TRANSCRIPT: Dearest Brothers & Sisters, Life as we know it has drastically changed. All of a sudden, our churches were closed, school years postponed, jobs moved remotely, and hospitals overcrowded. The world had to learn to be still. But, as unexpected as these times have been, our God remains with us. He is bigger than the Church, moves beyond the Sacraments, and shows up even in the ordinary makings of our lives. Our homes become chapels. Our couches: the pews. Our tables: the altars. And we become living tabernacles for Christ. Even in this time, our God brings us closer to Him. As though Jesus is saying, “I will love you beyond Sunday. I will teach you outside of school. I will employ you after work. I will heal you, body, mind, and soul. I will carry you in My arms.” Each day is a new prayer, each moment an opportunity to let Christ into our hearts. Never has there been a time like this, when daily Mass is celebrated online, and parishioners attend from around the world. When the rosary is recited like a battle cry of the faithful. And Confession takes place in unexpected spaces. This time is preparing us to love deeper. To hug each other tighter. To kiss each other sweeter. And to speak to one another kinder. We emerge as a stronger community of believers. May the ache we feel in physical distancing deepen our spiritual closeness with God. As churches re-open, may each sign of the cross, every sit, kneel, and stand, and every sign of peace be done with all our hearts. And when we line up for Communion, may we receive Jesus sincerely, remembering the days we were hungry for Love.
At the Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, ON, retreatants of all ages can encounter a God of surprises.
In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.