 When we hear the word pilgrimage, many of us think of Rome, the Holy Land, or the Camino de Santiago. While these sacred destinations have drawn pilgrims for centuries, a pilgrimage isn't defined by the number of miles travelled. At its heart, a pilgrimage is an intentional journey toward God. This August, you don't have to board a plane to become a pilgrim. Marian Week in the Rockies invites you to slow down, step away from the pace of everyday life, encounter Christ amid the beauty of Canmore and Banff, and set out on a pilgrimage close to home. There is a difference between being a tourist and being a pilgrim. A tourist moves from place to place, looking for the next sight to see. A pilgrim travels with purpose, allowing each place, each encounter, and each moment to become an opportunity to meet God. The destination matters, but so does the journey. We know that not everyone can attend every Marian Week in the Rockies event, and that's perfectly okay. Whether you come for a single afternoon, spend an evening in prayer, or immerse yourself in the entire week, your pilgrimage is your own. There is no checklist to complete or schedule to keep. Simply come as you are and offer God the time you can. To accompany you on your journey, we've created the Marian Pilgrimage Passport. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it serves as both a practical guide and a keepsake. Inside, you'll find the Marian Week schedule, the designated pilgrimage sites, and space to collect stamps as you visit each location. More than a souvenir, the passport is an invitation to journey through Marian Week and the Jubilee Year of St. Francis with intention. Pause before the majesty of the mountains and let creation draw your heart to its Creator. Sit quietly in the Shrine Church and rest in God's presence. Pray the Rosary with Our Lady. Listen attentively to the daily talks. Be inspired by sacred music. Share the journey with your family and fellow pilgrims. Most of all, leave room for silence, because it is often there that God speaks most clearly. As you make your pilgrimage this Marian Week, consider bringing these questions into prayer:
May this Marian Week be more than a series of events. May it become a true pilgrimage, drawing you closer to Christ through the loving guidance and intercession of His Blessed Mother.
0 Comments
 One of the highlights of the second annual Marian Week in the Rockies is its series of daily talks, inviting pilgrims to deepen their understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the richness of the Catholic faith. Held daily from August 17–21 at 12:00 p.m., these presentations offer an opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow alongside fellow pilgrims in the beautiful setting of Banff and Canmore. Marian Week begins with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, August 15 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish in Banff, with Mass celebrated by Bishop William T. McGrattan. The week concludes with the celebration of the Feast of the Queenship of Mary on Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shrine Church of Our Lady in the Rockies in Canmore, also celebrated by Bishop McGrattan. Whether you're able to attend a single day or participate throughout the week, Marian Week's flexible format allows you to build your own pilgrimage experience. Alongside the daily talks, participants can also take part in the week's regular rhythm of morning Mass, the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the Shrine Church of Our Lady in the Rockies in Canmore, and evening Mass at St. Mary's Parish in Banff. This year's speakers will explore Mary from a variety of perspectives:
Each talk offers a unique perspective on Our Lady's role in salvation history and in the life of the Church. Whether you're discovering these themes for the first time or looking to deepen an existing devotion, the talks are an opportunity to encounter the faith in a meaningful way while making a pilgrimage through the Canadian Rockies.
 "There's nothing so horrible that we ever do that God can't take and make beautiful if you just trust and let go." At 22 years old, Catherine Hendry found herself unexpectedly pregnant, unmarried, and overwhelmed by fear. She didn’t know what to do, or how to face her parents, and wanted to get rid of her problem as quickly as possible. Motivated by this fear and believing there was no other way forward, she had booked an abortion. The night before the appointment, as she lay awake in bed, she noticed a poster of Jesus crucified hanging on the wall. Printed across it were the words, "I love you." She had once heard that no matter what situation a person finds themselves in, or how much of a mess they believe they have made of their life, Jesus wants to receive it and help them through it. Recalling this, and in her despair, Catherine called out to God. "'Lord, take this problem. What a mess I've made of my life. I was just at my wit's end in despair." The response came almost immediately. "As soon as I said, 'Lord, take this problem,' I felt the weight of the world come off my shoulders." Though she couldn't see what the future would hold, she found herself able to surrender it to God. "I don't know how You're going to do it, but I trust You." She later described the experience as though "this elephant just came off of me." In its place came a deep peace and the certainty that God would carry her through whatever lay ahead. Today, four decades later, Catherine looks back on that moment as the beginning of a life marked by God's faithfulness. "God has blessed every detail of my pregnancy, of my life's journey, of my daughter," she shared during her testimony at the 2026 Renewal Conference. She eventually married, watched her daughter grow, and experienced God's faithfulness throughout the years. Reflecting on that journey, one passage of Scripture continues to come to mind: Ephesians 3:20. "To Him who is able to give you more than you could ask for or imagine. Give Him the glory." For Catherine, the verse is more than a promise; it is a lived reality. "It's so true. You just got to trust and let go, and amazing things happen. But you really just got to trust Him." Story drawn from a video testimony shared at the 2026 Diocesan Renewal Conference at St. Michael’s, Calgary.
“I will never forget you.” This promise from Isaiah 49:15 is the theme for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Established by Pope Francis in 2021 and now carried forward by Pope Leo XIV, this Day calls the Church to honour grandparents and elders not with occasional gestures, but with lasting closeness, gratitude, and care. The Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life is asking all the faithful to place emphasis on closeness: reaching out directly to those who live alone, are staying in care homes, or have no visitors. It is an opportunity for everyone, especially the young, to spend time with grandparents, elderly family members, and above all, those who are completely isolated. Resources:
Simple ways to celebrate In your parish:
In your home:
Sources: Message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (15 June 2026); Pastoral Toolkit, Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
 During Lent, Catholics are called to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, not as isolated practices, but as a way of turning our hearts more fully toward Christ and toward those He places before us. For the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF), this year’s Lenten Appeal was a powerful expression of that call, supporting students in the KARA program. KARA is delivered inside the Calgary Catholic School District at St. Anne’s Academic Centre. The program, founded nearly 40 years ago by Catholic women, supports pregnant and parenting teens as they continue their education while caring for their children. These young women carry responsibilities far beyond what many students their age are asked to bear. They are students, mothers, caregivers, and young women of hope. Their perseverance deserves more than admiration. It deserves practical support, encouragement, and a community willing to walk beside them. Through the CCEF, our Catholic community is encouraged to bear witness to these young people’s courage and strength. The Calgary Catholic Education Foundation proudly champions the KARA program by building relationships, inviting community support, and helping secure resources that strengthen the students’ experience. This work matters because it allows the school to remain focused on what it does best: caring for and educating students. Fundraising should not be a burden on teachers, school staff, or students. CCEF’s role is to carry that work forward on behalf of Catholic education so that the school community can focus on formation, learning, dignity, and care. Through the generosity of donors and the beautiful partnership with Catholic Women’s League ministries in parishes across Calgary and the area, CCEF awarded four post-secondary bursaries of $1,500 each to KARA students. These bursaries will help support the recipients as they take the next step in their education and continue building a stronger future for themselves and their children. The support of several of the CWLs in the Calgary Diocese has been especially moving. Across many parishes, CWL members live out their ministry quietly, faithfully, and effectively, and their service is rooted in prayer, community, and action. In supporting KARA students, they offered a clear witness to the dignity of every young mother and every child. They responded in a very practical and deeply compassionate way by donating baby items most needed by the students and their children. Their generosity helped fully stock the KARA pantry for several months, easing the pressure of securing essential baby supplies and allowing students to keep their attention where it needed to be: on their children, their studies, and their future. Gift cards were also donated, enabling students to make choices for their own families with dignity. That matters. True charity does not simply provide help; it honours the person receiving it. It recognizes that young mothers know their children's needs and deserve the respect to respond to them directly. This is the Church at work.  It is easy to speak about being pro-life, pro-family, and pro-education. It is much more powerful to show it. The CWL ministries did exactly that. They helped turn compassion into concrete support. They reminded these young women that they are not alone, that their children are cherished, and that their education still matters. For the students who received bursaries, the impact reaches beyond immediate financial support. A post-secondary bursary says something important: you matter and we care. Our Catholic community believes in your ability to continue learning, growing, and providing for your family. CCEF is deeply grateful to every donor, parish ministry, and CWL member who contributed to this appeal, which reflects the heart of Catholic education. Your generosity has helped strengthen young families and affirm the God-given dignity of both mother and child. Submitted by Janet Lymer, CFRE, Executive Director, Calgary Catholic Education Foundation & Communications Director, Calgary CWL Diocesan. Photos courtesy of Janet Lymer.
 “I would drink every weekend,” Joseph recalled. “I would suffer and hide my pain in a joint and I would smoke weed. I would try to search for all this fake love in girls and hookup culture. And I would think that all these things were what I needed to make myself happy.” This was how 21-year-old Joseph Silvestro spent much of his teenage years. He spent years searching for happiness and comfort in the world's distractions, but it ultimately left him feeling empty. He recalls carrying a deep sense of loneliness that couldn’t be filled by worldly things, yet believing that the Church was reserved for people who had their lives together. Joseph believed he was too far gone for God. "I thought I was too broken for God's love," he said. "I thought the Church was a place where perfect people hung out, and I could never fit in there." He reached a point where he had convinced himself that God had forgotten him, and his heart grew hardened. Yet even when he could not bring himself to pray, someone else was praying for him. Joseph credits his sister for playing a pivotal role in his return to the faith. He likened her to St. Monica, who famously prayed for the conversion of her son St. Augustine. While Joseph did not recognize it at the time, God was quietly at work in his life through his sister, who was faithfully praying for him every day. Gradually, he began to find his way back to the Church. He started attending Mass again and encountered young Catholics whose faith challenged many of the assumptions he had carried. "I met young people who were truly flourishing in their faith," he said. "Young people who were beautiful, who didn't need all these worldly things that I had become so attached to." Surrounded by young adults who loved their faith and lived it joyfully, a different vision of life revealed itself to Joseph: one rooted not in the temporary pleasures that once consumed him, but in a relationship with God. "We have a God who is so madly in love with us," he reflected. "He just wants us to come back." That realization transformed his understanding of both God and himself. For years, Joseph had believed that his mistakes and failures made him unworthy of God's love. Through a renewed encounter with Christ, he discovered the opposite was true. "I learned that there's no such thing as being too broken for God's love," he said. "God's love is an everlasting love."
For Joseph, these passages reveal the heart of the Gospel: God never stops pursuing his children, no matter how far they may wander. And he hopes that his story will reiterate the truth that no one is beyond God’s reach.
"You're never too broken," he said. "Even if you think you are." Joseph encourages those who are struggling with their faith to take a small step toward God by coming back to Mass. And if even that seems too difficult, he encourages them to simply call out to God in prayer. "Ask the Lord to come back into your life," he said. "Ask Him to show His love to you." Joseph's journey is a reminder that God's mercy is not reserved for the perfect but offered freely to all who seek Him. Even in moments of doubt, loneliness, or distance from faith, the invitation remains the same: to take one small step toward the God who never stops calling his children home.
Living up in Banff is like living in a postcard. I have the tremendous privilege of being able to escape to somewhere beautiful at any moment. The options are endless - a jaunt over to Bow Falls, a bounce over to Twojack Lake… The opportunity to go and bask in the beauty of God’s creation is unparalleled. Most of my little explorations are impromptu in this way, with no deeper meaning. However, last Saturday, I thought I’d go and take a little mini-pilgrimage to somewhere at the fringes of our local church - the church of the Most Holy Trinity, at Bankhead, Alberta. Bankhead is one of hundreds of little towns that once dotted the country, and whose memory is now a faint watermark. Extremely few, if any, people are alive today who ever lived there, but it was once a sizeable coal mining town of almost a thousand souls, nestled on the eastern side of Cascade Mountain. Cascade contains sizeable deposits of anthracite coal, the highest quality available, and in an era when steam engines ruled the rails, a ready supply of high-quality coal was necessary to ensure that the Canadian Pacific Railway trains made their way up and over the Continental Divide. Founded in 1903, Bankhead was poised to become the centre of industry in the Bow Valley, with a population equal to that of its neighbours in Banff and Canmore. It was planned as a thoroughly modern town, with a municipal water and sewer system, electricity and streetlights; neither Banff nor Canmore could boast of such luxuries yet. Sure, Bankhead was a mine town, but it was going to be a model mine town, one that its residents could be proud of. Occupying pride of place in the town was the church of the Most Holy Trinity, built in 1908, an elegant edifice on a concrete foundation, complete with a rose window over the front door. The Bow Valley missions had no resident pastors of their own, but Fr. Anthony Zyla, OMI, would visit regularly for Masses, as much of Bankhead was Catholic, and those who were not often had the means to travel to the Protestant churches in Banff. To visit Bankhead today, one could not draw more different conclusions at first glance. The mine closed in 1922, and most of the town’s inhabitants moved away, their bright homes moved into Banff or beyond. The rhubarb that the Chinese slag pickers had planted in little market gardens to sell now grows wild among the slag heaps. The streetlights and tennis courts are long gone.  Photography: Solomon Ip
The birches and spruces grow tall now along the foundation - divinely assigned to delineate where the hallowed walls had been. What was once the sanctuary or sacristy is now overgrown, and the walls of the parish hall in the basement are marred with graffiti. And yet, one knows instinctively that this had once been a place of communion between God and His people. One senses a peace that surpasses human understanding, more so than in the mine ruins below. Holy Trinity meant something to the faithful who worshipped there, and it can be felt to this day. So, what does this mean for a Christian pilgrim of 2026, a century after the last Mass was held? For me, the key is in the church’s namesake itself. We give glory to God the Holy Trinity Who was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. God is infinite; we are not. As grand as the cathedrals of the world are, and as dear as our parish churches are to us, there will come a day when they are no more. Centuries or millennia from now, human society will have changed its trappings innumerable times over. The houses of God we have built will need replacing at best, or be abandoned to time at worst.
Written by Solomon Ip, St. Mary's Parish, Banff.
Hymn texts from “All My Hope on God Is Founded.” Author: Joachim Neander; Translator: Robert Bridges (1899).  The Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who run a day care for young children in Calgary, recently welcomed two visiting Sisters from their convent in the United States: Sr. Charbel Joseph, their Vocation Director, and Sr. Felicity, her companion. Sr. Charbel comes annually to Calgary for vocation promotion for her community and visits schools to meet with students to help them respond to God’s call in their own lives. This year, these two Sisters visited several schools in Calgary and Strathmore to speak about vocations and discernment. We were warmly welcomed by the staff and administration of the schools. Our only regret is that we could not visit all the Catholic high schools in our Diocese. Their presentations were engaging and personal, as they shared their own vocation stories and responded practically to questions from both students and teachers. A video by Fr. Mike Schmitz, “What’s My Vocation?,” was also helpful in explaining the various types of vocations in the Church.
Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Sr. Dianne.
When James first moved to Canada from Sri Lanka three and a half years ago, he had to adjust quickly to a new country, culture, and way of life. “Moving to a new country meant leaving behind familiarity, my home, my culture, and the life I once knew, and stepping into something completely new where I had to learn, adapt, and grow quickly,” he shared. Now a Grade 12 student at St. Mary’s High School, James serves as a mentor in the Sacraments Preparation program at St. Mary’s Cathedral. He also volunteers with youth, at the hospital, and at church as an altar server, experiences that have helped shape the person he is becoming. His faith journey, however, did not begin with certainty. “When I was younger, I didn’t know what faith really was, so I just went for the sake of going to church,” he said. Over time, through both hardship and service, his understanding of faith deepened. One of the most difficult moments in his life came when he was diagnosed with cancer. “It was a time filled with fear, uncertainty, and a lot of unanswered questions,” James shared. “There were moments when I didn’t understand why things were happening the way they were, and it tested me in ways I never expected.” The experience affected him physically, mentally, and emotionally. It also became a turning point in his relationship with God. “During that period, I began to see things differently,” he said. “I started to appreciate life more, and I became more aware of the people who were supporting me, my family, doctors, and community.” More importantly, James began to recognize God’s presence in his life in a deeper way. A verse that became especially meaningful to him was from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” “This became something I truly understood through experience, not just words,” he said. Looking back now, James can see how the Gifts of the Holy Spirit were already at work in his life, even before he fully understood them. “When I was going through cancer treatment and facing fear, uncertainty, and difficult days, I experienced the gift of fortitude, the strength to keep going even when I felt weak,” he said. He remembers moments when he wanted to give up emotionally and physically but somehow continued to find the courage to move forward one day at a time. “When my family and I moved from Sri Lanka to Canada, I experienced the gift of wisdom and understanding,” he said. “Adapting to a new country, culture, and way of life was not easy, and there were times when I felt lost or disconnected.” Through that experience, he learned to grow, listen, and become more understanding toward others who may also feel alone or different. Through volunteering with youth, helping in the community, serving at church, and spending time with people going through struggles of their own, James shared that he also began to understand the gift of counsel. “I learned how to support people, encourage them, and simply be present for them when they need someone,” he said. He has also learned that the Holy Spirit does not always work in dramatic ways. “Sometimes the gifts appear quietly, through patience during difficult times, through kindness when someone needs encouragement, or through the strength to continue even when life feels unfair.” For young people preparing for Confirmation, James hopes they understand that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are not simply ideas to memorize for a class. “They are gifts that can truly shape your life if you are open to them.”
His own experience has taught him that faith does not mean never struggling. It does not mean having every answer or pretending that everything is fine. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through my life is that when life becomes difficult, painful, or uncertain, it is very easy to question God and even question your own faith,” James said. He knows what it is like to ask difficult questions. “Why is this happening to me?” “Where is God in all of this?” “Will things ever get better?” “I’ve asked those questions too many times,” he said. But through those questions, James began to understand faith in a deeper way. “Faith is not truly tested during the easy moments of life,” he said. “Faith is tested during the moments when we feel lost, afraid, or overwhelmed.” Trusting God during those times, he admits, is not always easy. “I learned that trusting God does not mean having all the answers or pretending everything is okay,” he said. “Sometimes trust simply means choosing not to give up, even when life feels uncertain and difficult.” Through illness, immigration, service, and mentoring others, James has come to understand that faith grows with us. It can be tested in painful moments, strengthened through community, and expressed in quiet acts of love. “Looking back now, I realize that some of the hardest moments in my life became the moments that strengthened my faith the most.” For James, faith is still growing. And as he continues to serve, mentor, and walk with others, he trusts that God and the Holy Spirit will continue to guide him. “Faith is not about never struggling,” he said. “Faith is about continuing to trust, continuing to grow, and continuing to move forward, even during the moments when life feels hardest.” Submitted by St. Mary's Cathedral Sacrament Preparation team.
Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE, Office of Vocations  On April 25, the Diocese of Calgary hosted a Young Women’s Nun Run, inviting participants to step into the lived reality of Religious life across the city and into Airdrie. Many arrived with questions: What is life as a Sister really like? Are all communities the same? Where is God calling me? These and many other questions were answered on Saturday, April 25 during the Young Women’s Nun Run across Calgary and north to Airdrie. Seven convents in one day made for an ambitious and memorable pilgrimage, as 21 women and seven Sisters travelled together by bus from start to finish. No running shoes were needed. We began at the Providence Sisters’ convent in southeast Calgary. Convent chapels tend to be smaller than churches, but we managed to squeeze everyone in for Mass celebrated by Fr. Julian Studden. In his homily, he spoke about being open to what the Lord is calling us to be. After Mass, we filled the Sisters’ dining room for a substantial breakfast and heard from some of the young Sisters of Providence as they shared about their charism and mission.
 Providence Sisters’ dining room. Then, onto the bus. Tony, our driver, stayed with us the whole day and heard us praying the Rosary between each convent stop. Our second stop was the Daughters of Mary, Mother of the Church, where we were treated to an interesting talk about their missionary work and given snacks to take along on our journey. Happily, the three Sisters joined us for the rest of the pilgrimage, bringing our number of Sisters to seven.  At the convent for the Daughters of Mary Sisters (DM). Sr. Emelyn spoke to the young women.
 At the Precious Blood Monastery. This was the chapel where we prayed the Liturgy of the Hours.
After navigating the monastery’s challenging driveway, we arrived at the Dominican Sisters in northwest Calgary. The Sisters took us through their daycare for young children and then over to the parish church, where they shared about the central place of the Eucharist in the life of consecrated women. As one participant later shared, “I liked that I learned not just about the seven convents, but also what they do. The Dominicans run a daycare?!” It was our joy to welcome young women and sisters visiting Calgary religious communities today and to share about our Dominican charism and ministry! Let us keep them in our prayers and let us pray for vocations!" ~Dominican Sisters, Calgary
A short trip into Bowness brought us to the Adoration chapel of the Sisters of Divine Mercy. We were blessed with time to pray with the Sisters, including the Divine Mercy Chaplet and a period of quiet adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.  Sr. Katrina spoke to the young women at their Divine Mercy Chapel We then left the city of Calgary and made our way to the country home of the Seeds of the Word community. There, we were welcomed with more snacks and a dynamic talk on Lectio Divina. A special gift for each participant was a copy of their 2026 Lectio Divina Compendium.
We left the Seeds of the Word Sisters there and continued on to Airdrie, to the newly acquired convent of the Gilbertine Sisters. The Sisters, who belong to the Personal Ordinariate and are in the process of establishing their community, shared about their life and charism. Before we departed to return to the Providence Sisters’ convent, they graciously provided us with a delicious take-home pasta supper.
“I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) Christ’s words at the time of his Ascension serve as this year’s theme for National Family and Life Week 2026, which begins on Sunday, May 10, and concludes on Sunday, May 17. Families, parishes and parish groups, ecclesial movements and associations, as well as Catholic schools, are encouraged to take time this week to celebrate their own families, express gratitude, offer forgiveness, or share meaningful moments with loved ones across generations. This week is an opportunity to uphold the value of life and to live out our calling to love one another within our homes, communities, and the world. May Christ’s enduring presence bring us consolation, hope and renewal, as we journey with him in prayer and through the Sacraments, in the knowledge that we are never truly alone. God is with us always “to the end of the age.”  The vote on Bill C-218, the Right to Recover Act is approaching, expected in late May or early June, and your voice still matters. Bill C-218 would amend the Criminal Code to prevent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) from being offered to individuals whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness. If this bill does not pass, that door opens on March 17, 2027. As Catholics, we believe those suffering from mental illness deserve care, hope, and accompaniment - not death. This Monday, April 20, 2026, His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo sent letters to Prime Minister Mark Carney and to every Member of Parliament in the Archdiocese of Toronto, urging them to support Bill C-218. Cardinal Leo called on our elected leaders to choose investments in palliative care and mental health supports over the further expansion of assisted suicide in Canada. These letters have been made public and represent a significant moment of witness for the Church in Canada.
More than 5,000 Canadians have already emailed their MP through the Help Not Harm portal. Here in southern Alberta, hundreds of voices from our diocese have been part of that effort. But with the vote weeks away, now is the moment to act - or to encourage someone you know to do so. We invite you to learn more about this important issue and to lend your voice. Visiting HelpNotHarmCanada.ca takes less than three minutes. You can also read our earlier post on the campaign here. We are called to offer care, hope, and protection to those who are most vulnerable. Please act today.  St. Joseph is a quiet saint, to whom no words are attributed in the gospels, but whose actions resonate with tectonic effect. Since March is considered St. Joseph’s month, a worthy tribute to this universal saint would be to pray the Litany of St. Joseph. To help you do so, consider using a recently released book, Prince, Patron and Patriarch - The Litany of St. Joseph and the Dogma that Makes it Strong by Ian Mahood (2026 Sceptre Publishing). This small devotional is extensively researched and rigorously based in Scripture, papal documents and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Despite the weight sometimes associated with the word “dogma,” this book is neither complicated nor boring. Dogma simply refers to truths that the Church holds and proclaims, and it is a relief to know that every word is attested to by Church scholars, some of whom offer glowing testimonials on the book’s back cover. Ian Mahood was formerly a seminarian for the Diocese of Calgary. He now lives with his family in Edmonton. Born in Red Deer, he was raised Evangelical. Ian credits his parents with providing him a solid grounding in the Bible and “for teaching me to love God”. He commended their openness to other Christian traditions as well. In his late teens, Ian desired a more sacramental life and felt attracted to liturgy. He was baptized an Anglican in 2010 and converted to Catholicism in 2014. While articling as a law student in Calgary, he felt a call to explore the priesthood. So he applied to the Diocese of Calgary, was accepted into the seminarian formation years, and was sent to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton. It was there his thoughts first took shape as he prayed the Litany of St. Joseph each week. “I didn’t set out to publish a book,” Ian said, “I just wanted to write a devotional that would satisfy me.” His life would be changed by his time at the seminary, an experience he describes as “excellent, very good formation.” In time, however, he discerned that his vocation was to family life, and he is now married to Heidi, and they are expecting twins. Ian works full-time as a corporate-commercial litigator but still found time to write this book in three months, working for an hour early each morning. “I would think about the Litany throughout the day and focus on one of St. Joseph’s titles at a time,” he said, “It’s meant to be a devotional, a slower read.” Slow perhaps, but deep. The book is rich in spiritual insights, e.g., “Obedience is the best sacrifice because obedience is a sacrifice of the will.” Each mini-meditation is based on one line of the Litany and unpacks its meaning in plain language. I particularly enjoyed the way Ian brings Bible passages to life when retold in a novel-like or story-like manner. The meditations close with ways one can practice that quality in everyday life. Ian's years in seminary are evident in his liberal use of Latin - albeit followed by English translations - and the technical overtones. However, his sense of humour defuses any stuffiness, e.g., “We love chastity the way a fat man loves his weight-loss program.” Ian readily admits his book is “a bit dense,” but says it’s not intended as a scholarly work and will appeal to anyone seeking a more reasoned and doctrinally sound handbook.
Pray the Litany of St. JosephLord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us. God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. Renowned offspring of David, pray for us. Light of Patriarchs, pray for us. Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us. Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us. Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us. Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us. Head of the Holy Family, pray for us. Joseph most just, pray for us. Joseph most chaste, pray for us. Joseph most prudent, pray for us. Joseph most strong, pray for us. Joseph most obedient, pray for us. Joseph most faithful, pray for us. Mirror of patience, pray for us. Lover of poverty, pray for us. Model of artisans, pray for us. Glory of home life, pray for us. Guardian of virgins, pray for us. Pillar of families, pray for us. Solace of the wretched, pray for us. Hope of the sick, pray for us. Patron of the dying, pray for us. Terror of demons, pray for us. Protector of Holy Church, pray for us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus. He made him the lord of his household And prince over all his possessions. O God, in your ineffable providence, you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever. St Joseph, pray for us. Written by Alice Matisz for Faithfully.
 Every year, the Assembly of Women Religious and the Office of Vocations in the Diocese of Calgary invite young single women, age 16 or older, to join in a fun night of food, companionship, games, and prayer. In previous years, the Fun Night attendees were graciously welcomed by the Faithful Companions of Jesus Sisters at the FCJ Centre, but as the event has continued to grow, a larger venue was needed! This year, the Fun Night was hosted at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, where nearly 40 young ladies and Sisters enjoyed an evening of great food, group games, and conversation. The evening began with a prayerful welcome, followed by a delicious pizza supper, other nutritious foods, and a cookie extravaganza. (No really, there was no shortage of cookies!) The ladies in attendance got to converse with Sisters from seven communities here in Calgary: the Faithful Companions of Jesus Sisters, the Seeds of the Word, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, the Providence Sisters, the Dominican Sisters, the Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church, and the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth. The Fun Night gives young women the opportunity to connect with the Sisters to learn more about the vocation to the Consecrated life and who the Sisters are as real people. In turn, the Sisters are thrilled to make some new friends and to spend time with the other Sisters as well. It was very exciting to welcome a few new attendees this year, as this event was their first time meeting or interacting with any religious Sisters. Everyone jumped into the group games with enthusiasm and lots of laughter. We learned some interesting traits about everyone in the Fruit Salad Game, and we appreciated a variety of artistic talents during a very amusing and competitive bout of Pictionary. The games invited everyone to participate and get to know each other a little better. “People were very friendly, and there was an innate sense of community,” shared one attendee. “The Sisters were funny and welcoming, and it was so cool to meet Sisters from different backgrounds and paths!” At the end of the evening, each community of Sisters shared something about their community in a brief panel discussion, and the evening concluded with Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. All the women were provided with a list of the upcoming vocation events with the hopes that they will participate in future encounters with the Sisters - and we hope to see you there too! 
Written by Noëlle McCusker and Sr. Dianne Turner.
Last weekend, on October 18th, our choir, the St. Hildegard Singers, presented a concert centered on the Holy Rosary. We sang all the prayers of the Rosary: the Creed, Our Father, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, and the Salve Regina, along with ten different settings of the Hail Mary. It was such a beautiful opportunity for all of us to pray to Our Lady in a new way, and we even gave people the chance to have their Rosaries blessed by a relic of the True Cross. The initial idea for the concert came from our co-director, Nate DeMong. He suggested that we sing ten Hail Marys for the Feast of the Rosary, and we thought, why stop there? Every prayer has a musical version, so we decided to sing them all. The music was a mix of chant and classic choral works. Some we discovered along the way, such as The Prayer of Fatima by Laurence Rosania, which is a stunning example and quickly became one of our favourites. Others were pieces we already knew, like Victoria’s and Haydn’s Ave Maria settings. We spent many hours listening to choral music on Spotify and YouTube to find the right selections. One of the most memorable pieces was a women's-only version of Ave Maria by Canadian composer Eleanor Daley. The music in that one is so ethereal, it almost makes the air shimmer. We hope that those who attended the concert left having discovered a new way to pray through music. We also hope the pieces touched them more deeply than words alone could. For any non-Catholics who came, we pray that the experience may have sparked curiosity about the faith. Above all, our hope is that this concert helped people see that the Catholic tradition is rich and full of beauty, and that we can draw from it to bring greater depth and reverence to our liturgies. The St. Hildegard Singers (SHS) were founded alongside the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) in March 2019. The Chaplaincy’s mission has always been to equip young adults to become active disciples who will grow into leaders in their own communities and parishes. SHS not only teaches its twenty members how to be musical leaders but also strives to renew our liturgies through sacred music. If you missed the concert, you can watch the full performance on our YouTube channel. If you would like to support us and the work that we do, please consider donating here: https://www.catholicyyc.ca/donatetosfxc.html
Written by Maryna Szojka, founder and director of the St. Hildegard Singers at St Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.  St. Hildegard Singers at the Litany of St. Joseph's Concert, Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary. Walking with Carlo and Pier Giorgio: A Jubilee for the Youth at St. Thomas More Parish, Calgary10/12/2025  On Sat, Oct 11, St. Thomas More Parish in Calgary hosted a Jubilee for the Youth, a one-day retreat for ages 12–17 led by Fr. Jerry D’Souza, OCD and Fr. Alex Braganza, OCD. The day began with Mass, followed by breakfast prepared by the Knights of Columbus and women of the parish. In his opening remarks, Fr. Jerry invited the youth to live as people of hope, reminding them that we are called to walk with one another and carry those in need. Three talks followed, highlighting saints who inspire young people today. Martin Nguyen spoke about Saint Carlo Acutis and his love for the Eucharist, sharing his website on Eucharistic miracles. “Carlo Acutis was inspirational. He helped his parents have faith in God, which was amazing!” said one 16-year-old. Luis Cortez from St. Bonaventure Parish reflected on Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, encouraging everyone to strive for holiness and remember that we are all made for greatness in God’s image. Sr. Katrina Le from the Sisters of Divine Mercy spoke on the Jubilee Year of Hope, inviting the youth to make peace with others, especially within their families, and to keep the Eucharist at the centre of their lives. 
 After a quiet time of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, Fr. Alex led the Divine Mercy Chaplet with Sr. Katrina. In closing, he encouraged the youth to use technology for good and to stay grounded in their faith. “The retreat was really nice,” said Michael, 19. “I didn’t know about Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. It was really great to see how these two went through their efforts towards increasing their faith in Jesus.” Almost all participants expressed their desire for another retreat, with some signing up for the parish youth group before leaving. Rooted in the diocesan Pastoral Renewal, this Jubilee for the Youth aimed to help young people grow closer to Christ and find hope in living their faith together. Submitted by Rooben, St. Thomas More. Photos courtesy of St. Thomas More, Calgary.
 This fall, ten young women accepted the invitation from the Religious and Consecrated Sisters of the Diocese of Calgary to deepen their understanding of how to discern the Will of God in their lives. The day offered an opportunity to meet others on a similar journey and to encounter Sisters from various communities who have dedicated their lives to following Jesus and serving His Church. Each participant began by sharing a grace she had received, helping everyone get to know one another a little better. Newly ordained Fr. Peter An offered an engaging presentation on discernment, drawing from his own journey to the priesthood. His reflections resonated deeply: “I got so much direction from his presentation,” said one participant. Another shared, “It helped me know the importance of knowing who you are and of God’s calling.” Prayer was central throughout the day. We began the retreat with the morning Mass with the parish. During the time of Adoration, passages of Scripture were provided for reflection, so the participants were able to engage deeply with the Lord. One reflected, “A benefit I received was being close, very close to Jesus,” while another added, “I got the right Scripture to answer my question.”
Lunch and refreshment breaks, sponsored by the Assembly of Women Religious and a generous donor, were filled with conversation and informal questions over pizza and snacks. In the afternoon, the Sisters led sessions exploring the rich traditions of discernment and prayer within their spiritual families. They also shared about their own communities, emphasizing the importance of spiritual direction. Participants described the sessions as enlightening: “So helpful, really made me understand how to go about my discernment journey,” said one. “I enjoyed hearing about each Order’s methods of discernment,” shared another. The retreat concluded with the Liturgy of the Hours, prayed in choir with the Sisters. For many, it was their first experience of the Church’s official prayer. One participant called it “the most impactful part of the day,” while another shared, “There was a spark stirring and you gave it a space to grow.” It was a joy-filled day of prayer, learning, and encounter. Please keep these young women in your prayers as they continue to discern the Will of God for their lives, and pray for the Sisters of our Diocese and for more vocations to Religious and Consecrated life in service of our local Church. Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE. Photos courtesy of Sr. Mary Fernanda of the Providence Sisters.
 Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary. This weekend marked the beginning of the third year of our Diocesan Renewal… You are Called, You Matter, and You Belong. It also coincided with a Worship Conference for liturgical ministry coordinators entitled The Church at Worship, held at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s High School. Those who attended the two-day gathering participated in a solemn Evening Prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, three conferences delivered by Fr. Frank Scalia of the Archdiocese of Montreal, and several practical workshops, all designed to renew the heart of liturgical ministry. The Conference focused on deepening our understanding of the Church’s liturgical worship through prayer and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. General liturgical principles were introduced to guide our celebrations and to reflect on the various forms of liturgical leadership that serve the Body of Christ in our parishes.
On Friday evening, participants gathered at the Cathedral for a chanted Evening Prayer that began with the Service of Light, or lucernarium. In the silence of the darkened church, the assembly gathered in procession with the Easter Candle, as the proclamation of light was chanted, “The Light of Christ – Thanks be to God.” The sharing of the flame among the assembly became a powerful symbol of our faith in Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death. Fr. Scalia’s reflections were both rich and instructive. On Friday evening he offered a foundational vision of liturgical worship, emphasizing that the Church’s liturgy is a spiritual and sacramental encounter with the living Lord in His Paschal Mystery. He reminded participants that the rites and prayers of the Church, handed down through the generations, have become the language of our Faith, enabling us to know it, celebrate it, and live it. Lex orandi: the way we pray together informs, lex credendi: the way we understand and believe the Faith, and leads to lex vivendi: the way we live as baptized Christians and missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.  On Saturday, Fr. Scalia outlined the principles of liturgy that form the foundation of renewal, drawing upon the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. He emphasized that the Eucharist is the sacramental reality that makes present the one and same sacrifice of Christ offered for our salvation. To celebrate this sacred mystery with dignity, devotion, and adoration, several principles must guide us:
In his final conference, Fr. Scalia reflected on the meaning of liturgical leadership, drawing from several Gospel passages where Christ reveals the deeper truth of Christian leadership, a love expressed in service that seeks the good of others. He reminded participants that every liturgical role, whether visible or unseen, must always be exercised as a form of service for the good of God’s People gathered in worship. This spirit of service prepared participants for the Saturday afternoon workshops, which focused on the specific ministries that contribute to the beauty and reverence of our liturgical celebrations: altar servers, sacristans, lectors, choir members, hospitality ministers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, liturgical environment, and liturgical committees. These sessions were led by lay representatives, permanent deacons, and priests of our Diocese, fostering dialogue, learning, and collaboration… a true sign of the fruits of our ongoing Renewal. As we continue to implement parish pastoral plans and sustain our Diocesan Renewal, we must always return to the primacy of grace received through the Church’s liturgical life, in prayer, the Sacraments, and most especially in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the Christian life.
Photography: Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary
 On August 15, Brother Jieo Aleksander Tecson, SDB, from Calgary and four other men made their first religious profession as Salesians of Don Bosco during a celebration of the Eucharist at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Haverstraw, N.Y. The other four men are Brothers Carlos Cerda Gutierrez, SDB, Lorenzo Carlo D’Alessandro, SDB, Nicholas Kurt Jandernoa, SDB, and Christo Ruben Philistin, SDB. Father Dominic Tran, SDB, provincial, presided at the Mass and received their vows in the name of the Salesian rector major. The five had completed a year of novitiate at the Salesian house of formation in Richmond, Calif., under the guidance of Father Joseph Thinh Nguyen, master of novices. Bro. Jieo Aleksander Tecson, 24, is a native of Quezon City, Philippines. His parents are Gaudencio and Maria Cristina Tecson, and he has a twin sister, Anna Kristina, and a younger brother, Jed Angelo. They immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, and became involved in St. Patrick’s and Holy Spirit parishes there.
Thus Jieo became a candidate at Orange, N.J., in August 2022 and a prenovice at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J., in August 2023. During his prenovitiate year, he taught catechism at St. John Bosco Parish in Port Chester, N.J. “The best part of my novitiate year,” says Bro. Jieo, “was the spirit of brotherhood I experienced with my fellow novices, in moments both of praying and of playing.” He also found a lot of satisfaction in ministry to the students at Salesian College Prep, adjacent to the novitiate house. After professing as a seminarian, he will continue his religious and priestly formation in Orange, N.J., while studying philosophy at Seton Hall University. There “I hope to deepen my relationship with God, better assimilate the spirit of Don Bosco, and continue cultivating my skills for ministry among the young. With God’s help, I wish to become more and more conformed to Christ, especially in his obedience, poverty, and chastity, and to learn truly what it means to be a sign and bearer of his love for young people.” Further down the road, Bro. Jieo hopes that he might become a missionary in some foreign land. “Most of my favourite saints were missionaries (the Canadian Martyrs among them!),” he states. But his ultimate aspiration is to become a saint. The Eucharistic Celebration Forty priests concelebrated the profession Mass, assisted by numerous members of the Salesian Family, family members of the newly professed, students from Salesian schools, and other friends. The 470-seat chapel was about two-thirds full. Introducing the Mass of Our Lady’s Assumption, Father Dominic (in three languages) voiced thanks to God for calling us, thanks to our mother Mary, thanks to our brothers for their “yes” to God, and thanks to their parents—who were commended a couple more times during the rites. Fr. Dominic’s homily focused on God’s initiative. On our own, he said, we’d never be ready to do God’s work. The Virgin Mary shows us that he can do great things in us, which he illustrated through several of Mary’s virtues and applied them to religious life.  Brother Jieo's family Written by Fr. Michael Mendl, SDB
 On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary for the Installation of Bennett Chacko and André Boudreau to the Ministry of Lector. The celebration was an important step in their vocational journey and a sign of encouragement for the whole diocesan community. The ministry of Lector is the first of the instituted ministries that prepares men for Holy Orders. By this rite, the Church calls them to proclaim the Word of God during Mass, apart from the Gospel, and to help others grow in love for Scripture. It is not only about reading well in public but also about living the Word, allowing it to shape one’s life and witness. Following this step is the installation of a seminarian as an Acolyte, which entrusts them with service at the altar and preparing the Eucharist. After completing their studies and formation, they enter the Vocational Synthesis Phase in the Diocese, a period of pastoral immersion that prepares them for ordination as deacons. From there, they continue toward priesthood, supported by their bishop, priests, and the wider Church. We extend our congratulations to Bennett and André on their installation as Lectors. May their love for Scripture deepen, and may they continue to be strengthened by the prayers of the faithful as they advance toward service as deacons and priests in the Diocese of Calgary. 
 Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio.
 The first-ever Walking Pilgrimage of the Cross of Hope took place this week, as close to 30 adults made the 26 km journey on foot from Banff to Canmore. With backpacks, songs, prayers, and the Vatican flag, the group set out early in the morning after a 5 am wake-up call, prayer, and a special send-off blessing. The pilgrimage was the culmination of a weekend for young adults that began on Friday night with the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated by Bishop McGrattan at St. Mary’s Parish in Banff. Afterwards, the group “camped” at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, generously hosted by Fr. Daniel Stevenot, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish. The weekend included a mountain hike and Mass on Saturday, a community BBQ that evening, and on Sunday, parish Mass followed by brunch, a Marian concert, and Eucharistic Adoration.
 Witness on the trail The Legacy Trail was busy that day, with bikers and drivers catching sight of the pilgrims. Darren noted that most of the reactions were positive. “Even if they didn’t believe, they’d wonder: why are these guys doing this? It could be a testament to the faith for unbelievers.” At one point, an RV driver pulled over, excited to see the procession. Fr. Troy went up to greet him, adding to the day’s many unexpected encounters. 
A Jubilee celebration This walking pilgrimage is part of the larger “Mary, Mother of Hope: Jubilee Marian Week” being celebrated in Canmore from August 18–22, 2025. It’s a week of Masses, Confessions, Eucharistic Adoration, devotions, reflections, and free concerts, with pilgrims invited to come for a day, a weekend, or the whole week. At the heart of the celebration is the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences during this Jubilee Year of Hope, a time to experience God’s grace in a profound way. For many of the young adults, this first Banff-to-Canmore pilgrimage won’t be their last. When asked if they’d do it again, Darren and Shane both said yes without hesitation. The Cross of Hope journey was more than just a 26 km hike. This pilgrimage was a visible witness of faith, a chance to grow closer to Christ, and a reminder that hope truly does not disappoint. Photos courtesy of Jenn Pashula and St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.
 Hi, my name is Joseph Ma. I’m 23 years old and have been involved with the Chaplaincy since its beginning, serving in various roles and witnessing our community grow. This past year, I graduated from St. Mary’s University with a BA in Psychology. This pilgrimage was a graduation gift to myself. Of all the beautiful places we visited, my top three stops were:
One thing I want to carry forward from this pilgrimage is action. Throughout the journey we were constantly on the move, and action was essential to keep up and truly experience each site. As a student, my busy schedule often made it hard to engage in acts of corporal mercy, but now that I’m out of school, I want to dedicate real time to this. Every saint we encountered lived these works of mercy, and I know I need to as well. There were countless moments of renewal: seeing Eucharistic miracles, singing beautiful music in churches built for those pieces, walking where saints had walked, and witnessing the faith and surrender of others. One day in particular stands alone. I spent my birthday in the Vatican, exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, attending Mass, receiving a birthday blessing at the altars of St. Joseph and St. Thomas the Apostle, touring the Vatican Museums, having an actual Catholic guide, and seeing the Sistine Chapel. The whole day felt like a special birthday gift from God. That day not only renewed my heart but also deepened my identity as a beloved son of God. A lasting mark of this pilgrimage is the certainty that I have a Father who loves me so much that He would give me such a perfect day to share with those I love who were with me both physically and in spirit. Written by Joseph Ma for Faithfully. Joseph joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.
|
Author
Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
August 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed