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Past Events from May 12, 2024 - May 21, 2024Martyrs' Shrine
**The Shrine Church is now closed for its Regular Season, but our Giftstore and Restaurant remain open to the public. Click here for hours. Full services resume May 3, 2025**

St. Pancras (OM)

Saint Pancras (d. 304) was a young Christian martyr who is venerated as one of the saints of the early Church. He was just 14 years old when he was arrested during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. Pancras, originally from Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), had moved to Rome with his guardian. When he refused […]

Canada Health Day

Canada Health Day, observed on May 12, aligns with the Catholic Church’s commitment to health, compassion, and care for the marginalized. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, which emphasizes the dignity of the human person, the Church supports efforts to ensure access to healthcare for all, especially the poor and vulnerable. The day promotes reflection on […]

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day, while not a liturgical feast in the Catholic Church, holds significant spiritual and cultural relevance. The Church honours motherhood as a reflection of God’s love and care, with Mary, the mother of Jesus, being the ultimate example of maternal devotion and faith. On Mother’s Day, Catholics often reflect on the importance of mothers […]

Our Lady of Fatima (OM)

Our Lady of Fatima refers to the title given to the Virgin Mary following her apparitions to three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Over six months, Mary appeared to the children, delivering messages of prayer, repentance, and the need for devotion to her Immaculate Heart. She urged the faithful to pray […]

St. Matthias (F)

Saint Matthias was the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal and death. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Matthias was selected by the remaining eleven apostles through prayer and the casting of lots. He had been a follower of Jesus from His baptism by John the Baptist until the Ascension, ensuring […]

* Vigil of Pentecost

The Vigil of Pentecost is celebrated on the evening before Pentecost Sunday, marking the culmination of the Easter season. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, as described in Acts 2, and the birth of the Church. The vigil typically includes Scripture readings that reflect the themes of renewal, empowerment, and […]

* Pentecost

Pentecost, celebrated fifty days after Easter, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and Mary in the upper room in Jerusalem, as described in Acts 2. This event marks the birth of the Christian Church, empowering the apostles to preach the Gospel in various languages and spread Christianity worldwide. Pentecost is often […]

* Victoria Day

Victoria Day, celebrated on the last Monday before May 25, is a Canadian holiday honouring Queen Victoria’s birthday and the beginning of the country’s summer season. Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, played a pivotal role in the formation of Canada as a nation within the British Empire. The holiday marks not only […]

St. Bernadine of Siena (OM)

Saint Bernardine of Siena (1380–1444) was an Italian Franciscan friar, preacher, and theologian known for his fervent evangelization and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. A prolific preacher, Bernardine traveled extensively across Italy, promoting moral reform and religious devotion, particularly among the laity. He is credited with popularizing the use of the "IHS" monogram, […]

St. Eugène de Mazenod (OM)

Saint Eugène de Mazenod (1782–1861) was a French bishop and founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a religious congregation dedicated to evangelization and serving the poor. Born into a noble family, Eugène experienced a turbulent childhood, marked by exile during the French Revolution. He later studied for the priesthood and became deeply committed […]