Mass to Mark the Launching of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Priorities Homily [Isaiah 50:5-9; Psalm 116; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35] A few years ago, as we are all aware, Pope Francis invited the entire Church to enter what he calls a synodal process. This means gathering together in many ways, within…
It’s been 100 years in the making, on Sept. 15, St. Alphonsus will celebrate it\’s past and present while looking forward to the future for the parish in east Edmonton. \”I hope that the 100th anniversary is a powerful reminder for you of the preciousness of faith,\” Father Glenn McDonald,…
Homily [Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalm 146; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37] One of the great blessings of my life as both Bishop and priest has been ministry with the deaf community. Spending time with persons who are unable either to hear or speak has taught me many important lessons. I recall this…
We have received word that Fr. Vernon Regis, a retired priest of our Archdiocese, died yesterday, August 22, 2024, in Sri Lanka.\\ Fr. Vernon was born on July 27, 1936, in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka. He was an avid cricket and soccer fan his entire life, which he also played in…
It is already August, and the transition to greater times of work has likely already started to happen. With fall approaching, the new academic year is coming upon us, and summer vacations are coming to an end. Sometimes there can be a feeling of dread about work that needs to…
The 106th annual Skaro Pilgrimage was celebrated between August 14-15. Thousands of people gather each year at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Skaro, Alberta for the annual Skaro Pilgrimage, which is held in celebration of the Assumption of Our Lady on August 14-15. The shrine was built in 1919…
It is wonderful to be back here at Skaro for our annual pilgrimage on the vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption. For more than 100 years, the people of God in this local area and beyond have come to this holy place, moved to do so for three principal reasons.
On a sweltering July 17, 2024 evening in Indianapolis’ cavernous Lucas Oil Stadium – home to the NFL Colts – 50,000 faith-filled Catholics dropped to their knees in unison. The most holy Blessed Sacrament, exposed in an exquisite four-foot, 20-pound, papally-blessed golden monstrance had entered the arena and Eucharistic Adoration…
Thanks be to God it appears that Our Lady of Lourdes church is still standing, based on the wildfire map provided by the Municipality of Jasper. We cannot confirm the extent of internal damage at this point, as the town remains evacuated and Parks Canada is assessing the area. We…
In hearing news of the devastating fire that is taking place in Jasper, Archbishop Richard Smith offered prayers on behalf of the Catholic community: “Today is indeed a very sad day and I wish to convey my sorrow, solidarity and support to the people of Jasper and the parish community…