April 3, 2026
Adoption of the Act to Reinforce Secularism in Quebec:
A Call for the Continuation of Respectful Dialogue and the Preservation of Fundamental Freedoms
Montreal, April 3, 2026
Following the adoption of the Act respecting the reinforcement of laicity in Québec (formerly Bill 9), the Archbishop of Montreal, Most Reverend Christian Lépine, acknowledges this decision while expressing serious concerns, particularly regarding the practice of prayer in public spaces.
The State plays an important and legitimate role in the organization of public life. That role, however, calls for maintaining a fair balance between the principles of secularism and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
“We receive this decision with sincere consideration and respect, and with the conviction that it remains essential for us, as a society, to continue reflecting together on the place of religious expression in our shared public life, so that we may overcome prejudice and promote tolerance,” said Archbishop Lépine.
In this context, the Archbishop recalls that all religious faith and deeply held conviction — including atheism — is a matter of individual conscience and must be respected and protected. To restrict prayer to the private sphere is to reduce the space of freedom for society as a whole. The freedom to manifest one’s faith, alone or in community, in private and in public, is recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948, art. 18), the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (1976, art. 3), and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982, art. 2a).
“The hallmark of a democratic society is its ability to welcome a plurality of convictions and allow their expression in a spirit of respect for all,” Archbishop Lépine said.
For many years, the Archdiocese of Montreal has maintained a harmonious relationship with municipal authorities and police services. This collaboration has always been grounded in a spirit of responsibility, adherence to shared rules, and commitment to public safety and the common good.
“We have always enjoyed cordial relations with municipalities, and we sincerely hope that this spirit of collaboration will continue in this new context,” he added.
The Archbishop also wishes to acknowledge the important role played by law enforcement in ensuring the safe and peaceful conduct of religious events. The Palm Sunday procession, held this past Saturday, brought together several thousand people in an atmosphere of peace and reverence.
“This gathering unfolded with calm and respect, thanks in great measure to an excellent collaboration with police, whom we warmly thank,” Archbishop Lépine said.
The Archdiocese of Montreal reaffirms its commitment to Quebec society, its respect for the rule of law, and its determination to pursue its mission while calling for constructive dialogue that fosters respectful coexistence among diverse religions and convictions.
Source : Archdiocese of Montreal
For further information :
Maribel Mayorga
Press Officer, Archbishop’s Office
Director, Communications and Media Relations
Telephone: 514-925-4300, ext. 207
Email: mmayorga@diocesemontreal.org
March 21, 2026
Mass for the Grace of a Good Death: A Reflection on Christian Hope
On Saturday, 14 March 2026, Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal celebrated a Mass for the Grace of a Good Death, an occasion that drew the faithful into a reflection on one of life’s most universal, yet most frequently avoided, realities of the human experience.
In his homily, the Archbishop observed that while contemporary society has grown more willing to speak openly about suffering, death itself remains largely unspoken, a silence that faith, he suggested, is called to gently break. He invited every person present to think about their own death not with fear, but as a deeply personal act of faith; a conscious, courageous step along the Christian journey.
For Christians, Archbishop Lépine reminded the faithful, death is above all an encounter, a face-to-face meeting with the living God. Far from being merely an ending, it is the most decisive moment of our entire existence, the horizon toward which a life of faith has always been moving oriented toward the hope of heaven.
With characteristic pastoral warmth, the Archbishop also called the faithful to approach that final threshold with the humility of the sinner who entrusts himself entirely to God’s mercy. Even in its fragility and vulnerability, he said, death can become an act of fruitful love, offered freely to God, on behalf of others.
The homily concluded with a prayer to St. Joseph, patron of a happy death, asking him to accompany each person through that ultimate passage — lived, as Archbishop Lépine prayed it would be, in trust and in hope.
Joanne Dorcé
Archdiocese of Montreal
FEBRUARY 8, 2026
“Dying with Christ –
Living with Hope” Video Series
Join us for an inspiring video series, Dying with Christ – Living with Hope, designed to shed light on death and the end-of-life journey while offering a renewed perspective on life’s most profound questions. Guided by theologians and healthcare professionals, these sessions invite deep reflection on suffering, grief, mortality, and our shared responsibility to accompany those who are vulnerable.
Discover how embracing the call to “die with Christ” can open the way to live fully in hope.
Location: Diocesan offices,
2000 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3H 1G4
Dates & Times: Two Saturday mornings,
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
February 28 and March 7, 2026
Who Should Attend: Open to all, especially pastoral team members, priests, and anyone who accompanies the elderly or sick.
Cost: $15 (includes workbook)
Parking: Free
Language: Sessions offered in English only
Registration (required by February 25):
REGISTER >>
More Information:
Phone: (514) 925-4300, ext. 287
Email: centredmvf@diocesemontreal.org
JANUARY 11, 2026
World Marriage Day 2026
The Diocesan Centre for Marriage, Life, and Family is pleased to announce the celebration of World Marriage Day with a special Mass in collaboration with Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
The bilingual Mass will take place on:
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m.,
at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral,
with Archbishop Christian Lépine as celebrant.
It will also be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.
During this celebration, we will pray for all couples and families. Participating couples will have the opportunity to renew their marriage vows and will receive a special blessing for their intentions.
Parishioners and members of your communities are warmly encouraged to share this event. You may also publish it in parish bulletins and on social media to help spread the word.
For more information, please contact the Diocesan Centre for Marriage, Life, and Family at: centredmvf@diocesemontreal.org
514-925-4300 ext. 287.
