Heart to Heart: Issue #579

Date posted on May 9, 2025

THE ELECTION OF POPE LEO XIV is a joyful conclusion to the Conclave, following the nine days of mourning the death of Pope Francis and the days of meetings of the Cardinals.  The Successor to Peter, was a member of the Chicago Province of the Order of St. Augustine, having served as Prior General of the Order for six years.  He was named Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru in 2015. Most recently he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome.  We pray for our new Holy Father, and look forward to learning from him!

THE HEROES OF HOPE FOR MAY ARE CATHOLIC EDUCATORS! Catholic educators are dedicated to promoting Catholic values and fostering the spiritual growth of their students. Through a well-developed pedagogy, they address students’ academic, spiritual, and moral learning needs. Catholic Trustees oversee policies and procedures that guide the school boards in their operations. Chaplains play a vital role in fostering the spiritual growth of students and staff. Administrative and support staff foster a holistic environment for students, providing specialized support for learners with special needs and ensure all students have access to the resources they need to thrive!  What a blessing!

TINY HOMES TAKEOUT at St. Mary Parish, Kitchener, celebrated its 4th anniversary on January 26th, and announced that approximately 18,725 people were served and 37,501 portions were prepared in the first quarter of 2025! Wilfrid Laurier University music students performed a fundraising concert and raised $1,850 for Tiny Homes Takeout. The K-W Chamber Orchestra chose Tiny Homes Takeout as their Charity Partner. Lots of support in Kitchener-Waterloo for the important community service!

THE FRATERNITY OF THE POOR OF JESUS CHRIST COMMUNITY welcome three Novices back to their community following a year of Canonical Novitiate in Parana, Brazil. They will spend their year of apostolic novitiate at the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Mission House in Hamilton. It is the first time the community has received a group of novices in North America. Welcome to Hamilton! The community celebrated its 9th Anniversary in Hamilton on March 3rd.

THE DIOCESAN YOUTH OFFICE has contacted parishes, inviting those working with young people to gather for synodal-style “conversations in the Spirit”. These conversations will continue the work of Forward Together in Christ and will be focusing on the accompaniment of young people in our parish communities. They will reflect on how we can best support them in their journey with Christ.

GRETA DELONGHI, a respected Spiritual Care Provider at St. Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener, and recent recipient of the esteemed St. Joseph’s Health System Mission Legacy Award, has taken on the role of Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph! Greta will join Simon Malonda in meeting the spiritual needs of the SJHCG community. She begins on May 13th. We are happy for her and for the Centre in Guelph!

WELCOME TO BISHOP MICHAEL BREHL, Bishop of Pembroke, who is the preacher of this year’s first retreat for Priests serving in the Diocese of Hamilton. Prior to becoming Bishop of Pembroke, he was Superior General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). During his tenure he visited more than 80 countries served by the international community! His world-view is second-to-none!  The retreat begins on Monday, May 19th, and continues through May 23rd. Archbishop Peter Hundt, Archbishop of St. John’s will be the retreat preacher for our second offering in August. We are blessed to have such fine directors for our retreats!

Our Lady of the Annunciation, Pray for us! Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI

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