The Annunciation of the Lord (S)
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Solemnity to be observed in Canada.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Solemnity to be observed in Canada.
Saint Gregory of Narek, born around 950 in Armenia, was a monk, poet, theologian, and doctor of the Church. A member of the Narek Monastery, he devoted his life to prayer, scholarship, and writing. His most famous work, the "Book of Lamentations," is a profound collection of prayers and hymns that express deep sorrow for […]
The Catholic Church's World Day of Prayer, also known as the "World Day of Prayer for the Church," is an annual observance dedicated to praying for the unity, strength, and needs of the global Catholic Church. Typically held on the first Friday of Lent, the day encourages Catholics worldwide to come together in prayer, reflect […]
The Third Sunday of Lent emphasizes the theme of spiritual renewal and conversion. The Gospel often recounts Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-42), where He offers her "living water"—a symbol of the eternal life He gives through the Holy Spirit. This encounter highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the deep […]
Saint Casimir, born in 1458 in Poland, was a prince known for his deep faith, charity, and commitment to living a life of purity and service to God. The son of King Casimir IV of Poland, he chose a life of celibacy, focusing on prayer, penance, and the welfare of the poor. He worked to […]
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were Christian martyrs who died in Carthage, North Africa, in 203 AD. Perpetua, a young noblewoman, and Felicity, her slave, were imprisoned for their Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. Despite harsh persecution, they remained steadfast in their belief. Perpetua, a mother, recorded her visions and experiences in […]
St. John of God, born in 1495 in Portugal, was a religious brother and founder of the Brothers Hospitallers, a religious order dedicated to caring for the poor and sick. After a life of early struggles, including a period of military service and working as a shepherd, John underwent a profound spiritual conversion. He committed […]
The Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, offers a brief moment of joy amid the solemnity of Lent. The word "Laetare" means "rejoice," taken from the opening antiphon, "Rejoice, O Jerusalem." This Sunday focuses on the theme of spiritual renewal and hope, reminding Christians that despite the penitent nature of Lent, Easter […]
We invite you to join us from home during the Novena to St. Joseph, March 11-19, 2024, by mailing your prayer intentions to Martyrs' Shrine and praying with the following card every day. The Feast of St. Joseph is on March 19. St. Joseph is both the Patron Saint of Canada and of our Canadian […]
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Britain around 385 AD. At the age of sixteen, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped and returned home, later becoming a Christian missionary. He felt called to return to Ireland to spread Christianity. […]
The Fifth Sunday of Lent focuses on themes of death, resurrection, and the hope of eternal life. The Gospel often recounts the story of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-45), where Jesus demonstrates His power over death by calling Lazarus out of the tomb after he had been dead for four days. This miracle foreshadows […]
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, born around 313 AD, was a bishop and theologian known for his role in defending the faith during the early Christian Church. As bishop of Jerusalem, he played a pivotal role in instructing catechumens, guiding them through the sacraments of baptism and initiation into the Church. His "Catechetical Lectures," a series […]
Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, is revered as a model of humility, obedience, and fatherhood. Though he is not recorded as speaking in the Gospels, his actions reveal a deep faith and unwavering commitment to God's will. When Mary was found to be pregnant, Joseph, a […]
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Solemnity to be observed in Canada.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, just days before His Passion and crucifixion. As Jesus entered the city on a donkey, the crowds welcomed Him by waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!"—a cry for salvation. This event fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, signalling Jesus as […]
Good Friday is a solemn day in the Christian liturgical calendar, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed on the Friday before Easter, it marks the suffering and death of Jesus, reflecting on His sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Many Christian denominations hold services featuring the reading of the Passion narrative from the Gospels, prayers, hymns, […]
Holy Saturday is the day in the Christian liturgical calendar that falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It marks the period of mourning and waiting as Christians remember the burial of Jesus Christ after His crucifixion. The day is often observed with solemnity and quiet reflection, as it signifies the time Jesus spent in […]
Easter, also known as the Resurrection of the Lord, is the most significant celebration in Christianity, marking the triumph of Jesus Christ over death. It occurs on the Sunday following Good Friday and Holy Saturday, celebrating Christ’s resurrection from the dead, as described in the Gospels. Christians believe that through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin […]