Written by Mario Toneguzzi for Faithfully. Mario is a veteran writer living in Calgary with his wife Marlene and their three children. They attend St. Peter's and St. Stephen's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Calgary. 
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Photo credits: Jan Myhre and Sean Lynn

Today September 5th marks the 25th Anniversary of the death of Mother Theresa. Pope Francis canonized Saint Teresa of Calcutta on Sep. 4, 2016 during the Holy Year of Mercy. Her witness of the Gospel and the profound example of “sharing poverty” with the must vulnerable is the enduring legacy and attractiveness of her religious life which bears fruit today throughout the world in the continuing ministry of the Sisters of Charity.
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Her vocation was first lived as a young Loreto Sister. Teresa enjoyed teaching for fifteen years in Loreto sponsored schools in India. In 1946 while on a train, she experienced a strong “call within a call” to go from a religious life of teaching to one that served those who were poorest of the poor, to care for the destitute in Calcutta. This call came from her experience of families in society at the time who were treated and labelled as ‘untouchable’, these people were born, lived and died on the streets. These were the people for whom Sister Teresa felt called to share her life. 

In Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s story, there are two distinct but related calls in sharing the love of the poor: one is to care for the broken, to bind up wounds and to ensure their dignity in the final moments of their life. The other is to advocate and educate people about the systemic injustices of greed and power which divides and destroys the common fabric of human lives. Since the Second Vatican Council, more emphasis has been given to advocacy work, to critique the structures that leave so many on the peripheries and without the ability and right to participate in society.

This tiny woman reached out to the most destitute of people, often overlooked by society, government organizations throughout the world because they fall through the cracks or don’t fit their categories and classifications of those in need. Saint Teresa brought dignity to those who died in pain, in slums and on street corners, alone and unloved. She chose not to deal with the root causes of poverty, such as the abandonment of widows in segments of Indian society, yet she campaigned vigorously against abortion and contraception in one of the world's most overcrowded cities and countries.

Her extraordinary witness of charity, the upholding of the gift of human life at all stages, her loving and selfless service of the poor did touch the hearts of people throughout the entire world. Yet despite the testimony of all these good works following her beatification in 2003 and the publication of her personal diary and letters, many journalists and newscasters chose to report the sensational narrative of her spiritual struggles: "Mother Teresa's secret life: crisis and darkness," or "Calcutta's Saint was an atheist". Some commentators wrote: "She lost her faith and the Church rewards her for it." Those who prepared the documentation for her beatification cited such letters as proof of her exceptional faith and not the absence of it. Mother Teresa reveals deeply personal experiences when she once felt God's powerful presence and heard Jesus speak to her. Then God withdrew and Jesus seemed silent. She experienced in her spiritual life of faith the withdrawal of any emotional consolation from God. It left her to rely only on the divine virtues of faith, hope and charity, the virtues given to all Christians, not just the spiritual elite. In the end Mother Teresa shared her spiritual poverty, showing that she was one of us after all.

What is truly prophetic about Mother Teresa and her sisters is that when they speak of loving God and neighbor, and "sharing poverty", it defies the logic of many of our institutions and agencies that prefer political agendas and programs for the poor instead of deep, personal communion and a presence which respects the dignity of the person. The individuals and communities committed to this type of communion and accompaniment of the poor are dismissed as being irrelevant. Some have said that in Mother Teresa there was no prophetic witness of social justice in her teachings of her lifestyle. Yet she and her sisters moved into neighborhoods and befriended people and spoke only of 'sharing poverty’.  

For the last 29 years the diocese has provided outreach through Feed the Hungry to the vulnerable and poor within the inner-city neighbourhood of Calgary. During COVID this diocesan outreach continued by the offering to individuals and families warm meals in care packages distributed outside of the Cathedral hall. Now is the time to renew our “sharing poverty” in the spirit of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Consider this…

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Psalm 139:14
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Each one of us is wonderfully by God. We have different personalities and styles. So don’t be afraid to showcase your gifts and your talents while you discover the gifts and talents of others. And if you happen to stand out, use it for the glory of God!

Read "Fr. Rudi Badiola: Holy Perseverance"

Read "Fr. Kevin Lynch, OFM: Into the mystery"

Read: Fr. Henry Rosenbaum, SAC: The love of Christ urges us to action

Read "Fr. Raul Ranola celebrates 50th year anniversary"

“It’s a vacation for life.”

So many times, I have used this sentence in giving a vocation talk to students in school. It is a humourous statement but in fact, how true after 40 years of priesthood. Like a vacation, living one’s vocation is a journey meeting people where they are at and how they are living their lives and coming to know them. Like Jesus who went from village to village preaching the good news, but not putting down roots, so do priests in today’s world.

He also said the labourer deserves his wages. Those wages are the treasures of seeing God, at work in people lives, and to see the delight in them, as they find their God.  Read more

Read "Fr. Wayne Poile: It's a vacation for life"

Read "Fr. Krzysztof Sobanski, SDS: A Missionary's Journey"

Fr. Ian Gagne graduated from Lethbridge College in renewable resources management, and he was working in the forest of Clearwater County near Nordegg, when he heard a background voice in his head saying “I have something better for you. I had to learn to listen to God, to grown in relationship with God, to discern his will — but all of this takes place in relationship with God. 

When asked what was the best advice you've ever been given, Fr. Ian Gagne replied, “Be yourself and say what you mean in your homilies. Don’t just beat around the bush, get out there!” This was Fr. Bryan Frank — while I was a seminarian on pastoral summer placement at St. Mark’s in Calgary.  ​Read more

Read "Fr. Ian Gagne: Keeping Christ at the centre"

Read "Fr. Vincent Ha: I am among you as one who serves"

Read "Fr. Tewelde Paulos: A good shepherd"

Solomon is a born and raised Calgarian, who got letters after his name in Lethbridge, and is now studying as a seminarian in his propadeutic year at St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton. He usually worships with the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy community in Calgary on Sundays, and at either Canadian Martyrs or Corpus Christi parishes in the middle of the week (although he can be found just about anywhere...).  He is an oboist by training, a chorister by grace, hobby wordsmith, amateur calligrapher, and museum enthusiast.

How did you discern your vocation to the priesthood?  Did your family take any part in it?

Fr. Vincent: I was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, in 1967, during the Vietnam War (1945-1975).  I was the 11th of 13 children.  My parents were very devout Catholics and I was raised in the faith.  From a very early age, I had a strong desire to become a priest.  After the Communists overran South Vietnam at the end of the war (April 30, 1975), they suppressed all churches and it was a very difficult time for me and my family, both economically and spiritually.

At the age of 13, it was obvious to me that the only way for me to become a priest was to leave Vietnam.  On my third escape attempt, I found myself on a small, overcrowded fishing boat in the South China Sea as one of the “boat people”.  After many harrowing experiences in which God saved me from death, I finally arrived at a refugee camp in Indonesia. Several years later, Canada accepted me as a refugee and I landed in Calgary in 1985 at the age of 17. I finally had the freedom to follow my dream of becoming a priest.

I supported myself by working many part-time jobs, after school and on the weekends. I was able to attend St. Mary’s High School in Calgary, graduating in 1988. Following graduation, to discern God’s plan for me, I attended the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC. I again supported myself by working full- and part-time jobs in the summer months in Calgary. After four years in Mission, I earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. During this time, I received my Canadian citizenship.

Following this, I met and was sponsored by the late Bishop Paul O’Byrne to study theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton in preparation for the priesthood.  At the end of my third year in 1996, I was ordained a deacon by the late Bishop O’Byrne, and served as a deacon at Holy Family Parish in St. Albert on weekends while continuing my studies at the seminary. Following my graduation at the end of my fourth year, with a master’s degree in theology, Bishop O’Byrne ordained me by the laying on of hands to be a priest on June 6th, 1997.  As a priest, my motto was, and still is:  “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).

Any spiritual “nuggets” or pearls to share from your years in priesthood ministry?

Fr. Vincent: It is always challenging but it is rewarding. It is a journey. When you are on a highway you see many of these things called milestones. These markers sometimes show just another mile travelled, other times they inform you that you are nearing a location and others that tell you that you have arrived at a destination.

In life, milestones can be similar. I’ve been reflecting a good amount on this milestone of mine. It is 25 years since my ordination to the priesthood in Calgary in 1997 by Bishop O’Byrne. Some may think mostly about their body of work, their accomplishments. For me most of my reflection has been about others in my life over this time.

First and foremost, God has been so central in my life. Since I was a young boy, he has guided my spirit, my energy, my life path. Our Lord has showered me with abundant blessings and gifts. Some of those gifts took time for me to understand their value, or to appreciate them. But unequivocally there was no doubt that they were from God. His gift to me of becoming a priest is part of what we’re celebrating today.

I am thankful to my parents and family. Two of my sisters and my brother have travelled here to join me today. My family helped lay a foundation for me as a Catholic, as a curious and enterprising individual and as a diligent worker. I am very thankful for the abundant giving of themselves that helped me.

I have also been blessed by the Holy Spirit and how he has worked through so many of people of God. I have received the many, many works of charity, of love and understanding, of support and friendship from so many, and from so many other generous kind people that I have met and known over my faith and life journey. While some priests express their chosen vocation as a lonely one, I can say with certainty that has not been my journey.
           
There have been challenges during my time as a priest. Some of those challenges tested my spirit and faith in ways I thought I might not be able to overcome, but our Lord has taken care of me. There is a poem I believe you may have heard, and which I think expresses the grace and protection I’ve received from God and for which I am deeply thankful. That poem is about someone reflecting on their life which was characterized as a walk on a sandy beach and says in part:
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and challenges.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Fr. Vincent: Live your priesthood as it is your first day and last day of your life.

What’s your favourite prayer? 
Fr. Vincent: I have a few favorites prayers: Prayer of Abandonment by Thomas Merton; Ps. 51; Divine Mercy; Book of Sirach.

What’s your go to advice when people ask you, “Father, how do I become closer to Jesus?” 
Fr. Vincent: Study the Scriptures, celebrate and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. Also, have a genuine love and care for the well being of everyone.

Any advice for those discerning a vocation? 
Fr. Vincent: Through prayers ask God to reveal his plan for you and always be attentive and open to recognize and hear God’s plan.

Fr. Vincent Ha Tuan

Ordained: June 6, 1997 at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Paul O’Byrne

Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary

• ​Associate Pastor: St. Patrick’s, Medicine Hat (1997-1998)
• Associate Pastor: Sacred Heart, Calgary (1998-2000)
• Pastor: Sacred Heart Oyen, St. Mary’s, Acadia Valley (2000-2003)
• Pastor: Holy Trinity, Blairmore (2003-2004)
• Pastor: St. Mary’s, Brooks July 31 (2004-2007)
• Pastor: Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore/Banff, February 19 (2007-2008)
• Associate Pastor: Ascension R.C. Parish, Calgary (2009-2011)
• Administrator: St. Augustine, Taber, AB (2011-2012)
• Pastor: St. Augustine and St. Joseph’s, Taber, AB (2012-2016)
• Pastor: Canadian Martyrs, Calgary (2016-2020)
• Pastor: St. James, Okotoks (2020-present)

“If you don’t have a sense of mystery, you’re as good as dead. If that makes me religious, then I’m religious.” — Albert Einstein

Fr. Kevin Lynch, OFM, distinctly recalls the moment where he received his first experience of the Church, and his call to the priesthood. It was at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in McLennan, in northern Alberta, his family parish growing up.  He remembers a great, big building filled with light, and the priest coming down the aisle in procession. Young Fr. Kevin’s heart knew:  “I want to be one of those.”  This was his mystery, discovered at seven years old; where he felt called, where he felt he belonged.
          
The youngest of the three sons of Irish and Scottish immigrants, Fr. Kevin grew up on a farm 7 miles outside McLennan, AB, where “we had nothing, but we were happy”. Family life was stable, with a sense of belonging. At age 10, the family moved into town so that the children could receive an education from the Sisters of Providence, and for Grades 11 and 12, Fr. Kevin moved to Edmonton to study at St. Anthony’s College with the Franciscans. 

The mystery that penetrated his heart at 7 was still active, and so it made sense to follow up with the Franciscans in discernment. He had been stuck by the earthiness and groundedness of the friars, who entertained very little living in the abstract world. Fr. Kevin was sent first to Sherbrooke, Quebec, for his noviciate, and made his first vows at 20. He went on to Montreal for four more years of study in theology, before being ordained a deacon by Cardinal Léger, who emphasized the centrality of the mercy of God to the Franciscan way of life in his ordination homily. Much of his studies were quite routine, typical of the years before Vatican II, although learning French proved a good challenge. The seeds of Quebec’s Quiet Revolution were beginning to germinate, and the changes were visible. When Fr. Kevin first arrived in Quebec, he and his fellow novices were warmly driven around the city through the kindness of the people; by the time he left, there were nothing but suspicious stares and cold shoulders, leading Fr. Kevin to wonder why the Church leadership in Quebec had not noticed the disaffectedness of their flocks. At the end of his studies, Fr. Kevin was ordained priest in the church were he first felt the call, on June 16th, 1962, by Bishop Henri Routhier, OMI.

Fr. Kevin’s first assignment was teaching chemistry and physics at O’Leary High School in Edmonton. Changes were beginning to manifest themselves in clerical life at the time, not in the least with the Mass being celebrated in the vernacular, and concelebrations coming into practice. After a particular run-in with a parishioner’s somewhat anti-clerical family, Fr. Kevin began forgoing clerical collars. At one notable school dance in 1971, Fr. Kevin was dressed in a suit and tie. A student who was a known as a drug pusher at the school came up to him rather shocked, asking: “Where’s your collar?!  Someone has to stand for something around here…” Fr. Kevin noted the irony of the situation: he had to be placed upon a pedestal, but this student could do whatever he wanted.

A large portion of Fr. Kevin’s ministry was as director of religious education in Edmonton Catholic School District from 1973-1995. He was first sent on sabbatical to study religious education in the UK, and thereafter made a point to take time off every 5 years to allow for regular renewal. While he considers it to have been a rather routine administrative job, many changes were implemented in his time through consultation with the CCCB.  The “Come to the Father” program of catechesis was brought in, which shifted the focus away from traditional question-and-answer catechesis towards a more holistic understanding, and began renewal of religious education in Edmonton. As well, Edmonton Catholic schools began sending teachers to Newman Theological College at this time, forming in their religious education studies.
          
Fr. Kevin was also provincial minister from 1982-1992, and represented western Canada at general chapters, the international meetings of Franciscans, once in Assisi and once in San Diego. Part of the work involved travelling extensively to Europe, Asia and South America, and taking part in the theological discussions that were ongoing in these parts of the world, such as the growth of liberation theology in South America.

Fr. Kevin’s next assignment was to the retreat centre in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, where he worked to incorporate an ecumenical board of Lutherans, Anglicans and Roman Catholics to create an ecumenical retreat house, which ran in that configuration for about 10 years. Retreat work — giving talks and spiritual direction, and AA ministry (especially fifth step ministry) — has always been enjoyable for Fr. Kevin, and he continues this work now since arriving at Mount St. Francis in Cochrane in 2007.

Fr. Kevin has certainly seen many changes in his sixty years of priestly ministry. He has seen the shift in the understanding of faith from the intellectual assent so visible in his early days of seminary to being that of a personal relationship with Christ that is broadly seen and understood today. In encouraging others to grow in this relationship with Christ, he stresses the importance of setting time aside for prayer, be it five minutes or half an hour. This time must be set aside, to examine one’s conscience, to be grateful at the end of the day, or to simple just be, but at a certain time and place, taking the minutes, if not the hours to do so. As for specific prayers, Fr. Kevin has a particular fondness for what is commonly known as the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.  While shown not to be St. Francis’ actual words, it encapsulates much of his teaching well. 

For Fr. Kevin, the greatest vocation is that of baptism, the one from which we draw our dignity as the children of God; and yet, our quest to live out our baptism fully is never complete — we all need to become better Christians. As for advice for those specifically discerning religious life, Fr. Kevin’s advice is simple. One must continue to pray about the questions, and especially to pray for perseverance. A spiritual director is invaluable, as well as ensuring that it isn’t just a “head trip”, but that the seminarian or novice must be prepare to get their hands dirty. 
           
Overall, it’s been a “wholesome” journey for Fr. Kevin, from the first encounter wit the mystical in his home parish in McLennan, now through several placements, onwards through school administration until today’s work at Mount St. Francis. He has met all kinds of people, from beggars to governors, and despite their outward difference, Fr. Kevin has found similarities among all the people he has ministered to. He finds this to be a fascinating matter in ministry, that everyone is in need of love and respect, no matter their background. It seems that the initial mystery that drew Fr. Kevin in at a tender age keeps revealing itself still, well over sixty years on.

Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully

“It’s a vacation for life.”

So many times, I have used this sentence in giving a vocation talk to students in school. It is a humourous statement but in fact, how true after 40 years of priesthood. 

Like a vacation, living one’s vocation is a journey, meeting people where they are at and how they are living their lives and coming to know them. Like Jesus who went from village to village preaching the good news, but not putting down roots, so do priests in today’s world.

He also said the labourer deserves his wages. Those wages are the treasures of seeing God, at work in people lives, and to see the delight in them, as they find their God. 

Like Jesus, we walk along the road discussing the scriptures and opening our hearts, so that the words of Scriptures burn in our hearts and help us, the priests, and the people we are sharing with. There we discover that we and they are not alone when the world comes crashing down on us. We both see that our hearts experience Christ among us. 

I was born in Calgary and grew up just east of the downtown core. I grew up in the Calgary Catholic Schools attending St Anne’s in my early grades, and then off to St Mary’s Boys’ High School. By the time I graduated, St. Mary’s had become co-ed, but that did not stop God’s call. 

It seems that by being an altar boy and serving Mass, God opened a door for me to see the joy of living the Life of the Gospel. Serving Mass for the Precious Blood Sisters early in the morning helped me see religious sisters, who were joyful and happy in their vocation of a dedicated prayer life. Helping Fr. James Smith as a high school student, I saw the work of spiritual welcoming and care for people. Also, it opened my eyes to see that the labourers were few, and there was a great need in the church for good shepherds. 

So, off to the seminary, not knowing what was in store. The trials and the difficulties that I faced did not discourage me, but showed me more and more that God had a purpose for me. So, I persevered. 

What I learned on this journey… When people face difficulties in their lives, we need to ask this question: “Is this leading to God?” When facing problems and arguments, we have to stop and think, “Does this really matter?”

I cannot believe the blessing that God has given me in serving as a priest among the people of God in southern Alberta these past forty years. I have been truly blessed and grateful for the blessing God has given me on the journey.

I thank God for the people who have helped me along the way, all the parishes I served in, and even the ones that gave me problems and trials because they helped me to grow as a servant of the Lord. It is not always easy and there are ups and downs in life.
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God is Good.

Written by Fr. Wayne Poile for Faithfully

Fr. Wayne Poile
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​Ordained: May 28, 1982, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary by Bishop Paul O'Byrne

Pastoral Placements in the Diocese of Calgary:

• Assistant Pastor: St. Bonaventure (1982-1986)
• Assistant Pastor: St. Patrick’s, Medicine Hat; St. Mary’s, Redcliff (1986-1988)
• Pastor: Sacred Heart, Canmore; St. Bernard, Exshaw (1988-1990)
• Chaplain: Foothills Hospital (1990)
• Chaplain: General Hospital (1991-1992)
• Acting Pastor: St. Anne’s, Calgary (1993-1994)
• Pastor: St. Agnes, Carstairs; St. Francis Xavier, Crossfield (1994-1996)
• Pastor: St. James, Calgary (1996-1998)
• Pastor: St. Ambrose, Coaldale; Sacred Heart, Raymond (1998-2001)
• Pastor: St. Catherine’s, Picture Butte; Sacred Heart, Carmangay (1999-2001)
• Pastor: Corpus Christi, Calgary (2001-2005)
• Administrator: St. Anthony’s, Drumheller;
• St. George’s, Hanna (2005-2006)
• Sabbatical: Ecce Homo, Jerusalem, Israel (2006)
• Pastor: St. Mary’s, Beiseker & St. Rita’s, Rockyford (2006-2009)
• Pastor: Canadian Martyrs, Calgary (2009-2014)
• Pastor: St. Bernadette’s, Calgary (2014-present)

Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath

It is with great pleasure and honour that I share this reflection on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood for Father Tewelde Asghdom Paulos.

Father Paulos was born in Monoxieto Eritrea. The village of Monoxieto has enjoyed a long history of having many young men and women from the village responding to a call from God to serve the Church as priests and nuns. Among his relatives many have also have become priests and nuns and even some who were ordained as bishops. Raised primarily by his uncle, who was a true living example of a faith- filled man, Fr. Paulos recalls how one day, while in grade eight, his uncle had a visiting bishop and priest come to the house. He was so inspired to meet them and said to his uncle, “one day I want to become like them”. This desire grew in his soul and after completing high school he entered the major Seminary where through the years he discerned his calling to give his life to the Lord, as a Catholic priest. 

Although many came from the village of Monoxieto, his was the first priestly ordination celebrated in the village and by a family relative, Bishop Kidanemariam T.Haimanot on July 20, 1997. It was a great day for the entire village that will always remain a very treasured memory, not only for him but also for all the residents still living there. After ordination he was appointed as the Rector for the Minor Seminary and Administrator of the Seminary High School from 1998 - 2000 while at the same time serving as Dominical Vicar for a small parish. In the year 2000 he was appointed as Financial Administrator and Administrator for Temporal Goods of the Eparchy of Asmara until 2006. From there he was asked by his bishop, to continue his theological studies at the St. John Lateran College in Rome.

​After his studies in Rome in 2009, Fr. Paulos came to Canada, first to Toronto and then in 2012 he came to Calgary to be part of the Diocesan Priest Hospital Chaplaincy Team and Pastor for the Holy Trinity Geez Rite Catholic Community. Looking back on his twenty five years of his priestly life, Fr. Paulos recalls with great fondness and gratitude, the years he enjoyed the friendship, mentorship and tremendous faith-witness of Bishop Zekarias Yohannes, Rev. Fr. Teklemichael Tekeste and Cambonian Missionary Sister Margaret in Eritrea. 

Father Paulos continues to be enriched in is priestly ministry to the sick, the elderly and the dying of our diocese, as a hospital chaplain. His effectiveness as Pastor of the Holy Trinity Geez Rite Catholic Community became most evident on July 16th this year, when the community celebrated his 25th Anniversary on the Feast of The Holy Trinity. The whole church community and his parents and relatives from all over, gathered from early in the morning, starting with prayers and chanting, then celebrating the Holy Mass followed by a festive lunch and afternoon in the parish hall. Young people had T-shirts with the Holy Trinity on the front and Fr. Paulos 25th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination, on the back. Presentations, skits and songs and dance coloured the afternoon with festive joy and gratitude.

​This was truly a witness of how much Fr. Paulos has endeared himself into the hearts of his faithful parishioners, who’s faces with smiles and laughter lit up the hall. One could truly experience the authentic joy that radiated from all those who partook in the occasion. Most certainly, the twenty-five years of priesthood have formed and shaped Fr. Paulos into a "Good Shepherd" who is loved by his flock, both young and old.

​May the Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, continue to make Father Paulos more like Himself, through his ministry as both Health Care Chaplain and Pastor of his community here in Calgary. 

Fr. Tewelde Paulos

Ordained: July 20, 1997 by Bishop Kidane Teklehaimanot in Monoxieto, Eritrea

Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary

• ​Dominical Vicar to the Eritrean Gheez Rite Community and part-timemember of the Hospital Chaplaincy Team, Calgary (2012)
• Chaplain: Calgary Hospital Chaplaincy Team (2014 - present) & resident pastor at Canadian Martyrs, Calgary, 

How did you discern your vocation to the priesthood?
Fr. Ian Gagne: I graduated from Lethbridge College in renewable resources management, and I was working in the forest in Clearwater County near Nordegg, and I heard a background thing in my head saying “I have something better for you.  I had to learn to listen to God, to grown in relationship with God, to discern his will — but all of this takes place in relationship with God.

Any family stories? Were they involved in your discernment at all?
Fr. Ian Gagne:  I’m the first-born son of five generations of first-born sons!  I also have two younger sisters. I was born and raised in Calgary, and lived in Airdrie for junior high and high school. I had asked them:  “What would you do if I became a priest?” Their response was:  “Whatever you do is your role.” They were supportive — I knew I had their support if I needed it.

Any spiritual “nuggets” or pearls to share from your years in priesthood ministry?
Fr. Ian Gagne:  Be yourself, keep Christ at your centre, and love the people.  This has always been my life goal — I’ve always been Christ-centred. I’ve had God as my best friend, and I’ve stayed at His side.

What was the best advice you've ever been given, and who was it from? 
Fr. Ian Gagne:  “Be yourself and say what you mean in your homilies. Don’t just beat around the bush, get out there!” This was Fr. Bryan Frank — while I was a seminarian on pastoral summer placement at St. Mark’s in Calgary. 

What’s your favourite prayer?
Fr. Ian Gagne:  The Anima Christi. I pray it every Mass, after communion as I sit down.

What’s your go to advice when people ask you, “Father, how do I become closer to Jesus?”
Fr. Ian Gagne:  Pray, of course!  Value your relationship with Christ, and bring that relationship into prayer.

Any advice for those discerning a vocation?
Fr. Ian Gagne:  Be true to yourself, be centred in your relationship with Christ, and if you can’t find that centre, let Mary guide you — she is the morning star that leads us on our way.

Any other notable stories you want to share?
Fr. Ian Gagne:  Well, when I was in Hanna, the town was having its hundredth anniversary. I suggested that we should go to the graveyard and have some wine and a picnic, pray for the dead, and watch the fireworks!  I wasn’t expecting anyone would actually do it, but when I got there, a number of people were already there!  I’m not sure if it’s a kosher thing to do — but it happened!  I’ve enjoyed my 25 years — and I would do it all again!  It’s been a normal life — lived it out with God in His plan.

Fr. Ian Gagne
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​Ordained: January 10, 1997  at St. Mary's Cathedral in Calgary by Bishop Paul O’Byrne

Pastoral placements in the Diocese of Calgary:

• Associate Pastor: St. Luke’s, Calgary (1997-1999)
• Chaplain: Foothills Hospital (1997)
• Associate Pastor: St. Mary’s, Medicine Hat (1999)
  Pastor: Assumption Parish, Hay River, NWT (1999-2002)
• Pastor: St. Mary’s, Cluny, Holy Trinity, Siksika, and St. Columba, Bassano (2002-2007)
• Pastor: St. George’s, Hanna, Sacred Heart, Oyen, and St. Mary’s, Acadia Valley (2007-2016)
• Pastor: St. Ambrose, Coaldale, and St. Catherine’s, Picture Butte (2016-present)

This event was, and continues to be, a day for the community to come together and celebrate the richness in culture that this parish is blessed to have. It is a day to commemorate how the Lord made it possible for each member to be gathered and share in His creation of so many different cultures under one united roof, held together by our faith. We thank Him for allowing the community to re-ignite this event in our parish, and for the opportunity to continue walking in his path as one body embracing our Catholic faith.

As a young boy in Dortmund, Germany, Fr. Henry Rosenbaum had a fairly keen awareness of his vocational calling, understanding it as soon early as the age of 5. His kindergarten was run by nuns, and he was an altar server by the age of 8, all influences that would come together to encourage his vocation. He was raised close to family, with both his parents coming from large families. However, these were dark times in German history: being a practicing Catholic under the Nazi regime was difficult, especially with a last name which sounded vaguely Jewish. ​The war brought more challenges and sorrows: his parish church of St. Joseph’s was bombed five or six days after his first communion, and burned to the ground along with the Rosenbaum home.

In 1948, still feeling a call at the age of 13, Fr. Rosenbaum spoke to his parish priest about the matter, and was directed to the minor seminary of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers) at Rheinbach. His family was very supportive, and it was at this time that Fr. Rosenbaum’s musical career started. One day in schola rehearsal, the director was called away to say Mass in a small parish elsewhere for Sunday; Fr. Rosenbaum was thrown the books, and was told to conduct. Confidence in his musical abilities would come with time as he directed the choir more often, learned the violin (there were already too many pianists), and conducted the Byzantine Rite choir for one of the Pallotine Fathers who was ordained in the Byzantine Rite. Just before his matriculation, he was still unsure exactly if he was supposed to join the Pallottines. He met one of the priests who knew his family from when he was younger. The priest asked if he did anything to get to the Pallottine Fathers. Fr. Rosenbaum answered that he
was sent by the parish priest, and that he was told that joining the Pallottines would be the right thing to do. 

Ordained in 1962, Fr. Rosenbaum and another Pallottine Father arrived in Edmonton the next year. This companion later was recalled to Europe and became very helpful in the Pallotine generalate in Rome. Fr. Rosenbaum was to study and enter the teaching profession, first obtaining his BA from the University of Edmonton, and then beginning his B. Ed. in Edmonton before being transferred to Calgary. Upon graduation in 1967, he began his 15-year stint at St. Francis High School in Calgary, teaching Latin at first, and later English, German and History. Once Religion became an accredited course in schools, he switched to teaching Religion full time. He would be a supply priest for various parishes on Sundays, but found that teaching was a full-time ministry of its own!

During this time, Fr. Rosenbaum’s earlier musical training found a new flourishing as he directed the choirs at St. Boniface Parish and the German Club, and founded the German Canadian Male Chorus of Calgary. There were four men interested at the first meeting, and by the second meeting, eleven were present. The membership grew rapidly — at this point in time, it was very important to the people. In Germany at this time, every parish would have a choir to sing the Latin at the High Mass, but often people chose to go to Low Mass to sing German hymns. The German Canadian Male Chorus still rehearses regularly at St. Boniface Parish, and is still very active, although without Fr. Rosenbaum at the helm.

In 1982, the Pallottines reassigned Fr. Rosenbaum to Swan River, Manitoba, and its twelve mission parishes, where he would remain for seven years. Some of his work was among Indigenous Canadians, giving him insight into current events of today. After this, Fr. Rosenbaum returned to Calgary to re-establish the education department of the diocese, while also serving as assistant and pastor at St. Cecilia’s and St. Boniface Parishes in Calgary, as well as being State Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus for 2002 to 2014. 

As the oldest priest in the Diocese of Calgary still in active ministry, Fr. Rosenbaum remains devoted to the congregation at St. Boniface as it faces new challenges. Priests with full fluency in German are hard to come by in Calgary, and the congregation is certainly aging. 

When Pope Pius XII issued Exsul Familia in 1952, it envisioned parishes for minority linguistic groups in different lands being established for two generations; St. Boniface is now in its fourth generation. However, many of the parishioners still cling to the little church on Broadview Road, St. Boniface being their spiritual home. Certainly, Fr. Rosenbaum takes pride in the work he has
accomplished there, even in the building itself. The simple, striking stations and beautiful crucifix are from Oberammergau, and the War Memorial organ (dedicated to those who perished in war) was purchased for all of $5,000 from a Dutch organ company in Toronto (a real steal). Yet, there are questions of what is to happen to the parish in the hereafter, as St. Boniface may have to scale down its operations and be served by itinerant priests once or twice a month, like
many other linguistic groups. 

Throughout his priestly life, Fr. Rosenbaum’s life has been that of a true son of St. Vincent Pallotti, whose motto was “The love of Christ urges us to action”. Certainly, in his sixty years in active service as a priest, this has been evident, encouraging the lay faithful to greater apostleship through his work as a teacher, as a musical pioneer, in indigenous ministry, with the Knights of Columbus — the ways are countless. His advice to those discerning religious life is distinctly Pallottine: “Do you love other people? This is what God does — if we want to show our love to God and dedicate our lives to God, we have to show our love to people. Do you think in terms of service? Do you love to do service to other people?”

Indeed, this is what Fr. Rosenbaum has done for sixty full years, and truly, there is no doubt that the love of Christ will still urge him to action in his apostolate still to come. 

Fr. Raul Ranola was born on July 7th, 1948 in Libon, Albay, Philippines, and was ordained to the priesthood in the same city on January 8th, 1972. After serving as professor, pastor and chancellor in the Philippines, Fr. Raul arrived in Calgary in 1987, serving first as assistant pastor at St. Mark’s, Marlborough, Calgary until 1989, and then as pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption in Bowness, Calgary until 1991.  Following this, he was assigned as pastor at Holy Trinity, Siksika and St. Mary’s, Cluny from 1991 to 1995, and was dean of the Drumheller Deanery from 1994 to 1995, before returning to St. Mark’s in Calgary as its pastor from 1995 to 2003.  Fr. Raul again became a dean, this time of Lethbridge Deanery, when he was assigned to St. Basil’s, Lethbridge from 2003 to 2005.  His last assignment was at Corpus Christi, Thorncliffe, Calgary, from 2005 until his retirement in 2017.

Fr. Raul’s pastoral accomplishments were felt well beyond his parish.  When I was an exhibit interpreter at Heritage Park, one of my supervisors and I got into a discussion about my desired career path.  When I mentioned I was considering the priesthood, she mentioned that she had known of a parish that had been just transformed by the current pastor, who she said “just got the place rocking.”  While not a woman of any particular faith herself, she had gone there with friends who were having a difficult patch in their lives, and had been struck by the strength of the parish that the pastor had fostered, though she could not remember the name of the parish or pastor initially. Upon some recollection, she remembered that the parish was Corpus Christi (on 4th Street NW), and the pastor was Fr. Raul.

I had approached Fr. Raul about the possibility of interviewing him for his golden jubilee before Mass at Corpus Christi when he was covering in July. He replied: “There is no need. Everyone already knows it’s my 50th anniversary!” And indeed, it is so.  Thank you, Fr. Raul, for fifty dedicated years of service to God’s people. 

Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully

Fr. Raul Ranola

Ordained: January 8, 1972 in Libon,Albay, Philippines

Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary

• Assistant Pastor: St. Mark’s, Calgary, 1987-89
• Pastor: Our Lady of Assumption, Calgary, 1989-1991
• Pastor: Cluny and Siksika Reserve, 1991 - Aug. 1, 1995
• Dean, Drumheller Deanery Sept. 21, 1994
• Pastor: St. Mark’s, Calgary, 1995-2003
• Pastor: St. Basil’s, Lethbridge, 2003-2005
• Dean: Lethbridge Pastoral Zone, Aug. 1, 2003
• Pastor: Corpus Christi, Calgary, 2005 - 2012
• Sabbatical: February 2012 to May 2012

In the Catholic worldview, marriage is often held up as the example of vocational perseverance. As any long-married couple is able to testify, perseverance is key in marriage. It takes a lot of effort, prayer, and creativity to stay faithful to such a vocation, when internal and external factors begin to pull at the fabric of the marriage. However, marriage is not the only vocation that takes a daily mustering of courage and perseverance to remain true; the same is true of the complementary vocation of holy orders. As Fr. Rolando (Rudy) Badiola’s life demonstrates, the ordained priesthood can come with its own set of trials, requiring a man to persevere in faithfulness.

Fr. Rudy was born in Baao, Camarines Sur, in the Philippines, the second of twelve children. The Badiola house was located just on the other side of the local church, a fixture of daily life in their household. Being so close by, the priests would visit their house most often, and the seminarians who would stay in the rectory over the summer were role models to young Fr. Rudy. The vocation to the priesthood grew with Fr. Rudy as he grew, but when he broached the topic to his family, they were unsupportive, with his mother as the only exception. They felt there was no need for him to be a priest, and they were concerned that he would be assigned to the middle of nowhere, to “rot in the place with no chance of improvement”. 

When Fr. Rudy was ordained at the tender age of 23 for the Archdiocese of Caceres, he was technically underage. In addition to teaching Spanish at the high school, he was doing much of the work of running the parish, as the pastor was elderly and sickly. While in an assignment to a town in Camarines Norte, the province was split from the Archdiocese of Caceres, and made its own Diocese of Daet.

Without a pastoral charge, Fr. Rudy made his way to Manila, looking for somewhere that would take him in. He was recommended by a priest he knew to a parish in Manila, where the pastor took him in and treated him like an assistant pastor. Here he became beloved of his pastor for many reasons, one of which was his willingness to minister in the slums of Manila. Eventually, Cardinal Sin asked for priests who were willing to work abroad, and his pastor, the cardinal’s private secretary, recommended him for the work. The cardinal had to ask Fr. Rudy: “What have you done that your pastor has nothing but good things to say about you?”

Fr. Rudy spent the next couple of years in Iran, travelling around the country to visit the small community of Catholics there. When asked upon his departure from the Philippines if he would be afraid because it was a Muslim-majority country, he expressed no fear, rather that one simply had to stay on the right side of the law.

​However, the adjustment was intense; Fr. Rudy found Iranian food gamey and unpalatable, and Farsi difficult to master. Eventually, the government of Iran found out he was a priest, and he was sent back to the Philippines, but not before a trip to Rome, courtesy of the Bishop of Tehran who was a Vincentian, who arranged for his order to tour Fr. Rudy around. 

Back in Manila, an opening came up for a priest to go to Canada, and Cardinal Sin asked him if he would go to Vancouver. After a trying time in Vancouver, Fr. Rudy applied for a transfer to the Diocese of Calgary, where Bishop O’Byrne asked for his immediate arrival. He was assigned to St. Peter’s in Northwest Calgary first for four months, in the days when the parish was still in ATCO trailers.

Following this, Fr. Rudy was given his first pastorship in the Diocese, that of Sacred Heart Parish in Oyen. The assignment was a daunting one: the drive from Oyen to Calgary was comparable to the one from his hometown of Baao to Manila. It was to be a lesson in Canadian life.

​Fr. Rudy has many beloved memories of his time there, as he learned to visit his parishioners and share meals with them. He had no cooking skills, so this was partly out of necessity, as well as pastoral creativity. This was no small feat either — in these days, Oyen’s territory was vast with a small Catholic population, with smaller missions in Acadia Valley, Empress and Bindloss. Even today, some thirty years later, Fr. Rudy reflects upon how well the people of this far-flung parish treated him, as he met with them, visited them, broke bread with them, and even learned to ride on their combine harvesters. He learned to meet his parishioners in their happiness. In one moving incident, he visited an older lady living in the far northern part of his parish, near the boundary with the archdiocese of Edmonton. As he came up the stairs, she began to cry — he was the first priest who had ever come out to visit. All of this dedicated work paid off in spades, as he was able to pay off the debt on the parish church in 3 years and burn the mortgage. When Bishop O’Byrne asked how he managed it, the reply was simple: “All they needed was a priest they could trust.”

The next few pastoral charges were in the eastern part of the Diocese, in Strathmore, Drumheller and Medicine Hat, after which Fr. Rudy was made the diocesan advisor of the CWL and asked for a transfer to Calgary to be able to take up this new ministry more efficiently. This appointment came as a surprise to him, but he was reassured that it was in fact the CWL who had asked for him. This was a huge consolation in his ministry, being first diocesan advisor and then provincial advisor for 11 years. In this time, he travelled to every province in Canada, and made two trips up north to fish in Yellowknife at midnight, places that he never thought he would see. While it could be a gruelling task, Fr. Rudy views his time with the CWL as a tremendous blessing.

Nowadays, Fr. Rudy spends his time at the Providence Centre, having retired 14 years ago from his last post at Canadian Martyrs in Calgary; he turned 84 years old this month. He still spends at least two stints of 15 minutes each with the Blessed Sacrament daily, praying the breviary or simply in conversation with Jesus. Fr. Rudy stresses the importance of speaking personally to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, rather than simple recitation of rote prayers. Direct answers must not be expected, but sooner or later, in bringing one’s problems and questions to Jesus, the answer will come clear.

When asked for advice for young men and women who would also be discerning priesthood or religious life, Fr. Rudy offered what only sixty years of priestly ministry could offer. 

“I never doubted my vocation. I went on, despite the problems I encountered. Some superiors will not like you — I never paid attention to that. The important thing is that I did my job as a priest. Never worry about anything; build your relationships with people — don’t say anything, don’t demand — people will see your needs, and bless you in return. Follow your vocation — your vocation will give you the grace needed. If it is meant for you, then it will come.”

This is certainly visible in Fr. Rudy’s life. Any number of the trials of his life could have broken his vocation. However, each hardship only made his vocation stronger, a sixty year long vocation that we celebrate as a testament to faithful, trusting perseverance.

Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully

Fr. Rolando (Rudy) Badiola
​
​Ordained: April 7, 1962 at St. John Cathedral Naga City, Philippines by Archbishop Pedro Santos.

Pastoral Placements in the Diocese of Calgary:

• Assistant: St. Peter’s, Calgary (March 1980 - July 1980)
• Chaplain: Rockyview Hospital (1980)
• Administrator: Sacred Heart, Oyen (1980-1983)
  Administrator: Sacred Heart, Strathmore (1983-1987)
• Pastor: St. Anthony’s, Drumheller (1987-1991)
• Pastor: St. Patrick’s, Medicine Hat (1991-94)
• Pastor: St. Anne’s, Calgary (1994-1996)
• Pastor: St. Bernadette’s, Calgary (1996-2003)
• Pastor: Canadian Martyrs, Calgary (2003-2006)
• Retired: August 2006

Growing up, Fr. Krzysztof (Chris) Sobanski, SDS, had a keen attraction to the missionary life, especially in far-flung fields from his native Poland. What started out as a dream to work in Africa later led to a missionary life in Canada, where he is now the associate pastor at St. Albert the Great Parish in Prestwick, Calgary.

Fr. Chris was raised in a religiously observant family in Poland. His father had aspirations to become a priest, but was unable to enter seminary due to his financial circumstances. Fr. Cris and his sister are only a year apart, and she now lives in the UK, married with four children. Discernment began in high school, when a friend was invited to a retreat with the Salvatorian Fathers. A good portion of his reading at this time was about missionary work, particularly in Africa. After a basic retreat over the winter break, he was invited to two-week retreat that was much more focused on vocations. These were hybrid summer camps and retreats — they were held in touristic areas of Poland such as the Baltic coast, and had lots of opportunities for fun and games, but also had an emphasis on Mass and spiritual talks and spiritual works. Fr. Chris was quite taken, and entered the Salvatorian noviciate in 1975 after high school.  After completing the usual course of studies, he was ordained in Trzebinia, Poland on May 8th, 1982.

Having been drawn first by the missionary activities of the Salvatorians, Fr. Chris was dismayed to be on local assignments in Poland for the first few years of his ministry. He later found out that this was because his father went to his provincial superior every year and asked that he not be transferred abroad. However, in 1986, Fr. Chris was sent to Switzerland to study French, with the intention that he become a missionary in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Originally, it was thought that French would be the necessary language in the Congo, having been a Belgian colony, but it quickly became apparent that Swahili was necessary for daily function. Initially, Fr. Chris tried studying the literary form of Swahili using books from Tanzania, but quickly found out that Kingwana Swahili in his region of the Congo used very little Swahili grammar. He also began to learn Lunda, although he could read and pronounce some words, he never gained fluency.

However, it was certain aspects of the missionary life that caused Fr. Chris to re-evaluate his life in the Congo. Most strikingly, when one of the Salvatorians died, he was buried in a simple grave with nearly no marker, which was the complete opposite of the funeral tradition in Poland, where graves are well-marked and regularly visited. After realizing that this was likely to be his end as well, he applied for a transfer, and was asked to come to Canada.

In Canada, Fr. Chris was assigned first for two years as associate at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton, then for four years in Lacombe and Ponoka, and then for two years at Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin Parish in Edmonton. It was this last parish that proved to be the greatest challenge in Fr. Chris’ life as a missionary, requiring all of his skill in inculturation to bring the parish into line with regular liturgical practice.  Since then, he has been associate pastor at St. Patrick’s, Calgary, and now serves as associate pastor at St. Albert the Great, Calgary.

Despite all this, Fr. Chris insists his spiritual adventures are not those of great miraculousness. He has stayed rooted to the spiritual centre of his priestly life, the celebration of the Eucharist, the hearing of Confessions, and praying the breviary.  He prays his act of consecration to the Blessed Mother daily, a reminder that Mary has been chosen as the keeper of the priesthood. 

Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully
Photos courtesy of Fr. Chris

Sister Marjorie Perkins, FCJ on the occasion of her 70th Anniversary of Vows

Sr. Marjorie was born and raised in Calgary. She attended St. Mary’s Girls’ High School as a boarder at Sacred Heart Convent. After making her vows on August 15, 1952, she travelled to England for further studies and then was a student at the University of Toronto. A year at the University of Alberta led to a teaching position in Calgary at St. Mary’s Girls’. Over a number of years Sr. Marjorie taught and was also involved in administration. Some of her former students recall geography and religion lessons in particular.  Piano lessons were another of her gifts. She went to Gonzaga University for the year 1972-’73 where she gained an MA degree. Toronto was home for ten years and there she taught at Madonna and later at St. Mary’s High Schools.
​
A new adventure awaited Marjorie in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, from 1987-‘91. She loved the opportunities of visiting the people in their little homes in very poor locations, sitting on a little fruit box and enjoying a “mate” with the families.
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Her next mission was back in Calgary for several years as coordinator of the T.E.A.M. Program, Together Enabling Adults in Ministry, at the FCJ Christian ​Life Centre. Later she lived in St. Albert the Great Parish with two other FCJs. One way that she contributed to the parish was by offering Scripture courses.
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Now Sr. Marjorie finds her home and place of service in Swan Evergreen Village. She and her bird, Perla, thoroughly enjoy chatting with the people there.

Sister Patricia is celebrating 65 years of Vows

Sister Pat Halpin entered the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus on February 2, 1955. Following her vows in August 1957, she went to Toronto and became a student at the U of T. She did her teacher training at Sedgley Park College, Manchester, and then returned to Toronto to study for her Master of Arts. 

Sr. Pat taught high school in Edmonton from 1964 to 1980 and then served four years as Religious Education Consultant. She returned to teaching high school and also was engaged in rewriting the Religious Education program for Grade Nine in 1992-‘93. 2006 –’07 was spent in Toronto, London, England and Paris. This time was followed by Pat moving into volunteer work back in Edmonton. She served in palliative care in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, as a regular volunteer at L’Arche and as Communion minister at the University Hospital. 

​She was spiritual advisor for the CWL of St. Joseph’s College at the U of A from 2011 to 2014.  For health reasons, Sr. Pat moved to Calgary and is presently appreciating life at Providence Care Centre.   

Sister Mary Rose is celebrating 60 years of Vows.

Mary Rose was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and managed to live in the three prairie provinces as well as in BC by the time she was 8.  After making first vows in Calgary, she returned briefly to St. Mary’s Girls’ High School and was then missioned to Portsmouth, RI, where she taught grades 3 and 4 by day and studied Grade 12 through the Alberta Correspondence School Branch by night.

Six years of studying Science in University College Dublin followed; here her favorite science activities were helping other science students and, as a grad student, leading chemistry tutorials for undergrad engineering students.

After her return to Calgary, she did seven courses at the U of C to obtain a B.Ed. degree.  A school position was not available at the time, so she worked as a research/teaching assistant at the U of C in the Faculty of Education’s ‘Computers in Education’ section. The following year she spent teaching Math part-time at St. Mary’s Salesian School in Edmonton. This brief stint marked the end of her teaching career! For the next 45 plus years most of her ministry was in her community’s administration and leadership – as local and regional bursar, in local and provincial leadership and as the FCJ Society’s general secretary (in the UK). 

In 1977-78, she worked with other FCJs on a feasibility study before the renovation of the boarding school and the opening of the FCJ Christian Life Centre; she has been an active supporter ever since. During her years as Provincial she earned an M.A. in Christian Spiritualities from Loyola University, Chicago. In 1999, she developed the first FCJ Society website and maintained it until 2016. As well she has prepared many FCJ documents and books for publication, a ministry she still enjoys. Mary Rose rejoices in the Syrian friends and families who have become ‘her’ family and only wishes that we could help more of their families who are suffering greatly in Syria today.

Sister Donna Marie is celebrating 60 years of Vows.

​Donna Marie Katherine Perry was born in Edmonton, Alberta on November 26, 1941, and baptized by her uncle, Fr. Ernest Perry, on December 7, 1941. She has one older brother, Angus, and one younger sister, Margaret, both still living in Edmonton.

Her childhood was quite difficult; her mother was ill, and the three children spent about a year in an orphanage, which was not a good experience.  By the time Donna was three, the family moved to a smaller village, Wildwood, Alberta, where the rest of Donna Marie’s preschool years were happier. Her parents wanted the children in Catholic school, so the family moved to Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

At age 14, Donna Marie spent one year in Scotland at a school run by the Ursulines of Jesus in Edinburgh.  It was there she began to feel a call to religious life. She continued her high school education with the Faithful Companions of Jesus at a boarding school in Edmonton.  At age 17, in grade 11, the call to religious life became stronger and she began the process of applying to be a Sister. She was received and entered in February of 1960, receiving the habit on August 15, 1960. Her formation took place at Sacred Heart Convent in Calgary, Alberta. She made her first vows on August 15, 1962.

She was then sent for one year to the FCJ boarding school in Switzerland where she studied French and helped with the boarders, after which came a year in Poles Convent, Hertfordshire where she completed her high school equivalency. Following her year at Poles Sister Donna Marie was sent to Sedgley Park College, Salford, England where she trained as an elementary school teacher, Major in Art and Design and minoring in French and Music.

Following three years at Sedgley, Sister Donna Marie taught for one year in St. George’s Preschool in Broadstairs, Kent. At the end of that school year Sister Donna Marie made her final vows and returned to Sacred Heart Convent, Calgary.

In Calgary, the Catholic School Board asked Sister Donna Marie to develop and teach a religious education program suitable for children with disabilities. She trained high school students to assist in this program. At this time she was asked by the bishop to find a way to attend to the needs of the deaf community. She learned American Sign Language and was joined by Fr. Bill Trienekens who said Mass in sign language. In a Faith and Sharing Retreat group two parents asked if something could be done for their adult sons who were institutionalized in Red Deer. Along with Pat and Jo Lenon and their family, Sr. Donna Marie began the Calgary L’Arche Community.

In 1981, she was missioned to an inner city FCJ community in Toronto, to be a presence to the people there.  Sr. Donna Marie worked as a parish counsellor in St. Paul’s Parish, helping people in a variety of ways, from low-cost day care to parenting classes. In 1982, she spent three months in India in a Jesuit program for spirituality and counselling. When she returned to Toronto, she pursued further training in counselling. She also studied voice at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and sang with the Orpheus Choir for five years.

In 1986, she went on her Tertianship in Broadstairs, Kent. When the group went to Rome, they were privileged to attend the Mass in the St. Ignatius Chapel at which the FCJ Constitutions were approved. In 1987, Sr. Donna Marie returned to Toronto. At the invitation of Fr. Hank Nunn, SJ, Director of the Therapeutic Community for people with schizophrenia in Bangalore, India, Donna Marie returned to India for 8 years. By this time, she was fully qualified as a transactional analyst.

In 1996, she returned to Canada, to Edmonton, where she worked part-time at the Redemptorist Centre for Growth as a counsellor. At the same time, she did Clinical Pastoral Education and Pastoral Counselling Education at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. After three years, she was invited by Fr. Bill Trienekens, a Diocesan Priest of Calgary, to do part-time pastoral counselling at St. Luke’s Parish. She became a registered social worker through the Alberta College of Social Workers. That led to work on her Master’s in Psychotherapy through Middlesex University, London, England. She also sang in the choir at St. Luke’s. At the same time, Donna Marie opened a private practice and began to train others in transactional analysis. This was the beginning of Insight Counselling and Therapy Centre, which offers free and low-cost mental health services to under-served people.
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In 2011 the International Transactional Analysis Association awarded Sister Donna Marie with the Hedges-Capers Humanitarian Award for her work with vulnerable people and disadvantaged people. About this time she became a counsellor for Project Rachel.
In 2013, Yorkville University sent the first student to do a practicum with Sr. Donna Marie. As more students came from various universities, Insight was able to partner with  resource centers around Calgary and High River. The program has shown steady growth in the face of ever-increasing mental health needs. Sr. Donna Marie sang with the Festival Chorus during those years.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has produced a complete archives of video footage and speeches delivered by the Holy Father during his historic visit to Canada, July 24-29. The archives can be accessed on the CCCB website.

Written by Olivia Liboiron for Faithfully. Olivia is a committed Catholic educator, wife and mother of two precious children.  She has been in the community of Brooks since 2007.  She currently teaches at Christ the King Academy, Brooks’ Catholic middle school. Olivia’s passion for Catholic education makes her an ideal advocate; her strong and obvious faith allows her to witness to each student, colleague and parent she encounters.

Written by Sara Francis for Faithfully. Sara is a writer living in Calgary with her husband Ben and their six children. They attend St. Bernard's / Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. 

​All photos are used with permission. 

Share your visit with us and get a gift!
This World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2022, we invite parishioners and families to participate in the following activity: Make plans to visit grandparents and/or elderly individuals in your family, neighbourhood, or parish community on Sunday, July 24, the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. Consider taking with you some pastry, coffee, and/or flowers, and/or a handmade card with your child(ren). Ultimately, it’s about the gift of time and presence.

• Share a picture from your visit and receive a gift that you can give back! Submit your photo (with caption) by emailing it to communications@calgarydiocese.ca or use this Diocesan form, and receive a beautiful gift for your grandparent(s) or the elderly you visit! 
• Curious about the gift? Sacred Artist Debbie Thompson Wilson (Sacred Arts Guild of Alberta member, and professional Illuminator) will be creating a beautiful illuminated print of Sts. Anne & St. Joachim  for this special occasion. Limited number of prints will be given to those sharing photos from their visit on the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. 

As we prepare to welcome Pope Francis to Canada, we invite Catholics from across the country to participate in this historic journey in a number of different ways.

• In addition to television coverage of papal events, visit www.papalvisit.ca to access more than 10 livestream links of coverage featuring interpretation in many languages (including Indigenous languages), as well as livestream links from Vatican TV including commentary.
• Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation has a dedicated site for information and broadcast details for the papal visit -  https://slmedia.org/popeincanada 
• Novalis has also produced a digital resource that includes texts for all the liturgies presided by Pope Francis, prayers as well as reflections on the significance of the Papal Visit. To download the resource, visit: livingwithchrist.ca 
  

We invite you to pray for the Holy Father and all those involved in this historic journey of healing, reconciliation and hope.

In April 2022 I had the privilege of accompanying the Indigenous Delegation to Rome to meet the Holy Father. It was historic in many ways but it was also a step of preparation for his visit to Canada. In his meeting with the survivors he made the commitment to “visit their ancestral lands, where their families live” and to accompany them on this journey of healing and reconciliation.

The Papal Visit takes place next week, and has been described as a “penitential pilgrimage” by the Holy Father. Early in June the Vatican confirmed that the Holy Father would visit three hubs in Canada: Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit. Given the Holy Father’s advanced age, limited time frame for the visit and the size of Canada, the host communities will minimize travel for the Pope and allow for events to take place in close proximity to these cities.
 
Edmonton is home to the second largest number of Indigenous people living in urban Canadian centres. It is near Lac Ste Anne, a place of annual pilgrimage for thousands of Indigenous peoples from across Western and Northern Canada. The Holy Father will visit the site of a former residential school, an inner-city Indigenous parish, celebrate an outdoor Mass at Commonwealth Stadium and on the Feast of St. Anne be with the pilgrims who make this annual pilgrimage to Lac Ste Anne.
 
In travelling to Quebec City, he will meet with the Indigenous peoples from Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. This region is also home to the Shrine of Ste. Anne-de-Beaupre which is one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites in North America which annually draws people from throughout Canada and around the world.
 
The final stop for the Holy Father will be in Iqaluit which is the capital of Nunavut and home to 3,900 Inuit People. During the private encounter in Rome the Inuit Delegates invited Pope Francis to visit this northern part of our country and he expressed his openness that this meeting would take place.  
 
In the planning of this Visit we have been committed to ensuring Indigenous participation from across the country on programming and other key elements of the visit. Fr. Cristino Bouvette, a Calgary priest has also been asked to assist in the planning of the liturgies. His own Indigenous background and knowledge of working with these communities has been invaluable. There are also a great number of volunteers from our diocese who are committed to making this visit to Alberta a meaningful and faith filled experience for Catholics.  
 
This visit will be a new chapter of healing, hope and reconciliation that we pray will be a watershed moment for Indigenous peoples of this land and the Church’s relationship in our journey together.
 
It is important that we each commit to holding this papal visit in our prayers and to undertaking the reparations with Indigenous Peoples we are each able to accomplish in our own lives. For some, this may mean learning more about or participating in the Indigenous cultural or spiritual celebrations. For others, learning about the history and making contributions personal and financial to support the journey of healing and reconciliation. This is a whole Church effort and each one of us needs to hold this in prayer and make a real and practical effort to support reconciliation. 
 
The journey involves words, for sure – and the Holy Father will echo the apology he made to the Indigenous Delegation when we visited Rome. Let’s each commit to offering our own efforts so that in the experience of Indigenous Peoples, we can collectively make real and palpable the Apology of Pope Francis on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church.

Revered as the Queen of Canada, Our Lady of the Cape was unheard of until the western pilgrim statue tour visited our Diocese in May 2022, and culminated at the Papal Mass in Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton. Thanks to the hard work of Christine Gamache, Our Lady of the Cape pilgrim coordinator for our Diocese and the pilgrim tour team, the faithful in the Diocese of Calgary were re-introduced to the beautiful devotion, and had the chance to venerate Canada's National Madonna and to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  ​

Christine and the pilgrim team has gathered amazing stories, photos, and testimonies from the Our Lady of the Cape's pilgrimage in Calgary & Canmore to share with you. Grab a cup of tea, and enjoy this beautiful collection of photos, stories, and testimonies from those who participated in this blessed visit of Our Lady of the Cape.