Heart to Heart: Issue #580
ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL IN HAMILTON is already a national leader in Robotic Surgery! The program is expanding to include even more types of surgeries with remarkable results. This week, the St. Joseph’s Heathcare Foundation launched the Robotic Surgery Revolution $20M Campaign to fund the expansion. Already, more than half of the campaign goal has been committed by generous donors! The campaign launch showcased robotic surgery technology and research, and highlighted how it is already helping “the dear neighbour”! THE FUTURE OF CARE IS HERE!
THE ELECTION OF POPE LEO XIV has a personal connection for Father Tom Moisan, formerly a member of the Order of St. Augustine, now a Priest of the Diocese of Hamilton. Pope Leo, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, from Chicago’s southside, grew up about a mile away from the childhood home of Father Moisan. Father Moisan was ten years older than Father Prevost, but they knew one another as “southsiders” and as Augustinians. In time, “Father Prevost” became the Provincial Superior of the Augustinian Chicago Province, and later, Superior General of the Order of St. Augustine. In 1999, Father Prevost attended the funeral Mass of Father Moisan’s mother. A local story about their friendship was published in the Owen Sound Sun Times and can be read here. Father Moisan, do let us know if the Pope decides to visit!
THE REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL, a collaboration between the Bishop Farrell Library and Archives and Development and Peace, presents a final screening of the season with The Condor and the Eagle, on May 22nd, 7-9 p.m. Four indigenous leaders embark on a trans-continental adventure from the Canadian Boreal Forest to deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of Climate Justice. Never-before-seen images expose the extractive mining economy and the global rise of land and water protectors across America. The Film will be followed by conversation with guest speaker Jamie Bourque-Blyan, Engagement Manager with Indigenous Climate Action. Register and view the full schedule here. The festival shines a spotlight on issues of social, political, and economic injustice.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FRANCIS DOYLE, Vice-Chancellor (Financial Affairs) for the Diocese, who graduates tomorrow from Notre Dame University’s Mendoza College of Business with an Executive Masters of Nonprofit Administration. Janine and the children will be with him to see Dad cross the stage to get the degree that has demanded much attention over the past three years. With them, we celebrate his achievement!
THE IGNATIUS JESUIT CENTRE IN GUELPH announced an important transition in their ministry, responding to challenging financial pressures. Retreat and formation programming will continue until December 31, 2025, and then these ministries will be relocated to other Jesuit Centres in Pickering and Montreal. The Ignatius Jesuit Centre will remain open and continue as a vital apostolate of the Centre. The property, including the farmland, forests, and conservation area will remain under Jesuit care. The Centre will continue as a place of ecological engagement, community collaboration, and spiritual reflection. We pray for the Jesuit community as it focuses on ecological justice as its future priority in Guelph.
THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE HAMILTON DIOCESE COUNCIL holds their annual convention in Burlington, the weekend of May 30 and June 1, 2025. It is an opportunity for the CWL members from parishes throughout the Diocese to renew friendship, to discuss shared priorities and to pray together. May their meetings be a blessing for us all!
Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI