Current Messages

Archbishop Prendergast wrote a series of articles when the Covid-19 Pandemic first began. He did this as a way to keep in touch with the people. To read those reflections click here.

The Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome The Dedication of St. John Lateran Cathedral Basilica
The Feast we will celebrate on Monday recalls the dedication of the “head and mother church of our faith” – the church in Rome dedicated to Our Saviour but commonly known as Saint John Lateran Cathedral Basilica. St. John Lateran gets its name from the family on whose land it was built and from its two patron saints Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist – both witnesses to Jesus Christ.

Pope Francis often emphasizes that he is the Bishop of Rome. St. John Lateran is the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome. So this church is the head church of all other ones, a little like Notre Dame Basilica is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. 

By celebrating the dedication of the Lateran, we honour our connection to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ and our ties to him as the guarantor of our Catholic faith. 

Remembrance Day
Most observances on Remembrance Day this year will be virtual. Pausing at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, we recall in gratitude members of the Canadian Armed Forces who sacrificed their health and well-being, and even their lives, to defend us and the freedom and values we cherish. May God grant them eternal peace; and comfort and healing to the afflicted and suffering. 

World Day of the Poor
Pope Francis has designated the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (this year November 14-15) as World Day of the Poor. Normally we would direct that collection to support our twin diocese of Hearst-Moosonee. 

This year, in light of the cancellation of the collection for Development and Peace on the Solidarity Fifth Sunday in Lent, we decided to make a donation from Diocesan Works to Hearst-Moosonee and take up the collection for Development and Peace at the LORD’S DAY Masses on November 14 and 15.  

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is taking a pro-active role in the selection of partners in the Global South so that there are no troubling ethical questions; and the CCCB is in the process of close engagement with D&P’s National Council. Four bishops, one from each of the four regions (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and Western Canada) serve on the Council. Please encourage a generous contribution to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

The Month of November and Prayers for the Faithful Departed
In light of the many deaths due to Covid-19 or during the pandemic and with the restrictions on traditional visits to cemeteries, the Vatican’s Sacred Penitentiary has extended the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence for oneself or someone deceased from the usual November 1-8 to the whole month of November. The attached article explains this in further detail.

Remembering in November Deaths in Time of Covid-19
It is recommended to parishes that one or more Masses in November—the month devoted to the Faithful Departed—be dedicated to prayers for those who died in this pandemic period and whose deaths and funerals were celebrated only in a limited way. Of course, mention should also be made of those who died of the Corona virus. The second reading of the Mass of the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 7-8) from 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18, which says we disciples of Jesus should not grieve as those who have no hope in the resurrection, offers an opportunity to speak of this. - Archbishop Terrence

The Church has a long history of encouraging recitation of the Rosary during the months of May and October. May I suggest you recommend to parishioners that our families take up recitation of this devotion to Our Lord through his Blessed Mother in coming month of October with the special intnetion for those suffering from Covid-19, for the successful development of a an ethically-derived vaccine and an end to the pandemic.

I encourage families, couples & small groups to recite the Rosary in October, praying especially for those suffering from Covid-19, for the successful development of an ethically derived vaccine and for the end of the pandemic. - Archbishop Terrence