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…
An exact digital replica of the famed Our Lady of Guadalupe image is in the Archdiocese for the foreseeable future thanks to the passion and the national ministry of an Edmonton woman. Christine Foisy-Erickson founded the Mi Casa ministry to lead people to Christ through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Since…
As we mark two years since Pope Francis’ historic visit to Canada, the Archdiocese of Edmonton continues to support and advance healing and reconciliation programs with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples. “The anniversary of the Holy Father’s penitential journey is a reminder that we are walking together on the…