Archbishop Daniel's Blog

Regina Catholic Schools Opening Mass for the School Year

2010-09-19T17:28:00.006-06:00

At the end of August, close to 1,000 teachers gathered at the Cathedral to begin the School Year with the Celebration of the Eucharist, offering to God the year to come in our schools and class rooms, placing into God's hands the children and youth who will come to us seeking formation for life, and also placing into God's care and guidance all of those who will teach them and provide the safe, clean and healthy environment in which all this will happen

Some smiling superannuate teachers

Here are some of the thoughts that I shared with the teachers on the meaning of Catholic Education at that Mass:

Some of the Trustees

During his visit to Great Britain, Pope Benedict will celebrate the beatification of John Henry Newman. I mention this because one of Newman’s great contributions to the Church was his thought on Catholic Education.

Throughout the province Catholic school divisions begin another year of Catholic Education. We might well ask: What is Catholic Education anyway? Why do we promote, defend, and sometimes fight for what we call Catholic Education? Is there something special, something different from other forms of education to be found in Catholic education?

Opening Procession

Cardinal Newman’s reflections can be illuminating in finding answers to these questions. And they are important questions. For those who are teachers in Catholic Schools these questions are especially important for they deal with what teachers do for their livelihood, and how they do it and even who they are as educators in a Catholic School system. When I walk into a Catholic School I often comment that there is a noticeable difference from other schools. Is it a difference simply of feeling or atmosphere; is it a difference of a particular respect and care for people? Is it some other difference? It is worth asking the question because I believe that the difference is there and it is real.

Roderick Strange, in an article “Newman Teaching Teachers,” found in the British Jesuits Web On Line Journal “Thinking Faith 2010,” recalled that, at one point in his life, Newman had set out to establish the Oratory School, a school that offered the kind of high quality academic education that was available to those who went to the famous public schools like Eton, Winchester, and Harrow. Newman felt that, however high the quality of education was, those famous schools fell short. This was because they lacked a spiritual and pastoral view. In his school Newman sought to combine academic excellence with precisely that spiritual and pastoral care that was lacking in those renowned schools.

Members of the Staff Choir

Msgr. Strange states that it was spiritual and pastoral care that made the difference in excellent education. Newman believed that Education needs not only to touch minds but it must also touch hearts. He said: ‘An academical system without the personal influence of teachers upon pupils, is an arctic system; it will create an ice-bound, petrified, cast-iron (school), and nothing else’ (Historical Sketches iii. p.74). For John Henry Newman, it was always the same message: education is never merely a matter of learning; it involves a care for the person as well.

And so it is with our Catholic Schools, what makes the difference is that we not only move the mind, but that we also touch the heart and that we touch the heart with the love of God, and that we touch the heart with the love of God that we show by our own witness and by the commitment to the spiritual and pastoral care of every student who comes to us. And we do that because we follow Jesus in our lives and we believe in the value of our Catholic Faith and see it as a treasure that God has given to us in the life and words of Jesus Christ.

Many of the Pastors of the City joined in Concelebrating the Mass

At the beginning of Jesus ministry in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus lays out for all who would listen those things that would define his ministry in the world. It was not an intellectual or theological dissertation. It was a didactic statement of spiritual and pastoral care: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

In his earthly ministry, Jesus was the Word of God, Jesus was the Revelation of God, the Bread of Life come down from heaven so that whoever would believe in him would have eternal life. (Jn 6) Jesus was the Teacher, but Jesus taught with spiritual and pastoral care. Jesus touched hearts as he brought good news to people who found life meaningless and hopeless. He set people free from the mental and physical illness, the prejudice, the rejection, the marginalization that robbed them of their dignity and their freedom. Jesus even set them free from death, the ultimate thief. Jesus revealed the truth about God and ourselves, but as he did that, he touched and transformed people’s lives.

The children also joined the celebration

All of this revealed who Jesus was and who the Father was. All of this was Revelation and it came as a gift from God. And John Henry Newman proposed that this revelation was the context for Catholic Education. Msgr. Strange pointed out that Newman believed that what has been revealed and received and articulated, must be communicated. It needs to be passed on. He also referred to Newman’s understanding that all of this revelation is a gift to us. “It is not of our making. What we believe is not something we have somehow managed to construct for ourselves.” We do not make it up. It is a gift from God.

Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” And there it is, the gift!

Director of Education Rob Currie with his family.

Jesus, the Son of God, has chosen to reveal these things to us. As the Church we have received and articulated what has been revealed, and as teachers we communicate this revelation to the young people in our care. We do this certainly by what we say but we do it especially and, perhaps even more importantly, by the witness of our lives.

You remember the story of how Jesus had healed the man from Gerasene, who had been possessed by a legion of demons. St Mark tells us: “He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones.” His life was a horror.

Chair of the Board, Vicky Bonnell

Jesus drove out the demons and restored peace and freedom to the man’s life. And when the man asked if he could go with him, Jesus said no, rather he told the man to go home to his family and his friends and he said: You tell them “how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.”

Is this not what it means to be a witness to Christ, to be a teacher who passes on the gift that was given to him or to her? We are called show to the children in our care as well as speak to them “how much the Lord has done for us, and what mercy he has shown us.” And so we not only move their minds, but we touch their hearts with the love and care of God so that they will know the love and care that God has for them. That is Catholic education.

Twenty year Award Recipients

Pope John Paul II said this to American Catholic Educators in Louisiana: “By enriching your student’s lives with the fullness of Christ’s message and by inviting them to accept with all their hearts Christ’s work, which is the Church, you promote most effectively their integral human development and you help them to build a community of faith, hope and love."

Twenty five year Award Recipients

If we are to be able to do this effectively, surely we need to reflect on what God has done for us in our own lives. We need to recognize the ways in which God has touched us, helped us, strengthened us in difficult times, and the way God has guided us in our lives. Perhaps above all, we need to remember that God has brought us out of darkness into his own wonderful light, that God has delivered us from death’s sting and give us eternal life, and above all that God loves us and cares for us.

Hope for the future: New Staff Members

Knowing this, we, as Catholic Teachers, can move the minds of our children and youth and touch their hearts. We can promote most effectively their integral human development, as Newman said. We can give them a Catholic Education, building a community of faith, hope and love in which they can learn ways whereby they can live successful and happy lives.

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Pligrimage to Rome for the Closing of the Year For Priests

2010-09-01T11:13:00.012-06:00

The Holy Father invited the priests of the world to come to Rome on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to solemnly bring to a close the Year for Priests. I felt that this would be an excellent experience for any of our priests who would like to take part in this very special event. My experience of such events is that one experiences the vastness of the Universal Church and also one is encouraged by the realization that we are not alone in our faith nor in facing its challenges in our contemporary world. So I accompanied seven priests from the Archdiocese of Regina on this pilgrimage and Bishop Don accompanied five of the clergy from the Diocese of Saskatoon. Some of us looked pretty cheery as we arrived at the Airport in Rome after a long flight from Regina via Toronto.

Before the sessions for the Year for Priests began, thanks to Bishop Don's arrangements, we had the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist together in two very special locations. The first was in the Grotto of St. Peter's at the Tomb of St. Peter, which is just behind us here in this picture.

The second place was at the Altar of Blessed John XXIII in the floor of St. Peter's Basilica. The remains of Blessed John were moved here after his Beatification in the year 2000 to give the faithful access to his tomb in order that they may more easily spend time in prayer. Pope John brought the gift of the Second Vatican Council to the Church

Bishop Don presided over the Mass. Our Deacon and myself were in the small space at the altar and the other priests were concelebrating from just in front of the railing.

In addition to the sessions at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where the body of St. Paul is buried not far from the place of his martyrdom, there were two times of prayer with the Holy Father. The first was on Thursday evening, a vigil of prayer and reflection held in St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father was energetic and, I am sure, delighted with the number of priests who came from around the world to join with him in prayer and celebration. There were over 11,000 priests in attendance, much more than the organizers had expected. I thought that this was a wonderful witness to the unity of the priesthood and the support that the Holy Father has from his priests around the globe.

The picture of St. Jean Marie Vianney, the Curé of Ars, patron saint of Parish Priests was prominent on the facade of St. Peter's that evening. It was on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his death that Pope Benedict dedicated this past year as the Year for Priests.

The Vigil of Prayer concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament following a time of silent prayer and adoration presided over by the Holy Father.

On Friday the Holy Father invited all the priests present to Concelebrate the Eucharish with him in St. Peter's Square. Someone mentioned that it was the largest Papal concelebration in the history of the Church. There was certainly three to four hundred bishops as well who formed their part of the procession inside St. Peter's Basilica.

Here was our group in the Square after the Mass. Bishop Don was brave and wore his cassock. The temperature was well into the 30's that day and no respite from the Roman Sun during the two hours or so of the Mass. It was nonetheless very beautiful and moving to see that great number of priests concelebrating this special Mass.

Fr. Vitalis was the one who took the large group picture, so here are the Regina priests, including Fr. Vitalis. The yellow hats (papal colours) were part of the kit given to all the priests who attended to assure that they had some protection from the sun.

Some of our group left us at the end of the celebrations in Rome while some remained for a couple of days to see a bit more of the Eternal City. We visited the Catacombs of St. Priscilla. The early Christians strongly disapproved of the Roman practice of cremation, largely because the process of burning a loved one on top of old household furniture seemed disrespectful and there was not a great regard for gathering up the ashes.

Christians preferred to bury the whole body as did the Jewish community in Rome. The Romans did not allow the burial of bodies or ashes within the walls of the city, so Christians and Jews began the practice of using underground vaults or tufa stone caves on property outside the city walls to bury their dead. These were often situated on property donated by the wealthier members of their communities, and continue to bear their names. This is the case for the Catacombs of St. Priscilla.

This particular catacomb is of special interest for its wall paintings, which give us, among other things, the first known painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the child Jesus on her lap. We concluded our visit by celebrating the Eucharist in the Catacombs as the Christian people of Rome did 1,700 years ago.

Another interesting and prayerful occasion happened when we joined the Community of Saint'Edidio for evening prayer in the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere. There is this wonderful mosaic of Christ with Mary over the altar. Thomas Cahil in his book on the Middle Ages speaks of the progress during which the people of Italy ceased to be Romans and became Italians. He used this mosaic as an illustration. Most often, in the ancient mosaics of Christ, Jesus is presented as the "Creator of All" and is usually portrayed as being very serious, majestic and almost severe. Here Jesus is "Italian" - open faced, handsome and his arm around his mother's shoulder. We often hear stories of how Italian men are devoted to their mothers. Here Jesus has his arm around his beloved "mama" and she is sitting there very proud of her Son.

On the Wednesday, Bishop Don and myself played hookey from the moring lecture and went to the Pope's audience in St. Peter's Square. There is usually an opportunity for bishops to sit up with the Holy Father and briefly say hello to him afterwards. These times have been particularly difficult because of personal attacks on his leadership in dealing with sexual abuse cases. So, I felt that it was important for me to let him know that the Catholic people of Regina give him their love and support as he deals with these very difficult issues. I had the chance to do that after the audience.

I will share with you a few pictures taken in the Sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica while we were preparing for the Masses we were to celebrate there. It was interesting to see that the Sacristy is bigger than many of our churches here in Saskatchewan

Bishop Don and myself were "properly" attired for our visit to celebrate the Eucharist at the Tomb of St. Peter. Every Bishop needs a good Deacon, and here we were blessed with Deacon Geoff Young from Saskatoon.

Our group was in one corner waiting to be taken to the place where we would celebrate the Mass. Those who care for the Sacristy are very gracious and helpful and often under great stress as they handle great numbers of priests and bishops who come to celebrate the Eucharist in the Basilica.

Fr Danilo and Fr Thang at the base of one of the pillars.

Fr Brian Meredith, Rector of Holy Rosary Cathedral here in Regina with Deacon Geoff. As we proceed with renovations to our cathedral, I hope that he wasn't taking any ideas from St. Peter's!

Here is a view of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, looking out from behind the main altar. It was here that the conferences and times of prayer were held for the priests. The body of St. Paul is buried below the altar. It was originally planned to have all the priests come to St. Paul's for the events, however so many more priests than planned had come that it was necessary to divide the group in two with the other language groups gathering in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral church of Rome.

Mass that day was presided over by Cardinal Tarcissio Bertone, the Pope's Secretary of State, seen standing in the background at the Chair. In front are some of the Cardinals present at the Mass, including, second from the right, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who gave the reflection that morning on the challenges that the church faces from without and within, "

We pray together for the unity of the Church and for the sanctification of priests, these heralds of the good news of salvation," he said.

And here are a few of our group standing outside the Basilica of St. Paul after the morning session.

There was a special occasion on Sunday when we joined Bishop Don at Mass with the Caravita Community, an International Catholic Community in Rome. This was Bishop Don's "home parish" as it were when he was working in Rome for the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. It was nice to see how delighted they were in welcoming him back and their happiness that he had been ordained a Bishop. With us in this picture is Archbishop Emilius Goulet, Archbishop Emeritus of St. Boniface in Manitoba.

After the Mass everyone made their way to the Church of St. Georgio in the shadow of the Capitoline Hill for a very pleasant "pot luck" lunch. Seen here on the left is Bishop Brian Farrell who is the Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity and was one of the principal co-consecrators at Bishop Don's ordination to the Episcopate in March.

So our pilgrimage to the Tomb of Peter, I believe, was a success. It was a time of prayer at very holy places. We experienced our connection with the Church throughout the world as well as the Church throughout the ages. A fitting way to conclude the Year for Priests.

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St. Patrick's, Cupar: A Hundred Years of Living the Faith

2010-07-24T08:01:00.008-06:00

Early in the month the Parish Community of St. Patrick's in Cupar celebrated 100 years of living the Catholic Faith. St. Patrick's is one of the communities served by Msgr. Reymundo Assis at St. John the Baptist in Southey. As you can see from the picture, we had a great turn out of the faithful for the celebration of this Mass.

The celebration of these special anniversaries are occurring with some regularity these years in rural Saskatchewan. The faith is strong and long standing in these communities, but the reality of the shift in population and the diminishing reality of the family farm causes concern on the part of parishioners for what will lie ahead for their parish.

These occasions of celebration are wonderful opportunities for me to meet the parishioners of our diocesan church, both the present members of the parish and those who come back home to the roots of their faith.

The young people are present in these parishes, but not to the degree as in the past. This phenomenon is found throughout our church in Saskatchewan and beyond, but it becomes a particular worry to small communities.

Nonetheless the presence of our people of all ages continues to be a sign of hope for our Church and a sign of hope that we will continue into the future carrying out the mission that Jesus, our Risen Lord, has given to us.

After the Celebration of the Eucharist there was a gathering in the community hall with entertainment and a good meal.

Here again, the talent and commitment of the young people was evident and their contribution was certainly enjoyable. During my remarks to the parishioners I spoke of the worries and concerns we have regarding the future not only of our smaller parishes but of the Church itself. I related an experience that I had recently with some of the priests our our Archdiocese. It was an experience which pointed out - once again to me - that the Church is in Jesus' hands, and that things don't always unfold as we think that they should. But that doesn't mean that things are falling apart. So here is the experience.

Some of the priests of the diocese responded to the Holy Father's invitation to come to Rome to take part in the ceremonies concluding the Year for Priests in the Church and I accompanied them. Our former Vicar General, Msgr. Don Bolen, who had played a large part in organizing this trip and who is now the Bishop of Saskatoon was able to come as planned. Following the ceremonies in Rome, six of us continued on to the Holy Land for an eight day pilgrimage.

Part of our visit was spent on the shores of the Sea of Galilee which is still a very rural and beautiful part of the country. As you know, it was here that Jesus carried out much of his ministry. One of the most striking miracles performed by Jesus was the feeding of the multitude of many thousands with five loaves and two fish. It was an event that was etched into the memory of the early Christians for it is recounted in each of the four Gospel accounts, sometimes twice.

There is a tradition which holds that this miracle was performed on the shores of the Sea of Galilee at a place which today is called Tabgha.There is a beautiful church there which commemorates this miracle.

Here you can see the Sanctuary of the church with a nearly 1,700 year old mosaic floor.

In this church,the altar is built over a stone which protrudes from the floor as you can see in this picture. The tradition is that Jesus laid out the loaves and fish on this stone as he performed this miracle. The early Christians chipped away small pieces of this stone to take home with them for devotion and veneration. What was of interest to me is the history of this church which is a story of encouragement for all who fear and worry about setbacks we suffer in the life of the Church.

A church was built on this spot in the 300's. A Spanish Nun named Egeria toured the Holy Land around the year 380 and left a famously detailed diary which gives us much insight into the life of the Church in the Land of Jesus in those early years. She wrote this: In the same place (not far from Capernaum) facing the Sea of Galilee is a well watered land in which lush grasses grow, with numerous trees and palms. Nearby are seven springs which provide abundant water. In this fruitful garden Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. The stone upon which the Master placed the bread became an altar. The many pilgrims to the site broke off pieces of it as a cure for their ailments.

A larger church was built about a century later with beautiful mosaic floors. Then in the 600's the Persians invaded the country and destroyed the church. All that was to be seen for the next 1200 years was an empty field with no traces of the church. With the Arab invasion in the 700's all the Christians disappeared from the area. So for twelve centuries this place of Christian tradition, pilgrimage and worship ceased to exist.

In the 1930's the Franciscans came and began archaeological work. In the 1980's the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves was found with its mosaic floor intact. The church was rebuilt and now is again a source of pligrimage, prayer and remembrance of the power of Jesus love and healing for all people.

When we came for Mass on Sunday morning, we were unable to use the Church, but the Franciscan community had an "outdoor chapel" on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The six of us celebrated the Eucharist with a large boulder for the altar. This time, it was not the loaves and the fishes which lay upon a large rock, but the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation: Jesus' Body and Blood. The breeze was blowing off of the water and the shade of the overhead trees giving a cool and wonderful place to celebrate the Sacrament to which the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes pointed. It was not hard to imagine Jesus in that same spot with his disciples. That morning we were joined by two Philipino priests, one of whom took this picture for us.

We returned to the Sacristy in the Church and had this picture taken in this place which was dead for so many centuries but alive again with vigorous faith and visited by hundreds of people daily.

Whenever I worry about the future of the Church in our Archdiocese, particulary in our small communities, I remember the power of Jesus' miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. I remember the story of this holy place in Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee, and I am comforted by this lived-out example of the power of Jesus, Crucified and Risen from the Dead and of his Church against which not even the "gates of hell" will prevail.

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Canada Day and the Community of Faith

2010-07-12T13:45:00.006-06:00

It's been a long time since I have been able to share with you some of the things that I have been involved with in the life of our diocesan Church. And it is time to get back to work on this blog. On July 1st. the Catholic Community gathered at Blessed Sacrament Church for the annual Canada Day Mass.

There was, once again, a wonderful turn out of people to pray for our country and to thank God for the blessings that come to us as its citizens. I spoke on the question of being citizens of Canada as people of faith. And I would like to share with you the things that I said on this special and important occasion which celebrates our country.

My dear sisters and brothers we come together today to give thanks to God for the blessings which come to all of us because we live in this rich and blessed country. We come here as people of faith, as Catholic Christians and citizens of Canada, to pray and celebrate this day.

We recognize that Canada is a country that is struggling to find a way to see itself in this ever and quickly changing world we live in. We are well aware that Canada has chosen to see itself as a secular country, and as a secular society. This is something new in our history. Many of us who are people of religious faith get upset with this vision of what our society is supposed to be: a society in which religion has been moved from the public places and institutions where it held a valued and honoured position for over four centuries in our country.

Neither can we forget that among the Plains Indians who have lived here for thousands of years, spirituality was and remains an important, indeed essential part of their way of life. The Indian people have lived this spirituality out in public ceremonies and rituals that taught the meaning of this spiritual culture and gave them an identity as a people. We as Catholics have done likewise, as we expressed our Catholic culture with its ceremonies and rituals. The public living of our faith in this country gave us a sense of our identity as Catholic Canadian citizens.

I have a vivid memory from my childhood, of going on the bus to Mass on Sunday in the early 1950’s. The bus was crowded with people standing and holding on to the hand bars or straps with one hand and in the other hand the Catholics had their prayer book and rosary and the Protestants had their black leather covered Bible, everyone staring suspiciously at the opposition; but everybody there, going to Church, publicly bringing the outward signs of their faith.

Then all of a sudden it seemed that the world changed. Canada continued to welcome more and more on new arrivals in our country. Only now, they were not from the Christian countries of Europe, but they are from all over the world. And seemingly, all of a sudden, there were not only many religions but there were now many faiths. Now, deep in the Canadian heart and conscience there is felt the need to respect all who are here and a strong dislike of offending others. And so our attitude changed. Religion was moved off of the public bus, as it were, and people are told now that religion is a private matter that belongs in the privacy of our homes.

Christians have reacted to this sometimes with anger, as in the case when Christmas traditions and practices are not allowed in schools or public places. And as a result secularism can be seen as an enemy or an oppression and is met with anger and frustration on the part of religious citizens of our country. But is this the best way for us to deal with this reality in our country? How are we as Catholic people, for example, best able to speak to this society that is not only around us, but also of which we are members? For speak to it we must.

As followers of Jesus, whom we know to be the Way, the Truth and the Life for every person on earth, we know that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has called us, not to put the light of our faith and the blessings of our relationship with him under a basket. Indeed we are called not to confine the way we live as Christian people to the limits of our bedroom walls. Rather we are taught by Jesus that we are to let that bright light of our faith shine before all people. Jesus teaches us that we are to be a light for our country and our society, a light that can dispel the darkness of injustice and oppression, of pain and despair and can give life and hope to everyone in our Country.

After Jesus had healed the man from Gerasene, who, as you remember, had been possessed by a legion of demons, he told the man to go home to his family and his friends and he said: You tell them “how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” Here is the mission of the followers of Jesus. We are followers of Jesus today and we too are taught that we are to tell people how much the Lord has done for us and what mercy the Lord has shown us.

We are able speak to our culture with the words which tell of the blessings we personally have received because of God’s love for us. We are also able to speak to our culture with lives lived according to the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel for this Mass, Jesus speaks the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor is spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The word “blessed” conveys the meaning of happiness and joy. Many people in our society see religion as a bad thing because of the actions of religious extremists. They see religion as a dangerous power urging people to acts of violence and terrorism. They see religion as bringing about extremism in political life. They see religion as endangering people’s freedom.

Is it not our duty, to God who loves and saves us, to show our society that our faith is not threatening but rather is “Good News”? As our society seeks a way to be just, fair and welcoming, do we not have something to say to those around us that will be helpful.

Jesus teaches us then that our friends and neighbours need to see in us people who are poor in spirit, people who in the sad and tragic times of life find comfort and peace from God, people who hunger and thirst for what is just and right. Our neighbours need to see in us who are Catholic people, people who are merciful in our dealings with them, people who make peace rather than cause division, prejudice and violence. And our neighbours need to see in us people who will not give in when the going gets tough, but remain faithful to the Good News entrusted to us. People need to see us as “blessed”, as joyful people whose lives have a special happiness, joy and peace because of our faith and our relationship with God.

In this way we can truly be Jesus’ witnesses. In this way we carry out Jesus direction to tell people “how much the Lord has done for us, and what mercy he has shown us.” And in this way we people of religious faith can be good news for our Country.

May God bless this land of Canada and all of its people. Amen.

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Africa: Arrival at the Diocese of Nnewi

2010-02-28T10:23:00.006-06:00

After two days in the Capitol Abuja we moved on to Nnewi. It was Bishop Hilary Okeke of the Diocese of Nnewi who invited me to come to Africa and to experience the life of the Church in Nigeria. There had been State elections on the previous Sunday and he was not certain as to the outcome or the reaction in Anambra State. So that was the reason I stayed in Abuja until Tuesday. Apparently if a group is not satisfied with the outcome of an election they can be quite forceful in manifesting their displeasure. This was not the case with this election and all was calm in Nnewi when we arrived on Tuesday.

In fact we went very quickly to a soccer game which was being played between the priests of Nnewi diocese and a neighbouring diocese to recognize the Year for Priests in the Church. It was all very well arranged and here we are meeting the officials.

And the members of the opposing team. Saskatchewanians will note the green and white uniforms>

And in blue and white, the home teaml.

We're lined up for the official kick off. Bishop Hilary always wears his white cassock. I think that it was much more comfortable in the +35 Celsius temperature than my black clothes.

After the Bishop did the official kick off the game was played and the home team won one nothing. So our visit began on a good note.

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Some Nice People

2010-02-27T19:04:00.002-06:00

While we were in Abuja, the Vatican Embassy arranged for us to have a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner for Nigeria in his offices at Abuja. The High Commissioner, Denis Kingsley gave us a warm welcome after we made it through the tight security guarding the High Commission and its staff here. We were kindly given information about travelling in Nigeria and they took information from us to make sure we were in contact if necessary.

After Mass on Sunday the priests of the parish took us out for dinner at a Chinese Restaurant in Abuja, here was one dish. As you can see when you order fish, you get the fish! It was a delicious meal with very good company.

And here is the good company Msgr. Jean-Sylvain from the Nunciature is on the left with Fr. Jorgi, the pastor and VG for the Archdiocese of Abuja next to him, then two of his Assistants and Fr. Callie.

When we returned to the Nunciature we met some of Fr. Callie's friends. All very nice people and very warm in their welcome to us.

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Abuja, Nigeria's new Capital City

2010-02-27T18:02:00.004-06:00

After we arrived in Lagos and experienced a little bit of that city which has a population of somewhere between 15,000,000 and 30,000,000 people, (Nigerian census information is rather fluid.), we went on to Abuja. The capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos to Abuja between fifteen and twenty years ago. It was a small city at that time, so by making a new capital they built a brand new city.

After seeing all the small, outdoor shops that lined the roads and highways of Lagos, Fr. Callie took me to A MALL! I needed to pick up a blade razor since I had not brought the charger to my electric razor. So here it is.

Being a brand new city in many ways, it is more of a western than an "African city." Perhaps this is why I felt much more at home here than in Lagos. It was much more familiar and had landscaping and trees and wide boulevards. But people were saying to me that it was not really Africa, that when I got to Nnewi I would see a real African City.

So here are some views of Abuja, with painted buildings and enclosed businesses.

We saw this very impressive ecumenical centre with great spaces for ecumenical gatherings and liturgies

But, what for me was an image of Africa, there were still the typical groups of people gathered along the side of the road socializing or doing business or just relaxing together.

Coloured houses were much in evidence in Abuja, but still with a very traditional way of carrying stuff around

You name it and they carry it on their head. I wondered what long term effect this has on a person's neck and spine. Perhaps a typical western concern.

This is one of a multitude of three wheel taxis that are everywhere and usually crammed with people.

We paid a visit to the headquarters of the Pontifical Mission Society in Nigeria. As you can see, it is a beautiful and modern complex, typical of Abuja.

We visited and were warmly welcomed by Msgr Hypolite Adigwe, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society of Nigeria. The mission of the Pontifical Mission Society is to support the teaching of Jesus Christ and the work of charity and social improvement around the world. The societies promote awareness, prayer, sacrifice and fundraising to support world wide Catholic mission.

Near Abuja is the famed Aso rock. The word "Aso" means victory and the people who dwelt at the base of the rock for centuries were called "Asokoro" the "people of victory"

Fr. Callie also wanted his picture infront of Victory Rock.

This is the state Legislature building, beautiful and very impressive.

And some of the modern and inovative architecture in this modern city. Typical African or not, we had a good visit here and met some very fine people and dedicated priests.

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"Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord"

2010-02-20T21:33:00.005-06:00

During my stay in Abuja, I asked Msgr Jean-Sylavain at the Nunciature if it would be possible for me to celebrate Sunday Mass at a local parish. He very graciously arranged it at Holy Trinity Church with the Pastor Fr. Joji. It was a wonderful experience of prayer and celebration.

Here you see the fine servers and ministers for the Mass. Fr Joji, who is just to my right, picked out a very fancy chasuble for me to wear. The servers carried out their ministries with great reverence and competence, making the Celebration beautiful and inspiring.

During the Offertory, large baskets are placed in the aisles and everybody goes and places their own offering in the basket. Lots of singing and motion during this procession with people often dancing as they proceed down the aisle with great joy in giving God their gifts.

That morning there was a special event for the Catholic Women's group who you can see here seated together. As with our CWL in Canada, these women give great service and support to the work of the Church in Africa.

The people dress up for Mass on Sunday. For them it is a very special and important event. There are also lots of children around giving great hope for the future of the Church and of society there.

During the Mass there is great solemnity and reverence. When the servers use the symbols of prayer such as the incense here, there is not holding back on the gift to God.

Beside me here at the Altar is the pastor Fr. Innocent Joji who was very warm and welcoming to Fr. Callie and myself.

Fr. Callie also concelebrated the Mass with me as you can see here. The Mass was not quite two hours long, which could be considered a bit short by African standards. The people joyously celebrate their faith. At this Mass there was a second collection at the end, which involved another big procession with some very energetic music and much dancing as the gifts were given. No rush here to get out of Church. I found that very edifying. The Catholic people here love to celebrate the Eucharist and are both reverent and greatly respectful and also joyful and exuberant in their praise of God.

I received an email today from Bishop Okeke, my host for my trip, telling me about his Masses on Ash Wednesday: over 5,000 people for the first Mass in the morning and even more at the evening Mass!

With my first Celebration of the Eucharist in Africa, I was looking forward now to experiencing more of this vibrant faith.

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A Nice Place to Stay

2010-02-11T02:57:00.009-06:00

After two days in Lagos we moved on to Abuja, the new Capital City of Nigeria. There were elections going on in Anambra State where the Diocese of Nnewi is situated and Bishop Okeke felt it would be better for me to wait until the elections were over before coming to Nnewi. As it turned out, the election was fairly well conducted with some glitches in getting ballots to everyone, but over all fair and honest. The Governor who was elected was well accepted so no one tried to overturn the election through riots or other violent protests. Which, I guess, was a possibility and that's why were in Abuja.

When the Apostolic Nunciature heard that we were coming to stay in the city for three nights, we were invited to stay there. As you can see, it is a very nice building. And we were warmly welcomed by Msgr. Jean-Sylvain Emien, the Deputy Head of Mission for the Holy See. Like ourselves, they too are awaiting the arrival of a new Nuncio.

In the middle of the building there is a very beautiful garden and court yard.

And in the centre is this very beautiful African Madonna and Child.

And of course flowers. I think that it is always great to see flowers like this blooming in February.

There is a community of Philipino Sisters who look after the Nunciature and I enjoyed very much meeting them. I told them of the Philipino Priests and Sisters that are here in our diocese and how pleased we are with them as well.

While Abuja is a much more modern city, having been chosen as the Capital only fifeen or so years ago and being almost built new from scratch, it is still has Nigerian traffic so having the diplomatic licence on the car was a help and a security.

The Nunciature has a very beautiful Chapel and there is Mass everyday and on Sunday which is well attended by members of the various diplomatic corps who are stationed in the Capital.

And there was some dramatic African art work displayed in the Chapel, such as this carving of the Apostles fishing.

And this portrayal of Peter's Denial of Jesus after His arrest.

You can see here the various carvings around the walls of the Chapel.

The Stations of the Cross were quite unique and I liked them very much. Here Simon of Cyrene is being conscripted to carry the cross of Jesus. You can sense the powerful force being exercised by the soldier on the left while Jesus takes all of this in.

I liked this one particularly in which Jesus comforts the women of Jerusalem. Both women are mothers and their babies are being carried in a fold of their clothing on their backs. This was a sight I saw continually during my visit. There are many children in Nigeria and are in view everywhere. They are beautiful and energetic like children everywhere and like the little one on the right - taking everything in.

This Station, where Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross, portrays the tenderness and gentle care shown Jesus. The Church in Nigeria is growing quickly and the faith of the people is full of reverence and devotion while being also exuberant and joyous. As the woman cradles Jesus' head, I see that tender devotion expressed that is seen so often in the people praying at Mass and in the Churches.

And this is Msgr. Jean-Sylvain who was a very generous and gracious host to Fr. Callistus and myself during our stay with him.

During our stay in Ajuba, I was offered to celebrate Mass on Sunday at the Nunciature, but I felt that I would like to experience a parish Mass. So Msgr. Jean-Sylvain arranged that. And that will be the next topic.

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"Out of Africa:" Lagos

2010-02-07T13:03:00.007-06:00

Last Fall, Bishop Hilary Okeke of the Diocese of Nnewi in Nigeria paid a visit to one of his priests who is working here in the Archdiocese of Regina, Fr. Callistus Ibe. At that time he said to me: "Why don't you come to Nigeria and see what the Church is like there." As it happens I had been thinking about that. We have a number of African priests working in our diocese and I thought that it might be helpful to me in better understanding not only their culture, but also their Church. I knew that the Catholic Church in Africa is a strong and vibrant church and is growing rapidly. To make a long story short, I accepted his invitation and this past week I set out for Africa with Fr. Callie travelling with me.

We were warmly greeted on our arrival in Lagos after about 25 hours of travelling from Regina to Toronto to London, England and finally to Lagos on the coast of southern Nigeria. We were met at the airport and brought to a hostel for priests who are passing through Lagos run by the Sisters of the Apostles. I was glad to get to my bed which was quite comfortable and there was an air conditioner in the room which was great since the temperature was around 30 degrees and quite humid.

The grounds were a quiet haven from a world outside their gates which was noisy with the din of what seemed to be thousands of cars and people who were going about their business with great gusto.

Part of the group who welcomed us were Fr. Callie's sister Mary and her husband Gilbert who are on either side of Fr. Callie who is in the middle with a very appropriate shirt on.

The difference in culture and way of doing things was quite astounding. Lagos is a city of close to fifteen million people,one half the pooulation of Canada. I think that they all own cars and all those cars were on the roads driving all around us. The highway going through the city would have three lanes marked and at least four lanes of traffic using it, all with their horns blowing. To add to the excitement, motor bikes were winding their way through the traffic, also with their horns blowing. When the traffic slowed a bit street vendors made their appearance, walking in between the lanes of moving traffic with large boxes of potato chips, bottles of water and juice and whatever else they felt they could sell, some of which they carried on large trays balanced on their heads. As if this is not enough excitement, there are lines of people standing on both sides of the highway darting across throught the traffic which was again rocketing along at high speed. Not for the faint of heart, driving in Lagos, Nigeria.

Just on the side of the highway would be business, such as the United Benger Motor Dealers shown here.

And this car dealership shown here with the office under the deck roof. Very little overhead cost here!

Here is what I thought could be comparable to a strip mall in Regina, with several small business in a row.

And this, Fr. Callie informed me, was a bus terminal. On our hour journey through the city traffic, we saw not just a few of these small businesses, but hundreds of them with thousands of people using them to buy the goods they needed. I found it all simply amazing.

The hostel for priests, as we found out, turns its power off at around midnight or so and leaves it off all night. Which is a great energy saver, however as a result the fans and air-conditioner also stop. So we moved to another place in a newer residential part of Lagos. You can see some of the houses and also a mosque with its minarets in the centre background.

There too, people set up a spot to do business wherever there is a spot, even in the middle of a new road that is being built there.

As you can see, traffic is snug. Close enough to read the stickers on this public transport van: just at the bottom of the rear window is the name "JESUS." I had noted many religious words, prayers etc on the cars and vanss driving the streets.

And here's one of the young sales ladies I had mentioned earlier, who travelled in between the lanes of traffic selling a variety of wares. So our first day or so in Africa.

A Week of Ordinations of Bishops

2010-01-31T21:45:00.006-06:00

Before I was appointed to the Archdiocese of Regina, I was an Auxiliary Bishop in Toronto. This month two new Auxiliary Bishops were ordained for that Archdiocese. The first was Bishop William McGrattan who was rector of St. Peter's Seminary in London at the time of his appointment as bishop.

Bishop McGrattan has been described as a wonderful, visionary leader. I have had the pleasure of meeting him during a retreat I had gave at St. Peter's a couple of years ago. I know that he will be a fine assett to the Archdiocese of Toronto. And I am sure that he will enjoy his ministry there. I certainly have good memories of my time there and of the very fine priests, religious and lay people I met and worked with there. Bishop McGrattan was ordained as bishop in the Cathedral in London, ON.

And the second Ordination took place the day after Bishop McGrattan's. The ordination of Vincent Nguyen was an historic one. For Bishop Nguyen is the first Asian bishop to be ordained in Candada. His story is a fascinating one, telling of his leaving Vietnam on a fishing boat with his uncle's family as one of the "Boat People" at the age of sixteen.

I met him during my time in Toronto. One of my duties as Auxiliary Bishop was the Pastoral Mission Fund, a generous agency of the Archdiocese of Toronto which distributes close to a million and a half dollars each year to struggling dioceses and instutions around the world. Fr. Vincent sat on the Board with me and helped us see that the donations given were in fact going to the right places. I was impressed by his efficiency and clear thinking. So I was very pleased to hear that he was to be ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop for his diocese.

There was a very large number of people who attended the ordination along with almost as many priests and a good number of bishops some of whom are seen here before the Mass of Ordination was to begin.

Before the Mass of Ordination began, the Insignia of the Bishop, the miter and the bishop's ring were blessed. Here Archbishop Collins says the prayer of blessing.

As the Bishops process into St. Michael's Cathedral, you can see that the ground in Toronto looks a bit different from the ground I left in Regina, which had a good cover of snow on it.

Archbishop Collins was the Principal Consecrating Bishop is seen here in the centre. On the far left is Bishop Peter Hunt, Auxiliary Bishop of the Northern Region of the Archdiocese which was my old stomping grounds. Next to him is Bishop John Boissoneau who looks after the Western Region. Then next to Archbishop Collins is the new Auxiliary, Bishop McGrattan and on the far right, the newly ordained Bishop Vincent Nguyen.

Here with the new bishop are some pretty proud and happy Vietnamese priests who concelebrated the Mass. Indeed there was a great crowd of proud and happy Vietnamese people both in the cathedral and standing outside. It was a very special day for them.

And here I get to stand with the two of them. It was a beautiful celebration of that solemn celebration of the Ordination of a Bishop. St. Michael's Cathedral is a grand and historic building and the music sung by St. Michael's Choir School members was memorable in its beauty.

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Refugee Sponsorship and the Bishops

2010-01-28T21:35:00.005-06:00

Recently I was in Toronto to attend the Ordination of Vincent Nguyen as Auxiliary Bisho of Toronto. Earlier in the day I attended a special convening of Bishops to conincide with the First National Ctholic Conference on Refugee Sponsorship. The purpose of meeting was to discuss refugee sponsorship in the Catholic Church and in particular how we might address the crisis that our Iraqui Christian brothers and sisters are currently experiencing.

As Christians we have always understood the need to be attentive to people who are forced to flee their homes because of war and persecution to find a place of refuge. For good reason, for Joseph and Mary and the child Jesus were refugees in Egypt.

Present at the meeting was the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. I had the opportunity to speak with him before the meeting began. Of interest to people here is that the Minister is a graduate of the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox.

The Conference was sponsored by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario and CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association) a Papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support and hosted jointly by the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Diocese of London. Speakers seated at the table were Martin Mark from the Office of Refugees for the Archdiocese of Toronto, Fr. Tim Hanley, John McGrath, Chancellor of Temporal Affairs of the Archdiocese of Toronto, the Hon. Jason Kenney, Archbishop Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto and Carl Hetu of CNEWA.

Archbishop Collins spoke of the time of the first bishop of Toronto, Bishop Power, when 40,000 Irish immigrants arrived in Toronto, at that time a city with a population of 20,000 people. They were stricken with typhoid fever and thousands died including Bishop Power who contracted the disease while caring for them. Most recently, the new Auxiliary Bishop for Toronto who was ordained that day, Bishop Vincent Nguyen, fled Vietnam at the age of sixteen as one of the Boat People seeking refuge in Canada. While our goal must be to help people stay in their own country and strengthen them, we must also welcome those who cannot stay

The Hon. Jason Kennedy said that Canada accepts the largest number of refugees from Iraq and the Middle East thanks to the work done by such Catholic agencies as the Archdioces of Toronto. He said that the Church is seen as a parther in this work of welcoming refugees. Canada has welcomed over a million refugees since World War II. Each year 100,000 refugees are settled throughout the world out of a total of a million and a half primarily by twenty developped countries. While the preference is to have people return to a stabilized country, Canada accepts 10,000 to 12,000 refugees who cannot return to their home country because of grave risk. Of these three to four thousand come to Canada through private sponsorship.

I am very pleased and proud that people and parishes in our Archdiocese have been part of this private sponsorship. The great advantage of private sponsorship is the personal care that is give to these people whose lives have been disrupted or shattered. This is a care that government sponsored refugees are not always able to receive. In private sponsorship, the refugees are met at the airport, taken to their home, helped to buy clothing and made sure that they have the necessities of life.

3800 refugees from Iraq have been settled in Canada, most of them are Catholics driven from their homes and country because of their Christian faith. It is especially important for the Church to look at ways to help bring these people to settlement in Canada. There are more people seeking settlement in Canada than the government is able to receive and process. Thus the urgent need for private sponsorship.

The Archdiocese of Regina took part in the National Conference on Refugee Sponsorship through its director of the diocese's Social Justice Office, Bert Pitzel.

Seen here from left to right: Carl Hétu, National Secretary for CNEWA Canada; Gilbert Iyamuremye, Director of the Office of Refugees for the Diocese of London, and Martin Mark, Office fo Refugeews for the archdiocese of Toronto.

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A Special Retreat in the Mountains

2010-01-27T20:28:00.007-06:00

Earlier this month, the Bishops of Western Canada took part in their annual retreat at the Benedictine Abbey in Mission BC. We were very privileged indeed to have with us Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop Emeritus of the diocese of Westminster in London, England.

It was a wonderful setting for these few days of prayer, silence and reflection. I had left Regina in the morning where the temperature was -36 Celsius. When I arrived at Westminster Abbey it was 4 or 5 above zero - and stayed that way for all our time there. The grass was green and the holly bushes were beautiful.

Christians have endowed the holly bush with much symbolism. Its perennially green leaves remind us of the gift of immortal life which Christ gives us. The sharp-toothed edge of the holly leaf reminds Christians of the crown of thorns with which the soldiers mocked Our Lord during His Passion. They laughingly hailed Him as king, never realizing that He is, indeed, King of the universe. As a Christmas symbol, the red holly berry represents Christ's blood, shed for all people out of love for them.

There are some pretty big and impressive trees on the Abbey property. Very beautiful with the moss and vines which climb them. If God's gift of nature on earth is so beautiful, how beautiful indeed must be the beauty of God who created all of this and who is reflected in its majesty.

The Abbey sits high above the Fraser River Valley with the majestic Rockies in the background.

The subject of Cardinal Cormac's "musings", as he called them, for our Retreat was "How can we sing to the Lord on alien soil." (Psalm 137) During the reflections he led us on a contemplation of the different "alien soils" which populate our lives, not the least of which are our own failings and weaknesses. He quoted the medieval mystic, Meister Eckhart: "Stand firm and do not flee from you wilderness." We must rather face our weaknesses with trust in God for "Perseverance is the little sister of hope."

Another patch of "alien soil" is our world which has "divorced sex from love, love from commitment, marriage from children and the children from the resonsibility of their care." We live in a world which has "thousands of possibilities but no where to go."

What do we have to give in the face of this strange and wonderful world which we inhabit? We have the beauty of our Liturgy given to us in the great Ecumenical Council, Vatican II. We have a great sense of welcome and kindness shown to all, and we have the gift of the family, particularly the Church as family, our good Catholic families and the families of small faith groups that gather together in their 3's and 4's and read the Gospel and discuss the conditions of their lives in its context.

The Cardinal reminded us that Bernard of Clairvaux said that a Bishop should be "nec nemis sanctus, nec nemis sanis, nec nemis sapiens" (Not too holy, not too healthy and not too smart.) Mmm.

I will add only a few of his words on ecumenism, which is a challenging field and activity in our modern church. His Eminence recalled the words of Vatican II in its Decree on Ecumenism: "The can be no ecumenism without conversion of heart, newness of attitude and unstinted love." How very true and how very difficult. He spoke of the three enemies of ecumenism: Suspicion, Inertia and Impatience.

Bishop Gerry Wiesner of Prince George, BC, expressed the thanks of the bishops to Cardinal Cormac, emphasizing that hehad not only shared his insights and experiences in what he said to us but also that he shared of himself with us.

It was an excellent retreat for the bishops. I am grateful to this generous leader in our Church for giving us the gift of his time in spending four days with us. He has worked on many Vatican commissions and committees and still does so in his retirement. It was a delight to share in his vision of the Church and of our ministry and as well his personal experiences.

And here we are, the attendees at the Western Bishops Retreat for 2010.

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Recognition of Models of Stewardship by the Presentation of Papal Awards

2010-01-23T20:49:00.008-06:00

On January 5th, in conjunction with the Centennial Celebrations of the Archdiocese of Regina, fifteen of the faithful of the Archdiocese were presented with awards granted by Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of outstanding service to our Diocesan Church. These members of our diocesan church have exhibited model examples of Stewardship, sharing their gifts, talents and time in service to Christ and His Church.

We are especially grateful to the Holy Father for his kindness and generosity to our diocese in granting these awards of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pope) and the Medal Benemerenti (To a well deserving persion.)

The ceremony was carried out during the Liturgy of Evening Prayer. I will share with you my homily that evening and some pictures of those who received these honours that evening:

Sr. Bernadette Feist, OSU, E&P

Sr. Winnifred Brown RNDM, E&P

Sr. Florence Leduc CSC, MB

My dear sisters and brothers: we come together this evening to celebrate the liturgy of the Church and to honour members of our diocesan church for their example of generous service to Christ’s Community of faith. This service has been given in the spirit of true Stewardship, for they have shared the gifts that God has given to them for the benefit of us all.

Vivian Bosch, E&P

Because this offering of Evening Prayer is part of the Liturgy of the Church, it is a prayer of immense value and sacredness. While our personal prayers that conclude each day bring us into an intimate exchange with God, the Liturgy of the Hours is more than our private prayer. It is the prayer of the whole Church. And because it is the prayer of the Church it is the prayer of Christ. And so this evening we pray with Christ as he offers hymns and psalms of praise to his Father.

Penny Malone, MB

As you well know, are in the process of celebrating the Centennial of our Archdiocese this year. And as part of this very special celebration of our Church’s life and history, we have felt that it would be important to recognize those people among us who are special examples of the faith and service upon which our diocesan church was built and which has sustained us for the first century of our existence.

Wendelin Herle MB

As we give recognition to these few people this evening, we recognize the generosity of the many, many people who give of themselves so that the work of Jesus Christ may continue in our diocesan church. And we recognize as well all of those people who have gone before us for a hundred years, whose gift of themselves to the work of God in our world has brought our Archdiocese through a century of living out the Catholic faith.

Mary Holash BM

The reading of God’s Word from the letter of St. Paul to Titus has some helpful words for us as we recognize tonight the good works that people do in our diocesan church. St. Paul writes: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

Henry Laboida MB

In this season of Christmas, we have welcomed the Angel’s message to the shepherds: Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Christ, the Lord. Jesus has saved us from the darkness of the great destruction of sin and death. St Paul reminds us that Jesus saved us, not because of good deeds we may have done, but because of God’s mercy that is given to us out of God’s goodness and loving kindness. Paul teaches us that this salvation has come to us through the “water of rebirth,” in other words our Baptism, and through renewal by the Holy Spirit, in other words in our Confirmation.

Richard Turchenek, MB

There is no human deed that we can do which would enable us to say to God, “I have done this, now you must give me salvation.” No human deed has that worth or value. No human deed has the power to give us eternal life. Therefore God in his goodness and loving kindness towards us gives us the gift of Salvation because God is merciful and God loves us.

Robert Waldegger, MB

If our good deeds do not bring about our salvation, then why does Paul say we must insist on this teaching so that those who believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works, which Paul says are excellent things and are profitable to everyone?

Gordon Stopanski, MB

We who are disciples of Jesus because of our baptism and confirmation, do good deeds to show our gratitude to God for his love, his forgiveness, his mercy and his presence in each of our lives. Do you remember the sinful woman in Luke’s Gospel who washed Jesus feet with her tears? Jesus said of her: “I tell you, her sins which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love.”

Art Vanderzalm, MB

And that is why we strive to do good deeds: it is the way we show our love for God who has saved us. In this Christmas season we recall once again how Jesus by his birth in Bethlehem became Emmanuel, a name that means “God with Us.” God’s presence in each of our lives is God’s gift of love to us. That gift strengthens us in times of difficulty, it gives us hope and consolation, it shines light into those dark times in life and it gives us hope for our future. And so we do good deeds to show our gratitude and to show our love for God because we recognize all that God has done for us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Velma Harrison, E&P

Lorne Harasen, E&P

Before Jesus ascended into heaven he said to his disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the Earth.” The followers of Jesus have taken up the challenge of this mission given to them by Jesus through the centuries.

People in our own diocesan church also have taken up that mission to be witnesses of Jesus to all around them. They have shown that witness by their generosity to God in the things that they do. They’ve done it for a hundred years as a diocesan church. And they continue to do so today.

Ron Kruzeniski, E&P

This evening we confer two special honours granted by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI: the Benemerenti Medal, instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and granted to those who have been recognized as being “well deserving persons” as a mark of recognition for long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.

Vince Morrison, E&P

And secondly the Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice, instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, bestowed to lay people and clergy who have given zealous and outstanding service to the Church.

We are grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI for accepting our recommendations for these honours and bestowing them on those who will now receive them this evening.

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January 1, 2010 "Life and Salvation through Mary's Son, Jesus Christ"

2010-01-16T21:19:00.007-06:00

It has been a tradition in Regina for the Archbishop to hold a Levee on New Year's Day. A Levee is simply a reception in which all the people of the Archdiocese are welcome to come to the Cathedral Hall, meet and exchange greetings with the Archbishop, have a light lunch, and enjoy one another's company. I enjoy the Levee. I meet some wonderful people and it's a real plealure to watch as they stay for a while and chat with each other and share some snacks. The Church is essentially a community of people bonded by our baptism into one people. We have a tough time with community these days. I think particularly so in families who because of the pressures of the times have few opportunities even to eat together any more. The Levee reminds us of the joys of our links to one another.

On hand with me was Fr. Arthur Vandendriessche, one of the priests who were awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and the Bene Merenti medals this year in recognition of exceptional dedication and work for the Diocesan Church.

Also on hand was our newest and oldest Monsignor, Msgr Mike Hogan who celebrated his 66th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood this past year. Msgr Hogan was Vicar General for the Archdiocese for a number of years and served the Church as Diocesan Administrator as well. I noticed that it was a great pleasure for people to meet these generous priests and give them their congratulations.

Also Deacon Barry Wood and his wife Shiela were on hand. Deacon Barry came to work for the Archdiocese this year as Financial Officer.

And some other priests came along as well, including Fr. Norm Marcotte who retired this year as Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Regina.

There were lots of people of all ages who came and shared in this special event. Msgr Ken Miller, the former Vicar General of the Archdiocese, was with me to welcome and introduce people to me. Msgr Miller, who also has served the diocesan church on many levels seems to know just about everybody around!

I will let you see some of the many people who came on New Year's Day and certainly brightened my day. In between the pictures I will share with you my reflection on the importance of the Feast of Mary the Mother of God, which is our Liturgical Celebration on January 1st.

I was asked once: “Why is New Year’s Day a Holy Day of Obligation?” I had to reply that New Year’s Day wasn’t a holy day of obligation. However the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God on January 1 was. I wasn’t trying to be smart with this honest question. But I did want to draw attention to why we come to Mass today and why it is a holy day of Obligation.

Today, in Church language, is the Octave Day of Christmas, the eighth day since Christmas Day. But again the question: What is so special about this day? Well, let me give a little illustration. This past summer my mother celebrated a big birthday; she turned 90. Her birthday is on July 11th and we had a party for her with all her family there. But then when I was home with her, we had a special meal for her birthday at another time.

And at different times people dropped by to give congratulations and these included little celebrations. My mother doesn’t like a fuss, so one birthday celebration would have been more than enough for her, but it ended up that she had a number of birthday celebrations, spread over many days. The importance of that birthday couldn’t be acknowledged by her family and friends just in one day. It needed more time.

That is the way it is in the Church with very special celebrations. At Christmas we celebrate God’s decision to be born into our world as a human child, as one of us. As St. Paul would write in his letter to the Philippians, the Son of God had to empty himself of all the glory of God in order to be born into our human race. This is an act of intense love by God for us.

The Church finds that to celebrate this in one day is not adequate. And so the Church celebrates Christmas Day for eight days. In the life and the prayer of the Church, Christmas Day begins on December 25th and ends on January 1st. Today we God’s people conclude the celebration of Christmas Day by reflecting on Mary, who in giving birth to Jesus has become the Mother of God.

Once again Mary, as mothers are known to do, puts her finger on our chin and turns our face so that we are looking at Jesus her son, her son who is God. She reminds us, in this sacred and divine liturgy of her feast, “He was called Jesus, the name that was given by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb.” The name “Jesus” was understood to mean “God Saves.” Jesus then is the Saviour. Jesus, the Son of Mary and the Son of God is the one who saves us. The one who saves you and me.

When the angel said to the shepherds in that dark Christmas night illuminated by heavenly light: “to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour” the angel was addressing those words to every person in the world, to each of us here, to you and to me. A saviour is born to you and to me.

What does that mean for us? Let us look at the words of the Gospel again: St. Luke writes that, having received the message of the birth of a Saviour from the angels; the shepherds immediately go to Bethlehem. They say “Let us go and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

When I listen to these words I immediately think of the beginning of John’s Gospel where John the Baptist watches Jesus as he walks by one day. John says to his disciples who were with him: “Look, here is the Lamb of God.” One of those disciples, Andrew, and another immediately set out after Jesus. Like the shepherds on their way to Bethlehem, Andrew and his friends set out to go and see who this Lamb of God is.

In a sense this is what we do in our lives as disciples of Jesus, for that is who we, the baptized members of the Church, are. We too, like the Shepherds, like the disciples of John, are told things about Jesus by our parents and grandparents, by our priests, by reading the Word of God in the Bible. And we too set out in different ways to go and see what it is all about.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus turned to the two and said to them “what are you looking for?” Now that is a very big question, isn’t it. It is one of the great “life questions.” “What are you looking for in your life?” Jesus says to us. What is it that you really want? The shepherds went looking for a Saviour and found a baby lying in a manger. Andrew and his friend went looking for a Saviour, and found Jesus. This feast today puts that question to us: ”What are you looking for in your life?” That makes me ask myself: “What am I looking for in my life?” If I am looking for a Saviour, what is it that I need to be saved from?

The Gospel sheds light on some of the answers to those questions. The first words spoken by the Angels announcing the birth of the Saviour were: “Do not be afraid.” These are words that Jesus repeated over and over again as he spoke to people who came to listen to him. “Do not be afraid.” What I fear is what I need to be saved from.

We do not like to admit our fears. Yet, fear is one of those big things in life, is it not? We worry and fret about many things: about sickness, about the health of those we love, we fear sorrow, we fear loss, we fear pain and we fear coming face to face with death. It is easy for fear to possess us. Fear can be a great darkness for many of us as we live our life. Fear can even enslave us.

But this feast of the mother whose son is God tells us that we are no longer slaves to anything. For, because of Jesus’ birth, we have been made God’s sons and daughters. A light has shone into the darkness of our fears and has strengthened us. That light is Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, the one who Saves us.

St. Paul tells us that because we have been made sons and daughters of God, we are heirs to the treasure of God. When the shepherds came to Bethlehem, they saw a child, a newborn baby. They saw innocence and peace; they saw love. And they saw new life. They saw the treasure of God: an innocence that overcomes guilt and cunningness and deceit. They saw peace that overcomes violence, injustice and oppression. They saw love that overcomes division, strife and hatred. And they saw a life that would overcome death.

Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. We do that too as we celebrate the Birth of the Saviour. And we pray that God will be gracious to us and bless us in the New Year that lies ahead. We pray that, like the shepherds, may we make known to those around us what we have been told about this Child whose birth we celebrate. We pray that God may bless us with the strength and courage to make known to the nations of the world, the saving power of God’s great love. For this is a power that has freed us from darkness and a love that has filled our lives with a brightness and hope which will last for all eternity.

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Many thanks go out to the ladies at the Cathedral who hosted the reception, poured tea and coffee and were so welcoming to people. And many thanks as well the the Knights of Columbus who made it easy for people to come and exchange greetings with their Archbishop and added dignity to the afternoon. And my thanks as well to the Bishop Elect of Saskatoon, Donald Bolen, our past Vicar General, for coming and being there for the people of our diocesan Church. We all wish him well and warmly congratulate him on his appointment by the Holy Father to the Diocese of Saskatoon.

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The Season of Light, Life and Love

2010-01-11T17:51:00.006-06:00

Arriving as we are at the end of the great Season of Christmas, here are a few rememberings of this special time of the year. My Christmas began with the celebration of Midnight Mass at the Cathedral. There was a church filled with people and a beautiful time of prayer, music and a sense of great joy and peace.

It is truly a time when we seek the light, not only in our darkened streets but deep within us. The glorious light of God shone round the angels when they brought their message of Good News to the shepherds that night when to us was born a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. The infant the shepherds found cannot be looked upon without one being confronted deeply by the gift of life. And how precious is each of our lives because of it. And of course at the heart of this scene from the Gospels is Love: love which opens its arms to welcome love in return. Right at the very depth of who we are we feel the yearning for what is presented to us here.

Then on Christmas Day there was Christmas Dinner. My mother always worries now whether or not I will get Christmas dinner. She says: "Where are you having dinner?" and the question is loaded with concern. I told her this year that I was having dinner at the Marian Centre and explained to her what that was. She was satisfied. And so was I. The dining room was filled with wonderful people who came there on Christmas Day to share their time with people who have much less of the special things of life than most of us have.

And they were all in the spirit of the Season, and adding cheer all around and in many ways.

Trudy was displaying one of her special talents accompanying the choir that had come to sing carols and brighten the meal with their songs and music.

As you can see, they are pretty happy to be here and their music was lovely.

And we had a great bunch who served the tables and made sure that everyone had what they needed to enjoy their meal.

It is really a great joy and indeed a great hope for me to see the generosity of so many people that comes to the fore at Christmas time, but which is also there throughout the year as people share of themselves to bring happiness to others. This is true Stewardship.

As you can see whe had a full house with lots of people together sharing this special meal on the day the Father gave us the gift of His Son just so that we may have life and happiness for ever.

I served the meat for while and then was allowed to sit down and share the meal with some other people.

As you can see, a good time and a happy time with some good company.

Doreen is on my right. Doreen was visiting from Madonna House in Combermere. Doreen and I have known each other for twenty some years. Ever since I became pastor in Riverview, NB and Doreen was looking after a Madonna House in the parish. It was good to be sharing the day with her and with Nancy who is the Director at the Marian Centre.

One of the Christmas presents we received this year was the appointment of Msgr. Don Bolen, the Vicar General of the Diocese, as Bishop of Saskatoon. It is very special for a diocesan church to be able to give the gift of one of its priests to the service of the larger Church. Msgr Don is a priest of great talents and a deep spirituality. I know that he will be a blessing to the Church in Saskatoon.

Then when I drove home from the Marian Centre in mid afternoon, there was this beautiful winter sun with the shining sun dogs to mark the day. It made me think of Jesus, the Light of our world and a couple of angels, shining with His brilliance on either side in worship and praise. "The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. On those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light has shone."

Then on Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family I went to Martha House for supper. There is always warmth and welcome there. Here you see me with the faces that are very familiar to you all. A new member of the family is Fr. Emile Toupin in between Fr. Norm and myself.

And the wonderful people who make it all happen at Martha house.

A final visit to the Chapel at Martha House with its beautiful creche honouring the infant Jesus who shows us the Love that is God. I will close this post with some of the words of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict in his homily on the Feast of Epiphany:

Manifested in him, in fact, is the wonderful reality that God knows us and is close to us; that his greatness and power are not expressed in the logic of the world, but in the logic of a defenseless child, whose strength is only that of love entrusted to us. In the course of history, there have always been persons illuminated by the light of the star, who find the way and reach him. All of them live, in their own way, the same experience of the Magi.

It is my prayer that each of you will find the way and reach him as did the Magi. And that you will find there Light and Life and Love.

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Prayers for the Joy of the Christmas Season

2010-01-02T16:04:00.009-06:00

To begin this post, which is a little late in coming due to the pressures of the Season, I wish to all of you the great joy and hope that is at the heart of our Celebrations of the Mysteries of the coming of God's eternal Son into our world in the Birth of Jesus.

If I may, I will share with you my homily for the Feast of Christmas from the celebration of Midnight Mass at Holy rosary Cathedral in Regina.

"I was listening to the radio early in the morning this past week, and was amused by the announcers saying that there were only “three more sleeps” until Christmas. I think that it is safe to say that Christmas is probably one of the most anticipated and waited for days in the year’s calendar. Not only by children but probably by many of us older folk as well. Maybe you and I don’t count the sleeps any more, but there is certainly something that clearly draws us to the celebration Christmas.

It’s not hard to notice that the TV shows about Christmas are different from the regular fare we watch, or don’t watch, the rest of the year. Even the one’s that are not specifically religious, which don’t mention the birth of Jesus, still focus very noticeably on those very special human qualities of love, of generosity, of sharing and of being good to each other in ways they rarely do at other times of the year.

Our human hearts know instinctively that we need these things if we are ever going to be truly happy. In this celebration of Christmas we come to the understanding that these human qualities actually have their root in God’s own life. And we know that we now share that life of God because of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God who chose to become a human being like us. And so when God was born as a little boy for us, it was so that we could be born again as God’s children.

Children look forward to Christmas because of the presents and, I’m sure, also for the joy of the Christmas celebrations that take place in our homes. I could describe my recollections of my childhood Christmases as “magical” in the sense that the word means “wondrous.” Like many here I just couldn’t wait for Christmas and to decorate the tree on Christmas Eve. Then I was up at the earliest moment my parents would allow to rush down stairs and see the tree all lit and decorated for the first time and the presents, above all, the presents there under the tree.

As we grow, we gradually learn that the gifts that fill our lives with true happiness cannot be placed under a Christmas tree. But they are symbolized by those childhood gifts for which we waited with such anticipation. We adults might count the sleeps to Christmas because we long for those gifts that can’t be wrapped in paper and ribbons, but which come to us in the birth of Jesus.

We long for love: to be able to be loved and to give love. We long for peace and harmony in our lives and the lives of those whom we love; we long for freedom, especially freedom from fear; we long for justice and integrity in our lives. And, perhaps most deeply, we long to be saved from all those things that threaten us, that attack our security and that of those we love. And so we receive great consolation from those age old words of the Angel to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”

When the angel said to the shepherds: “to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,” the angel was also speaking to us, to you and to me. The angel was speaking to men and women everywhere, to people of every time and of every place. For there is not a human being alive who does not long for the gifts that come into our world from God when God’s Son was born into the world in Jesus.

When Jesus, God’s Son, was born, God revealed that a Kingdom of love had come into the world. When our Holy Father, Pope Benedict, celebrated Mass in Bethlehem earlier this year he spoke of this love as being “a divine love which stoops down in order to bring healing and lift us up; a love which is revealed in the humiliation and weakness of the Cross, yet triumphs in a glorious resurrection to new life.” He went on to say that “Christ brought a Kingdom which is not of this world, yet a Kingdom which is capable of changing this world, for it has the power to change hearts, to enlighten minds and to strengthen wills.”

In the first reading tonight, the Prophet Isaiah said that this Kingdom, which Jesus has brought into our world, will be a kingdom “of wide dominion and peace, security, justice and integrity” In a sense, when we look at what is going on in the town of Bethlehem today, we see the harsh reality of how distant that Kingdom of God is from the reality of what takes place in our world today. That harsh reality is reflected in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Pakistan and in less dramatic instances in many places and in many forms all around our world. We can also see that our own lives are not fully receiving the blessings of this Kingdom

Yet instead of despair that can so easily come when we find ourselves overwhelmed with discouragement about our lives and our world, the coming of this Kingdom, where “there shall be endless peace,” where the burdens of people’s lives shall be lifted, gives us hope. When Jesus was born in the deep darkness of the night the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shone.” At Jesus birth the darkness of night was filled with the light of heaven and the brightness of God. And so it is to be in our lives.

This is the hope that Christmas gives to us and to our struggling world. This is the hope that Christmas gives to people who struggle in the dark places of life. And there are many, many of them. There is a line in one of the truly beautiful Christmas Carols that conveys this hope and promise so well. It is in “O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam written over 140 years ago.

A thrill of hope The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks A new and glorious morn.

You and I know this hope, we have discovered this Kingdom that has broken on a still weary world like a new and glorious morn. This Kingdom is present in each of our lives because the Child born in Bethlehem lives now within each of us. My dear friends, you and I have felt its strength and we have been guided by its light

And so, God calls us now to be witnesses to our world that this Kingdom truly is here among us; witnesses that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, has truly triumphed over the darkness of hatred, and selfishness and fear. And in a world divided by hatred we have been chosen to show to that world how people can truly love one another. In a world in which so many people are afflicted by despair, we are to be witnesses of the hope that the birth of Jesus brings into our world.

St. Paul, in his letter to Titus, reminds us how we are to do this witnessing. He tells us that God’s grace within us gives us the strength to renounce impiety and worldly passions. He tells us that as followers of Jesus, and witnesses to the presence of His Kingdom in our world, we are to live “lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly.” And in this way, in a world that longs for justice, peace and love, but which cannot seem to find the way to reach them, we become a light that shines in the darkness and each in our own way and in our own circumstances will light the way to the Kingdom of Love that Jesus brings into our world.

Why don’t we conclude by singing that whole verse of “O Holy Night”?

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of Our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world In sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd And the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks A new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

May this celebration of Christ’s birth bring the brightness of God into your lives and into the lives of those whom you love. May the hope of the birth of Jesus bring light and joy to you, now and forever."

The presence of a fresh and natural Christmas Tree has always been a part of my family's tradition of Christmas. I made the journey to New Brunswick in the earlier part of December to make my Christmas visit to my mother and my family. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of my brothers and sisters, we were all together and did the trimming of the tree. This is my mother's Christmas tree for 2009. But more of that later.

Earlier in December I made my annual visit on the Feast of the Presentation of Mary to the Sisters of the Presentation of Pells Drive in Regina, to celebrate the Eucharist with them and afterwards I was invited to join them for supper.

We were joined by one of the young women university students who make this house their home during the university year. And I managed to get their very talented cook in the picture this year.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SASKATCHEWAN BISHOPS

AND MAJOR RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS

This important meeting takes place annually in the late Fall. Normally it takes place in Saskatoon, but this year it was held in the Archdiocese of Regina at St. Michael's Retreat in Lumsden in commemoration of the Archdiocese's Centennial Year.

There are usually around 20 of us at this meeting.

It provides us with the very beneficial opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest and to become aware of important concerns that the Religious Communities or the Bishops have. On the right here is Bishop Albert Thevenot of Prince Albert.

I find these meetings both positive and up beat and very encouraging in the life of our Church in Saskatchewan.

This year Msgr. Don Bolen came and talked to us about the Anglican - Roman Catholic dialogue that continues and the purpose and effects of the new Apostolic Constitution dealing with Anglican communities who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church. Msgr Bolen has since then been named as Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon. But more about that later, as well. On the left in the picture is Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, the Abbot of St. Peter's Abbey in Munster who acts as our secretary.

At this table to my left is Sr. Anne Lewans, OSU who co-chaired the meeting with me and on my right Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie, OMI, the Archbishop of Keewatin - LePas and next to him, Fr. Ron Beechinor, who isthe Administrator of the Diocese of Saskatoon until the Ordination of Bishop-elect Donald Bolen.

SOME SPECIAL PRE CHRISTMAS DINNERS

Before Christmas the people who volunteer for the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal were brought together for a lunch to show our appreciation for their generous gift of time to this important venture. They prepare and send out tens of thousands of letters each year to inform the people of our Archdiocese of the work that is done through the generous support of the faithful who support the Annual Appeal

As you can see there are quite a number who help make this possible.

On my left is Deacon Barry Wood, the Financial Officer for the Archdiocese, whom many of you have met in the deanery meetings which took place in the Fall to inform our Catholic people of what their donations help make happen and what works of the Church in the Archdiocese are supported by the donations made to the Appeal.

On the right is Denise of the Appeal Office and beside her is Sr. Renée of the Myriam Family of the Prairies, an Association of the Faithful, who carry out excellent work in our diocese.

Another special lunch was held for the volunteers who work in helping families who teach the Catholic Faith to their children in the Archdiocesan Home Catechism Program. This program is in place to assure catechetical instruction is available for children who do not attend Catholic Schools and who live too far away from the parish church to attend the Parish School of Religion. Once again the generosity of our people in giving of their time and talents for the good of the Church is a source of great encouragement and hope for the success of our work as a Diocesan Church. In the middle in Michael MacDonald, the Catechetical Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Regina.

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Here you can see that Christmas tree that I showed you earlier on in this post, being brought into the house during my "Christmas" trip to Moncton. My sister brought the tree from Chester, NS and my brother is sawing off the base to make sure it can drink some water during it's time inside.

And of course, the family Christmas picture of my mother with her children.

It's pretty hard to get all of the fifteen grandchildren and their spouses in a picture, but the latest addition to the family, my new grand nephew, Cullen, was a special focus of Christmas this year. New life is the promise of hope for us all and is an important part of the Christmas hope we celebrate at the Birth of Jesus.

And of course, there is always food - lots of it!

And my mother still makes sure that every one has all the want even if it's more than they need.

WASCANA HOSPITAL ANNUAL VISIT

I always feel that the preparations for Christmas are truly and soundly underway with my annual visit to the Wascana Hospital on the Fourth Sunday of Advent for Mass and some visiting. Here I had the great pleasure of meeting Rita who couldn't get out to the Mass but had a Rosary that needed blessing, which I was more than pleased to do. The way people's faith helps them with great challenges in life has long been a consoling wonder for me and a sign of great hope for all our lives.

Karen Zeigler is the Catholic Chaplain at Wascana, and a fine example of the work that our Chaplains do in the three hospitals in Regina and in other hospitals throughout the diocese. We are spiritual people by our nature, and to have that dimension of our lives looked after when we deal with illness is an important part of the mission of our Church.

The Mass is always celebrated to maximum capacity in the Chapel, actually to overflowing capacity!

I was assisted at this special Mass by Tri Tran, our newest Seminarian who has come this Fall from Vietnam to study for the Priesthood for our Diocese.

After the Mass it is always a delight for me to meet the patients and residents at the Hospital.

There is truly a great variety of people who receive help at Wascana, sometimes both husband and wife,

and brother and sister.

And again I encounter the great generosity of our faithful people who in practice of Stewardship share their time and their talents for the effective work of the Church. Here members of parish choirs have come to make the Eucharistic celebration more joyful and prayerful with their gift of music. I thank God for them and all who generously give their time for others throughout the Archdiocese.

And here is the full compliment of people who gave their time on the Fourth Sunday of Advent to help the residents of Wascana celebrate the Eucharist with their Bishop. And they even brought lunch! For me, all of this is a great preparation for our celebration of God's great giving of Himself in Jesus so that we can overcome sickness and even death to live forever the fullness of life that Jesus has gained for us.

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For Better and Forever and other good things.

2009-12-07T17:49:00.006-06:00

Recently a workshop for pastors and parish workers involved in helping couples prepare for their marriage was held at Holy Child Parish. It introduced a new option for marriage preparation in our Archdiocese. The program is called "For Better and For Ever." It has been developed by Fr. Robert Ruhnke, a Redemptorist Priest who is shown here next to me on the far right of the picture. His book is a best seller and has become one of the mostwidely used resources of its kind.

One of the reasons for the program's great success is that it uses trained married couples to sponsor and train other couples who follow the program. The group heard John Mungham and Jocelyne Lajoie, a Sponsor Couple, who live in Calgary and have been working closely with Fr. Ruhnke for some time. John and Jocelyne are on the other side of me, next to Sr. Bernice.

There was a very good turnout of people both on Friday and on Saturday to learn about this promising program. What is attractive for me about "For Better and For Ever" is that it is parish based allowing the parish to provide the preparation for this Sacrament. It is within the parish comunity that the sacraments are celebrated and it is within this community that we can best discover the meaning of these miraculous encounters with Christ that are the great treasure of our Catholic faith.

THE SASKATCHEWAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

FALL CONVENTION

The Association's Fally Convention was held in Weyburn this past month, hosted by Holy Familyh Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 140

In this picture, on the left is Mike St. Amand of Prince Albert who is the outgoing President, and in the middle is Jerome Niezgoda of Yorkton who is the new President.

I was happy to be able to take in part of the convention and lend my support to those who work very hard to maintain the excellence of Catholic Education. Fr. MIke Dechant spoke on the triangle of Home, Church and School and its importance in the education of our children.

We were expertly entertained by a group of students from the High School in Weyburn who performed with the exuberance of young people and the excellence of training and guidance by their teachers.

It was great to see the number of young men who were part of this group.

And the ladies as well who showed great confidence and presence in their production.

And they had a lot of fun putting on this show.

I had the challenge of giving the keynote address on Sunday morning to conclude the Convention. As you can see, despite the end of the event feeling of the morning, these people were giving their best in attentiveness and listening.

I would like to give you some words spoken Pope John Paul II on Catholic education:

"The ultimate goal of all Catholic education is salvation in Jesus Christ. Catholic educators effectively work for the coming of Christ’s Kingdom; this work includes transmitting clearly and in full the message of salvation, which elicits the response of faith. In faith we know God, and the hidden purpose of his will (Cfr. Eph. 1, 9). In faith we truly come to know ourselves. By sharing our faith we communicate a complete vision of the whole of reality and a commitment to truth and goodness. This vision and this commitment draw the strands of life into a purposeful pattern. By enriching your student’s lives with the fullness of Christ’s message and by inviting them to accept with all their hearts Christ’s work, which is the Church, you promote most effectively their integral human development and you help them to build a community of faith, hope and love."

Catholic education seeks to promote the full human development of each student who comes into its care. It is a special treasure we posess and one which we need to foster, promote and protect.

ST PATRICK'S PARISH IN STURGIS

CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

On November 13th I travelled up to Sturgis on a beautiful Fall day to celebrate this special anniversary of St. Patrick's parish. The history of this parish goes back much further in history than it's 75 years as a parish. Indeed it reaches back into the last decade of the 19th century when a group of Irish Catholic families came from North Dakota to settle here over 110 years ago. The parish grew and was made up of people from different nationalities who came to Saskatchewan to build new lives for themselves and their families.

The parish community celebrated a beautiful Mass with many friends from neighbouring parishes taking part as well. Fr. Marcin Mironiuk OMI, the present pastor, concelebrated along with Fr. Casimir Krystkowiak, OMI and Fr. Jerry Talarski, OMI both of whom had been former pastors with Fr. Jerry having served the parish for twenty five years as its Shepherd.

The Oblate Fathers came to St. Patrick's in 1933, the year before St. Patrick's was erected as a parish, and have continued their pastoral ministry and leadership here to this day.

Here we all are at the end of the Mass with the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

We had a very nice reception and turkey dinner in the Sturgis Community Hall after Mass, with of course, an anniversary cake. The big shamrock on the cake made me feel right at home! It was a very pleasant afternoon with greetings brought by a number of special guests including Mayor Don Olson and a very interesting Power Point presentation on the history of the parish was prepared by Majken Wagar. All of this was unfolded by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Carole Hauber.

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Compassionate Healers Mass

2009-11-28T17:36:00.006-06:00

Earlier this month I presided at the celebration of the annual Compassionate Healers Mass. This celebration was formerly known as the White Mass, so named because of the colour of the nurses uniforms and of those in health care. As clothing in hospitals and medical practices have changed so has the name of this Mass which prays for all those involved in Catholic Health Care and for the strength of this part of the ministry and mission of the Church. The new name reminds us of Christ who heals with compassion for the sufferings of his brothers and sisters (Mark 1, 40-45) and in whose mission of healing every baptized person is called to participate.

This Mass is sponsored by the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan and present at the Mass were Bert Yakichuk of the Board of Directors and Sandra Kary, CEO.

As the Mass was about to begin two symbols of Catholic Health Care were brought forward: the container of the Oil of the Sick, used in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and a book which contains charts. And here you can see the present nurse's uniform.

The readings from Scripture spoke of two incidents of healing: that by Peter after Jesus' Resurrection and that by Jesus of a leper. In a commentary on this Gospel episode, Fr. George Montague wrote: "Where others will not go lest they be stained, Jesus goes with the power to heal.” Jesus does not heal from afar. Jesus could simply will that the man be cleansed and he would be. He could just say: “be cleansed” and he would be. But Jesus chooses to immerse himself in that man’s human situation. As he reaches out and grabs hold of that leprous man, he grabs hold of his life and becomes a part of it and he heals him.

And I believe that it is here that we see what is unique in faith-based health care; what it is that faith-based health care brings to people who suffer from illness. When we visit or care for or treat someone who is ill, we see before us the sick man in the Gospel. We see someone who is loved by Christ who reaches out to them in us and through our hands touches them and brings them comfort, assurance and healing. And because Jesus immerses himself in their life, we see in them the presence of Jesus who seeks our love and our care and our comfort. And by our loving acts of healing we show our love for Jesus, who loves us to the end.

And so we prayed in the Responsorial Psalm: "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name...He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills...As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." It is good to remember that to "fear God" is not to be afraid of God, but to give to God the reverence and awe that is God's due.

Deacon Bob Williston proclaimed the Gospel of the healing of the Leper.

The Prayers of the Faithful were offered to God for all those in Health Care, for the sick and those who care for them.

The Gifts of Bread and Wine are brought forward for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Sr. Anastasia, the Director of Pastoral Services of the Archdiocese, with the help of her team organized this very special Eucharistic Celebration. She is seen here with the symbols of Catholic care of the sick that were brought forward as Mass began.

During the celebration of the Mass I was helped by Altar Servers from the Cathedral under the direction of Louisa Lacheur. Louisa is one of the Archbishop's Team of Servers who assist me at different Liturgies throughout the Archdiocese. These young people are a blessing to me and a great help in contributing to dignified celebrations.

After Mass people gathered for a reception. Msgr. Miller is seen here speaking with Marion Grady who is on the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission and Fr. Marcotte is on the right.

On the left is Jean Mahoney, Chair of the Board of Directors of Santa Maria Nursing Home, speaking with Beverly Smith the CEO of Santa Maria. A new Board has been formed there and is actively working to assure the continuation of excellent care that has been given at Santa Maria.

Fr. Tonny Dizy, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese is speaking with Jim Schneider who is part of CHAS and who has long been active in promoting Catholic Health Care in Saskatchewan.

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Old Friends and Ministries

2009-11-22T10:41:00.003-06:00

Recently the Canadian Association of Ministry Programs met at St. Michael's Retreat in Lumsden. The Canadian Association of Ministry Programs brings together those involved in delivering diocesan ministry programs such as the Lay Ministry and RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) programs. The Association was formed in 1980 in Montreal and has met every year since alternating meetings among locations in Eastern, Western and Central Canada.

I was able to join them for a dinner in Regina to give support to this important work in our Church. This was the first time that CAMP met in Regina.

Bonnie Thiele and Judy Zolc of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Staff did the hard work necessary to arrange to have this meeting here.

I was also pleased to see some familiar faces there. Among whom was Fr. Bedford Doucet who is in charge of lay ministry formation for the Diocese of Antigonish.

And it was a great pleasure to see, on the left, Ellen Bennett who was Director of Catechetics in the parish when I was Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Riverview, NB and who now works in catechetics on the diocesan level in Moncton. And on the right is Phil Foreman from the Diocese of Saint John. Phil and I were classmates in university at St. Thomas in Chatham, NB. Phil is married to Mary Lou whom I have know now since we were children together in Moncton.

That's one of the wonderful things about the Church: you see good people doing good things. And that is a blessing for us all.

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Welcome to a new Priest in our Archdiocese

2009-11-17T15:54:00.003-06:00

I had the pleasure recently of welcoming a new priest to carry out ministry in the Archdiocese. This if Msgr. Reymundo Asis, a Filipino priest from the Diocese of Daet. He will be stationed with Fr. Neil Osiowy at St. Joseph's Parish in Moose Jaw who, I am sure, will be pleased to have this help since St. Joseph's also looks after the parishes of St. Mary in Central Butte and St. John the Evangelist in Marquis.

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Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle celebrates it 125th Anniversary

2009-11-08T16:24:00.012-06:00

On October 31, the Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle held celebrations in honour of the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese. The celebrations began with a dinner held at St. Martin's Parish Hall. I was very honoured to have been invited to take part in these special celebrations.

I was greeted by Bishop Gregory Kerr Wilson, the Bishop of Qu'Appelle, seen here with his wife Vicki.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Archbishop David Ashdown the Archbishop of Keetwatin and Metropolitan of Rupertsland.

With me here at the table is Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Bishop Cynthia G. Halmarson. I should mention here that twice yearly the four Roman Catholic Bishops in Saskatchewan and the three Anglican Bishops and the Evangelical Lutheran Church Bishop meet for a day to discuss their own ministries and other works that we are able to do in common. One such common work, that bore good fruit, was a statement by the Bishops of Saskatchewan regarding uranium mining and nuclear power asking that all Saskatchewanians educate themselves as fully as possible regarding all aspects of this pertinent topic.

During the dinner we were joyously entertained by the Best Buddies Blues Band. This group is from Leboldus High School in Regina.

In the middle is one of the instructors, Chris Hamilton.

Bishop Kerr Wilson got himself into the act with some enthusiastic xylophone playing.

And then we were shown how to really strike up the band.

Then Bishop Greg and myself tried our hands at the drums. I must admit to great pressure on this percussion debut on my part. But it was all a great time.

Then the real professionals showed us how to really do it.

It was great fun to be allowed to be a part of this terrific group for a bit that evening.

Bishops often "sing the blues" but not with so much fun as we had that evening.

Sunday Morning 125th Anniversary Service

A liturgical service, Solemn Eucharist of All Saints, was held in Luther College High School on Sunday morning to which I had the honour of being invited. I was accompanied by Msgr. Don Bolen, the Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Regina and recently working at the Pontifical Commission for Promoting Christian Unity at the Vatican. Msgr Bolen's field of speciality was relationships with the Anglican Church, so it was a great pleasure for me to have him with me for this special event.

The liturgy began with the Rite of Sprinkling reminding us of our baptism and God's cleansing us from sin so we may more fittingly enter into this time of prayer and concluded with a Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant.

There was a very good number of people in attendance.

The Rite concluded with the singing of one of my favourite hymns: "For All the Saints" with the hymn tune "Sine Nomine." From left to right in the front row: Bishop Rodney Andrews, Anglican Bishop of Saskatoon, Msgr. Don Bolen, V.G., myself, Archbishop Ashdown and Bishop Cynthia Halmarson.

The preacher was The Very Reverend Kevin Martin, Dean of St. Matthew's Cathedral in Dallas, Texas.

Here, I am exchanging the Sign of Peace with Bishop Kerr Wilson. Although I was not able to participate fully in the liturgy by receiving Holy Communion since our two Churches have not achieved communion between ourselves, it was still a very positive experience to join in prayer with our Anglican brothers and sisters and praise and give thanks to God for the many blessings we have both received.

The Anglican Church in Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have achieved full communion and so Bishop Halmarson joined Bishop Kerr Wilson and Archbishop Ashdown at the Altar for the Eucharistic Prayer.

Bishop Greg spoke his appreciation to all present at the end of the Service.

And here are the bishops in attendance at the 125th Celebration.

And also Msgr. Bolen whose work for the Roman Catholic Church at the international level has enabled him to feel much at home in the company of our Anglican friends and fellow Christians.

Our congratulations go out to the Diocese of Qu'Appelle from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina on one hundred and twenty-five years of living as a diocesan church here in Saskatchewan. It was a particular pleasure for me to have been able to take part in these celebrations during the year in which our own Archdiocese is celebrating its Centennial Year. On our part we will continue to promote the unity of all Christian Churches and seek the Communion for which our Lord prayed. May God bless our efforts.

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Maritime Fall

2009-11-08T15:26:00.003-06:00

Following the Bishops Plenary Meetings in Cornwall, I slipped home to New Brunswick to visit my mother for a couple of days. We took a drive through the countryside on a lovely sunny day. The bright red and orange colours had disappeared from the trees, but there was still some gold and yellow leaves which were lovely.

A little imaginative Maritime humour here, making full use of plentiful pumpkins. The funny thing is that it does remind me of a plumber who did some work for me a number of years ago.

As I said, a little bit of colour left in the New Brunswick trees.

While I was home, I met my newest grand-nephew, Cullen. He is number four in that generation of my mothers's great grandchildren.

This is his cousin Noah. Life is a great joy. Here is another generation beginning everything all over again. God bless them.

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Notre Dame awards Sisters of Charity of St. Louis

2009-11-01T17:26:00.008-06:00

Before I left for the Canadian Bishops' Plenary meeting, I had the great pleasure to be a part of the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame's Humanitarian Award Dinner. The 2009 Honorees were the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis.

The Sisters of Charity of St. Louis were founded in Vannes, France in 1803 during the aftermath of the French Revolution. In the beginning of the 20th century, the anticlerical laws of France forced many of the sisters to leave their homeland. In 1902 some sisters set sail for Canada and settled on the shores of the St Lawrence3 river where they established Catholic schools. Sisters came to the newly founded diocese of Regina. In 1913 Moose Jaw and Radville welcomed the Sisters and Wilcox in 1920. When Père Athol Murray asked the Sisters to accept "his boys" into their school, Notre Dame College of Canada was born.

There were a great number of alumni (ae) present and members of the faculty. Rob Kreuger is seen here third from the left.

There were also lots of students present too, which was very nice to see.

Here's some of the Sisters (wearing corsages). Sister Clem Liboiron who is at Wilcox is seen here, second from the right.

I got a very good seat between Sr. Yvette Plessis and Sister Patricia Derbyshire of the community's leadership in Calgary.

And on the far right is Sisber Vicki Hagel, also at Wilcox and greatly involved in the music ministry of the parish among other things.

Mr. Terry Cooney, member of the Board of Regents brought a letter of Congratulations from the Prime Minister of Canada.

And Mr. Mo Bunden, Chairman of the Board of Regents presented the Award to the Sisters. The award contains all the names of the Sisters who served over the years at Wilcox and who took Père Athol Murray's boys and later the girls under their wings to guide, cousel, direct and support over many years.

Sr Plessis and Sr Derbyshire spoke to the group and extended their thanks for this special recognition which everyone present thought was more than well deserved.

Sr Vicki then spoke on behalf of all the sisters present.

And then, in a very moving moment, the Sisters sang the Ave Maria. Their lovely clear voices and gentle harmony was a wonderful way to bring the evening to a close.

As you can see, there was a fine turn out to support the Sisters in the receiving of their award. During the evening it became very clear what dedication the sisters gave to the young people who came to Notre Dame for an academic education and to be schooled in life. They have clearly touched the lives of hundreds of young people over the years. I often wonder these days, with so much good that can be done for young people by these women who in dedicating their life to God have dedicated their life to young people such as those at Notre Dame, why it is that no one is willing to take up this work which has changed lives for the better.

So here they are, Sisters Vicki and Clem and their family of students of Our Lady's College of Notre Dame.

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Canadian Bishops Meeting in Cornwall contd.

2009-10-21T18:18:00.008-06:00

Following reports to the plenary assembly by the Catholic Organization for Life and Family, the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal council and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace the bishops were given a presentation by Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz on The Impact of Vatican Council II on the Priesthood and its Reality Today.

Professor Gaillardetz is on staff at the University of Toledo, Ohio where he holds a Chair in Catholic Studies. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Theological Society of America, he holds a mandatum from Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza to teach at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary, Houston, Texas according to the requirements of Ex Corde Ecclesia assuring faithfulness to the teaching of the Church. He and his wife Diana are the parents of four boys.

One of the fruits of the Second Vatican council in regards to the spirituality of the life of a priest is that it brought this understanding of the priest beyond a spirituality which was separated from pastoral care and ministry into a spirituality which put the understanding of the priesthood in the context of the daily life of the Church. The priest acts in the "person of Christ, the Head of the Church" in the role of teaching, sanctifying and leading the People of God, the Church. All of this is at the service of the baptized people so that they may develop their gifts and fulfill their mission, given in their baptism, to be witnesses in their world to the Good News of Jesus.

The focus of understanding the priesthood is "relationship." It flows from our understanding of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit: three persons who are in the relationship of communion. Our baptism is the beginning of a new relationship with God. The priesthood is the consecration to a new relationship with Christ which is carried out in the Church.

These are a couple of the ideas that Dr. Gaillardetz shared with us in his first talk. He was back with us the next morning to continue with the topic "Reflections on the Relationship between the Ministerial Priesthood and the Priesthood of the Baptized." In the workshop that was held for smaller groups, there was agreement that even though we are 40 years or so into the implementation of the teachings of Vatican II, there are large numbers of the Catholic Faithful who have little understanding of what it means that by their baptism they share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. This is seen by diminished attendance at Sunday Mass, the influence of individualism in our society, the emphasis on consumerism which makes all things commodities, even religious faith and teaching. The baptized exercise their priesthood in the world in which they live, being witnesses of God's love and God's salvation. Jesus has offered his life out of love for us, we now offer ourselves and our world to God in response to that love. The priesthood of the Baptized and the Ordained or Ministerial Priesthood are both something which pertains not only to Sunday worship but also beyond that to the way we live our life. Knowing the sacrificial love which Jesus has for us, our only response is to live lives of sacrificial love ourselves.

Needless to say, Dr. Gaillardetz's talks were well received and appreciated by the bishops and were a very helpful occasion to deepen our understanding of the beauty of our Catholic Faith.

The Plenary meetings were also an occasion to renew some long standing friendships. This is Fr. Doug MacNeil of Saint John, NB. Fr. Doug was attending the Plenary as an observer representing the National Federation of Prebyteral Councils. Fr. Doug and I go back a long way with connections to St. Thomas University and the Miramichi in New Brusnwick.

Lunch time offered the opportunities to have some smaller meetings. One of these was a meeting of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews and Interfaith Dialogue, of which I am a member. We took this occasion to get together with the Observers from the different Christian Church communities who were present. Seated from left to right: Mgr Jean-Pierre Blais, Bishop of Baie-Comeau, Mgr Martin Veillette, Bishop of Trois-Rivières, Chairman, Rev. Paul Johnson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; Bishop John Boissoneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto and Jonas Abromaitis, secretary of the commission. Standing: Rev. Karen Hamilton, Canadian Council of Churches, Rev. Bruce Clemeger, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; The Ven. Dr. Michael Pollesel, General Secretary, The Anglican Church of Canada; and Rev. Stephen Kendall, The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Anglican primate of Canada was having lunch with Archbishop Weisgerber, President of the CCCB.

Archbishop Hiltz spoke to the Bishops later, speaking of the things which our two Churches can celebrate which have happened over the years, particularly the number of barriers that have been lowered, the richness of theological statements which have been made in common, all of which is sufficient to look to further and continual advancement. He also emphasized the important document "Growing Together in Unity and Mission, an agreed Statement tby the International Anglican – Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission: Building on 40 years of Anglican – Roman Catholic Dialogue, which was issued in 2006. Archbishop Hiltz in speaking of the importance of personal involvement in this dialogue recalled the statement of Pope John Paul II that affective communion will lead to effective communion. Archbishop Hiltz was warmly welcomed by the assembled Bishops.

In these meetings there is the usual business matters which take place: elections of the President who for the next term will be Mgr Pierre Morissette, Bishop of Baie-Comeau and Vice President, Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton. Financial statements are presented. Then there are reports from the Marriage Tribunal which deals with annulment applications, in particular the Appeal Tribunal which deals with cases from across the country. Cardinal Marc Ouellet spoke on the Synod of Bishops held last year on The Word of God.

Following these reports the Commission on Doctrone spoke about Catholic Identity in the Public Sphere. This is an important topic for the Church for there are many voices in our society that cry out that there is no place for religion in the public sphere. Yet Christians are called to be witnesses to the Good News of Jesus to the world, indeed it is the mission conferred upon each of us by our Baptism. So we broke up into small groups to discuss how we can bring this about in our dioceses and our parishes.

In the evening, Fr. Tom Rosica of the Catholic Television Network "Salt and Light" gave some pastoral reflections on blogs and websites, their pros and cons. This also was a timely topic and well presented.

At lunch on Wednesday the Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews and Interfaith Dialogue got together again for a business meeting and also to welcome some special guests to the Plenary who would speak later on in the afternoon on the subject of Roman Catholic & Anglican dialogue. On the left is Mgr Francois Lapierre, P.M.E., Bishop of St. Hyacynthe and Co-Chair of the Anglican – Catholic theological dialogue (ARC) in Canada and also a member of the Canadian Anglican – Catholic Bishops’ dialogue; Jonas Abromaitis, Secretary of the Commission; Fr. Gilles Routhier, from Laval UniversityRev. Gilles Routhier, from Laval University, a member of the ARC dialogue; Bishop Martin Veillette, Bishop of Trois-Rivières and Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity; Msgr Don Bolen of the Archdiocese of Regina, also a member of the ARC dialogue; Mgr Jean-Pierre Blais, Bishop of Baie-Comeau, Bishop John Boissoneau and, this time, also myself, all three, members of the Commission.

The panel discussed different aspects of the dialogue which is going on between the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church. In their discussions, the Bishops reaffirmed their commitment to Anglican- Catholic dialogue. Together, Anglicans and Roman Catholics comprised about 50% of the population of Canada.

The Bishops then end their working day by coming together and celebrating the Eucharist, for them as for all of us, the source and summit of our life as disciples of Jesus.

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Canadian Bishops Meetings in Cornwall

2009-10-20T11:44:00.009-06:00

On Monday morning the Bishops of Canada gathered in Cornwall for their annual Plenary Meeting and, of course, I am here with them. These meetings are held at the NAV Canada Training and Conference Centre. This centre was originally the training place for air traffic controllers and may still do this. But it is also a great conference centre.

The trees here in Ontario still have a lot of green leaves on them with a little bit of fall colour as you can see here at the entrance to the Centre.

As soon as you enter the property there is an old fighter jet from the Canadian Air Force on display to remind you of the military history of the place and the air navagation training which has been taught here.

The facilities are extensive and provide ample accomodation for the 80 or so bishops who come from all over Canada to spend this week together in study and discussion of contemporary matters which affect the Church in Canada.

The Centre is situated right on the St. Laurence Seaway. As I was taking this picture a large tanker was making its way towards Montreal with a couple of recreational boaters not far away from it.

It is a lovely and attractive spot particularly on a beautiful fall day such as this.

Its interior courtyard is still producing flowers, which were a very pretty sight after the devastating frost and cold that had hit Regina a week ago and killed off everything in my garden!

Some western Canadian bishops here: Bishop Ken Nowakowski of the Ukranian Eparchy in British Columbia, Bishop Bryan Bayda of the Ukranian Eparchy in Saskatoon and Bishop David Munroe of Kamloops, BC.

I had this nice picture taken with Archbishop V. J. Weisgerber who is the president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and is coming to the end of his term at the close of these meetings. Archbishop Jim is well known in Regina, having been a priest of the Archdiocese for many years before being apointed first as Bishop of Saskatoon and then Archbishop of Winnipeg. I find that he has done an excellent job of leading the Conference over the last three years.

Bishop Fred Henry of Calgary is on the left and next to him is Bishop Robert Harris of Saint John. Bishop Harris and I together attended the Conference for new Bishops in Rome in 2003. And next to him is Bishop Peter Hundt. Bishop Hundt replaced me as Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto when the Holy Father named me to Regina.

Here you can see the bishops getting settled in for the beginning of the meetings.

There were also visitors who attended the meetings on Monday and until noon on Tuesday. These visitors included ecumenical representatives from the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Canadian Council of Churches. Also there were representatives of different Church groups and organizations such as Development and Peace, Catholic Organization for life and Family, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women's League of Canada and so on.

One of the first presentations given to us was by Dr. Martin Mark, Office for Refugees - Archdiocese of Toronto, on the left. And Carl Hétu of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. They spoke to the Bishops about the severe plight of Christians in Iraq and the Middle East. They reported a refugee situation for these Christians parallelling the Boat People of the early '80's. The Catholic people and other Christians are being forced to leave their homes because of their Christian Faith. They cannot return home because of reported incidents of violence against Christian families who have made their way back to their home and were forced to flee again.

They asked the dioceses to undertake sponsorship programs in order to bring these refugees to Canada so that they can rebuild their lives and practice their faith in peace and security. It was both a disturbing and moving presentation. You can check out their web site at cnewa.org

After some of the talks, the Bishops break up into smaller groups with some of the observers to discuss topics presented during the day.

This group was chaired by Bishop Murray Chatlain of the NWT who is on the right with Fr. Bill Burke acting as secretary, on the left. You may remember Fr. Burke who came to Regina to speak on the Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Family Gathering a couple of years ago. Fr. Burke is the director of the CCCB Office of Liturgy.

Here are a couple of our visitors/observers. On the left is Joanne Chafe of the CCCB Episcopal Commission for Christian Education, English Sector and to her left is Rev. Paul N. Johnson representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

On Monday afternoon the Papal Nuchio to Canada, Archbishop Luigi Ventura paid his customary visit to the Plenary Assembly, but this time it was to bid farewell to the Canadian Bishops, a great number of whom had been appointed to the episcopacy during his tenure. Archbishop Ventura has been appointed by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI as Papal Nuncio to France. This is a prestigious and demanding appointment and Archbishop Ventura was warmly congratulated by the Bishops.

He also spoke to the assembled Bishops recalling his time here among us and the place Canada has come to hold in his life. We all wished him well and God's blessings in his new ministry in the Church.

The day finished with a reception and dinner in honour of the Apostolic Nuncio.

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Thanksgiving Day

2009-10-19T18:40:00.002-06:00

My mother was very concerned that I would be getting Thanksgiving Dinner somewhere - with turkey of course. I must say that the priests of the Yorkton - Melville Deanery had taken me out for dinner to a wonderful restaurant and roast beef meal in Yorkton after the Centennial celebration on Sunday, so that really was a splendid Thanksgiving dinner itself. None the less I made my way on Monday over to Martha House to my home away from home for some pleasant company with the priests and, as it turned out, a turkey dinner.

There is a new resident at Martha House, Fr. Norm Marcotte, who retired from Holy Cross Parish this summer and is seen here on the left between Fr. Van and Fr. Gene Sheaffer.

I also managed to get a picture of some of the lay residents at Martha house. It is always a pleasure to see them.

The sisters do such a great job of decorating the dining room for these special occasions as you can see here.

And here are the three Sisters of St. Mary of Leuca who run Martha house and provide a warm and pleasant home for the retired priests and lay people who live there. To say nothing of some very good meals!

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Centennial Celebrations in Yorkton - Melville Deanery

2009-10-18T21:03:00.006-06:00

Last Sunday, October 11th, the Yorkton - Melville Deanery held its celebration of the Centenary of the Archdiocese of Regina. Settlers began to arrive in this part of the Archdiocese in the early 1880's

Once again parish banners were prominent in the celebration. I have been very impressed by the imagination and work that has gone into these banners made for the Centennial of our Archdiocese.

St. Henry's Parish was founded in 1906 and in a way Melville was a microcosm of what was happening in the province with Polish settlers, Hungarians, Germans, Czechs, and Irish settlers all in one parish. You can imagine that there were many a rough spot in this parish as these diverse peoples came to grips with the challenge of accepting each other and working with each other to build the one community of the Church.

St. Stanislaus was founded in 1907. Since St. Stanisław is the patron saint of Poland and Krakow, there was obviously a stronlgy Polish community here, but also in this region were people from the Ukraine who also worked together and helped each other in these early days in our province.

St. Philip's however was the first parish in the region, founded in 1895. The presence of First Nations people from St. Philip's was a welcome addition to the celebration.

Rama is also a parish with strong Polish history and heritage. During the Pilgrimage this year I participated in a Polish Mass and so first hand how the traditions of this people have endured along with the language.

What a wonderful turn out of Altar Servers there was from the different parishes of the Deanery. I was very proud to have my picture taken with them.

The presence of the priests of the deanery was a very special part of the Eucharistic Celebration. On the left is Fr. Marcin Mironiuk O.M.I., then Fr. Vitalis Azike and on the other side of the servers Fr. Basil Chomos, Fr. Antoni Degutis O.M.I and Fr. Pat Murphy.

Once again the Centennial Icon of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was prominent during the celebrations.

Afterwards all in attendance gathered in the parish hall at St Gerard's for a terrific and tempting array of muffins and other good things.

All in all, another very encouraging deanery celebration of this special year for our Archdiocese.

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In Consideration of Preaching the Word of God

2009-10-12T09:22:00.005-06:00

This past week, the clergy of the Archdiocese gathered together in Moose Jaw from Monday to Thursday to reflect on their ministry of preaching. The leader of this reflection was Fr. Gregory Heille, a Dominican Priest who is Professor of Homiletics and Academic Dean at the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri.
This week was put together by Fr. Lorne Crozon, the Arcdiocesan Director of Organization and Development with the collaboration of the Ministry to Priests Team. Fr. Lorne is on the left and Fr. Greg on the right.

Here is Fr. Jose Periyilkatte of St. Joseph Parish in Oxbow and Fr. Sathiadas Antony of Christ the Redeemer Parish in Swift Current. The priests of the Archdiocese came together with Fr. Heille to deepen their skills in preaching the homily at Mass. The homily is part of the Liturgy itself and by it "the mysteries of the faith and the guiding principles of the Christian life are expounded from the sacred text, during the course of the liturgical year." as we are told in the Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican II.

Fr. Heille emphasized that the homily needs to be approached through prayerful contemplation of the Word of God, of which Lection Divina is one approach. Then "study" of the text follows to seek its meaning and how it relates to the experience of our people and then finally the homily itself is prepared.

Around the table is Fr. Firmo, Fr. Cereno, Fr. Bruno, Fr. Seville and Fr. Jiminez.

As the Sacred Liturgy is the summit and source of our Christian life, so also is the Word of God in the Liturgy of the Word. The Word of God reaches down and out so that it may take root in all aspects of what is happening in the parish community. When this happens, wherever you go in the parish community you will see reflected the whole life of the Church. To describe this reality, Fr. Heille spoke of a "fractal", which was a new scientific word for most of us. But when a fractal is divided, each piece is a small copy of the whole thing. I am going to escape quickly from this scientific topic but I will use a church example: in the RCIA process we see the whole church at work, priest and community evangelizing, bringing to birth in faith through the sacraments, all done in reflection and response to the living Word of God among us. In this and other examples, the Word of God becomes the source and summit of our Catholic Christian way of life. Something to think about.

Fr. Heille also spoke of the challenge to preach to our people across the generations. For example we have in our churches people from four different generations, e.g. the Baby Boomers, Generation X, the Millennial Generation and the present unnamed generation. Each of these generations have different characteristics as anyone with children and grand-children knows.

We have at least a couple of these generations in the priests around the table above. Fr. Francis Hengen, Fr. Denis Remot, Fr. Gerry Bauche and Fr. JR Prince.

In all our gatherings the celebration of the Eucharist is an important part of our day. Concelebrating with me are Msgr. Don Bolen, VG and Fr. Carlos Jiminez of Church of Our Lady, Moose Jaw. Assisting with the Sacramentary is Fr. James Owolagba of Gull Lake.

And the priests themselves provided for the Music Ministry for the Eucharist. Fr. Steven Bill is at the keyboard and behind him Fr. Rick Krofche, Fr. Neil Osiowy, Fr Tonny Dizy, Fr. Thomas Nguyen, Fr. John Weckend, Fr. JR Prince and Fr. Gerry Bauche.

All the priests of the Archdiocese came together on Wednesday for a celebration of the Eucharist at St. Joseph's and a picture for the Centennial History Book.

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International Priests Retreat in Ars, France - 5

2009-10-05T11:29:00.008-06:00

The topic of Cardinal Schonborn's talk on the last morning of our retreat was "Mary at the Heart of the Church." The beautiful statue of Mary shown here was in front of us all throughout the week. A constant reminder of the gift of Christ's mother to all of us. He began with reference to St. Theresa of Lisieux for whom Mary was the example of a soul seeking God in the darknes of faith. Mary at times has been so exalted in popular devotion that people feel that they cannot follow her in the journey of faith. However St. Theresa seeks to know mary through what is said in the Gospels. Thus Mary becomes the example of St. Theresa's "Little Way" of following Christ.

Mary translates the Gospel's by her actions and gestures, indeed by her whole person. Wherever the Gospel is planted, Mary makes the real cultural adaptation. Mary comes near to the poor and the little ones. In the presence of the good mother we need have no fear.

Following the morning conference, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, the Archbishop of Lyon, presided at the celebration of the Eucharist and we all gathered for lunch in the dining tent to end our time together in the parish of the holy Curé of Ars.

Following lunch I had the afternoon to walk around the town of Ars. Here is the Curé's church with the larger basilica added on in the back. When the saint arrived in Ars, he found an 11th century church with only a nave and no sanctuary. He added a new doorway,seen above. Also seen is the tower of the old church in brick

He also added a sanctuary which after his death in 1859 was enlarged by the construction of a large Basilica seen here.

Here is the nave of the old church and on the left is the pulpit from which he preached and touched the souls of thousands of people.

The incorrupt body of St. John Vianney lies in a side chapel in the Basilica.

In this reliquary his body lies intact and is the object of devotion for thousands of pilgrims who make their way to Ars each year.

The interior of the Basilica with the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament seen here.

And the main altar of the church where the Eucharist is celebrated sevral times each day.

The court yard and stable in the rectory in which Curé of Ars lived.

For the first seven years after his arrival in Ars, he prepared his meals for himself in this kitchen. It consisted of pancakes fried in the frying pan on the left and potatoes boiled in the pot hanging from the hook. He took this meal at noon and it was his one meal of the day.

The bedroom remains as it was on the day of his death in 1859.

He would leave his bed-room a little before midnight and go to the church. He would come back to the house at noon and have his meal. He heard confessions, taught catechism and counselled people until 9:00 pm when he would come back to his room and read until he fell asleep.

By 1855, 20,000 people a year were coming to Ars to see him. He heard confessions for sixteen to eighteen hours each day, giving consolation to thousands of people. And still they come to be in the place where this holy man worked and to pray near his body and sense some closeness to this remarkable parish priest.

St. John-Marie Vianney, Curé of Ars, pray for us.

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International Priests Retreat in Ars, France - 4

2009-10-03T06:20:00.007-06:00

Cardinal Schonborn's talk on Friday was about "Preaching and Mission." His focus was found in chapter 3 of Mark's Gospel: the choice of the Twelve. I liked his point that the Greek says "He made of them twelve" recalling the act of God at Creation. Jesus makes the church a whole new people, a whole new Israel. He calls the church so that we may be permanently with Him. And that is our vocation as Catholic Christians, to always be with Jesus in our lives, inseparably joined to Him in his love. This is why we, the church, participate in Jesus' mission. As the Father sent the Son, so Jesus sends the Twelve to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and to forcefully drive out demons, to drive out evil from the world.

As an illustration of one particular aspect of this mission: that of evangelization of youth, he invited one of the Community of the Beatitudes who spole of their ministry with young people on the beaches of France where young people gather and party near the night clubs. The story of their minsitry was facinating. They begin by putting on a performance about the Gospel in the street then move to the beach around one or two in the morning. There they are present in their religious habit. Amazingly the young people are drawn to them, they come to them talk about their lives which are often very disrupted and filled with abuse. There are obviously many challenges but also wonderful success stories of lives turned around.

Here is the Sister who gave us the talk and shared her experiences in bringing the Good News of Jesus' love to these young people.

After Mass at which Cardinal Christian Tumi of Douala, Cameroun presided, we managed to get a picture with all the priests from Canada. When they all started to come together there was surprisingly a very good number of us there. It was so encouraging to see these priests from many parts of Canad who came to deepen their spirituality and commitment as priests.

I was graciously helped out in this by Fr. Hermann Geisler who works in the Congregation for Doctrine and Faith in the Vatican as Bureau Chief.

And we got one more picture of the four of us from Regina following the Mass as well.

After lunch I walked down the road in the opposite direction to see what was around us. Ars is very much like Saskatchewan in that one you get a few steps out of town you are in the middle of agriculture.

Around here, corn seems to be a major crop. In France it never gets to the table, I understand, and is only grown for animal feed. The French don't know what they're missing here!

There is a story in the life of the St. John Vianney that on his journey to Ars to take up his position as pastor, he got lost in the fog and came to a cross roads where there was a young boy in the field working. Fr. Vianney asked the young fellow where Ars was and the boy told him that he was just on the outskirts. The curé thanked him and said: "You have shown me the way to Ars, now I am going to show you the way to heaven." The monument here marks that spot.

And indeed a few yards down the road is the entrance to the small town of Ars.

In the evening, Bishop Joseph Grech of Australia and Bishop Alberto Taveira of Brazil led us all in a moving evening of prayer, songs of praise and worship and renewal of spirit in the Spirit. Another excellent day for us all.

More to come.

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International Priests Retreat in Ars, France - 3

2009-10-02T07:15:00.009-06:00

High on the wall of the lower Basilica in Ars, the banner proclaiming the Year for Priests overlooks the week long International Retreat for priests. It is a moving and encouraging sight to see 1200 priests gathered from all over the world to come together to pray, deepen their spirituality and intensify their vocations.

As I was walking over to the celebration of The Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer, I walked along with a priest from India. He said he had a class mate from the Seminary "somewhere in Canada." I mentioned I had some priests from India in my Archdiocese and asked him his friend's name. He said Fr. Sathiadas Antony. I told him that Fr. Antony is parish priest in Swift Current. He was quite amazed, and so was I. Out of all the priests in the world and out of the huge number gathered here in Ars we find friends of friends. So Fr. Sathi, Fr. Xavier Raj says "Hello!"

One central point of devotion in the church is this Relic of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars. The relic is the uncorrupt heart of the saint. It was a heart that beat with dedication and compassion, devotion and mercy throughout the priesthood of the Saint.

Throughout this week it has continually drawn the priests to prayer and devotion to this admirable and saintly priest. They kneel in prayer, put their hands on the relic's case and sense a closeness to the Patron Saint of Parish Priests.

Yesterday was also the feast of St. Theresa of Lisieux, the Little Flower. At Morning Prayer her relics were brought into the church and placed in the Sanctuary near those of St. John Vianney.

Now for the remainder of the week, we have the special presence in a physical way of these two saints who give much spiritual guidance to all Parish Priests in their writings and in their lives.

The talk for the day by Cardinal Schonborn was entitled "The Eucharist and Pastoral Charity." His conference was based on chapter 22 of Luke's Gospel which narrates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. This telling of this founding moment of the Church also clearly presents the weakness and failings of the Apostles. Judas will betray him, and on the evening of his death, the Apostles jostle for the positions of favour and power. Jesus shows his love for these followers of his. He does not berate them for their shallowness and refusal to understand Him, he simply thess them that the "greatest must be the least: if they are to be his disciples. Jesus is the example of the One who Serves. He then not only feeds them but he feeds them with himself and the Eucharistic Bread of Heaven. The washing of the disciples feet is the primary example of how we are to understand the "eucharistic life" of the Church. This is our school of life.

The conference was followed by an hour of Adoration of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Again, the music was provided by the Community of the Beatitudes. The music during this retreat has been wonderful. It has been reflective at times, and joyful and exuberant at others. And always sung in many languages. This retreat has been an amazing manifestation of our universal church family: many languages, many cultures, from all over the world - but one in prayer, song and fraternity.

In the afternoon we were blessed with the presence of Jean Vanier whose father was Governor General of Canada and who is the founder of L'Arche Houses for people suffering from disabilities around the world. I had the great pleasure of being able to greet him on behalf of his fellow Canadians.

In the afternoon he spoke to the group on St. John's Gospel and the Washing of the Feet at the Last Supper. He said that while societies in the world are organized like a triangle with the most powerful at the top and the poorest and weakest at the botton, in the community formed by Jesus, it is the opposite, it is the poor and the powerless who are at the top and they are served and cared for with compassion and mercy by those who follow Jesus. The symbol of Jesus Church is not the triangle of power but the washing of feet.

So following Jean Vanier's talk, all the priests processed outside to the lawn behind the basilica, formed small circles and washed each others feet.

It was an experience of prayer and a moving moment of reminder of our lives of service as priests.

We all returned to the Basilica where the Eucharist was celebrated, presided by Cardinal Schonborn and concelebrated by all the priests. During the Mass, all the priests solemnly renewed their priestly promises. At the conclusion of the Mass a procession was formed with the Blessed Sacrament and all the priests processed through the streets of Ars to the main Basilica with the Blessed Sacrament with the procession concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. I have never been part of a procession with 1200 priests. To say that it was moving is not really conveying the true emotion and witness of prayer that was being given.

Following the Procession we had supper together in the large tent which formed the dining room. Here is the Regina contingent to the Retreat.

While it is indeed a tent, as you can see, it is a very nice tent with a hardwood laminate floor and very nice windows. Not at all like the tent I used to eat in when I was a boy in Scouts! Because of the special focus on the Eucharist and the Priesthood, rather than going through the cafeteria line, we were served by the volunteers. And, seeing that we are in the Beaujolais region of France, we had some very nice Beaujolais wine on the tables as well. Another very special day with a warm and celebratory ending.

More to come.

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International Priests Retreat in Ars, France - 2

2009-10-01T13:33:00.007-06:00

St. Jean Vianney, the Curé d'Ars (the Pastor of Ars) became pastor of this town with a parish of 200 souls at the age of 32. At that time it was a little, unknown village about 40 km from the city of Lyon in France. I am sure that most priests would hope for more. He spent forty one years there as pastor to these people. Over this time he was to touch the hearts his people by showing to them God's mercy and the joy of being children of God. He awakened their faith by his preaching and expeccially by his prayer and his way of life.

His reputation soon grew as a confessor, and he drew to his side numerous pilgrims in search of the forgiveness of God and peace of heart. More than 90,000 people visited him during the last year of his life. When one reads his catechisms and sermons, you would hear over and over again of the goodness and mercy of God. He died in August, 1859 after giving his life up to the very end to Love. He was proclaimed a Saint by Pope Pius IX, and proclaimed "patron of all the pastors of the universe."

The mornings begin with a talk by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, O.P., Archbishop of Vienna. His talk on Tuesday was "Towards the Sources of Mercy." He used two episodes from the Gospels as the basis of his talk: Mark's account of the feeding of the 5000 and Matthew's telling of the healing of the Canaanite woman. The quote of the day for me was taken from the diaries of St. Faustina. Having given all of herself to Christ in love of him, Jesus says to her that she had however not given everything. She asks what else she could possibly give him. Jesus replies: "Give me your suffering and your miseries. They are the only things that you have that do not come from me."

Cardinal Schönborn also spent time on the account in the Gospels of the calling of the very first disciples, Andrew and John, in John's Gospel. When they ask him "where do you live" he simply replies "come and see." Jesus had no home, rather he lived "in the heart of his Father." He invites us to come and find our true home there as well.

Each morning concludeds with the Celebration of the Eucharist. Immediately behind me in the procession is Bishop Guy-Marie Bagnar of theDiocese of Belley-Ars. And behind him dimly is Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, USA.

The Mass was celebrated this day by Cardinal André Vingt-trois, the Archbishop of Paris. Cardinal Vingt-trois an I share one thing in common: we were both named Archbishop in 2005 and received the Pallium from Pope Benidict at the same Mass in St. Peter's Basilica in June of that year.

I ended up as one of the principal concelebrants at this Mass. On my right is Cardinal Schönborn and on my left, hidden by the candle, Bishop Sabio of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. On Cardinal Vingt-trois' right is Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston, Bishop Guy-Marie Bagnard of Ars and a bishop from Benin, Africa.

The Deacon proclaims the Gospel. The server standing in front of the Ambo where the Gospel is read, is swinging the censer, going well above his head on either side.

Cardinal Vingt-trois spoke on John's Gospel, 1: 47-51, in particular on the references to the angels going up and down between heaven and earth. They are God's messengers. The priests are also God's messengers bringing heaven to their people and their people to heaven - a sacred, special and wonderful calling.

The Eucharist was celebrated with great solemnity. Here there are six servers kneeling before the altar at the Consecration of the Mass, four with incense, which is why the altar is somewhat blurred by the smoke from the incense. Surprisingly there was no coughing in the congregation!

One of the newer religious communities in France: the Community of the Beatitudes supplied the music ministry with some very talented musicians such as this Sister on the concert harp.

The 1200 priests present vested in the Basilica where the conferences were held, as there was no sacristy big enough for this amazin number of priests from all over the world.

Here's Fr. Tubale from our Archdiocese getting in place for the Mass.

The day resumed at 3:00 pm with a talk "The Holy Priest of Ars, witness of mercy," then an hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by the singing of Vespers, or Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. Following supper, there was an evening focusing on the Mercy of Christ in the lives of priests.

And that ended the day. More tomorrow.

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International Priests Retreat in Ars, France

2009-09-30T09:09:00.006-06:00

Msgr. Ken Miller, Fr. Danilo Rafael, Fr. Eusebio Tubale and myself travelled to Ars, France this past weekend to take part in the Internationl Priests Retreat sponsored by the Vatican Congregation for Clergy as a beginning to the Year for Priests, declared by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict declared this special Year in celebration of the 150th anniversary ofthe death of St. Jean Marie Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide.

The town of Ars is a very beautiful place about a 45 minute drive from the city of Lyon. In this picture in the background on the left can be seen the Basilica and Shrine to St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars. In the foreground are part of the tents which serve as the dining hall for the 1200 priests attending this Retreat from around the world.

I am staying in this retreat house for priests, le Foyer Sacerdotale. It is just on the outskirts of the town and very pleasant.

It did not take Fr. Danilo and Fr. Eusebio to find some friends from the Philippines, seen here along with Msgr. Miller.

Because of a Wedding I was performing in Saskatoon on Saturday, I arrived in Ars late afternoon on Monday after 15 hours of travel to Calgary, Frankfurt and Lyon. That evening, the citizens of Ars put on a dramatic representation of the work of the Curé of Ars which was interesting and moving.

St. John Vianney spent his entire priestly life in this small town. However his reputation as a pastor, counsellor and confessor spread throughout Europe and people came from across the continent to talk to him about their lives and go to Confession to him.

His simplicity, dedication to Christ and care of people transformed the lives of many people.

People still come to Ars today by the thousands each year to be near the place where the Saint lived and worked and touched the lives of people with the mercy and compassion of God.

Fr. Danilo and Fr. Eusebio are ready to begin the day in the company of their brother priests from around the world.

The day begins with morning prayer presided over by one of the Bishops taking part in the Retreat.

Some of the 1200 priests participating in the Retreat are getting ready for the first daily conference, given by Cardinal Schönborn, the Archbishop of Vienna, Austria.

I will be back with more later.

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Archbishop Albert Legat's Installation

2009-09-29T14:02:00.004-06:00

I had prepared this post before leaving for the International Priests' Retreat in Ars, France and didn't get it posted. So here it is, a little late, but it may be of interest to some among you.

On Monday, September 21st., Archbishop Albert LeGatt, newly appointed Archbishop of St. Boniface, inaugurated his pastoral ministry as Archbishop with a beautiful Eucharistic Celebration in the Cathedral of St. Boniface. A great number of faithful from the Archdiocese along with representatives from other Christian Religions, many priests, deacons and Bishops attended to witness the installation.

Prior to the Mass a dinner and reception was held Fr. Archbishop Legatt. Here you see Archbishop Gerard Pettitpas, C.Ss.R of Grouard McLennan and Bishop Noel Delaquis. Bishop Delaquis was the Bishop of Gravelbourg at the time of the Diocese of Gravelbourg returning in part to the Archdiocese of Regina. Bishop Delaquis is no a member of the Trappist Fathers.

On the left of Bishop LeGatt is Archbishop Joseph MacNeil, Archbishop Emeritus of Edmonton

On the left, Bishop John Corriveau, cap, Fr. Steve Penna of Newman College, Bishop Albert Thevenot, M. Afr., and Archbishop-Metropotain Lawrence Huculak of the Manitoba Arch-Epachy of the Ukranian Catholic Church.

A farewell address was read by Archbishop Emelius Goulet, Archbishop Emeritrus of St. Bonifxace.

Swift Current Deanery Celebrates the Archdiocese's Centennial

2009-09-28T13:57:00.006-06:00

A week ago last Sunday the Deanery of Swift Current gathered as a deanery to celebrate the Centennial of the Archdiocese with the Eucharist in the new Church in Swift Current and this was followed by another good lunch.

There were servers present from the different parishes of the Deanery. It was very good to see this representation. This is an important ministry that young people can be trained to do very well. The servers you see here are excellent Servers at the Altar.

Some ladies of Christ the Redeemer Parish were busy raising funds for their new church in front of some of the parish banners that were present for this special Centennial Eucharistic Celebration.

And here are more workers.

Fr. James Owolagba, pastor at Gull Lake is seen here with Fr. Rick Krofchek, the Dean of the Saskatoon Deanery.

There was a very fine turn out of parishioners from without the deanery, pretty well filling Christ the Redeemer church to the limit.

I am blessed to receive Spiritual Boquets from school children, however this one was beautifully made up with the prayers formed to make an attractive boquet.

I am enjoying seeing the creativity in the Centennial Banners that each of the parishes in the Archdioces are making.

During the Mass we recalled that this part of our Archdiocese once formed the Diocese of Gravelbourg, which was formed out of the Archediocese of Regina in 1930 and for the greater part again became part of the Archdiocese in 1988 due to the diminishing population which had been common throughout rural Saskatchewan. The Diocese of Gravelbourg also had a rich and vibrant history during those years.

Parishioners of all ages participated in the Mass. In our 100th anniversary we remember the contribution made to the Church and to our Province by people who immigrated from different parts of North America and from European countries. Today we continually see the arrival of new families who leave their homes in many parts of the world to come to Saskatchewan to build a new home and new lives for themselves and their children. They too will help form and build our Church over the decades to come.

The Gifts for the Mass are brought forward,

And also the Spiritual Boquet.

After the Mass was finished there was a short musical program which included the school's children's choir who gave a great and entertaining performance.

The celebrations concluded with a great meal in the parish hall. It was a happy and warm celebration of our 100th Anniversary of our Archdiocese.

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We welcome a New Priest to the Archdiocese

2009-09-28T13:48:00.002-06:00

The Archdiocese of Regina is very happy to welcome Fr. Anthony Varghese Padayatty. Fr Anthony is a member of the Heralds of Good News.

' Heralds of Good News' is a clerical missionary society of apostolic life of pontifical rite. It was instituted by Rev. Fr. Jose Kaimlett in the year 1984,in the Diocese of Eluru,India. The specific objective of this Society is to train holy and zealous priests and supply them wherever there is a need for priests in the universal church.At present, it has more than three hunred priests and they are working in North America, Italy, Holland,England,Kenya, Tanzania,Papua New gunia, India, New zeland. It has St. Joseph the worker and Mary queen of apostles as its heavenly patrons.

We are awaiting the arrival of the second member of the Heralds of Good News to also do pastoral work in our Diocese.

Fr. Anthony arrived in Regina during the Summer and is stationed as an assistant pastor in Estevan where he will spend the year becoming acclimatized to our Western Canadian Church here on the prairies.

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Welcome to a new Seminarian

2009-09-24T23:00:00.002-06:00

We were very pleased to welcome to the Archdiocese a new seminarian, John Baptist Tri Tran. Tri arrived in Regina this summer with a commitment to continue his studies in order to become a priest in our Archdiocese. He comes from the diocese of Dalat in Vietnam.

For the next few months he will follow English Courses at SIAST to improve his command of English and improve his accent. If this goes well, he will then enter St. Joseph's Seminary to take up again his theological formation.

We support Tri with our prayers and encouragement as he takes up the challenge of studying in a different language and learning to be a priest in a new culture and a new country.

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Canada's Apostolic Nuncio off to Paris

2009-09-23T16:55:00.003-06:00

The news was made public yesterday that Archbishop Luigi Ventura who has been the Pope's representative in Canada for the past eight years has been appointed Apostolic Nuncio to France.

Archbishop Ventura has represented the Holy See with grace and efficiency in his eight years in Canada. One of the responsibilities of the Nuncio is to present to the Holy Father names of priests he recommends to be made Bishops. Archbishop Ventura has been involved in the appointment of some seventy bishops and archbishops in Canada during his time here, myself among them.

I have expressed more than once my appreciation to him for his part in the Holy Father's choosing to me to come to Regina as its Archbishop. He always just brushed it off with typical self effacement, muttering something about "just doing my job." Perhaps so, but my appointment as Auxiliary in Toronto and then my appointment here by our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, to Regina to serve the people of this Archdiocese has been a great source of grace and blessing for me. I will will always hold Archbishop Ventura with great respect and affection for his part in bringing that about. These sentiments accompany my gratitude to the Holy Father for his trust and confidence in entrusting this ministry to me.

I, along with many in the Church in Canada, will miss his easy approachability, warmth and openess. I join the many others who are pleased with this recognition of his considerble ability as he is appointed as the Pope's representative in France, a country often referred to as "the Church's eldest daughter." France is also at the heart of European Secularism, and so the challenges will be considerable and we offer our prayers for him as he begins this new ministry.

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Regina East and Regina West Deaneries Celebrate the Centennial

2009-09-20T10:03:00.010-06:00

Regina East and Regina West Deaneries had a great day for their celebration of the Centennial of the Archdiocese. Here are some familiar faces of the day

Face painting was very popular and made some pretty little girls prettier.

Fr. Gordie Rushka, of course, was there. Fr. Gordie would celebrate his 50th Annniversary of Ordination on the following weekend in Balgonie.

Some parishioners were tiny and safe in the arms of their mother.

The celebrations began in the morning with Sunday Mass at Resurrection Parish.

I was joined by Fr. Steve Bill on my left, the pastor of Resurrection Parish and the Dean for Regina East Deanery. We were assisted by Deacon Joe Lang.

And met a lot of parishioners from Resurrection Parish

This young man really was enjoying his pancakes.

Fr. Steve with Tony Gartner, Grand Knight of the Resurrection Council Knights of Columbus. Tony also serves on the Building and Properties Committee for the Archdiocese.

In the afternoon, the Cathedral hosted a picnic in the park beside the Cathedral, complete with the band "Vision."

And some big people and some little people.

And some young people, and...

Here's Frank Flegel, our Archdiocesan Communications man seen here at the other end of the cameral lens.

Sr. Esbert and Sr. Arlene are members of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They are from the Philippines and have come to Regina to help in ministry to our Aboriginal people in the city.

Some of the ladies were helping to make available some of the Centennial garments available for the 100th Anniversary celebration.

And some more faces of our Archdiocese.

Our new Vicar Genera, Msgr. Don Bolen on the left and our past Vicar General of many years, Msgr. Ken Miller on the right. Just getting vested is Fr. John Weckend who arrived after running the annual marathon.

Following the picnic we gatherd for the celebration of Vespers in the Cathedral. We were blessed with an excellent turn out of priests from the two Deaneries.

Fr Brian Meredith, Rector of the Cathedral, is running through some final details with Deacon Barry Wood and the servers.

Here are a frew of the many beautiful banners made by the parishes of the Deaneries for the Centennial year. They were brought into the Cathedral at the beginning of Vespers and are seen here with the Centennial Icon of Our Lady of the Rosary on the right.

Vespers began with the procession of the Light of Christ with the Paschal Candle carried by Deacon Barry Wood.

The opening prayer is said,

And the singing of the proclamation of the Light of Christ follows. The singing of Vespers follows. It was a beautiful time of prayer and a moving celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours.

After Vespers, the very able crew of the Knights of Columbus set to work barbecuing hamburgers for all present.

As it happened, there was a Riders Game that afternoon as well.

And Msgr Miller has changed to his other vestments.

And here are some more faces of the Archdiocese during this special celebration.

Msgr. Don Bolen with Fr. Brian Meredith.

Some of the 300 -400 people who gathered for the celebration. It was a lovely day. God blessed us with summery weather and many reasons to give thanks for our 100 years of diocesan history.

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Celebrating our Centenary in Weyburn Deanery

2009-09-12T11:39:00.006-06:00

The celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Regina for the Weyburn Deanery took place at Mary's Grotto in McTaggart.

The Grotto is truly on the Saskatchewan Prairie as one can see here as we prepared to begin the Mass.

This is a good image of our diocesan church, the Knights of Columbus, who represent the energy and commitment of our laity in the church with the grain storage in the background recalling the lives of the pioneers who came here to plant both seeds of grain and seeds of faith.

There is lots of room for the Entrance Procession which begins the celebration of the Eucharist.

We were blessed with a wonderful participation from the deanery with between 200 - 300 people gathering for the Mass.

The Ministry of Lector was carried out by Vi Hoffman, of Weyburn

and Marilyn Geron from Radville.

Following the Mass we blessed the Grotto to set it aside as a special place of prayer and devotion to Mary, the Mother of God and patroness of the Archdiocese. I am very appreciative once again of the participation of all the parish priests of the deanery and their presence to concelebrate the Mass

And afterwards we enjoyed a very Saskatchewanian meal of beef on a bun with trimmings.

This is Thomas from Weyburn who was kind enough to sit with me for a bit and share this special day.

It was a beautiful day. The prairie wind was only strong enough to blow around some of the banners from the different parishes. An encouraging celebration of faith in the open beauty of the land in which our Archdiocese has grown for a century.

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New Pastor Installed at St. Joseph's, Moose Jaw

2009-09-11T22:22:00.004-06:00

Logo for the Year for Priests

St. Joseph's is blessed with a great number of wonderful young people who share their time and talents as good stewards in serving as acolytes in ministry at the Altar.

Myself with Fr. Neil Osiowy before Mass begins.

One of the places which we focus on during the Rite of Installing Pastors is at the Altar:

Lector: Listen to the words of St. Paul written to the Corinthians: For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Bishop: It is the duty of the Pastor to bring the faithful together to celebrate the Eucharist. When you do this, make them as sign of the Lord's enduring presence among God's People.

Pastor: I will do so, with the help of God.

Fr. Neil gives a few words of thanks and appreciation at the end of Mass.

Fr. Neil's parents, Ted and Doreen Osiowy, are see here on the right.

And after all was done, we went to the parish hall and had a great pancake brunch put on by the Knights of Columbus'

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Installation of new Pastor at Church of Our Lady

2009-09-09T14:39:00.006-06:00

Year for Priests

Icon of Christ the High Priest

On August 29th. I installed Fr. Carlos Jiminez as pastor of Church of Our Lady in Moose Jaw. Fr. Carlos and I are getting a few last minute details finalized.

Several priests added their presence and support by coming to concelebrate this Mass. Among whom are Fr. Danilo Rafael, Director of Priest Personnell, Fr. Brian Meredith, Rector of the Cathedral and with whom Fr. Carlos worked during his first year in the Archdiocese; and Fr. Raymon Claro of St. Augustine's Parish in Wilcox.

One of the places which underly the pastor's ministry is the Renciliation Room or Confessional:

Lector: Listen to the words of our Lord according to Saint John: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Bishop: It is the duty of the Pastor to bring to his people the healing power and mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ, reconciling them to God and one another. When you do this, remember your own weakness.

Pastor: I will do so, with the help of God.

And the Presider's Chair:

Lector: Listen to the words of St. Paul in the second letter to Timothy: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable.”

Bishop: It is the duty of the Pastor to preside over the community of faith. When you do this, lead the People of God in the prayer of the Church with diligence and devotion.

Pastor: I will do so, with the help of God.

The Rite of Installation of the Pastor concludes with the Pastor making a profession of faith. This he does by reciting the Nicene Creed and the people join with him. Following that he swears an oath of Fidelity and both he and I sign this document.

We then gathered in the parish hall for a lunch, and of course some special cake. This is a happy occasion for the priest and for his parishioners.

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Regina Catholic Schools Opening Mass

2009-09-03T21:08:00.008-06:00

Our Lady of the Rosary

Patron of the Archdiocese

Centenery Icon

The educational community of Regina Catholic Schools gathered last week in the Cathedral to begin the school year by celebrating the Eucharist. We gave thanks to God for the blessings of Catholic Education in our Archdiocese and we sought strength and guidance through Communion with our Risen Lord and the grace of this Sacrament of Love for all who teach our children and youth.

Holy Rosary Cathedral was filled to capacity and beyond with teachers spilling out into the foyer and onto the steps.

It was very pleasant to see an excellent turn out of the Pastors of the Regina area to concelebrate this Mass, to pray for all those involved in Catholic education and to indicate their support and encouragement.

There was a full voiced and praise filled choir who led the assembly in joyful praise of God

"Let my prayers rise before you like incense, O Lord."

The Centennial Icon of Our Lady of the Rosary was in a prominent place for the Eucharistic Celebration. On my left is one of the concelebrating priests, Msgr. Don Bolen, V.G.

Deacon Joe Lang raises the Book of Gospels after he has proclaimed the Gospel to us all. This is an important part of the ministry of Deacon.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word, I blessed copies of "100 Faith Stories" a book published on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Archdiocese taking place this year. This very interesting and at times moving book contains faith stories from people throughout the Archdiocese.

"Through Him, with Him and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, Almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen

The Mass concluded with a special blessing for the teachers and those involved in Catholic education.

Following the Mass recognition was given to those with special landmarks in Catholic education. Here are the 15 year group.

And those with twenty five years.

We all owe a great debt of gratitude for this great number of teachers who understand that their work with our children and youth is a vocation given them by God and carried out in love for Him and the children God has placed in our care.

The Mission Statement of Regina Catholic Schools clearly expresses our understanding of this great treasure which is Catholic education:

The Regina Catholic School Division is dedicated to working with the community and the local church to provide a quality Catholic education that fosters academic excellence and the development of informed, responsible citizens.

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Kaposvar, the Formation of a Distinct Hungarian-Canadian Identity

2009-09-01T20:53:00.010-06:00

After celebrating the Assumption of Mary into Heaven at Rama, we moved on to Esterhazy for the Annual Pilgrimage at Kaposvar. Kaposvar is about 4 km from Esterhazy in a very beautiful Saskatchewan setting.

The Parks Canada program for the presentation and blessing of a plaque given by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada states that the first Hungarian settlements in Canada were, almost without exception in what would later become Saskatchewan causing many to refer to the province prior to 1914 as "Little Hungary."

"The arrival and settlement of Hungarians at Esterhazy-Kaposvar represented one of th earliest (1886) ethnic block settlements in the Canadian West, one that has left a strong and ongoing historical and cultral legacy. Small rural communities such as Esterhazy-Kaposvar largely defined the Hungarian-Canadian experience from the 1880's to the 1920's, when more than two-thirds of Hungarian-Canadians lived in Saskatchewan."

"For decades, the spiritual and communal heart of Hungarian Settlement in Canada was at Esterhazy-Kaposvar where the church, rectory, cemetery and shrine provided a focal point. The settlement continues to bge viewed as the cradle of Hungarian life in Canada and a place of pilgrimage each August." (Parks Canada)

Standing with me on my right is Stan Maga of the Kaposvar Historical Society and on my left Eugene Goncy.

The women also were displaying traditional Hungarian dress as they welcomed us to the Church.

The interior of the Church is a beautiful example of the early churches in the Archdiocese. Here we see the distinctive Hungarian Saints portrayed in picture and statue and the preserved old altar.

Above are the Lectors for the Mass and Fr. Albert Schmitz, Pastor at Esterhazy and under whose care is the Church and property of Kaposvar.

The Pilgrimage was also the occasion of the Esterhazy Deanery's celebration of the Centennial of the Archdiocese of Regina. The priests of the Deanery were present to concelebrate the Eucharist. From left to right: Fr. Yodel Cereno, Fr. Albert Schmitz, Fr. Francis Plaparampil, Fr. Callistus Ibe. Also present were Fr. Basil Chomos and Fr. Dennis Remot. It was very gratifying to have the prayerful participation of the pastors of the Deanery in this special event.

The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus were also present to form an honour guard and lend solemnity to the occasion.

Following the Mass, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada held a ceremony in Commemoration of the Arrival and Settlement of Hungarians at Esterhazy-Kaposvar. The greetings were delivered by Mr. Allan Duddridge, Saskatchewan Member, Historic Sites and Monuments board of Canada.

It was my pleasure to also bring the greetings of the Archdiocese of Regina to this very special occasion.

Mr. Arlynn Kurtz, Reeve, Rural Municipality of Fertile Belt No. 183 also spoke,

As did Mr. Stan Maga of the Kaposvar Historical Society.

Dr. Frances Swyripa, Historian at th University of Alberta, spoke on the Historic Significance of the arrival and settlement of Hungarians at Esterhazy-Kaposvar.

An address on behalf of the Government of Canada was given by Mr. Garry Breitkreutz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville.

A plaque written in English, Hungarian and French was unveiled and presented by Parks Canada to Kaposvar.

The Plaque reads: Arriving in this region in 1886, Hungarian immigrants established one of the earliest ethnic block settlements in the West. From the 1880's to the 1920's, more than two-thirds of Hungarian Canadians lived in Saskatchewanl many in small rural communities such as these. For decades, the Kaposvar church, rectory, cemetery, and shrine formed the spiritual and communal heart of Hungarian Catholic settlement in Canada. With it strong historical and cultural legacy, this community is still seen by many as pivotl to the formation of a distinct Hungarian-Canadian identity.

It was very fitting that this commemoration took place during the Deanery Celebration of the Centenary of the Archdiocese of Regina. Our century old presence in Saskatchewan as a Diocese and Archdiocese is built on the pioneer communities such as Kaposvar and the people who came from different parts of Europe, Canada and the United States to settle here, farm the land, raise families and build not only houses but homes.

These three bell ringers, Laddie Helmeczi, Wilfred Sikora and Dennis Firlola send the sound of the bells out over the rolling countryside around Kaposvar for the Celebration of the Eucharist. For one hundred and twenty some years, the faith of these early Hungarian settlers also went out from their homes and families to all around them bearing witness to lives built on honest values and strength of character with their faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit the ground on which their lives were built. In this Centennial Year, we truly give thanks for these people and those who came after them who continued these values and strengths in our Church and in our Province.

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