For the first time in history, the major relics of the Canadian Martyrs—including the skull of St. Jean de Brébeuf and bones of St. Charles Garnier and St. Gabriel Lalemant—are traveling across Canada. These relics, which have been housed at the National Shrine to the Canadian Martyrs in Midland, Ont.,…
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Homily [Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21] A few weeks ago, members of our Archdiocesan Catholic Women’s League introduced me to an initiative called IWIN, which is an outreach to survivors of human trafficking here in Alberta. It began in…
Feast of the Holy Family Solemn Opening of the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Archdiocese of Edmonton Homily [1Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 84; 1John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52] On Christmas Eve, the Holy Father Pope Francis solemnly inaugurated the Jubilee Year of 2025 by opening the Holy Doors of Saint…
Christmas Midnight Mass 2024 Homily [Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-16] As we ponder now what has just been proclaimed in the beautiful and well-beloved passages from Sacred Scripture, I invite you to reflect with me on the Nativity scene here at the front of the…
Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Christmas tradition, is one of the longest and most popular among the traditions in the Philippines. It is when Roman Catholic churches across the nation open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass. “Simbang Gabi or…
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Year C Homily [Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45] Recently, the city of Edmonton put in place a winter parking ban. The point is to remove vehicles from the side of the road so that plows will have the space they need to…
Archbishop Smith celebrated the Christmas Mass at Holy Cross Mausoleum on Saturday, December 21. Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries offers a Mass each month. The December event was followed by a gathering with sandwiches and other treats. It was supported and sponsored by Europa Memorial, Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes, Edmonton Granite Memorials, Park…
Father Alfred Groleau, O.M.I. is a retired Oblate priest living in St. Albert. He currently residing at Foyer Lacombe in St. Albert and is the Oblate House director. Fr. Alfred has regularly scheduled pastoral and priestly assignments within Foyer Lacombe, Covenant Care, and long-term care facilities. Fr. Alfred has regularly…
A brother and mentor, in Father Don MacDonald, has died. This is my tribute. These thoughts are, in fact, several years in the making. As anticipated, the time to express my unspoken gratitude would come. This is it! Let me start by acknowledging that I am not alone in my…
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. – Luke 1: 38 Advent is starting to wind down, and within a week the Christmas season will have started. During the next couple…