Macabre but Miraculous

Evening Vespers for the Reception of St. Francis Xavier Relic at St. Albert the Great, Calgary. January 2018. Photo: Ryan Factura.

“I hope you aren’t offended by my saying this, Father, but this all just seems somewhat macabre!” 

“Not offended at all, David - it is a bit macabre! It’s a man’s 465-year-old incorrupt arm for heaven’s sake!” 
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So went part of a brief conversation I never thought I would have in a place I never thought I would have it. I was given less than 24 hours notice that David Gray would like to interview me on his CBC program, The Eyeopener, early one morning several days before the visit of the relic of St. Francis Xavier to our diocese in January. As Bishop McGrattan has already related in the letter he circulated at the beginning of March, the level of secular media engagement this tremendous event received was nothing short of inspirational. 

We were extremely privileged in Calgary to be one of the stops on this cross-country pilgrimage of the renowned relic. It was especially moving to see people come from every corner of our diocese - and beyond. Some walked from their cars parked more than a kilometre away for an opportunity to venerate and pray before the relic. The two days, though frantic and crowded, were days of grace. In having experienced this miraculous sign we encountered a tangible reminder of the tireless efforts of a missionary, symbolized by his arm which still hasn’t rested in the almost 500 years since St. Francis Xavier’s death. Literally, it still reaches into our lives to touch us and enflame our hearts for missionary discipleship. Stories of conversion, physical and emotional healing continue to pour in from around the country, and yes, from within our diocese. St. Francis was powerfully at work here for 36 hours!

This amazing opportunity was made possible by the contributions of many people, city by city, where the relic travelled as well as through the support of the Jesuits of Canada and the Jesuit Archbishop of Ottawa, Terrence Prendergast, SJ. It was the efforts of the organization, Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), however, which made all the difference. This movement of young adults devoted to full time missionary outreach on university campuses across the country is a bright light for the future of the Church. Their mission to proclaim the Gospel, clearly and simply, to one person at a time reveals their heart for the world and the Church. It was the impressive number of university students whom they brought together to make this pilgrimage happen in each city which gives testimony to the fruits of their labours. 

Earlier this year, in response to the request of the Holy Father, we undertook a survey of youth and young adults in advance of the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the topic of the Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment. Despite making every effort to provide a survey which was easily accessible and seeking the input of those who practice and don’t practice the Faith alike, it was the overwhelming response of those who actively live their Catholic Faith which really stood out. A significant portion of those who responded acknowledged that it is groups like CCO and experiences like the relic pilgrimage which strengthen and confirm them in their faith. In a world that frequently ostracizes and marginalizes people of faith, the response of young people to authentic experiences of the richness of our Church’s traditions gives lots of hope for a promising future when we, like the St. Francis Xaviers of our past and the CCO missionaries of our present, remain untiring in our fidelity to the Gospel and Christ’s Church. 

By Fr. Cristino Bouvette | Director of Vocations & Interim Director of the Office of Youth Ministry