October 15, 2023
Statement by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President, to the Catholic Faithful in Canada on the Recent Escalation of Conflict in the Holy Land
Over these last few days, the world has witnessed a rapid escalation of armed conflict in the Holy Land, with reports of a growing number of wounded or dead, including innocent civilians.
As the Holy Land is immersed in this violence and bloodshed, we remember that Jesus, the Son of God, who lived and walked there as Love Incarnate, through His teaching by word and deed, calls us as brothers and sisters to be always united by the bond of charity.
I invite the Catholic faithful in Canada to join other people of good will, here and around the world, in imploring God to move the hearts of those leaders engaged in the present conflict in order to deescalate the acts of terrorism, cease violence and war, and resume constructive efforts that are aimed at establishing lasting peace and concord. As we pray for peace, let us remember all the families and individuals suffering because of this most recent outbreak of violence.
As Christians we are compelled by the teachings and example of Jesus to pray for peace throughout the world. In a fraternal spirit of solidarity with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim brothers and sisters, let us join together in recalling God’s desire for peace in the land that Jesus Christ called home.
AUGUST 8, 2023
Montreal — August 8, 2023
Archbishop Christian Lépine will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the 7:30 p.m. Mass on Tuesday, August 15, at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. During the celebration, the diocesan mission of evangelization will be entrusted to the Virgin Mary, Star of the New Evangelization.
“Mary is present, guiding us along the path leading to the New Evangelization. At times, this can feel as though it is a journey through the “desert” (Rev 12:1-6). Just as stars appear brighter in the desert night so, too, the sky spanning our journey is brilliantly lit by Mary’s light, Star of the New Evangelization; we follow her confidently,” said Archbishop Lépine.
The Archbishop will also lead a “Jericho March” following the Mass “to bring down the walls in our hearts separating us from God and from others.’’ This procession is inspired by the biblical account in Joshua 6:1-27 in which the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho seven times carrying the Ark of the Covenant. On this day, the assembly will process behind a statue of Mary, who is the Ark of the New Covenant, circling the interior of the cathedral seven times.
About the Feast of the Assumption
Catholics observe the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 to honour and seek the Blessed Virgin’s intercession; the feast celebrates the assumption of Jesus’ Mother – body and soul – into heaven. The word “assumption” is derived from the Latin “assumere,” meaning “to take up, to take away.”
In reference to the Feast of the Assumption, it means that Mary is “taken up” into heaven.
The feast celebrates the death and bodily assumption or the “taking up” of the Mother of Jesus Christ into heaven, where she intercedes as Queen of Heaven.
The Eucharistic celebration will also be broadcast live live via both, the diocesan Facebook page and the diocesan YouTube channel: Catholic Church in Montreal.
juLY 16, 2023
Montreal — July 23, 2023
The third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated this year on Sunday, 23 July 2023.
Pope Francis inaugurated this World Day to be celebrated by the universal Church each July, either on or near the liturgical Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus, to help “treasure the spiritual and human wealth that has been handed down from generation to generation.”
The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s World Day is “His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:50), underlining the relational interconnection between old and young. This theme is particularly well suited to the upcoming World Youth Day in Lisbon, which will take place from 1 to 6 August 2023.
Together, young and old, let us be protagonists of generosity in our world and witnesses to the love of Christ, a love that is both fruitful and supportive.
Resources to promote World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2023
The CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life, in collaboration with its corresponding Office, produced a 30-second video that captures a group of high school students visiting a retirement home. This heart-warming interaction between young people and the elderly illustrates this year’s theme and encourages us to find concrete and creative ways of drawing closer to the elderly.
Dioceses, eparchies, parishes, priests, religious, families and educators are all invited to share the CCCB promotional video on your social media platforms or in other creative ways!
