Heart to Heart: Issue #574

Date posted on March 28, 2025

THE SHARE LENT COLLECTION supports this year’s theme of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada: TURN DEBT INTO HOPE!  Pope Francis, in “The Joy of the Gospel”, reminds us that “Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society. This demands that we be docile and attentive to the cry of the poor and come to their aid.” Please consider signing the ‘debt’ petition and contributing generously to the Share Lent collection this year! More information is available on the Development and Peace website.

“SO THAT IN ME YOU MAY HAVE PEACE” is the title of the appeal from the Commissariat of the Holy Land in Canada. The GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION is dedicated to provide financial assistance to the pilgrimage sites in the Holy Land. These sites are under the direct care of the Franciscan community, and the Commissariats worldwide promote their cause. We encourage you to be generous on Good Friday. To learn more, check out their website here.

THE SPRING PLENARY of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario takes place next week in Toronto. The gathering provides the opportunity for the Bishops to confer regarding topics of interest and concern in their Dioceses, and to renew fraternal support. The agenda always includes visits from Catholic organizations and groups who are engaged in promoting the faith and supporting the mission. Catholic education in Ontario is always an important topic on the agenda. The report from the Institute for Catholic Education (I.C.E.) is top of the agenda.

THE CANADIAN CATHOLIC BIOETHICS INSTITUTE is hosting a free webinar on Religious and Spiritual Aspects of Suffering on April 9th, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Hosted by Dr. Moira McQueen, the speakers are Charles Lewis and Dr. Ann Sirek. Well worth joining in! Register at bioethics.usmc@utoronto.ca

THE ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE in Ottawa, is on May 8th and 9th this year. This year’s theme is Protection at Conception because human rights begin when human life begins, and human life begins at conception. Hamilton Right to Life is sponsoring two buses to take interested participants to Ottawa for the March. Departing Thursday, May 8th at 6 am, from the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King parking lot, and at 6:30 am from QEW Bronte Carpool lot in Oakville. No cost to join the bus!

THE NATIONAL LITURGY OFFICE, at our request, has changed the Liturgical Calendar (ORDO) to reflect that November 21 is the anniversary of Dedication of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. It was on this date in 1982 that Bishop Paul Reding solemnly dedicated the Cathedral, which had previously been “blessed” in 1933, on December 19 by Bishop John McNally. The dedication anniversary is to be celebrated as a Solemnity in the Cathedral, and as a Feast in the rest of the Diocese.

APRIL 3RD IS REFUGEE RIGHTS DAY, a time to recognize the inherent dignity and rights of those forced to flee their homelands due to war, persecution, and violence. We are called to welcome the stranger, offer refuge to the displaced, and stand in solidarity with those seeking safety and hope. As a Sponsorship agreement Holder (SAH), our Diocese has been a beacon of Christ’s love, working tirelessly to support refugees in rebuilding their lives with dignity and security. May we continue to be instruments of God’s mercy, advocating for justice, compassion, and peace, so that all may live free from fear and persecution.

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

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