoks to ordain Fr. Steve and to officially appoint him to serve in the parish. 

It is a strange fact of most grains, that in common speech, their fruit and their seeds are discrete ideas, yet they are one and the same, botanically speaking. After a priestly life bearing much fruit borne of good seed, one would assume that Fr. Jack would now be content to rest quietly in his retirement. Yet - for a good while after this formal interview was concluded, Fr. Jack and I discussed the current situation in the Church in this diocese. He has recently moved to Dorchester Square in the heart of Calgary and is settling into his new apartment, enjoying the companionship of his brother priests, and filling in when needed in various parishes throughout the diocese. From his new perch overlooking a busy part of the city, he has witnessed some of the effects that COVID-19 has had on the community. The number of people experiencing financial, psychological and spiritual needs has increased, and Fr. Jack wonders what could be done to serve such people, aside from the agencies that exist in the city; his compassion towards them is palpable through the telephone. His hope is that as the pandemic ends parish life will experience a resurgence - a resurgence of faith. It is clear that despite (or because of?) his long, fruitful life as a priest, Fr. Jack is still the sower, scattering the fruit of his vocation far and wide, looking for it to land in good soil. 
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Fr. John (Jack) Bastigal

Ordained: May 27, 1961, St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Carroll

Pastoral Placements
  • Assistant: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary (1961-1962)
  • Assistant: St. Pius X, Calgary; Chaplain, University of Calgary (1962-1966)
  • Diocesan Director of Vocations (1966-1967)
  • Administrator: St. Victor’s, Gleichen; St. Columbanus, Arrowwood; St. Ann’s, Hussar (1966-1967)
  • Assistant: St. Luke’s, Calgary; Assistant Director, Catholic Information Centre (1967-1968)
  • Studies: Research Coordinator, Institute of Social Research, Fordham University, Department of Sociology, New York City (1968-1978)
  • Visiting Professor, University of Puerto Rico (1976)
  • Director: Council of Social Affairs — Diocese of Calgary (1978-1984)
  • Pastor: Ascension of Our Lord, Calgary (1982-1994)
  • Pastor: St. James, Okotoks (1994-2008)

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Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully. Solomon is a born-and-raised Calgarian, who got letters after his name in Lethbridge. He worships at All Saints, Lethbridge; St. John the Evangelist, Calgary; and both the Calgary and Lethbridge chapters of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. He is an oboist by training, chorister by grace, hobby wordsmith, amateur calligrapher and museum enthusiast.
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Fr. Bill Stephenson: Getting started

10/23/2021

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I don't believe that vocations come from any dramatic events, insights or extraordinary experiences;  I believe that vocations often come from large, generous and committed families, with very generous parents.  In my case, it was a large family of twelve children with hard working, generous parents and grandparents. No one urged me to become a priest, but many people contributed to facilitating my vocation.

I attended Catholic school with the Sisters of Charity of Halifax teaching and serving as administrators; the pastor and his various assistants were very present to the school.  I was especially influenced by the pastor who was very committed, very prayerful, and very much involved in the community. He served in the parish for more than thirty years. Although it was a fairly large school, about 1,100 students from grades one to eleven, he knew all the students, their families and their history. He was very involved in facilitating sports, social events, and Summer Camps for the children. It was at the parish Summer Camp that I was especially impressed by his prayer life.  He spent hours in the camp chapel in prayer and had daily Mass for the campers.  

I also had the privilege of having two uncles who were parish priests in my home diocese.  Although I wasn't very close with them, they gave me the confidence that a vocation to the priesthood was not beyond the realm of possibility.  One of the most interesting bits of advice I received when getting ready to go the Seminary was from one of those uncles who told me that if I felt like leaving the Seminary, then leave. I think he was telling me that I should not feel obligated to be a priest just because he had two uncles who were priests, and not to go through with it just because other people expected it of me. On the other hand, it was very important to me that people did in fact expect me to enter the Seminary.
       
Another support for my vocation was attending Xavier Junior College and St. Francis Xavier University in my home diocese. There were a number of priests on staff at these institutions and they were very encouraging to any student who might be considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. They taught the courses that were required, especially Latin and Philosophy. They were almost like recruiters who would recognize candidates for religious vocations, and they were always available for counselling, spiritual direction and sacraments.

I began theology studies at St. Augustine's Seminary in Scarborough, ON in September of 1957 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the university. My home diocese in Nova Scotia at that time had an oversupply of priests. They also provided many priests for the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society and various other religious communities also. The bishop there decided I wasn't needed in his diocese, so I applied to the bishop of Calgary who accepted me. I was ordained on May 27th, 1961 in Antigonish, NS, for the Diocese of Calgary. The seminary life was rather spartan, but I felt at home there because my life growing up was similar. I appreciated the opportunity to get to know clergy and seminarians from various parts of the country.

After ordination, I was appointed the secretary to Bishop Carroll which was a great challenge, but also a privilege. I learned much of the history of the diocese and the priests, and got to travel about the diocese for Confirmations and other occasions. I learned a great deal from Bishop Carroll and the other priests who worked at the Bishop's Office in my time there. However, I was more attracted to work in parishes, and in 1968, I was appointed pastor of the small parish of St. Clement’s (now Mary, Mother of the Redeemer) while still acting as Chancellor of the Diocese during the episcopate of Bishop Paul O'Byrne.    

In 1972, I was appointed Co-Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Calgary, along with Monsignor John O'Brien and Fr. Duncan T. Sullivan.  It was a very busy parish with very active lay people, and many marriages and funerals.  One of the requirements for a priest is to be able to work with the laity, and to be supported by them.  I have been greatly assisted in my ministry by the support, encouragement and involvement of the parishioners I have worked with. We have great need of active lay involvement in the parishes. 

In summary, vocations come with the support and love of family members, the clergy, and the wider community, along with a generous willingness to endeavour to follow where the Spirit is leading us.  

Written by Fr. William Stephenson for Faithfully, October 2021.
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Fr. William Stephenson
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Ordained: May 27, 1961, Antigonish, NS by Most Rev. William Power

Pastoral Placements
  • Episcopal Secretary (1961-65)
  • Chancellor (1965-70)
  • Pastor: St. Clement’s, Calgary (1968-1971)
  • Studies: Lumen Vitae, Brussels, Belgium (1971-1972)
  • Co-Pastor: Sacred Heart, Calgary (1972-1977)
  • Pastor: Sacred Heart, Calgary (1977-1982)
  • Rector: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary (1982-1993)
  • Sabbatical: (1993-1994)
  • Pastor: St. Bonaventure, Calgary (1994-2006)
  • Administrator: St. Anthony’s, Calgary (2008-2009)
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Fr. Terry Connolly: Priestly Blessings

10/1/2021

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As I reflect on 40 years of priesthood I am reminded of God's faithfulness and love. I am reminded of how Jesus has helped me in my priesthood and in all of my life.  Giving thanks to God is a good place to begin.

I also give thanks to God for my parents and family, my extended family and friends. I especially want to mention the witness and good example of my mom to my Catholic faith and life. She attended Mass almost daily, brought us to Benediction every Sunday night, and was very faithful to the Church. She was also a good listener to others in her life.

I remember the priests and parishioners of St Joseph's Parish in Calgary where I grew up, the teachers and students of St Joseph's Elementary and Jr. High schools, and St. Francis High School. It was the boom era right after the Second World War, and the parish was beginning to flourish as families moved into the neighbourhood. Msgr. Neville Anderson was the parish priest at the time, a strict man, but a good, holy man; many young priests were assistants at the time.  It was a difficult time in the Church during the transition during the Second Vatican Council, and lots of good example came from the teachers at the school, who led from their personal faith lives and religion schools.  The school was strict in its discipline, but the priests were kind to the students and would explain why things were done.

My call to the priesthood came through Fr. Louis Malo and Sr. Barbara Gette, sms. One day after Mass, Fr. Louis asked if I'd ever thought about being a priest or religious life.  Sr. Barbara had worked as a cook at St. Pius X Seminary in Saskatoon before she came to St. Joseph’s Parish, and she mentioned to others that I might be a good candidate.  She was very outgoing, and reached out to people in the parish — I remember she reached out to elderly neighbours across the street from us.  After that, I went on a vocation weekend where I decided to try to become a priest. I was thinking about the priesthood, but I was hesitant to start. Fr. Louis Malo asked me to go to the retreat at the school at Midnapore. This weekend was held every year, where young men and women would hear from different priests, nuns and vocations directions to see if they had a vocation.  I went there to see what it was about, and it was a chance to start and ask questions and have a chance to think and reflect on vocation. Bishop Paul O'Byrne accepted me and sent me to St. Pius X Seminary in Saskatoon and then to St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton for my formation.

One of the best things I have liked about being a priest is the many different places that I was assigned and the many different people I've met. I think it's a wonderful gift to meet so many different people and to share their lives and friendship in helping to build the parishes and later in the hospital chaplaincy.

People have all kinds of vocations:  single life, marriage, priesthood, and religious life. Each one has its particular struggles, but also has its particular blessings. To discern a particular vocation, it’s helpful to reflect on the particular struggles each has:  an easy life isn’t guaranteed as a priest or religious in this age. But also it is important to have the courage to listen to God’s call, follow His call, and he will give you a happy life. There are many difficulties, but there are many joys — if you hear the Lord’s call, you should follow it, he will help to live out your vocation.  The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few — and we need more labourers in the Church.

I am grateful for the help, guidance and support of many priests and bishops. Celebrating the Mass and the sacraments has been a great blessing to me as a priest. Personal and communal prayer has been a great source of strength for me: the Rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Scriptures and reading the spiritual writings of the saints. One of my favourite prayers is the apostolic blessing as it invites God’s goodness and blessing upon us, and invites us to share that goodness and blessing with the world: 

The Lord be with you.
R:  And with your Spirit.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
R:  Now and forever.
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R:  Who made heaven and earth.
+ May almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
R:  Amen.
Go in peace.
R:  Thanks be to God.

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Fr. Terrence (Terry) Connolly

Ordained: May 14th, 1981, St. Joseph’s, Calgary, by Most Rev. Paul O’Byrne

Pastoral Assignments
  • Associate Pastor: St. Mary’s, Brooks (1981)
  • Associate Pastor: Holy Name, Calgary (1981-1983)
  • Associate Pastor: Christ the King, Claresholm (1983-1984)
  • Associate Pastor: Crowsnest Pass Parish (1984-1987)
  • Pastor: Christ the King, Claresholm (1987-1991)
  • Pastor: Sacred Heart, Oyen (1991-1997)
  • Pastor: St. Agnes, Carstairs (1997-2001)
  • Pastor: Sacred Heart, Strathmore (2001-2002)
  • Chaplain: Foothills Hospital, Calgary (2002-2009)
  • Chaplain: Lethbridge Regional Hospital, St. Therese Villa and St. Michael’s Health Centre (2009-2013)
  • Calgary Hospital Chaplaincy Team (2013-2020)


Written by Fr. Terry Connolly for Faithfully, October 2021.
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Fr. William Trienekens: Happy are those who take refuge in Him

10/1/2021

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At the ordination of Fr. William Trienekens by Bishop Carroll, May 27, 1961
​As a young altar server in Boekel, Netherlands, Fr. William Trienekens saw his parish priest at Mass on a regular basis, and knew he “wanted that same job”.  It was never of any question to him — he was going to be a priest.

The third child and eldest boy of a family of ten, Father describes growing up in Boekel as relatively easy until the Second World War broke out. His father died in May 1944, two or three weeks before D-Day, upon which he suddenly became man of the household, and had to assume the role of surrogate father for his family, looking after the garden and taking on a major share of the household chores.  He describes this as his first ministry position.

By 1955, Fr. Bill was still very much interested in becoming a priest. With not much by way of finances, he sought the help of his parish priest in finding out the addresses of dioceses abroad who were accepting foreign students; Calgary was one such diocese. Bishop Carroll responded to his correspondence immediately, and within half a year, the paperwork was ready and the soon-to-be Fr. Bill was on a boat to Canada in August of 1955.

Fr. Bill describes his first meeting with Bishop Carroll as the best piece of advice he ever received. He was received by Bishop Carroll at his office, and in his interview, Bishop Carroll gave this request:  “I’m going to tell you a sentence, and you will repeat what you heard me say.”  For Fr. Bill, this was the best demonstration of how to really listen to someone he had ever received.  “After half an hour, we really understood each other. I walked out of his office… knowing I had a new father.” His new spiritual father sent him to St. Joseph’s Seminary, and would write him a letter every semester, closing with “Your tenacity will help you reach your goal.”  Fr. Bill was ordained on May 27th, 1961, along with Fr. Jack Bastigal, Fr. Louis Geelan, OFM, and Fr. Bill Stephenson (who was ordained in his home diocese of Antigonish).

When asked about his priestly ministry, Fr. Bill stresses his desire to work in parishes to strengthen community. The Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women’s League, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Christian Family Movement, and Small Christian Communities come to mind easily as communities he helped strengthen. So too does his time celebrating Mass with the deaf community, his mountain hikes and retreats with schools, directing the permanent diaconate program, and the Evenings for the Engaged, in which a lead couple married for over 5 years would invite one or two engaged couples to their home — and often found their own marriage strengthened by the encounter.

Fr. Bill has many favourite prayers:  the Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary, both learned as an infant; and later on, the Prayer of St. Francis, and Psalms 100 and 131. Psalm 34:8 holds particular meaning for him:  “O taste and see that the Lord is good, happy are those who take refuge in Him.” As a family in the Netherlands in the Second World War, taking refuge in God was of great importance, and this passage has reminded him to take refuge in prayer in all of the difficult moments of his ministry since then. His favourite prayer of all is silence: “St. John of the Cross wrote: ‘God’s first language is silence.’ We can pray non-stop, and kill our relationship with God, because we don’t take time to reflect and meditate.”

His advice on how to discern one’s vocation?  Pray for the right choice — “Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will” is a necessary prayer. The ability and interest to pursue it is necessary too. However, “if you want holiness [in vocation], go to bed every night at 10, get up in the morning at 6, and dedicate yourself again to God.  Say your prayers, do exercise, serve others, enjoy life, and be happy.”
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At 90 years of age, Fr. Trienekens says that it has been a happy life. It has been a struggle at times to reach this place, with personal sorrow and distance from family, but overall, “it has been a happy, graced life”, the guiding principle of which has always been:  “Taste and see that the Lord is good, happy are those who take refuge in Him.”
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Fr. William Trienekens

Ordained: May 27, 1961 at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Carroll

Pastoral Placements
  • Assistant: St. Anthony’s, Drumheller (1961-1965)
  • Assistant: St. Joseph’s, Calgary (1965-1967)
  • Assistant: St. Patrick’s, Medicine Hat (1967-1969)
  • Pastor: Sacred Heart, Oyen (1969-1970)
  • Studies: St. Paul’s University, Ottawa (1970-1971)
  • Chaplain: Bishop Carroll High School, Calgary (1971-1979)
  • Pastor: Corpus Christi, Calgary (1979-1987)
  • Sabbatical: University of Louvain, Belgium (1987)
  • Pastor: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Calgary (1987-1990)
  • Pastor: St. Luke’s, Calgary (1990-1999)
  • Vicar General (1998-2011)
  • Co-Director-Permanent Diaconate Program (1998-2006)
  • Administrator: Holy Spirit, Calgary (2003)

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Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully. Solomon is a born-and-raised Calgarian, who got letters after his name in Lethbridge. He worships at All Saints, Lethbridge; St. John the Evangelist, Calgary; and both the Calgary and Lethbridge chapters of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. He is an oboist by training, chorister by grace, hobby wordsmith, amateur calligrapher and museum enthusiast.
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Who God made me to be

8/10/2021

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Mary with members of the Seeds of the Word Community and St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy Women’s House, along with chaplain, Fr. Cristino, and Bishop McGrattan.
​“So, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

If you had any kind of typical childhood, you’ve heard this question more times than you can count.

For me, I normally had an answer. Princess, chef, interior designer, and – when asked in my university years – an investment banker or finance prof. 

The last thing I could have imagined I’d answer some day is, “Religious sister.”
PictureMary dressed as the Blessed Mother for All Saints’ Day in kindergarten
The Catholic faith that I was raised with became my own while I was a student at Mount Royal University. An organization called Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) re-introduced me to the person of Jesus and proposed that the faith was something relevant for me as I moved into adulthood. The CCO students I met had genuine joy which flowed from their relationship with Jesus, and I knew that I wanted what they had. I made a decision that I would centre my life around Him going forward.  

I was still excited to focus on what I “wanted to be,” but this time, I saw my career as an opportunity to witness in the secular world and bring others to God. Sounds pretty good, right? I didn’t think I had any reason to question my plans. There was only one thing: I never thought to ask Him about them. 

When I was in my third year of university, I did something I’d never done before. I asked the Lord in prayer, “How do You see me?” 

His response? “Sister of Life.” 

My first reaction went something like, “Uh oh.” I knew that consecrated religious were a “thing” in the Church, but it was something that other people did – never something I imagined or thought of for myself! I did what seemed to be the smartest move in that situation…I tried my very hardest to push the idea out of my mind.

Thankfully, God plays the long game with us. He didn’t let me get off the hook and sometimes reminded me of that time of prayer, but He respected my freedom and waited while I continued to plug ahead at my plans. 

It took going on a mission trip to New York City in 2019 to get my attention. While staying and working with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs), I recognized true joy. The men of this community had renounced everything the world places on a pedestal – success, money, the ability to do whatever they wanted – and yet, they were free. 

I thought to myself for the first time, “Maybe, just maybe, what God wants for me could make me happy.” 

If I’m being honest, though, I needed some help to figure this out. Just like kids go to their parents for guidance as they decide what to do with their lives, I turned to my Mother, the Church.

The Church has guided me the last couple years in almost every way possible. Through the sacraments, amazing spiritual parents, and an awesome community of other young Catholics, I’ve been able to draw closer to the Lord and gain more confidence in His call. 
 
I’ve also had the opportunity to live at the inaugural St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) Women’s House. Here, several young women and I stayed with the Seeds of the Word Sisters at their home in SW Calgary and had the gift of being able to participate in elements of their prayer and community life. These experiences helped to debunk some of the misconceptions I had about religious life and filled me with joy at the possibility of being totally His. 

All of these things have led me to my next step in following the Lord’s call…entrance to the Sisters of Life in New York this September! 

​In responding to God’s plan for my life, I have recognized the truth of these words from Thomas Merton: 
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Vocation does not come from a voice out there calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice in here calling me to be the person I was born to be, to fulfill the original selfhood given me at birth by God."
I am thankful to the Church for being a good Mother to me. In an age where we’re told we can do and be whatever we want, She has helped me to discover not merely “what I want to be,” but far more importantly, who God made me to be.

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Mary holding her acceptance letter to the Sisters of Life
Written by Mary Serafini for Faithfully. Mary Serafini graduated from Mount Royal University with a BBA-Finance in 2020. Following that, she served as a campus missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) at the University of Calgary. She attends Sacred Heart Parish in Calgary and is a member of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. She will be entering the Sisters of Life – a religious community dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of human life – in September 2021, in New York. ​Photos courtesy of Mary Serafini.​
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Portrait of a priest: Fr. John Petravicius

8/9/2021

8 Comments

 
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Fr. John at St. Mary's Church in Cluny, after a visit to the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park.
​To celebrate St. John Vianney's feast day this month, I sat down with Fr. John Petravicius (retired from the Diocese of Calgary) to gain some insight into his call to the priesthood, and what it means to live a Christian life in his vocation. Here’s what he had to say.
 
How did you discern your vocation?
The Grace of God!  I was doing a commercial course at the old Mount Royal College downtown (Calgary).  Once a week, Fr. Greg McLellan, who was the associate at Sacred Heart, would come in to do something with the Catholics, who were a minority in the place.  On one occasion, he asked “Well, what can we deal with?”, and somebody came up with the idea to cover the religious communities in the diocese, what they were doing and so forth, and I think that triggered something that I’d been thinking of way back when.  I think the essence was there, it just needed to be triggered by something, and Fr. Greg’s presence was that trigger.
 
How have you seen your share in Christ’s priesthood change and shift through these years?
Basically, nothing has changed:  the priesthood is what it has always been.  How the priesthood has functioned, how a priest did things has changed, not what they did. The celebration of the Mass and the Sacraments is all the same, essentially. The rituals changed, not the realities.  You are given a task of service to people, and so you do what you can in a given situation, and hope it is somewhat adequate.
 
What spiritual practices have sustained you throughout your years as a priest?
One of the most important things in developing and maintaining the Christian life is spiritual reading.  One needs ideas and support, and one is going to get that from reading; it gives motivation to all the other things — the ministries, the liturgy of the hours, etc.  There are areas in which it’s important to read:  first of all, the Word of God is number one, then biographies — the lives of saints (these people lived out the Christian life in a special way), and then spiritual theology.  In reading, we need a variety of things.  We had an old English priest, supposedly teaching English in the seminary.  He had a quote he’d toss out quite often:  “Reading maketh a full man”.  That is particularly true of reading having to do with our relationship with God.
 
For a long time, there has been the promotion of prayer in the presence of the Eucharist.  That is probably a very, very good place to pray, perhaps the very best — the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
 
What advice would you give to a young man or woman discerning priesthood or religious life?
First of all, prayer is very important. Prayer for the grace to follow up this idea according to the will of God.  It is possible that the idea is mine and not God’s, and so if someone was to join a religious community, and no community will accept them, that says that they don’t have vocation to a religious community. So, things tend to work out in substance.
 
If there is one, what Sacrament do you love celebrating the most?
The greatest Sacrament is the Eucharist — the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. That is beyond everything!  It may not be particularly “satisfying” in the sense that you don’t see things happening — but that’s THE great sacrament — the presence of Christ!
 
Does St. John Vianney’s example play out in your life?
His life speaks very loudly to a lifestyle of simplicity. There’s a certain charm and effectiveness in simplicity:  energy and time are not wasted on peripheral things, and the things that need to be done get done, not only work-wise, but self-care-wise.  He spent a fair bit of time in prayer, a reminder that our relationship with God is the root source of effectiveness, otherwise we can wind up being very effective individuals in a service kind of way, getting a lot of things done, but not accomplishing very much. The result, in the case of St. John Marie Vianney, was that his effectiveness was what it was because of the quality of his life.  We see that in lesser ways: people who are serious about something are taken seriously. Someone who wants to do a good job of something is respected as a model, and encourages others to do the same — to do things that one needs to do, and try to do them well.
 
What are you up to now in your retirement?
There’s time for things like a little extra prayer, a little more time to read, to see people occasionally.  Time goes by, and it’s not very boring. Retirement gives the opportunity to be more aware of the Christian life, not doing a bunch of things and keeping so busy that you forget what you’re doing! All of us are called to live out the Christian life; the things that we do should fit into that mould — the motivation.  We don’t do it for prestige or money —  if that comes, that’s fine — but to do what we do because it seems to be the will of God to do it.
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Fr. John at St. Anthony's Church, Calgary
Fr. John's home parish:
​St. Cyril’s, Bellevue, Alberta

Year of ordination: 1959


​Pastoral assignment: 
  • Sacred Heart, Raymond (Missions at Magrath, Cardston and Whiskey Gap); 
  • St. Patrick’s, Medicine Hat; 
  • St. Michael’s, Bow Island; 
  • Corpus Christi, Calgary; 
  • St. John’s, Calgary;
  • St. Mary’s, Beiseker; 
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary,
  • Retirement resident at St. Anthony’s, Calgary.

Interview and transcription: Solomon Ip.
​Photos courtesy of L. O'Hara & Solomon Ip.
8 Comments

Love is sharing a pizza

7/14/2021

2 Comments

 
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The kids gave Fr. Marek a thumbs-up for his pizza. Photo: M. Widmeyer.
PictureFr. Marek Paczka, SDS.
Shareable and delicious, pizza is a dish for friends. Parishioners and staff at St. Joseph’s in northwest Calgary know this from experience. This year their priest, new to the parish since August 2020, served them up over one hundred of his own homemade pizzas, spread over several occasions.

Fr. Marek Paczka described himself as “not a cook,” but nonetheless decided he might be able to learn to make something as simple as pizza.

The story behind the pizzas is both sad and hopeful. Fr. Marek spoke about an Italian couple who befriended him when he was a parish priest in Port Alberni, BC.

“They invited me to dinner and we became friends. I would dine at their house at least once a week for 15 years, even when I moved parishes and had to drive 110 kilometers.”

Having fallen in love with Italian culture while spending 2 years in Rome, Fr. Marek found it easy to spend time with this special couple and their friends around the dinner table, and was even included on special occasions like Christmas and Easter

“There is something about sitting down together and just facing each other,” he said, adding that in Italian culture it is common for families and friends to spend thousands of hours together at the table.
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He spent many hours with his friends eating wonderful meals at dinner parties, and mentioned mushroom picking and enjoying produce from their vegetable garden.

This past year, the husband half of this couple passed away fairly suddenly from cancer. Fr. Marek was shocked.
“I didn’t make it to see him before he died,” he said, “but I did make it to his funeral.”

Because he wanted to preserve something of the friendship he had with this man and his wife and guided by his feelings for Italian cooking, Fr. Marek said he asked another mutual friend, Elvia Orli, how to make pizza.

“I could never cook the wonderful Italian meals that my friends made,” he explained, “but I thought I could try to make pizza,” he said.

“I tried and tried and tried and it never worked. I gave up when my dough didn’t rise. I had done something wrong. But this year I thought I’d try again, so I phoned Elvia and asked her again for the recipe and had her tell me what to do.
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“I realized it was simple, and this time I was successful. I was shocked because I’m not a cook. It’s just flour and water, yeast and salt and a little bit of oil. 

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Fr. Marek's pizza, hot from the oven. Photo: F. O'Hara
PictureFr. Marek delivered his pizzas to a parishioner's home. Photo: Fr. Marek.
“I made four pizzas with ham and veggies and some chives from the garden here (at St. Joseph’s) and I tested it first myself, secretly. Then I shared with my secretary and eventually a few of the other staff.

“Then one Sunday after Mass I shared pizzas with the parish.”

Thus far, Fr. Marek has made over one-hundred-and-ten pizzas for various people in his parish. “I thought that once I’d made one-hundred, I could be comfortable with it.”

“I was just fascinated by the fact that I was making pizza. I have used over 30 kilograms of flour, not to mention the meat and other ingredients.”

Inspired by a friendship and helping his relationship to his parish, pizza making has become a hobby, though Fr. Marek said that cooking has never been his passion.

He also cites the attitudes that bring communities together as another inspiration for the pizza.

“I learned this growing up and also from my time building houses in Zambia, that material things are not as important as people. The poor appreciate things, and they have a culture of making things themselves, and sharing, contributing to community life.”

“My mother grew up in a poor family and we were poor, but she shared what she had, and I suppose I wanted to share what I can do with the people around me. There is a joy in helping someone with the essentials, and I guess I am feeding people.”

A few parishioners had great things to say about Fr. Marek’s pizzas,

“The pizza is delicious, writes Susan Couture, “but what makes it so special is the love that goes into it. “The topping is always a nice surprise. We had one that had leek on it which I’ve never seen on a pizza before but it was delish.” Mia Drewniak writes, “I love the crust and the healthy toppings. Lots of garden herbs and even leeks made it on to the pizza. Inspiring!”

Out of a desire to honour dear friends, to honour a mother’s example and to serve his parishioners, Fr. Marek has in a unique way brought together tradition and connection.


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​Written by Jessica Cyr for Faithfully..  Jessica is a journalist, wife, and mother of five. She attends St. Bernard’s parish ​ in Calgary. 
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The secret prayers of the priest

6/9/2021

1 Comment

 
Your priests are exhausted – like everyone else I suspect. It is a form of spiritual tiredness that comes when fathers are not able to be with their families as they wish. Certainly, it is tiring to care for a family, but then again, there is a gift of life that flows from being with your family as you care for them. Those fathers (and mothers) who labour in foreign countries to send back remittance monies to support their families know one thing for sure: phone calls and Facetime are just not enough. The priests of Calgary confronted this during the pandemic year because they are not “pious bureaucrats but pastors” (Pope Benedict’s phrase) – and they miss their family-flock. Yet they also know whose priests they are: Jesus Christ’s – and the Eucharistic Lord has never abandoned them.
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It was my surpassing honour to be invited by these very priests to lead them in a retreat in these – pray God! – waning days of the Pandemic. I wrote them a note:
Do you remember the beginning of this annus horribilis? Celebrating the Easter mysteries with a few people in Church. Scrambling to find ways to render virtual that which is essentially incarnational – the Eucharist. Worrying about pastoral care and meeting payroll. Who can forget the Holy Father’s solitary Urbi et Orbi prayer for the end of the pandemic? His words still challenge: “We find ourselves afraid and lost in this time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It’s a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others,” And so it goes on month after month. Even the most introvert of us priests have been stretched thin by the dual experience of isolation from our people and still bearing the burden of their stress. As in all times of challenge, the best and the worst of people emerged: politics and medicine divided our communities. And what about each of us? In this Retreat we will support each other as every morning we reflect on the challenge of the Holy Father’s solitary Urbi et Orbi prayer for the end of the pandemic: “We find ourselves afraid and lost in this time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It’s a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”
What can one new parish priest say to such a crew of faithful ministers? Hopefully, only what Jesus wants him say. I think it is always just a variation of Christ looking a priest in the eye saying, “You are my priest, and I love you.”
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Looking a priest in the eye? Leading a retreat in pandemic times has a very strange quality: it is ‘virtual’. Conscious of a hundred pairs of priestly eyes, I could only see a checkerboard pattern of faces. But from the start as I sat and listened as they greeted each other joyfully I know that what was before me was not “virtual” at all – it was a quilt of servants of the sacraments woven by the Spirit. A quilt sustained by the prayers of God’s People in Calgary
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What did the Spirit lead us to reflect on? Simply, that which is the very essence of a priest’s life: the Holy Eucharist. Indeed, we have not been able to celebrate the sacred mysteries with many others but we priests have still been able to meet our Eucharistic Lord daily. We long to respond to the longing of our people for Communion – but we also are called to respond to the intimate longing that the Lord has for each of His priests.

Did you know that there are certain prayers in the Ritual of the Mass that a priest says quietly – or to use an old phrase “secretly”? For example, as he purifies the vessels from which he has just partaken of the Body and Blood of Christ the priest whispers, “What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity”.  Every Friday morning those who pray the Divine Office recite Psalm 51 and say, “then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom”. What is the wisdom of these intimate or “secret” prayers? This was the theme we explored in the Lord. And the Lord was gracious as He always is.

Retreats are not ever times of running away from reality – no that would be Netflix and YouTube. In a retreat one runs into the heart of reality – God’s heart. It is not a time for pious words or flowery ideas – but for the Word that meets our reality. That is what the Eucharist is: our offering of the reality of our lives to God and God giving us the Real Presence of His Son. The questions were real and raw: how do live with chaos as the rhythm of life is turned upside down? What will priesthood look like after this immersion in a separated virtual society? It seems like priests are both under a microscope and yet marginalized like the Church – where are we being led?
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To the Eucharist – always to this source of our very being. And we found in the secret prayers of the answer of Jesus, “Do not be afraid, it is I”.

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Written by Fr. Stefano Penna for Faithfully.

​Fr. Penna is the former Dean of Theology of Newman College now Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Paul’s in Saskatoon
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2020 Jubilarians

10/6/2020

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Most Rev. Eugene Cooney

​With 60 years of priesthood now behind him, Bishop Emeritus Eugene Cooney reflects fondly on his vocation. The heart of his ministry was serving the people of God, as both pastor and bishop. "The priesthood is my life's work, and I've had a great life," he said. "I've enjoyed it every step of the way."

Bishop Cooney grew up in Medicine Hat - the middle child of a prayerful family of five. In 1954 he entered St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton and was ordained in 1960. He was appointed Bishop of Nelson by Pope John Paul II in 1996, where he served until his retirement in 2007.

Now at age 89, Bishop Cooney's advice to those discerning their vocation, particularly in today's secular culture, is to turn to prayer daily and unceasingly. "When I was growing up, prayer and doing God's will was the most important part of our lives," he said. "We asked God for blessings everyday. We were very much aware that our life is in His hands. People today should remember that God's grace is necessary for us to get through and lead a good life."
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Bishop Emeritus Eugene Cooney at a retreat. Photo: Rev. J. Ronald Knott.

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Fr. Frank Feldmann
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Rev. Frank Feldmann, SAC

Looking back on five decades as the Lord's servant, Rev. Frank Feldmann offers only one message: "the honour belongs to the One who called me." Fr. Frank was born in Germany in 1940, in the midst of the Second World War. He was ordained in 1970, first appointed as an associate pastor in Swan River, Manitoba. He was welcomed into the Diocese of Calgary in 1974, serving at St. Cecilia Church. Through his years of priesthood, Fr. Frank has also served St. Paul's Parish in Airdrie, St. Agnes in Carstairs, St. James in Okotoks and St. Michael's in Black Diamond. He became dean of the Crowsnest Pass Pastoral Zone in 2010.

Fr. Frank's priestly journey came full circle in 2012, when he returned as pastor to St. Cecilia Church - the same parish he served when first arriving in the Calgary Diocese nearly forty years earlier. He retired in December 2014.

Rev. Daniel Stevenot

Rev. Daniel Stevenot grew up in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, the youngest of three boys. His family moved to Medicine Hat in 1961. His mother, a devout and prayerful Catholic, was the guiding influence in Fr. Dan's faith and vocation. As a teenager, Fr. Dan and his classmates started a youth group - a rare thing at that time. He also began to pray daily over his vocation. Once, while in prayer, Fr. Dan spoke that he would not like to be a priest, but instead be married with 10 kids. He then felt God tell him that, even as a priest, "You will have lots of children."

Fr. Dan entered seminary in Waterloo, Ont. when he was 19, and in 1980 was ordained at St. Patrick's Church in Medicine Hat. As a seminarian, Fr. Dan took great inspiration in wanting to help others discover God's love and how they need Him in their lives. Forty years later, that same inspiration remains within him today as pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Banff.
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Fr. Dan Stevenot
Read an interview with Fr. Daniel Stevenot here

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Fr. Arjay Abanto
Read more about Fr. Arjay Abanto here: "You did not choose me, but I chose you."
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Rev. Rowel Jose Abanto

The priesthood was Rev. Rowel Jose Abanto's childhood dream. As only a small boy, he memorized the novena to the Mother of Perpetual Help - a popular prayer in his home country of the Philippines. He entered the seminary in 1986 and was ordained in 1995 in his home Diocese of Daat, Camarines North.

Fr. Abanto was called to serve the Diocese of Calgary in 2016, and today serves St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, affectionately known in the diocese as Fr. Arjay. To become close to God, Fr. Arjay believes we must open our hearts and let the grace of God lead us wherever He wants us to go. His guiding principle in serving God and His people is the words of John 15:16: "You did not choose me, but I chose you."

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Fr. Philip Le
Read more about Fr. Le: "My Adventure with the Lord"

Rev. Philip Le

Rev. Phillip Le was born amidst the violence, poverty and suffering of the Vietnam War. His father died when he was one - leaving behind him, his mother and five siblings. These devastating hardships led Le to reflect on the meaning of life from a very young age. He found the answer in the Gospels, and from there he set on the path to priesthood.

Because of communist rule, Fr. Philip had to do his priestly studies underground. The government refused his ordination, so he fled the country in 1989 - a risk that nearly cost him his life. Fr. Philip is certain God protected him from being caught and executed.

In 1990 he came to Canada as a refugee. He continued his vocation at the Christ the King Seminary in Mission, BC. Le initially struggled with English, but as a missionary priest reminded him: “The war couldn’t kill you, the poverty couldn’t, the communists couldn’t ... So English, I assure you, cannot kill you either." In 1995, Father Philip Le was finally ordained. Today, he serves parishes in Claresholm, Nanton, and Champion. 

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Fr. George Madathikunnath
Read more about Fr. George here: "Sharing on Priestly Ministry"

Rev. Dr. George Madathikunnath

Born into a devout family in the village of Katialpoovam in India, Rev. George Madathikunnath began discerning the priesthood as a child. His discernment grew stronger through the encouragement and prayerful presence of his parents, as well as the inspiring religious conviction of his grandfather.

He was ordained in 1995, and in 2001 did his doctorate in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. He then taught theology in India, where he always advised students of the need for a personal encounter and relationship with Jesus, as the true source of all love, peace and happiness.  "Every day He calls us to serve Him radically and completely in one way or another," Fr. George said. In 2018, he joined the Diocese of Calgary as pastor to the Malankara Catholic Rite Community.

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Fr. Benedicto Tugano IV
Read more about Fr. Tugano

Rev. Benedicto Tugano IV

Even when he was only a small boy, Rev. Benedicto Tugano IV's life was filled with devotion. He would pray the rosary daily while riding his bike. He played with friends by pretending he was a priest, distributing biscuits to them as if it was communion. That inclination to priesthood stayed with Fr. Benedicto as, many years later, he and his elder brother entered seminary. While his brother eventually left the seminary, Fr. Benedicto Tugano was ordained in 1995.

Fr. Benedicto had many anxieties in the leadup to his ordination, that he would not be faithful to his ministry. But the words of his spiritual director continue to strengthen his faith to this day: "Just be faithful each day and you will make it."

After serving six parishes in the Philippines, Fr. Benedicto came to Canada in 2009. Since August 2018, he has served the Holy Cross Church in Fort Macleod.

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Fr. Ho Bong Yi

Rev. Ho Bong Yi

"The son of man did not come to be served but to serve." (Mk 10, 45). This Gospel verse resonated with Rev. Ho Bong Yi throughout his discernment to the priesthood. The words continue to motivate him now.

Ordained in 1995 in South Korea, Fr. Ho Bong Yi came to Canada in 2016 after studying theology in Rome and at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. Along with his pastoral duties, Fr. Yi was a professor at the Catholic University of Daegu and the director of St. Peter Minor Seminary in South Korea. Yi has been pastor for St. Anne's Korean Parish in Calgary since 2016.

Fr. Yi has a strong devotion to the rosary, and he encourages all those discerning their vocation to pray continuously and serve others with charity and selflessness. In those two acts, we can discover God's will for our lives, said Fr. Yi.

Written by Kyle Greenham for Faithfully
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A chat with Fr. Tugano

10/6/2020

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Where are you from?
I was born in the Philippines and I have one brother and two sisters. I was the second oldest. Before coming to Canada, I served six parishes in the Philippines, with the last one being St. John the Baptist, where I served as pastor for 10 years. I came to Canada in November 2009.

Tell us about your vocation
Ever since I was a little boy, I was already attracted to the priesthood. I remember playing with my friends when I was a child, I would pretend that I was a priest, and with biscuits in my hand, I would “give them Communion”. My vocation was also inspired by my father’s priest friend, whom I admired. My older brother went to the seminary before me, and I followed him.  Although he did not follow through the priestly vocation, I did.

I remember feeling fearful before my ordination. I was afraid of not being faithful to my ministry, but a Jesuit priest who was a professor and spiritual director at the seminary told me, “Just be faithful each day and you will make it”.

What’s your favourite prayer?
My favourite prayer is the Rosary. Even as a child, I would pray it while riding my bike. Whenever I travel or wherever I go, I pray the Rosary.

How do we get closer to Jesus? 
Spend time praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Any advice for those discerning their vocation?
I am very happy in my vocation. Life is about being with Jesus. Being a priest has filled my life with happiness. 
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Fr. Benedicto Tugano IV
Fr. Benedicto was born in May 1967 in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines and was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1995 at Immaculate conception Cathedral by Most Rev. Manolo Delos Santos.  Father Tugano came to Canada the same year he was ordained where he was associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church, Calgary.  He served at St. Anthony’s Parish (2011-2013) and St. Albert the Great (2013-2015) as associate pastor. In August 2015, he became pastor of St. Peter’s in Milk River and St. Isidore Mission-Allerston. Father Tugano has been serving as pastor of Holy Cross Church in Fort Macleod since August 2018.

Interview conducted by Anne Marie Brown
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Sharing on Priestly Ministry

10/6/2020

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Please share about your family
I was born in a village called, Katilapoovam in Kerala State in India. My parents, Cheriyan & Eliamma and my elder sister Sara John (Jincy) and younger brother Philippose (Vinoy) and their family now live in Toronto, Ontario. My parents and grandparents were deeply religious. Their faith experience and especially my grandfather’s religious convictions were always inspirational guidance to my priesthood. My family always stood behind me with strong support and helping me with prayer and spiritual bond.

How did you discern your vocation to the priesthood?
I was born and brought up in a traditional Orthodox St. Thomas Christian family in India. From Childhood days and especially during my primary school days, I was liked and desired for a dedicated way of life. For this, I was supported by many holy lives and particularly the role model of my parents. My discernment to become a priest grew strong due to the encouragement coupled with the prayerful presence of my parents and grandparents. 

Any priestly ministry stories before you arrived in Canada?
I was ordained to priesthood on 18th April 1995. After the ordination, I worked in a few parishes and as editor of the diocesan publication. In 2001, I was sent for higher studies in Rome and did a licentiate and doctorate in theology from the Gregorian University. After my studies, I was appointed as Chancellor of the Diocese of Muvatupuzha. Besides being the Chancellor, I was asked to teach theology in St. Mary’s Malankara Theological Seminary, Trivandrum. Before coming to Calgary, I worked in Switzerland as pastor of three parishes in the Diocese of Basel. In 2018, I joined the Diocese of Calgary as pastor to the Malankara Catholic Rite Community in Calgary while also serving as associate pastor at St. Michael's Church. I thank Bishop William McGrattan for his care and support for the Malankara Catholic community. Presently I am serving at St. Bonaventure Church in Calgary.

Any spiritual message to share from your priestly ministry
In my 25 years of priestly life, I was always happy to be with people serving, sharing and caring for them. I also enjoyed my priestly ministry in administering the Holy Eucharist, the summit of Christian life, dispensing of divine mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation, and the celebration of other sacraments. Of course, the priesthood is a gift from God. Priest is another Christ. He represents Christ to the world. 

How do we become closer to Jesus?
When I was working in the Seminary, I was teaching two subjects of Theology, Christology and Mariology. While teaching the doctrinal teachings of the Church, I never failed to advise my students the need of personal encounter and relationship with Jesus. Yes, Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world. He is the true source of love, peace, and happiness. Following the teachings of Jesus Christ shows our love for Him and our desire to be close to Him. If we make an effort for an authentic sacramental life, we certainly experience him as well as feel his love. 

Any message for those discerning a vocation? 
We are all created in the image and likeness of God. We have our dignity as sons and daughters of God. Together with this dignity as Children of God, we are privileged to have divine call to different vocations. Discerning and embracing our vocation is paramount important. Every day He calls us to serve Him radically and completely in one way or another, which requires faithful and active obedience, unwavering commitment, and devotion from the one called.
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As I celebrate my 25th Ordination Anniversary, I thank God for his great providence and grace.
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Rev. Dr. George Madathikunnath

Written by Rev. Dr. George Madathikunnath
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An adventure with the Lord

10/6/2020

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​I was born and grew up in Vietnam during the war. My father died and left six children to the care of my mother when I was one year old. War and poverty made life very difficult for everyone. The suffering of people forced me to reflect on what life was all about. I found the answer in the Good News of Christ, and that made me pursue the priesthood. During my training, the war ended and the communists took over the country. My fellow seminarians and I did our best to finish the training, mostly underground. When I finished my studies, I thought I would be a priest and would serve the people in my country. At that time, the communist government had the final word for any priestly ordination. Every year with permission from my bishop, I sent a request to the government, but the authority kept saying “no” to my ordination without an explanation. Six years later, I planned to escape the country by boat.  

Someone at the coast arranged and prepared for the trip. It was in March 1989. It took me two days on a canoe along the rivers to reach the ocean. I got on a little boat no longer than 20 feet, with 14 other people. They left at midnight without any troubles. Just about eight o’clock in the morning, the government boats appeared from nowhere and the guards began to shoot at our boat. Our boat got hit, but the people were okay, as we would rather have died than to let ourselves fall into the hands of the guards. When the strong wind and big waves approached them, the guards feared for their lives so they stopped chasing them. I continued my journey and realized it was God who protected me and my companions. I crossed the ocean and landed in Malaysia on the seventh day.

I arrived at a refugee camp called Pulau Bidong. There were over 15,000 people in that camp.  Life was not ideal, but safe. It was a matter of time that I would be in a free country. A Canadian delegation came, and thought that I would be a good candidate for Canada. 

February 5, 1990 was the day I put my foot on the free land of Canada, and it was the first time I ever saw and touched snow. I continued to enjoy life and freedom around Toronto and Mississauga. For a while I forgot the reason why I escaped, but God didn’t forget me. My priest friend and the Bishop of Calgary invited me to return to training again. I left everything and took a bus to Calgary. The Bishop sent me to study in Christ the King Seminary in Mission, BC. After a year, I went back to Calgary with distress, as I could not speak the language. I planned to quit, but I met with a missionary priest who worked in Vietnam for 40 years until the communists kicked him out. This changed my life. The priest said, “The war couldn’t kill you, the poverty couldn’t, the communists couldn’t, the ocean couldn’t, and the refugee camp couldn’t, so English, I assure you, cannot kill you either. Be patient if God calls you, he will give you an ability to master the language.”

I then spent the next three years at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton and loved following the Lord. It took 26 years between my first day in a seminary and my priestly ordination (1969-1995). I felt like I was a slow learner! But for me, a priest is a man of joy, a man for others, and a man of prayer.  

Yes, dear people of God, have you ever had a thorough reflection on the life of a priest? If you do, or even if you do not, thank God for the priesthood and pray for your priests daily. With such actualities, with such a challenging future, the Eucharist is still a thanksgiving and a source of strength on a priestly journey. I cry out daily with fresh accents as the French priest Jean Baptiste Lacordaire did, “Yes, my God, yes indeed, what a life!”

Written by Fr. Philip Le
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Fr. Philip Le
Fr. Phililp was born in July 1956 in Hiep Hoa – Long An, Vietnam and came to Canada in_1990.  He was ordained to the priesthood on August 4, 1995 in  Calgary. His first assignment in Calgary was as assistant pastor at St. Mary’s Cathedral (1995-1997). He then moved on to St. Mary’s in Medicine Hat, which was later where he again served as assistant pastor (1997-1999).  Father Le also spent a year in Assumption Catholic Church in Hay River, Mackenzie-Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories (1999-2000). He was also pastor at St. Francis de Sales, in High River (2000 -_2010) and was the administrator of Holy Family in Medicine Hat (2010), where he also became the pastor (2011).  From 2011 to 2018, Fr. Le was at Holy Family, Medicine Hat. He currently serves the parishes of Christ the King, Claresholm, St. Cecilia’s Church, Nanton, and St. Mary’s Church, Champion as pastor.  
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You did not choose me, but I chose you

10/6/2020

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I am the youngest of 11 children. To become a priest is my childhood dream and my parents, Anunciacion and Rex, were instrumental in my vocation. I always accompanied my mother to church when I was young and memorized the novena to the Mother of Perpetual Help, one of the famous novena prayers to Mary in the Philippines. My vocation was nurtured through my active involvement in the parish especially the youth organization, an attitude I got from my father who was then a public servant in their community.  

I entered Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in the Philippines in 1986 and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts, Major in Philosophy & Minor in Religious Education, and at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology. I was ordained a priest on June 10, 1995 in my diocese (Diocese of Daet, Camarines Norte) by the Most Rev. Benjamin J. Almoneda, DD.  I also studied Liturgy at San Beda University and Human Development Psychology at De La Salle University both in Manila, Philippines. I assumed various ministries and parishes including Liturgy Director and Master of Ceremonies for 8 years, and my last assignment was as Rector and Pastor of the Parish and Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua, Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

After serving my home country for 21 years, I was called to serve the Diocese of Calgary in 2016 and was assigned by Most Rev. Frederick Henry, DD as Associate Pastor of St. Mary’s Cathedral for 3 years. I was appointed by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, DD as Associate Pastor of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church last August 1, 2019. 

Following the Lord is not easy but I rely on God’s mercy and love. During trials and difficulties, my spiritual director always said to me: “Don’t give up. His grace is enough for you and He will take care of you no matter what!” That’s why, I chose my priestly ordination motto as my guiding principle to serve God and His people: “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16).

When asked about how to become closer to God, my advice is this: one must have an open heart and mind, and let the grace of God lead you to where He wants you to go. To trust and surrender everything to the Lord is the best way to follow Him. For me, with God as my protector, Jesus Christ as my Master and Lord, Mary as my loving Mother, everything will be in place according to His will and plan.  

Written by Fr. Arjay Abanto
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Fr. Rowel Jose Abanto (Fr. Arjay)
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A chat with Fr. Daniel Stevenot

10/6/2020

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Tell us about your family
I was the youngest of three boys. I grew up in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. My father is Belgian, and my mother is French Canadian and Native - part Cree. In 1961, my family moved to Medicine Hat because there were no crops in Shaunavon. His family was members of St. Patrick’s Parish in Medicine Hat.  

How did you discern your vocation?
My mother was very spiritual and she prayed a lot. I would go to Mass with her and learned to pray, so she was a strong influence. In high school, my classmates and I started a youth group, which was quite a novel thing at the time, and we did lots of things, and we prayed together. In the early 70’s when there were a lot of changes in the Church, I began going to daily Mass and praying about my vocation. I told God that I didn’t want to be a priest but wanted to be married with 10 kids. I felt God saying to me, “You will have lots of children”. Also, there were several priests in the diocese that influenced me, like Fr. Krewski, Fr. John Petravicius, and Fr. Len Hagel. I had talked to Fr. Krewski several times about my vocation, and he expressed an interest “to just find out” if he did. Then one day Fr. Krewski told me that Bishop O’Byrne would be in town and wanted to see me. When Bishop O’Byrne asked me why I wanted to be a priest, I remember replying, “My friends are leaving the Church and losing their faith. I want to help people to realise how much God loves them and how they need Him in their lives”. So when I was about 19 years old, I went to the seminary in Waterloo with the Resurrection Fathers. I was supposed to go to the seminary in London but it was too late for registration, so I went to the seminary in Waterloo, which turned out to be a great blessing. 

What’s the best advice ever given to you?
Best advice given to me was to take my time and discern in my heart in my relationship with God what my calling truly is, and not to do it for anyone, or anything, but God alone. I told the Blessed Mother, “I don’t know if I can do this” and I didn’t feel worthy, but I felt Our Lady telling me that God would give me strength and He would lead me.

Share your favourite prayer
The prayer of St. Ignatius “Take Lord, receive…” and the prayer of St. Dominic Savio. 

How to get closer to Jesus? 
This is what I learned through life experience and through prayer. You need to spend time with God, find a quiet place that you can go to and spend time with Him. Sometimes you might question yourself saying “What am I doing here”, but you’ll be surprised when and how you will be touched by God. Just be aware of Him. I also encourage people to read the lives of the Saints, which I did in my youth, and they influenced my life. “They are real people and their love of God reflects who they are. You know it’s not fake”.

Any message for those discerning a vocation?
Have an open mind and heart to God. They may not be led to the priesthood, but all vocations are beautiful. ‘Make time for God, have God in your life, and be a good steward. All vocations are important!”

I can’t believe it’s been 41 years. I thank God for what I have and the people who have helped me along the way, as well as all the parishes, and even the ones that gave me headaches because they helped me to grow. It’s not always easy and there are ups and down in life, but I am happy for who I am, where I am at, and whatever good God has done through me.
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Fr. Daniel Stevenot
Father Daniel Stevenot was born in December of 1953 in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. He was ordained a priest on September 5, 1980 at St. Patrick’s Church in Medicine Hat by Bishop Paul O’Byrne. In the summer of 1979, Father Stevenot served as chaplain at the Foothills Hospital. After his ordination, he went to St. Basil’s Church in Lethbridge as Assistant Pastor (1980-1983). Subsequently, he went to St. Luke’s Parish and was again assistant pastor (1983-1986) whereupon he was transferred to Sacred Heart Church in Oyen (1986-1990) and was the pastor there for the next four years. In 1990, Father Stevenot became pastor of St. Michael’s Church in Bow Island where he stayed until 1995. The parish of St. Catherine’s in Picture Butte and St. Mary’s in Champion welcomed Father as pastor from 1995-1999. Following this appointment, he served as dean in Lethbridge (1997-1999) and then was appointed pastor of St. Anthony’s in Drumheller (1999-2006). Father Stevenot was then transferred to St. George’s Parish in Hanna (2003-2006). After taking a sabbatical year, Father Stevenot was appointed pastor of Holy Family in Medicine Hat (2006-2007). From there, he went to St. Bernard’s Church (June 2007) as pastor and remained there until August 1, 2015 when he went to St. Mary’s Parish, Banff where he is currently serving as pastor.

Interview conducted by Anne Marie Brown, Catholic Pastoral Centre
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Consecrated life is not dying, it's renewing

2/11/2020

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Have you ever met someone that made a distinct impression? I think most of us could answer “yes.” Maybe that person didn’t do or say very much, but in their very presence or being, they made an impact, small or large.

I first encountered a religious sister when I was in kindergarten. It was during Lent. Sister (the sands of time have eroded her name) was kind and gentle, listened intently to our five-year-old selves, and really seemed to know about Jesus.

Until that day, I had not yet understood that Jesus had eventually grown from the baby I knew in picture books to the man who would eventually die on the cross for all of us. I remember feeling surprised and a little afraid of this new revelation, but Sister’s gentle demeanour and peace about the whole thing made me think that this grown-up Jesus must be quite wonderful, and then I was very curious.

A quick online search tells me that Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul were nearing the end of their ministry in my hometown. Though I can’t recognize that sister from the photographs, I carry the memory of the day she illuminated Christ for me. I eventually forgot about her – in fact, this memory didn’t resurface until I sat down to write this story – but the imprint on my heart, the one about grown-up Jesus never left me.

It is thousands of small moments like that one that mark the lives of many of us who live in the Diocese of Calgary – churchgoing or not – and exactly why a day of prayer for Consecrated Life is something to celebrate. World Day for Consecrated Life was founded by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Men and women renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in parishes worldwide.

“The vocation of consecrated men and women have been for our Church from her earliest days a living witness to the truth of the fact God alone is enough and it is ultimately He to whom we must cling now in preparation for an eternity of adoring Him forever,” said Fr. Cristino Bouvette prior to the renewal of vows at the St. Francis Xavier chaplaincy’s Mass.
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Consecrated Life Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, Calgary - Photo: Fr. Mariusz Sztuk.
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Ascension of Our Lord School Grade 9 students retreat with Sr. Madeleine Gregg, fcJ at the FCJ Centre.
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Faithful Companions of Jesus Sisters enjoying their outing to Banff.
Spanning the front of St. Bernard’s church on the Feast of the Presentation, Calgary’s consecrated women, along with a few priests, echoed Anna and Simeon, whose words were shared in the gospel, in proclaiming God’s gifts and committing themselves to service of Him.

“I didn’t realize there were so many sisters in our diocese,” a friend said to me after we’d welcomed representatives from some of the 28 communities of consecrated men and women within the diocese. Neither had I, I admitted, scanning the mostly unfamiliar faces.

The answer to that may lie in the fact that many of them are continually at work with the poor, sick and marginalized, not on the doorsteps of suburban housewives. But if we made a little effort to venture downtown to the FCJ Centre, or west to Mount St. Francis in Cochrane we would find religious houses of peaceful retreat.

Walk into St. Mary’s High School and you might find Sr. Dianne Turner, Franciscan Sister of St. Elizabeth teaching a class. Throughout our city and surrounding communities there are men and women of varying charisms working and witnessing to the love of Christ.

Relatively new to Calgary, but friends with various parishes in our city are the Seeds of the Word Sisters, hailing from Brazil. Inspired by their community is Brittany Andreas, 19-year-old student at Mount Royal University.

After connecting with campus ministries, reigniting her faith and looking to the future, she thought “I need to be open to everything. I can’t force my own vocation.” She began visiting the Seeds of the Word sisters’ home with a few other students. Soon, half-hour visits turned to two-hour heart-to-hearts.

“Hearing the stories of how they came to consecrated life was really beautiful,” Andreas said,

“It was also inspiring to know that they didn’t have perfect backgrounds either, because we all have mistakes that we’ve made.”

I could relate, but was inspired by the courage that Andreas showed in considering the consecrated life. When I was the same age, I wanted to run away if a sister talked to me. Having few encounters with consecrated women in the flesh, my distorted view landed somewhere between my Dad’s stories of nuns reprimanding him in elementary school, the Sound of Music’s cloistered Carmelites and the singing nuns of Sister Act.  Like Andreas, it was when I had real-life encounters with consecrated men and women that I came to realize my fear was baseless.

In a conversation with Sr. Dianne Turner after Mass, I admitted to her that my impression of the consecrated vocation when I was younger and unmarried was that it meant being alone. I had many examples of Catholic wives and mothers to draw from, but not very many sisters.

“Really in the end we are not alone because the Lord is with us,” she replied,

“[We have] the angels, the saints, we are never alone. Even if we’re the only one left in our order, which will soon happen to me, but I don’t feel alone because the Lord is always with me.”

In my collective encounters with people like Sr. Dianne or the Seeds of the Words Community, I soon realized that consecrated life also means being a part of and serving a community, and that like in a marriage, that community becomes a family of love.

Sr. Dianne went on to say later in our conversation that what the young need is to pray and ask God what it is He wants. That is the very definition of discerning a vocation – listening for God’s voice. 

CCO missionary Chris Kokot, 24, like Andreas has been inspired by the sisters in Seeds of the Word community.

“I’m thinking about their sabbatical year after my commitment to CCO is finished,” he said.

Sharing about how he wants to pursue God’s call for him, he said, “I think the Church needs people who know Jesus in a personal way. Many people have barriers pop up for them when it comes to Church teaching, but people who truly know God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and live it out are what we need more of.”

Chris spends his days with CCO reaching out to students on our city’s post-secondary campuses, and getting to know them with the hope that they’ll come to know God.

“You can know about God, or you can really know Him. There’s a difference,” he said.

It is because of the similarities between charisms or gifts of CCO and the Seeds of the Word community that draws Kokot towards a possible time of discernment with them.

Young, real and welcoming were key words in the rest of my talk with Kokot and Andreas, who felt like they could relate to the young sisters who throw snowballs and watch the same sort of movies.

It is true that many of the religious we see in Canada are, as Sr. Dianne put it bluntly, “old.”

“But I can’t help that I’m old,” she said honestly, wishing that the young might see past the age of many of our consecrated and see the beauty in the life.

Her hope was to inspire women and men who might like to work in Canada, “there are so few sisters to start off with, and many young women, if they are called go online and find an order in the States.

“What we really need is the witness of religious life here.”

“There are so many wonderful orders,” she said of a few we discussed that are primarily in the United States, but we agreed that in our own nation, there is still good work to be done.

In that spirit, Sr. Dianne and the Assembly of Women Religious have a retreat planned on March 7 to encourage women age 16-35 to come and get their questions about religious life answered from sisters representing several communities.  

​It is with hope that we must look forward to a new generation of consecrated people, while we treasure the work and wisdom of the last.

Written by Jessica Cyr
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A welcome from Seeds of the Word Community

2/11/2020

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To be honest, when they first pitched the idea to me, I was already fairly certain that it wasn’t going to happen. “Would you ever consider travelling to Brazil, Father, to learn more about our community and experience our life?” Sister Mary Elisabeth asked me one day. Immediately turning them down proved not to be so easy, but I had my doubts about going. 
After additional time in prayer, discovering an utterly miraculous open block of time in my calendar precisely over the days the Sisters had invited me - with the bonus that my friend, Fr. Nathan Siray, former pastor and a friend of the Sisters was also invited - we decided to take the plunge! I could never have dreamed what God was already preparing for us down in Belém. 

I have sensed a growing need to better understand the unique charism of the Seeds of the Word Community considering their expanding presence in our diocese coupled with the growing interest of our young people in discerning with them. After less than five years in Calgary, there was already a young woman from the community of Vauxhall living in one of their communities and my trip down was going to afford me the opportunity to visit her and have some of my questions answered. 

Alissa Going was in Calgary to attend a day of prayer and discernment for women considering consecrated religious life in October 2014. In walked two sisters wearing their distinctive blue habits and white veils. Who were they? Alissa thought. Later, Sr. Mary Elisabeth would recount that they themselves didn’t know what they were doing at that retreat. Upon arriving in Calgary their only concern was tracking down a parish where they could attend weekday Mass and were delighted to be greeted by the familiar and smiling face of Sister Diane Turner, also surprised to meet young, habited sisters in her parish. Naturally, she invited them to attend the day of prayer with her several days later. For Alissa, that series of chance meetings would change her life.

After learning more about their community, she decided to take up their offer to travel down to one of their houses in Brazil to experience what they call the Sabbatical Year. I asked Alissa to tell me more about what the year entailed and with her warm smile that beamed peace and her eyes closed, clutching her bible and notebook she said, “It’s a time when anyone is invited to give a year of their lives to God and let themselves be transformed by His Word in the heart of the Seeds of the Word Community.” She compared it to going to a year in Bible School or at the St. Therese School for Mission in Bruno, SK. The rest is history. 
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For myself as our diocesan Director of Vocations, and for Fr. Nathan as Alissa’s former spiritual director, it’s hard to describe the joy we received having the opportunity, brief as it was, to witness Alissa’s life in the heart of the Seeds of the Word Community, but to also be welcomed into it ourselves. Pope Francis has often referred to God as a God of surprises. He surprised me with a trip to Brazil; He surprised Alissa with her vocation on a day of prayer; He has surprised the Seeds of the Word Community with the welcome they have received in the Diocese of Calgary. I can’t wait to see the surprises He has in store for us all through these Seeds! 

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Seeds of the Word Community in Calgary

Written by Fr. Cristino Bouvette
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My first year as a Deacon

2/11/2020

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PictureDeacon Dale Laing at St. Thomas More, Calgary
It’s been more than a year since I was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church, and what a year it has been! Guiding me during the four-year formation journey was a combination of prayer, effective mentoring, spiritual direction, self-reflection and practical experience.

An instrumental topic to me, and that of my spiritual director, has been the transformation of one’s ego. Every person he says, “whether they are aware of it or not, is engaged from the moment of birth in a titanic struggle to lead a life led by the spirit, or, a life led by the attractions of this world. He is fond of saying, “throughout our entire lives, but most especially a man in formation must grow increasingly aware of these two forces, each clamoring for our attention. One force leads to life, and the other to death”.

The battleground in this great seesaw for our soul is a person’s ego. It can serve as both sword and shield, our greatest ally, or, our greatest enemy. The successful path to life sees the pouring out, a little at a time from our old self (ego), then, filling the void with the love of Christ. Thus, guided by this new mixture of love, we gain greater strength to support our future actions and ministries.

All throughout my life, but especially during my diaconate formation, I came to fully realize the necessity of allowing this constant pouring out and re-filling, as a catalyst to mold myself anew.  Following that which promises life, I opened my heart wide to the workings of the Spirit and allowed my self-identity to shift toward the truth of Christ. Infused with a clearer sense of the necessity of living my life closer to God, I invited my wife and my family to join me in this new reality of love. 

My spiritual director says that formation for a new deacon never stops and once ordained, the deacon must continually be open, and vulnerable, to the revelations which Christ wishes to share with him. A new deacon must continually desire to hold his ego aloft, so that with Christ’s blessing, it may receive further refinement from the Holy Spirit. This willingness to constantly seek to have his ego molded by the Spirit of Christ, this change of heart, is at the very core of diaconal formation he says. Without it, no man can truly serve successfully in the capacity of deacon.
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This continuous transformation of one’s ego is key for us all. We must let go of doing things our own way, and supplant them with God’s way. One must pour out the old self (one’s former worldly attractions) to receive the new from God. Gradually, our willingness to seek Christ over that of the world is God’s goal for us.

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Written by Deacon Laing for Faithfully
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