Viva Cristo Rey!

Yesterday Father Rob Arsenault had the entire congregation saying Viva Cristo Rey during his homily. I thought it was awesome. I will provide a link to his homily when it comes available.
Father said ``What matters to God is you. You are more valuable to God than Notre Dame Cathedral. You are an eternal being. The reason for your great value is the redemption that has been wrought for you in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is risen! Our hope dawns in the resurrection.

You can listen to Father Rob`s homily at this link 
https://companionscross.org/homilies/fr-rob-arsenault-cc/easter-your-value

Father told us about Padre Pro and his brother Humberto who were executed by a firing squad in Mexico  in 1927. President Calles had news photographers present, expecting the Pros to die cowardly. But Padre Pro refused the blindfold and welcomed the bullets with his arms extended in the form of a cross, crying out, “Viva Cristo Rey!” Although Calles outlawed any public demonstration, thousands of Mexicans defiantly lined the streets, honoring the martyr as he was carried in procession to his grave. 

For more about Blessed Miguel Pro, SJ (1891-1927)

Read this article by Bert Ghezzi
and this ONE  Visiting Padre Miguel Pro

Ducks In A Row

Pat and I volunteer at  Laurier Manor most Wednesday mornings This is a Long Term Care Facility located in the East End of Ottawa.

We usually spend time visiting a few of the Residents although occasionally we help the Activities Directors in different ways. Today Kate from the fifth floor asked me if I would help her and some of the Residents create these cute little Easter ducks. Kate is so talented and the Residents absolutely loved making these adorable mommies and babies: cutting, pasting etc.

They are always in need of volunteers so if you think you would like to spend an hour or 2 each week Click Here 

Corner of Bank and Queen yesterday

Father Tony Van Hee S.J can be seen most weekdays at the corner of Bank and Queen right outside the Bubble Zone. He is quietly protesting the lack of Freedom of Speech in Ottawa. Father balances himself on his one legged stool for up to 6 hours each day while fasting and praying. 

He prays that democracy will survive; he prays for the city of Ottawa police officers who ticketed him; he prays for his lawyer Albertos and he prays for Mayor Jim Watson. 

Yesterday Lois and I joined Father Tony around 12:30 and chatted with him before praying the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Carole who works in the vicinity stopped by to see Father Tony during her lunch break offering her support

Please pray for Father Van Hee; pray that freedom of speech will be respected in our country; and if you have the means support his legal case in a financial way.

Here  is a link to Patricia Maloney's blog site where up to date information is periodically added. 

Thank you and God bless you!

Annunciation of the Lord - Parish Feast Day- March 25, 2019

I have heard it said that the Feast of the Annunciation is greater than any other.
This evening we had a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr. John Likozar. Fr. Rob Arsenault and Fr. Dennis Hayes and assisted by Deacon Marc Gauthier and Deacon Will Read. Father Rob's homily was awesome and the music provided by Janet Warren was wonderful. I will provide a link to Father Rob's homily when it is on the Parish website.

Victoria Vacation 2019 - Visiting Pat and Fred

 -Tour of the City shortly after we arrived - 

 -Mike's birthday - 

-yummy nachos -

 -Dinner on Tuesday before we left to return to Ottawa - 

Pat Making Sunday Brunch - so yummy

 -Tour of Downtown in the evening -

A few photos and videos together

We had a wonderful time. Pat and Fred rented a car for the time we were there so they could meet us at the airport on February 10, bring us back to the airport  February 21, and drive us all over the place in between.  We toured the city and the harbour the day after we arrived. There were snowmen all over the place. Is it politically incorrect to say that?

Pat attended mass every day  (except Saturday ) at beautiful St. Andrew Cathedral and I went with her last  Friday. We all went to mass on Sunday. Father Michael, the Parish Priest gave great homilies and the music was very reverent.

A day trip to Villa Eyrie Resort in the Cowechan Valley which is located about half an hour drive from Victoria was awesome.  

The Tuesday evening before we left to come home. Fred gave us a tour of beautiful downtown Victoria with its spectacular light displays.

Really it was all just so much fun in spite of the fact that we arrived in Victoria during one of their largest snowfalls ever and we were even told that the plane might be unable to land in Victoria and could possibly be re-routed to Seattle. Gulp! ( it didn't happen )

Mike and I enjoyed Pat's delicious cooking. I have to say my sister and her husband are quite gracious and charming. And not only is Pat a terrific cook but her dancing ain't so bad either

They even had a birthday celebration for Mike ( 73 years young) complete with one of Pat's scrumptious cakes and melt in your mouth steak cooked on the barbecue.  In the snow. In the dark.

Thanks you two!