Rolande Chernichan, National Chairperson of Faith, November 30, 2024
FOR: Provincial Chairpersons of Faith
Dear sisters in the League,
Greetings! It is with joy that I encounter you through this communiqué, with the words of Pope Francis, “A joy ever new, a joy which is shared.” In his exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, the Holy Father reminds us, “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” His exhortation encourages “the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.”
Advent ushers in liturgical Year C and Christmas Eve heralds the birth of Jesus and the start of Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope when the Holy Father opens the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. A jubilee year presents opportunities for journeying in faith and pilgrimage, seeking reconciliation and renewal in Catholics’ relationship with God.
In keeping with the policy of quarterly communiqués, provincial chairpersons are urged to draw from the following information to communicate to their diocesan counterparts and members:
Great Symphony of Prayer webinar series: The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), in charge of organizing the 2025 Jubilee for Canada, launched a series of eight free-access webinars on the theme of prayer, entitled “A Great Symphony of Prayer” led by Dr. Josephine Lombardi. The April series “The Our Father as a Programme of Life” is available on the CCCB Jubilee webpage. The October “Mary, the Saints and Scripture” series will soon be available using the same link. Chairpersons are encouraged to share this information with members, inviting them to view the webinars during Advent as part of their spiritual preparation for the Jubilee.
CWL Advent Webinar, “A Walk Through Salvation History” (December 15th): Mark your calendar and register to join sisters across Canada for Advent.
Pilgrimage to Rome 2025: Jubilee of Hope: Thank you for your interest and favourable response to the survey circulated in September. Planning is underway for a pilgrimage to Rome in November 2025. Watch for registration information in the winter issue of The Canadian League.
Pope Francis’ Encyclical ‘Delexit Nos’ (He Loved Us): Released October 24, 2024, the Holy Father speaks about the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus. It is Pope Francis’s fourth encyclical, coinciding with the 350th anniversary of the first apparition of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Members are urged to prayerfully read the encyclical.
World Day of Prayer (March 7, 2025): Councils and members are invited to join in prayer and action by sharing in this global ecumenical movement led by Christian women. The day’s theme, I Made You Wonderful, based on Psalm 139:1-18, reinforces that women and girls are “fearfully and wonderfully made” in the image of God.
Lenten Webinar: “Hope in the Midst of Turmoil” (April 6, 2025): Mark your calendar and join sisters across Canada! Register here!
Spiritual Advisors’ webinar: Chairpersons of faith at all levels are encouraged to continue building relationships with their council’s spiritual advisor and to engage them in planning spiritual programs. Both are urged to view the webinar for spiritual advisors by National Spiritual Advisor Bishop Wayne Lobsinger.
As we celebrate Christmas and begin a New Year and Jubilee 2025 as Pilgrims of Hope, I echo the prayer of St. Paul in his letter to the Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Blessings,
Rolande Chernichan
National Chairperson of Faith