Issue #498
THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER is observed annually on the first Friday in March. It is an invitation for Christians to pause and pray together ecumenically. This recalls our responsibility to bring a more authentically Christian dimension to the concerns of our world, our country, our community. Sponsored by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and its national counterparts around the world, it is celebrated in approximately 165 countries. (Taken from the Liturgical Calendar 2022-2023.)
THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIO to Canada, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Ivan Jurkovič has informed us that Pope Francis has appointed Father Cornelius O’Mahony, Pastor of St. Andrew Parish, Oakville, and Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Education for the Diocese of Hamilton, as Chaplain of His Holiness (C.S.S.) with the title of Monsignor. The Papal Honour will be conferred on a date yet to be determined during a celebration at the parish. We offer congratulations and thanks to Monsignor O’Mahony for his dedicated service to the Diocese of Hamilton and Catholic Education over many years!
THE NOON MASS AT THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA of Christ the King next Monday (March 13th) will be an opportunity to give thanks to God on the 10th Anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. There are certain feasts celebrated with particular solemnity in Basilica churches. These feasts include the Feast of the Chair of Peter (February 22nd), the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29th) and, as a sign of the Basilica’s close association with the Holy Father, we observe the anniversary of his election as Pope.
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT each year in the Diocese of Hamilton is a day of Prayer for the Victims of Sexual Abuse. This year’s observance is this Sunday, March 5th. Pastors, Deacons, and Pastoral Ministers have been provided with intentions for inclusion in the Prayers of the Faithful during Sunday Masses and a resource for a Holy Hour of Prayer for Victims of Sexual Abuse prepared by the Diocesan Liturgy Office. Additionally, two prayers for healing prepared by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO) were included in the package. We pray for healing where needed and we commit to do all we can to make our parish facilities safe environments for all!
“WORLD YOUTH DAY AT HOME” will provide an opportunity for young people who are unable to make the international pilgrimage to Lisbon to celebrate WYD this summer here at home. Young people or parish groups who are interested in gathering to celebrate in the Diocese this August are invited to inform the Diocesan Youth Office by completing the survey found here . Survey closes on March 10, 2023.
THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (SSVP) provides remarkable services to parishioners in need in many of our parishes. The Thrift Stores are a wonderful way to assist others who might benefit from quality items at a huge discount. Check out their website .
THE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP, Carol Daly, marks 20 years of service to the Diocese of Hamilton today, more than half of those years in her current position! A remarkably organized and dedicated person, Carol cares deeply about her work and is generous in her service. I am grateful for the high quality of her work and for her goodness! Congratulations on the anniversary. Ad multos annos!
Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI