Heart to Heart: Issue #584

Date posted on June 20, 2025

THAT BLESSED UPPER ROOM is the title of a beautiful pastoral letter written by Cardinal Frank Leo. The letter was published earlier this week. The nine-chapter document is a powerful reflection on The Eucharist, The Priesthood, Humble Service, The Resurrection, The Holy Spirit, Communion and Community, Prayer, Missionary Zeal, and Mary. Anecdotes and Questions throughout the letter draw us in to the Cardinal’s reflections. The Pastoral Letter can be read here. Hard copies can be obtained through our Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. It is a perfect document for summer reading and prayerful reflection.

THE HONORABLE STEPHEN LECCE, former Minister of Education in the Province of Ontario, sent greetings to Mr. Patrick Daly on the occasion of his retirement following a remarkable 40 years of service as Trustee of the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board, 34 as Board Chair. As Minister of Education, Mr. Lecce worked closely with Pat on various projects. His enthusiastic greetings lauded Pat not only for his service, but also for the way Pat treated people, for his kindness and respect for all. The brief greeting is available here.

WELCOME TO THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY who have gathered for their annual national assembly at McMaster University these days. Participants will join the community gathered for the 5 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Saturday evening. The assembly gives the national organization opportunity to reflect on their important service in many parishes and Dioceses across Canada. So many depend on the assistance provided when in tight straits! Thanks to all who are members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Diocese of Hamilton. You are a blessing for many!

THE CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY holds their Annual General Meeting on Monday. It is an opportunity to celebrate their important work of “saving lives” of children in our community. The meeting is also an opportunity to celebrate the successes of young people in completing their education. Child-care workers provide moving testimonies about the tremendous efforts to succeed by the children entrusted to their care. Congratulations to all!

THE JOURNEY OF ENCOUNTER, a synodal event held at St. Jerome’s University earlier this week, was a powerful success by any measure. 135 participants from across Canada prayed, reflected and had “conversations in the Spirit” for three days. Assisted by participants from the Synod on Synodality held in Rome in 2023 and 2024, the group experienced the working of the Holy Spirit among them. Thanks to St. Jerome’s University for opening doors and hearts to welcome the participants. It was the perfect venue for the gathering.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. PETER MEEHEN, President of St. Jerome’s University, who was honoured with the G.E. Clerk Award at this year’s meeting of the Canadian Catholic Historical Association during the Congress of the Social Sciences and Humanities. The Award recognizes scholars who have distinguished themselves in Catholic studies, publishing, teaching, archival work, or administration. Dr. Meehen is currently completing a biography of Archbishop Pocock, champion of Catholic education in Ontario!

CONGRATULATIONS TO RESURRECTION FATHERS celebrating major anniversaries. Father Harry Reitzel celebrated his 60th anniversary on May 29th. Father George Novak celebrated his 50th anniversary on May 17th, and Father Chris Buda celebrated his 50th anniversary on May 31st! Thank you for your service in the Diocese of Hamilton. Ad multo annos!

OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, pray for us! Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI

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