Bishop Crosby's weekly letter to clergy and parishioners in the Diocese.
MR. CHARLIE HOGG HAS RETIRED AFTER 36 YEARS as carillonneur at the Cathedral Basilica! He was often heard (but not seen) playing the carillon before and after Diocesan liturgical celebrations and special events. To get to the carillon keyboard in the bell tower of the Cathedral takes dexterity and good health. The stairs are steep and a ladder must be managed – while carrying music in a satchel!
ON FEBRUARY 29, 1856, POPE PIUS IX SIGNED A PAPAL DECREE forming the Diocese of Hamilton. On the same day, he signed a decree appointing Bishop John Farrell the first Bishop of the new Diocese. On Sunday, February 28th, the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton will be celebrated in thanksgiving for the blessings of God over the past 160 years. Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, will preach the homily at the Mass. On Monday, at 11:45 a.m., the actual date of the Anniversary, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated, followed by a reception in McNally Hall at the Cathedral. All Masses are public events. All are welcome.
THERE ARE TWO LOCATIONS FOR THE RITE OF ELECTION ON SUNDAY. 83 catechumens will
“sign in†at the ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton, and 37 catechumens will “sign in†at the
ceremony at the Basilica of Our Lady in Guelph. Both events begin at 1:30 p.m. and mark the beginning of
intense preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil in Parishes throughout the Diocese. Thanks
to Pastors and RCIA Teams for the care you take in ensuring the preparation of the Elect!
FATHER RON COTE IS RECOVERING FROM A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY at the Juravinski
Hospital in Hamilton. He is in good spirits and says that he looks forward to getting back to “retirementâ€
ministry soon. He will spend a time at St. Joseph’s Convent in Dundas after he gets out of the hospital.
Thank you for prayers – don’t stop just yet!