We are blessed on Wolfe Island with a magnificent church — more like a cathedral, visitors often say. Dedicated to our Lady under the title of the Sacred Heart of Mary, it was built in 1916-1917, and dedicated in June 1918. I had begun thinking a few years back how to mark the centennial.
Fr. Raymond J. de Souza is the pastor of Sacred Heart of Mary parish on Wolfe Island, and chaplain at Newman House at Kingston, Ont.'s Queen's University.
Fr. Raymond J. De Souza: St. Francis Xavier relic hits very close to home
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaThe Queen and her prince keep royal traditions alive
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaSisters of Life and Catholic Christian Outreach celebrate decade of service
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaComment: Immigrants vital to growth of the Church in Canada
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaA celebration planned by the Canadian Goan Christian Group for St. Joseph’s parish in Mississauga on Oct. 14 will highlight the role that immigrants play in keeping the Church in Canada alive and vibrant.
Comment: Blood from Vimy Ridge, martyred apostles remind us of our covenant
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaOTTAWA – On the main route travelled by the Prince of Wales from Rideau Hall toward the teepee on Parliament Hill for Canada’s sesquicentennial celebrations at the beginning of July, it was notable that the banners flying from the light standards were not for Canada 150, but for the centennial of Vimy Ridge. Looked upon with biblical eyes, it was a reminder that covenants have to be ratified, to be paid for as it were, and the payment is in blood.
Comment: Ukrainian Cardinals Husar and Slipyj are heroes to Church community
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaThe death on May 31 of Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, patriarch emeritus of Kyiv, former head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), resonated in Canada where, outside of Ukraine, the largest Ukrainian Catholic community is found.
Comment: Mothers have a special place in world of priestly vocation
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaIn Toronto the priestly ordinations usually have a maternal character. The customary date is in May, Mary’s month, and usually falls the day before Mother’s Day, which is not a religious feast day, but certainly can be looked upon with the eyes of faith.
Opinion: Unexpected papal meeting brings out best in bishop
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaAs the Ontario bishops completed their ad limina visit to Rome last week, I couldn’t help but recall one of my favourite stories about one of Ontario’s favourite bishops.
Opinion: Our Lady Seat of Wisdom is built on the Catholic tradition
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaOn April 29, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy (OLSWA) will graduate the first class of its newly approved bachelor’s degree program.
Comment: Whatever happened to celebrating feast days?
By Fr. Raymond J. de SouzaLent gives us two solemn feasts, St. Joseph and the Annunciation of the Lord. Both fell in the last weeks of March, and it is likely that a majority of Canadian parishes did not celebrate both of them; a great many likely celebrated neither.