THREE SYRIAN REFUGEES VISITED THE CHANCERY OFFICE EARLIER THIS WEEK to meet with Erin Pease, Director of the Diocesan Office for Refugees. One of the three young men arrived on the first plane of Syrian refugees from Beirut, Lebanon, on December 10th. (An interview at Pearson International Airport can be found on our Diocesan website.) They are all sponsored by St. Michael’s Parish in Waterloo. The Parish is expecting other arrivals in the coming days.
Continue readingTHE OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR AT THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF CHRIST THE KING was a beautiful event. A “standing-room-only” crowd gathered in Bishop McNally Hall for the opening rite and processed to the Holy Door where the two men who crafted the doors opened them to welcome the pilgrims who passed through the doors and into the Cathedral. They just kept coming – until the place was packed. Thanks to those who organized the unique event and to all who made the trek to participate. Thanks to Pastors who encouraged parishioners to join us for the memorable occasion and who themselves travelled long distances on a Sunday evening to be there!
Continue readingTHE OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR OF ST. PETER’S BASILICA IN ROME, marking the beginning of the Year of Mercy, was a simple yet solemn event. Because the date coincided with the visit of the CCCB Presidency to Rome, we were able to concelebrate with Pope Francis on December 8th, a distinctive blessing for us…
Continue readingA BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS CRÈCHE ADORNS THE CHANCERY ENTRANCE FOYER, reminding staff and visitors alike that we are in the sacred season of Advent, preparing for the beautiful feast of Christmas. Little by little, over the coming weeks, Priests, pastoral staff, and parish choirs will ensure that everything is ready for the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace. The Advent season is a time to open our hearts to welcome Him. We do that by treating others with a similar love that the Father showers upon us each day! Thanks to those who prepared the beautiful crèche!
Continue readingWELCOME TO FATHER ROSHAN D’SOUZA, O.C.D., who finally received his immigration papers and joins his brother, Father Jerome Mascarenhas, O.C.D. at St. Aloysius Parish. Father Roshan will visit the Chancery Office next week to receive his documents and to be formally welcomed to Canada and to the Diocese of Hamilton. We pray for God’s blessing on your ministry!
Continue readingTHE DEATH OF MONSIGNOR HARVEY ROACH, P.A., AFTER LINGERING ILLNESSES drew together family, friends and co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard including Deacons, fellow Priests and Bishops. His funeral Mass was celebrated this morning at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington. Monsignor lived a full life marked by unending joy and generosity, engendering profound respect. May he know the reward promised to good and faithful servants.
Continue readingTHE BIBLICAL ROOTS OF MERCY IS THE THEME OF A PRESENTATION by Sr. Eileen Schuller on Sunday evening at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with Evening Prayer, followed immediately by Sister’s presentation. It is a foundational preparation for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy declared by Pope Francis. The Jubilee Year begins with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, on December 8th. The Holy Door of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King will be opened on Sunday evening December 13th at 7 p.m. Mark your calendars.
Continue readingTHE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION have prepared a series of eight Pastoral Resources For Living The Jubilee. These are excellent booklets replete with references and ideas for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. They are published by Our Sunday Visitor out of Huntington, Indiana. David Dayler, Director of the Office for Discipleship and Parish Life, or his Assistant, Monica Verin, will be able to help you secure a set. Alternatively, they are available at most Religious Book Stores.
Continue readingFATHER JOE SELVANAYAGAM HAS BEEN INCARDINATED INTO THE DIOCESE OF HAMILTON following seven years of ministry in Canada. He was excardinated from the Archdiocese of Jaffna earlier this month. Currently he is Pastor of St. Mary of the Purification in Mount Forest. We welcome him to the Diocesan Presbyterate!
Continue readingGOOD NEWS FROM FATHER PETER CIALLELLA! After almost 2 1/2 years of patiently waiting the trachea tube was removed yesterday morning, patched and dressed. The hole closed completely shortly after the treatment. Father Peter is grateful for the encouragement, prayers and support from so many. He called the office and it was good to hear him in full voice. He should be home on Saturday. We offer prayers of thanks to God!
Continue readingThe Carmelite Nuns at the Carmel of St. Joseph in St. Agatha celebrated the 500th Anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) yesterday. St. Teresa is the spiritual mother of the community. It was also the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of religious profession of Sr. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart. We offer our congratulations to the community for both events!
Continue readingMONSIGNOR ROGER FORMOSI DIED EARLIER THIS WEEK following several months of pancreatic cancer. He was courageous and confident in God’s loving mercy to the end. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica tomorrow. Visitation is taking place at Mary Mother of God Parish in Oakville where Monsignor served during the past few years. The Vigil will take place at 8 p.m. tonight. May he rest in peace.
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