Events

The feast day of Saint Pope John Paul II is October 22. His abundant charisma was matched only by his immense intellectual gifts, which he put at the service of fighting for human dignity and freedom. As the turmoil of the twentieth century gave way to the twenty-first, John Paul II fought to keep Christ the centre of the human race’s yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He travelled on apostolic journeys to 124 countries, inaugurated the World Youth Day celebrations, and established diplomatic relations, becoming known as a defender of human rights and peacemaker.

International Religious Freedom Day is observed annually on October 27. Let us pray for the millions of people of faith around the world who face threats of violence and imprisonment for simply living out their faith. As citizens and Catholics, we acknowledge that religious freedom is rooted in human dignity. Through practicing our faith and respecting others, we can come together to serve the communities in which we live. We ask God to continue giving us the freedom to love Jesus, and to be his arms and hands in the world  

The International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians is observed each year on the first Sunday in November. It is an opportunity for the global body of Christ to unite in prayer for our persecuted Christian family members. May He grant those in dangerous areas who are hurting His sustenance, comfort, and peace, every today. The day is dedicated to praying for Christians who face persecution around the world. Resources are available for individuals and participating churches at idop.ca.

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on November 2nd is a day of remembrance and prayer for the faithful departed—relatives, friends and all who are no longer living.

On November 3rd, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Martin de Porres, a Peruvian Dominican brother who lived a life of humble service and charity and became the first Black saint of the Americas. He was praised for his unconditional care of all people who were sick or in need, regardless of race or wealth, welcoming them into his home and eventually founded orphanages. St. Martin died in 1639 and was canonized by Pope John XXIII on May 6, 1962.

Remembrance Day: Canadians “pause in silence to remember those who died in war and to pray for the victims of aggression and inhumanity throughout the world. It is a day to pray for peace and to consider what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a nation to bring God’s peace into the world.” This is a day when a believing community should rededicate itself by prayer and action to the ideals Jesus gives us in the Beatitudes (Ordo 2023-2024) Members are invited to pause and pray the attached prayer in remembrance. ascensionofourlord.ca/in-our-parish-2020-11-08/

In his message for World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV calls on Christians to see the poor not merely as recipients of charity, but as protagonists of hope. Drawing on the Psalms and lived experiences of poverty, he emphasizes the need for “new initiatives to support and assist the poorest of the poor” during the jubilee year. He highlights that “Labour, education, housing and health are the foundations of a security that will never be attained by the use of arms.” Coordinate a “blessing bag” outreach with essentials (toiletries, snacks, socks) to give to people in need. Partner with a local soup kitchen or shelter for a volunteer day. Hold a clothing or food drive, especially for winter items.

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King)