Heart to Heart: Issue #568

Date posted on February 14, 2025

TURN DEBT INTO HOPE is the theme of this year’s Lenten campaign sponsored by Development and Peace/Caritas Canada. “Let us commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts.” Following upon Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Hope request, the Lenten campaign aims to cancel unjust and unsustainable debts, prevent further debt crises by tackling the root cause of indebtedness, and establish a multilateral debt resolution mechanism within the United Nations. Parishes are encouraged to order Lenten campaign information brochures and to encourage parishioners to respond in their usual generous way.  Daniela Salcedo, the D&P Animator for Southern Ontario, can help with your requests. Her office is in the Bishop Farrell Library building (204-557-9266). A letter from CCCB President, Bishop William McGrattan, can be found here.

THE REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL offers another moving dialogue with the film RESILIENT GENIUS, on February 25, from 7-9 p.m. The film gives voice to children and youth affected by war, conflict, and political unrest. Thirteen children and youth immerse us in memories of Syria, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Rwanda, Afghanistan and Iraq, reflecting on their lives before, during, and after experiences of violence. Their recollections, expressions of wisdom, and transformative acts provide a powerful call to action. Film Director Joanne Hodges and Rita Balla, Director of the Diocesan Office for Refugees will provide discussion following the film. The event is hosted online via ZOOM. Register and view our full schedule here. REEL JUSTICE is a partnership between the Bishop Farrell Library and Archives and Development and Peace. Visitors from across the country are joining in.

THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (Hamilton and Hamilton West Councils) published the winter newsletter promoting their fundraising events and outlining their many good works. The Society has made the significant commitment to furnishing all the small homes that are being provided by the City of Hamilton and managed by the Good Shepherd Ministries to many homeless individuals! It is consoling to know that we participate in finding solutions for the vexing problems of homelessness in our communities.

SEMINARIANS FROM OUR DIOCESE WHO FOLLOW THE PROPAEDEUTIC (SPIRITUAL) YEAR at the Royal English College of St. Alban’s in Valladolid, Spain, were assigned to parish placements in the Diocese in January. Seminarian Matteo Villella was assigned to St. Mary Parish, in Kitchener. At the end of the experience, he wrote a reflection published in the Resurrection Bulletin, a quarterly publication from the Congregation of the Resurrection here. His report reflects on, among other things, his involvement in the Tiny Homes Takeout which provides nourishing meals to the needy in Kitchener.  88,600 people were served in 2024 by 240 volunteers. Kudos to Amy Cyr, Head Chef and Kitchen Project Coordinator! Our Seminarians have since returned to Spain to complete their Spiritual Year.

ON FEBRUARY 24th, IN THE CHAPEL AT ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL IN KITCHENER a last Mass will be celebrated when we give thanks to God for the blessing of 100 years of service of the Sisters of St. Joseph and healthcare providers at the hospital. St. Mary’s Hospital will be leased to New Corp – a new healthcare entity during the time of construction of a new hospital to provide acute care to the community. St. Mary’s will redefine its mission in K/W, consistent with the vision and values of the mission of the Sisters in a new and creative way!

RESIDENTS OF ONTARIO CELEBRATE FAMILY DAY on Monday, February 17th, a mid-winter holiday, providing families with the opportunity to spend quality time together! Enjoy the time!

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