Share your story!
A Papal Visit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most Catholics. We have heard many stories and unique experiences from our guests, volunteers and staff. Now we want to hear from you!
What is your strongest memory from the Papal Visit? What touched you most? What will you tell your grandchildren?
Your story doesn’t have to be polished – a few sentences or bullet points is all you need.
Click here to submit your story by email.
Here are a few messages and memories that we have already received:
“Thank you for bringing the Holy Father to Canada. It was beautiful, and the picture of him praying at Lac St Anne touched so many. My mother would have been so happy to see this. Thank you Archbishop Smith. I’m going back to church again and again.”
– Anna F.
“I was in Lac Ste Anne yesterday and I got to be upfront a few times to see Pope Francis as he went by. I was one of the ones running beside the fence chasing to catch a glimpse as he proceeded to go bless the lake. I wanted to give him a hug and say thank you…That made my day. I will take from this to walk prouder and louder, I feel he has opened a door.
I know for myself I want to move forward with confidence and pride and love and peace, thank you Pope for your courage…
My parents were in Fort Vermilion Residential School, they’re still alive, unable to make it down to pray with Pope Francis. I did however talk to my mom almost daily to see how they were doing. My mom said to me “It’s not his fault”, I know people are mad, lots of emotion, but for myself I just wanted to say thank you.”
– MaryLee N
I am grateful for the opportunity to thank everyone involved in this huge undertaking. I’ve felt a calm spirit in my heart for the past few weeks anticipating Pope Francis’ visit to Canada and specifically the Edmonton area.
As soon as the request went out, I signed up to volunteer wherever my God given talents could be used. I was so honoured and humbled to serve as an Eucharistic Minister at the Commonwealth Stadium mass. I thought I would be nervous, but everything was so well organized at Commonwealth Stadium and everyone I met was so excited to be a part of this historical event, that any nervousness left me.
Before mass started, I spoke to the family sitting behind me. They had driven for 36 hours over 3 days from their First Nation community to be at the Papal mass. The man said he came to honour his Mom who was a residential school survivor. During the mass I noticed that he was silently crying. It reminded me why we were all there, to help with the healing and reconciliation of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers.
– Monica Yeats
Seeing Pope Francis being wheeled to the lake touched my heart. I have a picture of him sitting in his wheelchair in front of the lake. I made a vow to myself that if he came to Canada I would start going to church again. Thank you for your visit Pope Francis.
– Eleanor Lamoureux
Dear Archbishop Richard
I want to thank you for your efforts and organizing the Papal visit. It was very well done. I have always wanted to see a Pope since I became Catholic and my dream came through. It was a very exciting moment and I’ll remember it for a long time. Thank you and bless you!
– Linda Lunde