It was always the Lord

We began our 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations  last week with so many blessings that we should be grateful for. Within that weekend, the responsorial psalm proclaims to us the greatness of God’s love for each one of us for our families and communities.

Our parish is so blessed that on Saturday, June 22, 2024, the daughter of Andrew and Karen Serafini, Sr. Eve Mary (formerly Mary Serafini), had her first vows as a Sister of Life at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern, New York, dedicated to protecting and enhancing the sacredness of human life. Both parents are actively involved in our ministries and organizations.

It was also the same weekend that Vicky Oliphant's daughter, Sister Aimee Marie (formerly Lindsay Oliphant), went home to join her mother, Vicky, to visit her grandmother in Nova Scotia, who has health issues. These two consecrated Sisters are powerful testaments of God blessing our families and communities as seedbeds of vocations for priesthood and consecrated life.

From the comments, sharing and experiences of our Adorers, they were telling me that spending an hour or two before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in continuous prayer was truly renewing and nurturing one’s spiritual life.
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It was not only moments of personal connection with the Lord, but of deepening one’s intimacy with Him in Adoration. Many, including Bishop McGrattan, had recommended holding it at least once a year in every parish.

I understand that organizing, preparing, and facilitating this great 40 hours devotion demands more time to plan a well-organized and orderly event. Thanks be to God; all hours were faithfully observed with Adorers present praying and offering their intentions not only for the increase of vocations but also for strengthening the pastoral priorities identified for every Parish Renewal Plan, namely for our Parish, Family and Youth and for our Volunteers.

On a more personal note, the benefits of 40 hours Adoration are not only for our parish but also for our Diocese and for the whole world. The parish on prayer is a Church on fire with the love for God, for others and for our community.
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“Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:38) It is indeed true that without prayer, all other initiatives to foster vocations are useless. And it is equally true that without prayer, all our plans and activities carrying this Synodal journey in the  spirit of renewal will be in vain. It is always the Lord, Dominus Est!

“Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:38) It is indeed true that without prayer, all other initiatives to foster vocations are useless. And it is equally true that without prayer, all our plans and activities carrying this Synodal journey in the  spirit of renewal will be in vain." ~Fr. Eli Canete

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Written by Fr. Eligio Canete, currently Pastor of St. James' Parish in Calgary. Fr. Eli has been appointed Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, Brooks, effective August 1, 2024.