Events

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.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) honours the Virgin Mary’s apparitions to Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert. The Basilica in Mexico City, where his cloak with her image is preserved, is a major pilgrimage site. Pope John Paul II’s visit 25 years ago led to his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, calling for a new evangelization under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Members are invited to pray the attached prayer in joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth.