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The Assembly of Women Religious of the Diocese of Calgary offer their deepest condolences upon the passing of Bishop Emeritus Frederick Henry to Bishop McGrattan, Bishop Henry’s family, relatives, and friends. We remember Bishop Henry for his love of God and the Church. He was an inspiring preacher who even after retiring continued to speak in parishes. We treasure his deep commitment to the social teachings of the Church and those in greatest need. He was a courageous and compassionate man who lived out his love of God and the Church throughout his illness. We have heard many inspiring stories of how caring and compassionate Bishop Henry was to all who were looking after him, many of them remarking on his genuine interest in each person. May he now enjoy the fulness of God’s love and rest from his labours. May he rest in peace. - Assembly of Women Religious Executive The Daughters of Mary On October 4, 2017, the Daughters of Mary arrived in Calgary at the invitation of then Bishop Frederick Henry. The idea to share our mission in Calgary originally came from Sr. Jessica Militar, DM, who was the local superior at our mission house in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sr. Jessica reached out to Bishop Henry via email to inquire about the possibility of our Institute establishing a presence in Calgary. In January 2016, Sr. Jessica and Sr. Emelyn met with Bishop Henry, who discussed the potential for the sisters to work at Elizabeth House. The first three sisters arrived in Calgary were Sr. Ely Nasol, DM, Sr. Maria Salvacion Serrato, DM and Sr. Elena Aguilar, DM. However, Elizabeth House being fully staffed at the time, they were unable to work there and instead ended up at the Pastoral Center. Today, there are still three sisters in Calgary, Sr. Emelyn Rosento, DM, Sr. Gloria Sarol, DM, and Sr. Elena Aguilar, DM. We are thankful for the generosity of Bishop Henry, who played a crucial role in helping the Daughters of Mary establish a community in the Diocese of Calgary.
Precious Blood Sisters The Vatican Council and its implementation throughout the Church were underway. Religious Communities were asked to plan an Extraordinary General Chapter. Giant steps were being taken in our Church over a short period of time. Father Henry was returning from studies in Rome and assigned as a Professor at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. In this context, in 1973, Father Henry was assigned as confessor to our Precious Blood Community in London, numbering about 40 Sisters. For religious communities this was a time of renewed and deepened understanding of our particular charism in the Church. For all of us it was a time of prayer, study, and discernment. Father Henry became a stabilizing, positive and peaceful influence through a transition time which continued through many years. It was from this background of community relationship with Bishop Henry that our Precious Blood Community here in Calgary welcomed Bishop Frederick Henry as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary on March 19th, 1998. The Bishop was one to whom we could always turn. During retirement years, Bishop Henry served once again as a much-appreciated Confessor for our Precious Blood Community, and in 2022 directed our annual Retreat. Our relationship with Bishop Henry spans more than 50 years. Bishop, we thank you for your encouragement, your care, understanding and support of our way of life as a contemplative community in the Church. Our prayer, our gratitude are with you, Bishop, our faithful friend and guide. -Sr. Margaret Nadeau of the Precious Blood Sisters on behalf of their community. Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth Bishop Henry had a great compassion for those in greatest need. This was also a deep concern for our community, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth. He also acted to make a difference in the lives of those in need and sought to change the social situation in our Diocese to make their lives better. One aspect of this was to educate people about the reality of our present-day society and how our Church has answers for alleviating poverty. When asked to speak to my Grade 12 Religious Studies classes at St. Mary’s High School, he readily came and spoke to the students about the social teachings of the Church. The students were very attentive to him. It was a blessing to have the Bishop of the Diocese speak to the students on a subject for which he was an exemplary teacher. May he rest in God’s peace and may his good works go with him. –Sr. Dianne, OSE Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) The Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) offer their deepest condolences to Bishop McGrattan, Bishop Henry’s family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. We will always remember his love of God and the Church. He was a courageous and compassionate man who lived this out throughout his life. As a homilist he had a gift of inspiring his congregation and in particular children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. We have heard many inspiring stories about how caring and compassionate Bishop Henry was to all who were looking after him at the end of his life. Many of them remarked on his genuine interest in and concern for each person. May he now enjoy the fullness of God’s love. -Sr. Ger Curran f.c.J. Dominican Sisters "I have worked as a sacristan at Our Lady Queen of Peace (Polish Parish) for many years and have had several opportunities to encounter Bishop Fredrick Henry. He made an impression of a modest and caring individual. He was easily accessible, kind, always first to approach and greet everyone, and enthusiastic about his visits. He gladly accepted invitations to our parish to preside over the sacrament of confirmation and on many other occasions. He made references to the current political situation in Poland and shared his devotion to Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, Polish priest-martyr of the communist regime. Bishop Fredrick gladly accepted invitations to our religious community as well. I am particularly fond of the memory of my Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession in 2012, which coincided with the 150 Jubilee of Our Congregation. The bishop presided over the solemn Jubilee Mass and witnessed my renewal of vows; he offered a special blessing. Afterward, he gladly joined us for dinner in the parish hall. He was a big enthusiast of Polish food! I thank God I could meet this kind and dedicated priest, and I pray God invites him to eternal reward!" Sr. Lucyna Gryboś, O.P. (Dominican Sisters)
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January 2025
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