“Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere.” ~ St. Philip Neri[1] This summer, as you soak up the warmer weather and plan your vacation time, take the opportunity to prioritize time for fun in your marriage. When the summer heat becomes difficult to bear and vacation planning becomes…
Thousands of Indigenous Canadians from across Canada made the pilgrimage to Lac St. Anne for healing, worship and fellowship. While the pilgrimage was abbreviated by two days due to heavy rainstorms, pilgrims say that the annual event touched them deeply and that the struggles with the storm highlighted the goodness…
Due to extreme weather July 24, and under advice from the RCMP, it is great sadness that we announce that the remainder of the 2023 Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage is cancelled. Emergency protocols have been implemented. We are working with the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation and Lac Ste Anne…
Pope Francis made a pastoral visit to Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022. The Pope’s visit provided a unique opportunity for him, once again, to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of colonization and the participation of the Catholic…
Homily [Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Psalm 86; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13: 24-43] One year ago, Pope Francis arrived in our city for his visit to the Indigenous Peoples of this land. His arrival coincided with the annual Lac Ste Anne pilgrimage. That was a deliberate choice on the part of…
For the past 10 years, Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Parish has been celebrating her life with Mass and a traditional lunch of soup and bannock. Known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” Kateri Tekakwitha is the first North American indigenous saint. She was born in 1656 in upstate New…
Homily [Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 65; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23] As I mentioned at the beginning of mass, I am very pleased to welcome to our cathedral parishioners from across the Archdiocese who will soon leave for World Youth Days in Lisbon. This event in Portugal will be an extraordinary intercontinental…
Each July, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the shores of Lac Ste Anne. Many come in search of healing and spiritual renewal. Some simply come to reconnect with old acquaintances and forge new friendships. This pilgrimage, which began over a hundred years ago, has become the largest annual…
One hundred fifty alumni, families, supporters, and volunteers joined Archbishop Richard Smith for the relaunch of Our Lady of Victory Camp on July 8. The day began with a scavenger hunt and a chance to tour the property, where thousands of hours have been spent restoring and preparing the camp…
James Eidem is one of three men to be ordained to the permanent diaconate July 8 at St. Joseph\’s Basilica. Currently there are 32 deacons in the Archdiocese. James will be assigned to his home parish, Sacred Heart in Red Deer. In this interview, James talks about his family, his…