Saturday, June 26, 2010

Photos I took at the Mass to celebrate the 72nd Year of Novena Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

These devotions hold a special place in my heart. As a child I remember so vividly attending the Novena Devotions every Tuesday evening with my parents and brothers and sisters at 7:00PM in our Parish of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church on Saint Joseph Boulevard in Hull. I remember Father Fogarty and Father Allen leading the devotions and there was always a large crowd. We didn't have a car so we walked the distance each week which was at least a mile one way.  My parents had such terrific faith and I remember my dad telling us that Tuesday was a special day for us and invariably God picked that day to shower us with many blessings. I miss you mom and dad and I thank you !

See the Archbishop's blog for information about the celebration which took place - Wednesday June 23, 2010 – 12th Wednesday in Ordinary Time - St. Patrick’s Basilica, Ottawa, Ontario
http://archbishopterry.blogspot.com/2010/06/g8-in-huntsville-recalling-australia.html



















For more on the Anniversary Celebrations please see the Archbishop's Blog

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Celebrating 72 Years of Novena Devotions To Our Lady of Perpetual Help , OC Transpo bus passes and the Ottawa Earthquake Yesterday

I was on the bus heading downtown when the 5 magnitude earthquake hit Ottawa yesterday, so I didn't feel a thing. Actually, I was on my way to Saint Patrick;s Basilica to attend the Holy Hour at Three and the Anniversay Celebration afterwards.

On my way I decided to take the time to purchase a July bus pass at the Rideau Centre, but when I arrived at the OC Transpo counter I was told I needed some kind of photo ID in order for them to take my photograph for the pass. I didn't have any on me as I wasn't expecting I needed photo ID to buy a bus pass. That certainly wasn't the case when I had my last picture taken for them about ten years ago. You don't need photo ID when you get a bus transfer or when you purchase a day pass. What a bunch of jerks. The purpose of the photo attached to the pass you buy is just proof that the picture of the person on the pass is the same person who is using it. Total bureaucratic nonsense. We bought train and subway passes in Japan and never needed photo ID when we purchased them. What a stupid bureaucy OC Transpo has become.  Anyways, after wasting my time on this nonsense, I bought a coffee at Tim Horton's and did a sudoko puzzle in the food court to blow off steam. Fifteen minutes later I headed back to the bus stop on Mackenzie King Bridge heading west.

After I boarded the bus, the driver announced over the loudspeaker "For those riders who plan to take the O Train, it isn't running because of the earthquake" Duh? What earthquake? Anyways, I guess that explains why there were so many people on all the sidewalks dowtown.  Funny thing, I never felt or heard a thing.

I got off at Kent and  headed over to the Church and saw that there were dozens of people mulling around the church and sitting on the front steps. Oh great I thought  "Now the Church will be closed for the Anniversary Celebrations and I will be told not to go in." That wasn't the case. I was allowed in ( thank God because I really had to go to the bathroom by now.) All those people were from the Government Office buildings from across the street. Whew! I was on time for the Holy Hour but I thought I should phone Mike to see what was up and I phoned from the Church basement.  I wasn't able to get through so I went outside again and eventually after about 10 minutes I managed to reach him.  He said that the quake struck about 1:45 and yes, everything was ok. The walls shook and a few pictures on the wall are now crooked but that's about all.  Just the same, I was glad we have earthquake insurance ( just in case)

So by now I was a bit late for the Holy Hour which is at three every day at the Basilica. Afterwards, I stayed in the Church until mass and the Novena to our Lady of Perpetual Help at 4:30.  My sister Barbara arrived around 4:00 and joined me near the front of the Church.  The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast who, incidentally, didn't feel the eqrthquake either because he was on a plane returning from Ireland when it struck.  All in all, it was a very beautiful celebration although the Church was very hot.  I took a few pictures which I will add later. There was a reception afterwards in the Parish Hall which is situated in the nice cool basement, but Barb and I didn't stay because she had to go to work. We did however find a restaurant on the Spark Street Mall where we stopped to eat. 

After that I went home, and Barb went to work at her office in the West Block. I hope she was allowed in by then.  When I talked to Mike earlier, he thought that some of the government buildings were to remain closed until they had been checked out. Anyways, it was an interesting afternoon and I managed to get home before it started to rain very heavily. I still haven't straightened the pictures.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Trolling on Facebook: an ugly pastime

I joined Father Frank Pavone's  Pro Life Group on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=683416425&ref=mf#!/ProLifePage and I can't get over the very many ugly remarks made in this site which are directed at Christians in general and Catholics in particular. There are people who join groups for the sole reason of spewing hatred every chance they get.  I think they call  this pastime trolling but I am not sure. Correct me if I am wrong but Is it not a crime to promote hatred of individuals or a group of individuals based on religious beliefs? Why would individuals even make such publicly outrageous comments anyways? Employers now use facebook to see what their employees are up to. Oftentimes an employer will check facebook before hiring someone. It is common knowledge that the police also use facebook . So what gives? Are people stupid. It seems that some are very stupid.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Closing of Year for Priests: Annunciation Parish, Ottawa Ontario

 Yesterday evening, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Janet Warren of the Catholic Women's League of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish organized a rosary for all priests but especially for the intentions of our two priests, pastor  Monsignor Robert Latour and Father Johathon Blake.  Most of the Parish's Groups participated by taking turns leading a decade. It was beautiful, the Church was full and it was a  beautiful ending to the year for Priests proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. Of course we will continue praying for the Pope and all our clergy.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast CJOH Interview on Abortion

Ottawa's Archbishop, Terrence Prendergast was interviewed by CJOH's Graham Richardson earlier this week on the topic abortion". See my sister's blog at this link for the transcript of the interview
http://run-with-life.blogspot.com/2010/06/choj-interview-04-june-2010-of.html

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Press Conference in Quebec

 I was so delighted that Archbishop Terrence Prendergast joined Cardinal Ouellet this week calling for our Government to reopen the Abortion Debate.  I encourage you to check out the Archbishop's Blog. I only hope that more of our Canadian Bishops will follow their lead.
The Journey of a Bishop: St. Augustine of Canterbury - Press Conference in Quebec

Also, check out Pat Maloney's article Bishop's Confirm Abortion Debate Is On
http://run-with-life.blogspot.com/2010/05/bishops-confirm-abortion-debate-is-on.html

Friday, May 7, 2010

Get A Life In Christ

Fr. Benedict Groeschel
(A Catholic Capuchin priest and psychologist)
speaks about the current troubles in the Catholic Church. About media bias against Catholics. About Catholic Faith and Theology. There are four segments in this series. There are also numerous other audio files. As Fr. Groeschel says, the Church will survive. The Church has already experienced the worst that could happen, back on the first Holy Thursday when the men Jesus had chosen Himself, deserted Him and one betrayed Him.

I recommend these talks of Father Groeschel to everybody. They are excellent. I have just listened to the segment on courage and have to say it is probably one of the most uplifting talks I have ever listened to.

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/file_index.asp?SeriesId=32&pgnu=

Monday, April 26, 2010

Lia's Pro-Life Speech on Parliament Hill in Ottawa



The Annual March for Life is two weeks away. Last year's event was a huge success with about 12,000 in attendance despite the rainy weather. One of the highlights of last years event was this terrific speech by Lia Mills, a 12 year old Toronto Student.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Press Release-Chair of pro-life caucus introduces bill to protect women from abortion coercion

Release Date: April 15, 2010
News Release
Chair of pro-life caucus introduces bill to protect women from abortion coercion
(Ottawa) - Chair of the multi-party Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus, Rod Bruinooge, introduced “Roxanne’s Law” in the House of Commons yesterday. The Private Members Bill would make it a criminal offence to coerce a woman into having an abortion.
“There are many stories of women being threatened and coerced into having abortions against their will,” said Bruinooge, the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South. “If a woman resists, such coercion may escalate into violence, and even murder. That‟s what happened to Roxanne Fernando, in whose memory I have named this bill.”
Roxanne Fernando was a young woman from Winnipeg who was murdered by Nathanael Plourde (the father of her unborn child) after he failed to convince her to end her pregnancy. In February 2007, Plourde and two friends beat Roxanne brutally and dumped her in a snow bank to die.
“This bill would help protect a pregnant woman who does not want to terminate her pregnancy,” said Bruinooge. “No woman should ever feel intimidated to have an unwanted abortion. Anyone who attempts to force a woman to abort her wanted fetus should face consequences.”
This legislation would not affect abortion access in Canada. Abortion would still be legal throughout a woman‟s entire pregnancy.
The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized, „Pregnancy represents not only the hope of future generations but also the continuation of the species. It is difficult to imagine a human condition that is more important to society.‟ Canadian law, however, provides no specific protection for pregnant women.
“A compassionate society like Canada cannot ignore the dangerous situations many pregnant women find themselves in when they choose to continue a pregnancy,” said Bruinooge.

Private Members' Bill introduced to protect women coerced to have an abortion

Conservative Member of Parliament Rod Bruinooge tabled a bill yesterday called “Roxanne’s Law.” This bill would amend the Criminal Code to make it an offense for someone to coerce or attempt to coerce a female person to have an abortion.The bill is named in memory of Roxanne Fernando a pregnant Winnipeg woman who was murdered by her partner after she refused to have an abortion,

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Mary Talbot wants justice for Olivia - renew bill C-484

Below is Mary Talbot's message of April 9, 2010 she sent to the members of the Olivia's Justice Group on facebook.

Dear Friends, I'm sorry to have taken so long to say how truly grateful I am for all your support leading up to the appeal March 19th. I hope you all got the message that the appeal was dismissed and that the appellant will now have to serve his life sentence. I felt Olivia's presence in the court room and I know that she is comforted with these results.
I am going to ask more from you now. It is the effort to renew the Bill C-484. I still strongly believe that Olivia's beautiful baby boy was also murdered. Though there will not be justice here on earth, we need to see our justice system recognize that Baby Lane's life was also taken and that the killer deserves to deal with the consequences. We have to do this for our future Mom's and their babies. We will be working now towards that end.
I will post more information as it becomes available.
With my heartfelt appreciation to all.
Mary Talbot

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Anniversary of the death of Terri Schiavo

This Wednesday, March 31, marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Terri Schiavo. Father Frank Pavone will be at Ave Maria in Naples, FL and will be the celebrant and homilist at the Annual National Mass for “Terri’s Day.” Please make “Terri’s Day” a day of prayer and remembrance for Terri and a day of prayer for all whose lives are threatened in the same way that hers was. for more information.
http://www.priestsforlife.org/terri/terris-day.htm

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Saint Patrick

Happy Saint Patrick's Day one and all!!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Brother Andre Canonized Today

CANONIZATION OF BLESSED ANDRE BESSETTE:

VATICAN CITY, 12 FEB 2010 (VIS) - In the Consistory Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace at 11 a .m. on Friday 19 February, an ordinary public consistory will be held for the canonization of Blessed Andre Bessette (nee Alfred), Canadian professed religious of the Congregation of the Holy Cross (1845-1937)

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Some Limits Needed

My sister's letter in the Ottawa Citizen today


http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Some+limits+needed/2560671/story.html

The Ottawa Citizen February 13, 2010

Re: Don't ignore reproductive rights, Feb. 11.
Columnist Elizabeth Payne writes that "This government can't talk about improving global maternal health without talking about access to contraception and abortion." I think that she assumes our sad Canadian reality of no abortion law is a good thing and should now be exported to Third World countries, too.
Most Canadians, including many who call themselves pro-choice, believe that there should be some limits on abortion. As did the Supreme Court justices in their Morgentaler decision in 1988 when they said it was up to Parliament to provide protection for the unborn. Parliament, sadly, continues to not heed the Supreme Court's advice.
Then in an astonishing display of irony, Payne writes that "For Canada to lead a G8 campaign promoting maternal and child health in the poorest parts of the world that ignores reproductive rights would be both counterproductive and paternalistic."
For Canadians to impose our any-time, any-reason, or no-reason, abortion realities to Third World countries, takes the notion of being paternalistic to new lows.Patricia Maloney,

Ottawa
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Pat's Article on Lifenews January 19, 2010: Supporting Women in Canada Means Educating That Abortion Hurts Women

Recently the Pro-Choice Action Network (Pro-Can), decided to go on the offensive against Crises Pregnancy Centres , resulting in a scathing report condemning these centres in British Columbia, Canada.
My sister Patricia Maloney responded to their report with this excellent Article Supporting Women in Canada Means Educating That Abortion Hurts Women LifeNews January 19, 2010
which is posted at http://www.LifeNews.com/int1440.html
I urge you to take the time to read Pat's terrific editorial

Maureen

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Mon Cher Oncle Andre



BESSETTE, ALFRED, named Brother André, lay brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross was born . 9 Aug. 1845 in the parish of Saint-Grégoire (Mont-Saint-Grégoire), Lower Canada, son of Isaac Bessette and Clothilde Foisy; died. 6 Jan. 1937 in Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance hospital in Ville Saint-Laurent, Que.


Today January 6th we celebrate the life of one of Canada’s truly inspiring people, Alfred Bessette whom most Canadians know as Brother Andre. I remember many years ago my mother telling me that we were indirect descendants of Brother Andre and from a very early age I have always addressed him in my prayers as “mon cher oncle Andre”. Today I know that brother Andre was more likely a very distant cousin but I love to call him “mon cher oncle Andre” just the same and so when I ask him to pray for me and for my family and others I continue to address him in this manner. Through the years I have seen answers to many of my prayers which I credit to the intervention of my dear cousin. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of Brother Andre’s relatives living in Ottawa today: i.e. the Maloney, Brousseau, Guillet, Toomey, and McCann families just to name a few. The way mom explained the connection is like this.

Mom’s grandfather Modeste Guillet’s mother’s maiden name was Marie Bessette. This is a small photo I have of my great grandfather on the left. What I was told many years ago was that Marie Bessette was the sister of Brother Andre’s Father Isaac Bessette. However, recently I have found that Isaac did not have any sisters and so this information was incorrect. Thankfully my cousin Valerie Lafleur's husband Claude recently unravelled the mystery and for this we are all grateful. Please see footnote below











In the year 2005 Elmridge Catholic School in Gloucester was considering changing the name of the school to Brother Andre Catholic School. This was initiated by former principle Maureen Atherton who is now retired. Coincidentally our grandson Kyle Marcotte, John’s son was attending the school the year of the name change. Also that year, my good friend Jennifer Snell had just begun her first year of teaching kindness classes with her dog Smokey http://www.thekindnessprogram.org/  in Ottawa Schools.  Dr. John Dorner who was the principle of Elmridge Catholic School had heard great things about the classes from Ms. Kimberley Giles the principle of Divine Infant School in Orleans and asked Jennifer if she would visit his school as well. On Jennifer’s last day at “Elmridge Catholic School” which was 23 March 2005, she told Principle John Dorner that one of his students Kyle Marcotte was an indirect descendant of Brother Andre ( I will explain how she came upon this information in the next paragraph) . Anyways, John Dorner was quite delighted to hear this bit of news and asked Kyle if he would say a little about Brother Andre at the School Board meeting when the matter of the name change would be discussed at an upcoming Spring meeting. When the time came Kyle did a great job and even got a standing ovation when he told everyone around the table the story of his humble cousin from Saint Gregoire D’Ibverville who later joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross.  
He took the name Brother Andre, and worked for many years as the porter of Notre Dame College which is situated across the Street from Saint Joseph’s Oratory which he founded.

As porter of the College, thousands of people came to know and love him and he instilled a great devotion to his best friend Saint Joseph to all who passed his way. When a miracle happened in the presence of Brother Andre, and there are countless stories of these, It was Saint Joseph, he would tell everybody, who should be thanked. He was just Saint Joseph’s little dog.
The sequence of events which led me to learn about the Name change for “Elmridge Catholic School” to “Brother Andre” was absolutely Divinely inspired and was connected to Jennifer’s visits there. On March 17th 2005 I decided to attend mass at Saint Patrick Basilica for their yearly Saint Patrick Day celebration. I sat near the front and in no time the place filled up. When Jennifer arrived she saw a seat next to someone wearing a red coat near the front. I looked up when she asked me if there was room for her. It was just then that she noticed it was me. I had met Jennifer the previous year during the Good Shepherd Parish trip to Ireland and the British Isles which was organized by their pastor Father Joe Muldoon. I hadn’t seen Jennifer for a while so we chatted a little before mass and it was then that I found out that Jennifer chose the feast of the Epiphany that year as her retirement date from the Military in order to spend more time in prayer and in doing God’s work. At that time I told Jennifer that January 6th is the day the Church honors Brother Andre since it is the day he died and I told her about my family connection to him. By coincidence I happened to have a book about him with me which I offered to her and which she was delighted to receive.. I do not remember why I had the book with me that day; probably just to have something to read before mass. Then the conversation went on where I mentioned to Jennifer that the school that my grandson Kyle attended, Elmridge Catholic School had a beautiful statue of Brother Andre in the front entrance and I wondered why. . At that point Jennifer told me that she taught kindness classes at that school earlier in the month and would be returning a few days later to see the remainder of the classes. She then told me about the wonderful Principle John Dorner telling her that they were in the process of changing the name of the school to Brother Andre Catholic School. The remainder of the story I have related in the second paragraph from the top of the page..

I love Brother Andre. I know he had a great sense of humour, he loved to garden and greet people wherever he was, whether it was in the garden or at the door and he had a heart as big as the sky and showed his love and concern to all who passed his way.  I  recently learned that he will be declared a saint by Pope Benedict XVI later on this year. For more about his life and works please go to this link on my website. http://sites.google.com/site/faithfulcatholics/Home/saints-and-blesseds/blessed-brother-andre and the Archbishop's Blog at this link http://archbishopterry.blogspot.com/2010/01/brother-andre-en-route-to-canonization.html
Blessed Alfred Bessette, pray for us.

Footnote:
Thank you Claude Lafleur ( husband of my cousin Valerie Lafleur -nee Toomey) for figuring this out!!!

Brother Andre's Connection to me
Jean-Bessette (b 27 Dec 1672, d 18 May 1751) and Madeleine Plamondon (b 22
Mar1682, d 5 May 1750).

Their children were:

Nom Naissance Décès Père Mère Époux(se)
Marie-Jeanne Bessette 09 Fév 1696 28 Mai 1697 J. Bessette M. Benoit
Marie-Charlotte Bessette 18 Avr 1702 01 Mai 1702 J. Bessette M. Plamondon
Marie-Josephe Bessette 09 Sept 1705 05 Avr 1752 J. Bessette M. Plamondon
Barre Louis-Jean

Madeleine-Charlotte Bessette 20 Mars 1708 J. Bessette M. Plamondon
Vincelet Jacques

Jean-Baptiste Bessette 28 Mars 1711 J. Bessette M. Plamondon Paquet
Marie-Anne

Jean-Francois Bessette 19 Mai 1714 J. Bessette M. Plamondon Girard
Marie-Josephte
Legrain Marguerite

Marie-Marguerite Bessette 20 Août 1716 J. Bessette M. Plamondon
Guillaume Bessette 24 Oct 1717 03 Mai 1763 J. Bessette M. Plamondon Paquet
Marguerite


Brother Andre (Alfred) descended from their son Jean-Francois and his spouse
Marguerite Legrain.
You descended from their son Guillaume Bessette and his spouse Marguerite
Paquet.

Brother André's ancestors:
Jean Bessette & Madeleine Plamondon
Jean-Francois Bessette & Marguerite Legrain
Joseph Bessette & Marie-Francoise Barrierre
Joseph Bessette & Angelique George
Isaac Bessette & Clothide Foisy
Alfred Bessette

Maureen's ancestors:
Jean Bessette & Madeleine Plamondon
Guillaume Bessette & Marguerite Paquet
Francois Bessette & Francoise Haines
Francois Xavier Bessette & Elizabeth Dubuc
Noel Bessette & Marie Desanges Goguet
Marie Bessette & Didace Guillet
Modeste Guillet & Adelaide Murphy
Marjory Guillet & Emile Brousseau
Elaine Brousseau & Jim Maloney
ME!!!
--------------------
Footnote 2

Many years ago my mother told me that the Guillet’s had made a family tree and that is how we learned that we were indirect descendants of Brother Andre. I have contacted some of the Guillet relatives but unfortunately I have not been able to get any more information on this. If you are aware of how I can see a copy of this family tree please send me an e-mail at
mtward@magma.ca

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year everyone!

Happy New Year Mike, Debbie and Leo, John and Chantel, Chris and Adelaide, and to the grandchildren ( who are my pride and joy) Kyle, Christopher, Matthew, Daniel, Bailee and Emilee. And to my brother and sisters and Mikes brothers and sister and to their spouses and their children ( our nieces and nephews) all our aunts and uncles and cousins and their children and to all our friends, I will you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. May God bless you all !!!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Saint Juan Diego



 I took this from the Archbishop's Blog

Today's liturgical optional memorial is not found in our missals as it is of recent origin. His canonization by John Paul II took place a few days after the Holy Father concluded Toronto, Canada's World Youth Day, on July 31, 2002 in Mexico City.


Today's feast anticipates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, a day of prayer acknowledging the spirituality of the Native Peoples of America.

St. Juan Diego was born in 1474 in Cuauhtitlan, located 20 kilometers north of Mexico City.

On December 9, 1531, a native Mexican named Juan Diego rose before dawn to walk fifteen miles to daily Mass in what is now Mexico City. Juan lived a simple life as a weaver, farmer, and laborer. That morning, as Juan passed Tepeyac Hill, he heard music and saw a glowing cloud encircled by a rainbow.

A woman's voice called him to the top of the hill. There he saw a beautiful young woman dressed like an Aztec princess. She said she was the Virgin Mary and asked Juan to tell the bishop to build a church on that site. She said, "I vividly desire that a church be built on this site, so that in it I can be present and give my love, compassion, help, and defense, for I am your most devoted mother . . . to hear your laments and to remedy all your miseries, pains, and sufferings."

The bishop was kind but skeptical. He asked Juan to bring proof of the Lady's identity. Before Juan could go back to the Lady, he found out his uncle was dying. Hurrying to get a priest, Juan missed his meeting with the Lady. The Lady, however, met him on his path and told him that his uncle had been cured.

She then told Juan to climb to the top of the hill where they first met. Juan was shocked to find flowers growing in the frozen soil. He gathered them in his cloak and took them at once to the bishop.

Juan told the bishop what had happened and opened his cloak. The flowers that fell to the ground were Castilian roses (which were not grown in Mexico). But the bishop's eyes were on the glowing image of the Lady imprinted inside Juan's cloak.

Soon after, a church was built on the site where our Lady appeared, and thousands converted to Christianity. Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared the patroness of the Americas.

He died on May 30, 1548, at the age of 74.

Juan Diego deeply loved the Holy Eucharist, and by special permission of the Bishop he received Holy Communion three times a week, a highly unusual occurrence in those times.

Pope John Paul II praised Juan Diego for his simple faith nourished by catechesis and pictured him (who said to the Blessed Virgin Mary: “I am a nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf”) as a model of humility for all of us.

Pope John Paul II's homily during Juan Diego's canonization


I thank you, Father ... that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was your gracious will" (Mt 11:25-26).

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
These words of Jesus in today's Gospel are a special invitation to us to praise and thank God for the gift of the first indigenous Saint of the American Continent.

With deep joy I have come on pilgrimage to this Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Marian heart of Mexico and of America, to proclaim the holiness of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, the simple, humble Indian who contemplated the sweet and serene face of Our Lady of Tepeyac, so dear to the people of Mexico....
Today I address a very affectionate greeting to the many indigenous people who have come from the different regions of the country, representing the various ethnic groups and cultures which make up the rich, multifaceted Mexican reality. The Pope expresses his closeness to them, his deep respect and admiration, and receives them fraternally in the Lord's name.

What was Juan Diego like? Why did God look upon him? The Book of Sirach, as we have heard, teaches us that God alone "is mighty; he is glorified by the humble" (cf. Sir 3:20). Saint Paul's words, also proclaimed at this celebration, shed light on the divine way of bringing about salvation: "God chose what is low and despised in the world ... so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Cor 1:28,29).
It is moving to read the accounts of Guadalupe, sensitively written and steeped in tenderness. In them the Virgin Mary, the handmaid "who glorified the Lord" (Lk 1:46), reveals herself to Juan Diego as the Mother of the true God. As a sign, she gives him precious roses, and as he shows them to the Bishop, he discovers the blessed image of Our Lady imprinted on his tilma.

"The Guadalupe Event," as the Mexican Episcopate has pointed out, "meant the beginning of evangelization with a vitality that surpassed all expectations. Christ's message, through his Mother, took up the central elements of the indigenous culture, purified them and gave them the definitive sense of salvation" (14 May 2002, No. 8).

Consequently Guadalupe and Juan Diego have a deep ecclesial and missionary meaning and are a model of perfectly inculturated evangelization.

"The Lord looks down from heaven, he sees all the sons of men" (Ps 33:13), we recited with the Psalmist, once again confessing our faith in God, who makes no distinctions of race or culture.

In accepting the Christian message without forgoing his indigenous identity, Juan Diego discovered the profound truth of the new humanity, in which all are called to be children of God. Thus he facilitated the fruitful meeting of two worlds and became the catalyst for the new Mexican identity, closely united to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose mestizo face expresses her spiritual motherhood which embraces all Mexicans.
This is why the witness of his life must continue to be the inspiration for the building up of the Mexican nation, encouraging brotherhood among all its children and ever helping to reconcile Mexico with its origins, values, and traditions.

The noble task of building a better Mexico, with greater justice and solidarity, demands the cooperation of all. In particular, it is necessary today to support the indigenous peoples in their legitimate aspirations, respecting and defending the authentic values of each ethnic group. Mexico needs its indigenous peoples and these peoples need Mexico!

Beloved bothers and sisters of every ethnic background of Mexico and America, today, in praising the Indian Juan Diego, I want to express to all of you the closeness of the Church and the Pope, embracing you with love and encouraging you to overcome with hope the difficult times you are going through.
At this decisive moment in Mexico's history, having already crossed the threshold of the new millennium, I entrust to the powerful intercession of Saint Juan Diego the joys and hopes, the fears and anxieties of the beloved Mexican people, whom I carry in my heart.

Blessed Juan Diego, a good, Christian Indian, whom simple people have always considered a saint! We ask you to accompany the Church on her pilgrimage in Mexico, so that she may be more evangelizing and more missionary each day. Encourage the Bishops, support the priests, inspire new and holy vocations, help all those who give their lives to the cause of Christ and the spread of his Kingdom.

Happy Juan Diego, true and faithful man! We entrust to you our lay brothers and sisters so that, feeling the call to holiness, they may imbue every area of social life with the spirit of the Gospel. Bless families, strengthen spouses in their marriage, sustain the efforts of parents to give their children a Christian upbringing. Look with favor upon the pain of those who are suffering in body or in spirit, on those afflicted by poverty, loneliness, marginalization, or ignorance. May all people, civic leaders and ordinary citizens, always act in accordance with the demands of justice and with respect for the dignity of each person, so that in this way peace may be reinforced.

Beloved Juan Diego, "the talking eagle"! Show us the way that leads to the "Dark Virgin" of Tepeyac, that she may receive us in the depths of her heart, for she is the loving, compassionate Mother who guides us to the true God. Amen

Saturday, December 5, 2009

75th Anniversary of the Legion of Mary in Ontario




We began with the rosary at approx 10:40 am today followed by mass celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Terrence Prendergast at Saint Patrick Basilica here in Ottawa. There were about 200 in attendance and that included about thirty Legionaries who took a bus from Kingston. Celebrating with the Bishop were at least eight priests and Deacon Scheer who is the Spiritual Director of Our lady of Victory Praesidium . Among the priests were Monsignor Richard Siok Pastor of Saint Patrick Basilica, Father Anthony Hannon, Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary in Ontario, Monsignor Latour from Annunciation of the Lord Parish who is the Spiritual Director of Morning Star Praesidium, Father Boyd from the Good Shepherd Parish, and Father McEvoy who has led many Legion of Mary Retreats over the years.

After mass we met in the SCAVI for a wonderful reception .  Father Anthony Hannon led the Angelus after which we had a delicious sit down lunch. The afternoon included interesting displays of the Legion of Mary over the years: numerous photographs and stories etc. and because Our Lady of Victory Praesidium was celebrating their 70th Anniversary of their Praesidium they had their own beautiful display of events past and present. Sister Marilyn welcomed us all and thanked the Bishop and made special mention of our heroic elderly Legionaries.




Marilyn mentioned that one of our Legion Pillars, Dorothy Harris of Morning Star Praesidium, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, was in the Legion since 1933. In fact When Dorothy joined the Legion in London England it was Frank Duff who opened her Praesidium which coincidentally was also called Morning Star. After lunch, members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Praesidium of the Good Shepherd Parish sang the song "Our lady of Guadalupe" This Praesidium  is indeed the "new kid on the block".
It was established by Jennifer Snell formerly of Morning Star and members held their first meeting October 2 of this year.  It was a wonderful afternoon and when the Kingston visitors were getting ready to make their way back home, Marilyn gave them copies of the Legion songs to sing on the bus. But before the bus left Marilyn grabbed her guitar, boarded the bus and gave them a great send off  by leading  "All Is In the Hands of Mary" as everyone happily joined in. Thank you to all who made this such a joyous day and thank you Mary!!!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Praying for Priests

We should always be praying for our priests but in this Year for Priests I think we should try a little harder to do so. Below is the link to a website on which is featured a prayer kit  to encourage people to pray for a priest. http://www.pray4apriest.com/index.htm  To date, they  have mailed out over 2,000 prayer kits all over the world. Many of them have gone to Canada.  I encourage you to take a look at the website.  And for more information and prayers check out this page on my website http://sites.google.com/site/faithfulcatholics/Home/year-for-priests-1  God bless!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A Miracle: Planned Parenthood director resigns her job and converts!

I must share this story with you because it is so inspiring, and to see God working like this fills me with such hope and joy!

Often people think that their prayers are not answered or "how can my witness and prayers make a difference?" Not only are lives saved when a conversion like this happens but souls are saved and that is the most important thing. The miracle is that the director of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Bryan/College Station, Texas -- where 40 Days for Life first began -- has resigned her job, experienced a profound conversion, and joined the pro-life efforts. See the story at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html and Life site News
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/nov/09110204.html

The following quotation is taken from an allocutio by Father Bede McGregor Spiritual Director to Concilium, International Headquarters of the Legion of Mary:
"There is no greater charity than to pray and work ceaselessly for the salvation of souls. 'Vocation to the apostolate begins the moment you realize that apart from the salvation of souls nothing else in life matters very much.'"

Thank you to all of you who who participate in this heroic life and soul saving effort and God bless you for the terrific work you do for HIM!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Annunciation of the Lord Parish Vigil at 65 Bank Street

Thank you to all who participated. Our Parish day of prayer started at 7:00am and concluded at 7:00 pm. During that time at least 70 parishioners from Annunciation parish here in Ottawa endured the cold rainy weather and courageously witnessed to the Gospel of Life by prayers fasting and silent witness at the Ottawa abortion site at 65 Bank Street. May our Good Lord Bless you all for the good work you do for Him.