Heart to Heart: Issue #520
PAPAL HONOURS have been granted by Pope Francis to several recipients in the Diocese of Hamilton. The honours will be conferred by Gerald Cyprian Cardinal Lacroix, Primate of Canada and Archbishop of Quebec, at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, on Sunday, November 26th, Feast of Christ the King. The ceremony that begins at 1:30 p.m. Those to be honoured are: Dame of St. Gregory the Great: Carol Daly; Knight of St. Gregory the Great: Francis Doyle, Sandor Kollarich, and Arthur Smith; Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice: Father Sam Restivo, C.R., and Lisa and Tim Tuck; Benemerenti Medal: Dr. Thomas Borys, Robert Chwalyk, Winnifred Mary Doyle, Rosanna Golino, Vincent Lepore, David Lopeke, Brother Richard MacPhee, OH, Manuel Madaleno, Teresa St. Peter, and Doreen Yarascavitch. We offer our congratulations to those being honoured! Your exemplary service is inspiring!
FATHER GERALD MULHALL celebrates his 95th birthday next Thursday, November 16th! Father is the oldest priest in the Diocese and lives in retirement in Mount Forest. Always interested in the life of the Diocese, Father was an active participant in all the sessions of the Priests’ Seminar (preparing for the Synod on Synodality) in early September. Happy Birthday, Father. Ad multos annos!
WIDE SLEEVES is the title of a recently published book authored by Sr. Veronica O’Reilly, CSJ, with Sr. Joan Driscoll, CSJ. The book explores the first hundred years (1851-1951) of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada. It is the story of the Sisters’ missionary efforts among Canadians – efforts to educate, to heal the sick and to care for those who were physically and spiritually in need. Over the decades, their work in health care, education and offering shelter to those in need touched countless lives and demonstrated in tangible ways their love for Jesus Christ and their ability to see him in those they served. An inspiring read! A great Christmas gift!
THE SUPREME KNIGHT of the Knights of Columbus, Brother Patrick E. Kelly, has launched a new program – COR – providing a means of forming and strengthening Catholic men in their faith and virtue. “COR will be a game changer”, he writes in a letter sent recently to all Knights. “Faith and fraternity are the heart of who we are. It provides much-needed fellowship, drawing us closer together. … COR will deepen our relationship with Christ, making it easier to profess and defend what we believe.” The initiative will be open to all men of our parishes, not just those who are already Knights. (Ontario) State Deputy Bruce Poulin has created an Evangelization and Faith Formation Team to support this initiative. A creative and timely program!
THE HALTON CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S EDUCATION FUND gala fundraiser takes place next Monday evening at the Oakville Conference Centre. The Fund supports students in the Halton Catholic District School Board who need extra assistance to participate in school activities. Throughout COVID the gala continued creatively online. There is a new energy and excitement around this year’s in-person event. See you there!
STANDING ROOM ONLY for Sunday Masses at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Hamilton. Father Mark Gatto has expressed his satisfaction that so many are gathering since the Mass of Dedication in October. The large crowds have convinced him to order more pews to provide seating for as many as possible. A good problem to have!
THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET DINNER for parishioners and friends of the Cathedral Basilica, scheduled for the evening of November 24th is “sold out”! It promises to be a joy-filled event gathering both former and new parishioners. Archbishop John McNally, who oversaw the construction and opening of the Cathedral in 1933, would rejoice to know that it remains a thriving community of faith and generosity!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI