Canada's Diocesan Vocation Directors Meet - Lycée Claudel Students Confirmed

Yesterday, some thirty Diocesan Vocation Directors from across Canada (Newfoundland & Labrador to British Columbia) gathered at St. Theresa's Church, just off the downtown core of Ottawa for their third national convention (there were earlier sessions in Halifax and Edmonton).

Last evening, to invite participation from the Archdiocese to pray for priestly vocations, a Holy Hour was held at St. Patrick's Basilica. There was contemporary music, the Ark of the New Covenant circled the church at the start of the service and the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for veneration.


Father Thomas Rosica, CSB, of Salt and Light Television gave an extended reflection on the call to holiness, focussing on Father Jerzy Popieluszko (who will be beatified on Sunday in Warsaw) and Blessed Brother Andre Bessette of Montreal (who will be canonized on October 17 in Rome).

A reception was held in the Scavi, the underground meeting hall of the basilica.
This morning, I have been asked to lead a half-day of reflection for the directors themselves, concluding with Mass and lunch. After further sessions tomorrow, the meeting will conclude with Mass and a banquet.

Some photos from the evening's Eucharistic adoration and reception following:








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Dominican Church of Saint Jean-Baptiste



The Confirmation season is gradually wrapping up. On Sunday, I celebrated this lovely sacrament of personal commitment with students from Lycée Claudel and five other francophones (including two young men from Montréal, who received permission from their pastor to be confirmed in Ottawa).

This ceremony was held during Sunday Eucharist at St. Jean-Baptiste, the parish directed by the Dominican Fathers. Recently, the friary inaugurated a vestment-making shop (les Ateliers St. Martin de Porres) and the photos show off the latest creations, including the new mitre I am wearing.







Later, at Notre Dame Cathedral's noon Mass, I presided at a celebration during which sixty English-speaking young adults were confirmed. Photos from this ceremony will be avaiable later in the week.

My last Confirmation celebration before the summer break will be this coming Sunday at St. Hyacinth, a personal parish for the Polish-speaking faithful.