HAPPY "CANADA DAY"! HAPPY DOMINION DAY! Family Visit

Today is Canada's 142nd Anniversary [born by the union of Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on July 1, 1867, sub-sequently enlarged by the Provinces of Manitoba (1870), British Columbia (1871), Prince Edward Island (1873), Alberta and Saskatchewan (1905) and Newfoundland (1949)], along with the following territories and the dates they were recognized as such: Northwest (1870), Yukon (1898) and Nunavut (1999)].

Happy Birthday, Canada!

O CANADA!

O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux.
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix.
Ton histoire est une épopée,
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

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Family Visit
Today my youngest brother John, with Sonia Struthers and their two children Clara and Paul are visiting for the Canada festivities. Tomorrow, they will go to Wakefield Steam Train for a journey that my nephew and niece are excited about; I will have to wait for another occasion as I am leaving for Quebec City and the Emmanuel Community's Recontre des Familles.

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Mass for Canada Day
This morning some 100 of the faithful gathered for a special Canada Day Mass for Canada. Here is the closing prayer of the faithful that expresses our hopes for out country today: God of mercy, Lord of peace, hear the prayers we make to you on this day when we celebrate our nation's birth. Make us truly a nation united. May our land be a harbour of peace and unity for all peoples, races, faiths and cultures until the coming of Your Kingdom, where You live and reign, forever and ever. Amen.