Body of St. Maria Goretti Visits Toronto May 31-June 2

In the midst of very busy days throughout the Archdiocese, we can't overlook an historic occasion that is taking place. For the first time ever, the body of St. Maria Goretti is making its way outside of its regular resting place in Italy to Canada. A tour through Quebec and Ontario has been underway since May 22nd and makes its way to the Archdiocese of Toronto May 31 - June 2.

This is a unique opportunity to be among one of the great saints and one of the youngest as Maria was murdered at the age of 12. Months of hard work have gone into organizing the visit. Kudos to all those parishes who will host this special moment in the life of the church. Special recognition in our own Archdiocese goes to Fr. Edwin Galea, pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish, who, along with his engaged and vibrant parish committee proactively contacted local media and got plenty of traction including numerous print articles and a guest spot on CBC Radio's "Here and Now".

Below you'll find their press release and a little more biographical information on St. Maria Goretti. If you're interested in learning more about relics, the process of canonization and the role that saints play in the life of the Catholic Church, you can check out a backgrounder that our office prepared a year ago for the beatification of Blessed Pope John Paul II.

We give thanks for this blessing in our Archdiocese and encourage those who are able to make the pilgrimage to visit this model of faith among us.

Press Release

St. Maria Goretti from Nettuno Italy Visits Her Parish in Toronto
(At St. Maria Goretti Parish – 31 May to 2 June 2012)
http://stmariagoretti-toronto.com/

The body of Saint Maria Goretti, the 12-year-old patron saint of modern youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape, is visiting Toronto, as part of a pilgrimage, from her Shrine at the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie e Santa Maria Goretti, in Nettuno, south of Rome, Italy.

Maria Teresa Goretti was born in Corinaldo, Italy on October 16, 1890, the third of Luigi and Assunta Goretti’s seven children. At the age of six, Maria’s family moved to a farm in Ferrier di Conca, Italy. Maria’s father, Luigi Goretti, hoped to work under rich farmers and live a more prosperous life.

In Ferrier, the Goretti family shared a home with Giovanni and his 20-year old son Alessandro Serenelli. They all worked on a farm owned by Count Mazzoleni. The farmlands were infested with mosquitoes and unfortunately Maria’s father died of malaria when she was just 10 years old.

Now the daughter of a poor widow, Maria took on the job of a grown woman. She cooked, cleaned, bought groceries and looked after her siblings. Young Maria never complained for she knew it would only increase the difficulties of her mother. Throughout their misfortunes, Maria was completely devoted and passionate to Our Lord Jesus.  Maria Goretti joyfully, received her First Holy Communion at age eleven.

In her 12th year, Maria Goretti was fatally attacked by her neighbour Alessandro Serenelli, who intended to sexually abuse her. Maria refused to submit to this grievous sin.  Alessandro was filled with such a rage that he stabbed Maria 14 times. In her last moments Maria completely forgave her murderer for his crime, adding “And I want him to be with me in paradise.” Alessandro was unrepentant until Maria appeared to him in a dream forgiving him. On awaking, he was a changed man, repenting of his crime and living a reformed life.

Forty-eight years after her death, Maria Goretti was declared a saint by Pope Pius XII in St. Peter’s Square. Maria’s mother, Assunta Goretti, was the first mother ever to attend the canonization ceremony of her child. Alessandro, her murderer, was also present. Maria Goretti became the youngest officially recognized Roman Catholic saint.

St. Maria Goretti’s body will be arriving at St. Maria Goretti Parish, 717 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario, on May 31, at 3:00PM, from Ottawa.  She will remain at the church until June 2, 7:00AM.  During this time, the church will remain open throughout for vigil and veneration.  There will be a Solemn Mass officiated by Cardinal Thomas Collins on June 1 at 7:30PM to mark the visit

From St. Maria Goretti Parish, the body will be taken to St. Nicholas of Bari Parish, 1277 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto. A solemn Mass will be held at 10:00AM followed by a vigil and veneration.  At around 4:00PM, the body will be taken in procession to St. Clare Parish, 1118, St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto and will remain there for the night before going to the Martyrs’ Shrine, Midland, Ontario, on the morning of June 3, 2012.

Statement from Archdiocese of Toronto re: Fire at St. Jerome's Parish, Brampton

Statement from the Archdiocese of Toronto

re: Fire at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, Brampton

May 29, 2012  

At approximately 3:45 a.m. the morning of May 29, 2012, suspicious activity prompted a fire at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Brampton (8530 Chinguacousy Road).

The church sprinkler system and fire crews prevented further damage to the building. No one was inside the church at the time of the fire.

Local fire and police officials are investigating. It appears the blaze was deliberately set.

The church has suffered damage significant enough that it will remain closed for at least one week. In the interim period, parishioners are encouraged to attend or contact other Catholic churches in the area for pastoral care, including:

St. Leonard's Parish                        St. Eugene de Mazenod Mission

187 Conestoga Drive                       1252 Steeles Ave. West

Brampton ON L6Z 3X8                     Brampton, ON

Phone: (905) 846-5385                     Phone: (905) 451-1422 

                                                          www.demazenod.org

St. Mary's Parish                             St. Anne’s Parish

66A Main St. South                          115 Vodden Street East

Brampton ON                                   Brampton, ON

Phone: (905) 451-2300                    Phone: (905) 453-1303

www.stmarysbrampton.com           www.stanneschurch.ca

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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Media Contact:

Neil MacCarthy – Director, Public Relations & Communications – Archdiocese of Toronto

Phone (416) 934-3400 x 552   neilm@archtoronto.org  www.archtoronto.org  www.twitter.com/neilmaccarthy

14 Permanent Deacons Say "Yes" on May 26

Each May, we're accustomed to hearing about ordinations - to the priesthood as men who have completed their studies celebrate ordination day and the beginning of a new chapter of ministry.

However, every second May we get the opportunity to rejoice with ordinations of a different type - men saying yes to the Permanent Diaconate. That will be the case May 26 as 14 men prepare to say "yes" to a very special ministry, one that continues to grow in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Below you'll find the media release distributed regarding this year's ordinations for the Permanent Diaconate Class of 2012. Most deacons are married men with wives accompanying them throughout the four year formation program. This year's class is no exception. It's pretty amazing when one considers that permanent deacons, for the most part, continue with their "day jobs" and take on parish and pastoral ministry as additional responsibilities.

The class will be moving forward with heavy hearts following the sudden death of classmate William (Dan) Mothersill who died of a heart attack on May 12 mere weeks before his ordination day. The fragility of life sometimes hits all too close to home and the entire community joins in mourning his passing. No doubt Dan will be in the hearts and prayers of all those gathered at St. Michael's Cathedral on ordination day.

Through the sorrow, we find hope and strength in the 14 who will say "yes" to the call on May 26 after completing their lengthy formation experience. A crowd of 1,000 will enthusiastically welcome these new servants in the vineyard of the Lord at St. Michael's Cathedral. To the newly ordained, we say welcome and thank you to you and your families as you embark on a new chapter of service to the community.

14 Permanent Deacons to be ordained in Archdiocese of Toronto

A surgeon, contractor, mail carrier, lawyer among those being ordained May 26

TORONTO (May 24, 2012) – Their occupations are widely different but they share a unifying commitment to their faith. Fourteen men – including an internationally recognized surgeon, a civic lawyer, a banker, a mail carrier, and an auto mechanic – will be ordained at St. Michael’s Cathedral at 10 a.m. on May 26 as permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Toronto. The Mass and ordination ceremony will be presided over by Bishop Vincent Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto and Vicar for Deacons.

Permanent deacons serve the Church by assisting the archbishop and priests of the diocese. Their roles may be linked to charitable work in the community (i.e., hospital or jail chaplaincy), ministering in parishes and schools, and serving directly on the altar – they have the liturgical authority to baptize children, witness marriages and preside at funerals.

In 1967, following the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church reintroduced the permanent diaconate program. Unlike transitional deacons, permanent deacons are not studying to become priests – once ordained, they remain deacons for the rest of their lives. Since 1972, St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough has provided the formation program for diaconal candidates and their wives. The program currently involves one year of prayer and discernment and four years of formation and theological study. Including the current candidates, 120 deacons now serve throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The class of 2012 represents a diverse range of backgrounds and professions:

Mark Kenneth Castanier, St. Gertrude’s Parish, Oshawa – retired senior financial analyst with General Motors.

Pasquale Colangelo, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Aurora – mail carrier in Toronto.

Guiseppe D’Amico, St. Mary Immaculate Parish, Richmond Hill – general contractor in Toronto.

Miguel Gasper Pachaeo Da Silva, St. Martin of Tours Parish, Mississauga – automotive technician.

William Gregory De Marchi, St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Mississauga – surgeon, psychologist, university lecturer, family physician for the late Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic and late Cardinal Emmett Carter

Stefano Di Mauro, Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, Richmond Hill – Director in the financial services industry

Michael Salvatore Charles Gennaro, Good Shepherd Parish, Thornhill – retired businessman, who is legally blind

Pedro Emmanuel Guevara-Mann, Holy Martyrs of Japan, Bradford – television producer and on-air host, Salt + Light Television

Andrew John Kemp, St. Joseph’s Parish, Scarborough – paramedic in Toronto

Augustine de la Custodia Meneses Martinez, St. Philip Neri Parish, North York – senior custodian at a community college

Michal Edmund Minkowski, St. Christopher’s Parish, Mississauga – lawyer working for the City of Hamilton

Stephen Joseph Pitre, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Newmarket – Coordinator of Diaconal Ministry, Archdiocese of Toronto

Mark Stephen Romeo, Guardian Angels Parish, Brampton – finance manager with a major bank

Franciscus Ferryanto Sukardi, St. Mary’s Parish, Brampton – currently a senior technical analyst for a major retailer

The Archdiocese of Toronto is the spiritual home to 1.9 million Catholics. More than 800 diocesan and religious priests, assisted by 120 permanent deacons, provide pastoral leadership in 225 churches throughout the GTA with Mass celebrated each week in more than 30 languages.

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Pope Appoints Msgr. Wayne Kirkpatrick Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto

POPE BENEDICT XVI APPOINTS MSGR. WAYNE KIRKPATRICK AS

AUXILIARY BISHOP OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO

TORONTO (18 May 2012) – The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, today appointed Msgr. Wayne Kirkpatrick, a priest of the Diocese of St. Catharines, Ontario, as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Bishop-designate Kirkpatrick commented on the Papal appointment:

“I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Holy Father to serve God’s people as an auxiliary bishop. While it will be difficult to leave the Diocese of St. Catharines, where I have served since my ordination day, I very much look forward to working with Cardinal Collins, the other auxiliary bishops and the vibrant faith community of the Archdiocese of Toronto.”

Cardinal Thomas Collins welcomed the announcement:

“We give thanks for the appointment of Bishop-designate Kirkpatrick. He brings with him many diverse gifts and a wealth of experience from his years of service to the Diocese of St. Catharines. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he embarks on this new chapter of ministry.”

Msgr. Wayne Kirkpatrick was born June 5, 1957 in St. Catharines, Ontario. He studied at the University of Waterloo, St. Jerome’s College, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) before entering St. Augustine’s Seminary in 1980. He completed a Masters of Divinity and was ordained to the priesthood on September 1, 1984. He also studied at St. Paul University in Ottawa, receiving a Licentiate (Masters) in Canon Law in June 1990.

Bishop-designate Kirkpatrick has served the Diocese of St. Catharines in diverse roles since his ordination, including 22 years in diocesan administration, concurrently serving in parish ministry as a pastor for 17 years. He presently serves as moderator of the curia, chancellor and judicial vicar of the diocese, as well as rector of the cathedral.  Bishop-designate Kirkpatrick was named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in June 1999, a Papal Honour that bestows the title of “Monsignor” on priests recognized for their service to the church.

Bishop-designate Kirkpatrick will be ordained to the episcopate in St. Catharines at a date to be determined before commencing his duties with the Archdiocese of Toronto. He will join three other auxiliary bishops who currently assist Cardinal Collins in caring for the pastoral needs of the 1.9 million faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto. More than 800 diocesan and religious priests provide pastoral leadership in 225 churches throughout the GTA with Mass celebrated each week in more than 30 languages. 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Neil MacCarthy – Director, Public Relations & Communications, Archdiocese of Toronto

Phone (416) 934-3400 x 552  Cell: (416) 879-2846  neilm@archtoronto.org www.archtoronto.org

Canadian Bishops Reflect on Freedom of Religion & Conscience

Below you'll find an executive summary regarding the May 14, 2012 release of a pastoral letter from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) on the issue of freedom of religion and conscience. You can access the full text of the letter here. 

In its pastoral letter, the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) explains why freedom of religion and conscience is necessary for the common good of countries such as Canada where religious diversity is the norm. These freedoms are not granted by the state, society or any human authority, but belong to all people by virtue of their humanity. For this reason, when these freedoms are disregarded or repressed, the human person – and therefore human society – suffers. Freedom of conscience is necessary for seeking the truth and adhering to the truth. Freedom of religion is not merely the right to freedom of worship; it includes the right to live out one’s faith in the public square.

The letter is largely occasioned by the spread in our own country of an aggressive relativism that actively seeks to force its own view of truth on others. It attempts to relegate religious belief to the private sphere, and considers religion to be insignificant, alien or even destabilizing. Legitimate secularity is open to the engagement of religious beliefs and faith communities in public debate and civic life. Radical secularism, however, excludes religion from the public square. This disfigured view of the secular is becoming more militant in attempting to silence religious believers when their views contradict its own, particularly on issues of education, human life and the family. It is highly hostile to a truly democratic and pluralist society, in that it tolerates only its own voice and tries to silence all others.

The pastoral letter, addressed to everyone of good will, calls on Catholics, all believers, and even those of no faith, 1) to affirm the right of religion to be active in the public square, 2) to maintain healthy Church-State relations, 3) to form consciences according to objective truth, and 4) to protect the right to conscientious objection The letter also  encourages all faith communities to contribute to the formulation of public policy and the common good, and concludes by exhorting believers not to compromise their convictions but to stand up for their faith, even if they must suffer for it.

The CCCB Permanent Council is composed of 12 Catholic Bishops from across the country. It is responsible for overseeing the activities and policies of the Conference between the annual meetings of the Plenary Assembly of all the Bishops of Canada, and approving how the decisions and recommendations of the Plenary Assembly are implemented.  

Marching For Life...Every Life!

This week in Ottawa, thousands of people of many faiths or not faith at all will participate in the annual March For Life. The event has grown year after year to bring together those who want to publicly display their support of life at all stages, from the moment of conception to natural death.

A number of bishops, including Cardinal Collins, will also take part in the "March" this year, which includes participation from many different groups within the Catholic community, students from schools throughout the province and service organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women's League and many others.

Much of the organization is spearheaded by folks like Campaign Life Coalition include their youth wing, Campaign Life Coalition Youth, featured prominently in the Toronto Star on May 9. It's not often we see stories about the pro-life movement in mainstream media - certainly an interesting profile that's worth a read and demonstrating that a whole new generation of young people are taking up the cause. You can find the article here.

In addition to the march through the streets of Ottawa, there are prayer vigils, the celebration of bilingual masses and other faith gatherings that take place throughout the week in the nation's capital. There is also a special youth conference that continues to grow in popularity.

Sadly, Canada continues to have no law on abortion with the procedure permitted at any time during pregnancy. Stats would suggest that close to 120,000 abortions occur in our country every year. What a tragedy. It's also unfortunate that whenever the issue seems to be raised publicly whether formally through government private members bills or even in casual conversation, the topic is quickly changed. It's uncomfortable. If there is discussion, it can often quickly disintegrate and resort to name calling, labelling and shouting one another down. We need respectful dialogue and events like the March for Life demonstrate that there is a sizeable segment of the population willing to walk the talk literally and serve as a public witness for those without a voice. It's moving to hear women who take to the stage later in the day, following the march, as part of the Silent No More Campaign. They share their stories of living through an abortion, coming to regret the choice and sharing the psychological impact it's had on their lives. We should be listening intently to these stories. There's also Project Rachel, an initiative that is in many dioceses throughout the country, ministering to those who've had an abortion.

For those who are pregnant and looking for counselling or support, groups like Birthright or the Sisters of Life are actively engaged throughout our Archdiocese to provide counsel and care. Other organizations like Rose of Sharon, Rosalie Hall, Rose of Durham and Vita Manor provide hands on support for single/teen parents in all corners of our Archdiocese. A list of some of the community resources available can be found here.

A few years ago, Archbishop Collins was outspoken in his critique of our country awarding longtime abortionist Henry Morgentaler the Order of Canada. In addition to encouraging Catholics to voice their displeasure with the appropriate government officials, he offered a special intention that was shared in every parish throughout the Archdiocese that is as relevant today as it was then:

"That the scourge of abortion be lifted from our land, that those who promote it may be brought to a change of heart, that all who are tempted to abortion may be lovingly helped to protect the precious gift of life, and that all who have experienced an abortion may be comforted with the healing gift of love."

Our thoughts and prayers to all those who will participate or help organize this year's March For Life. This week in a special way we remember the precious gift that is life. For those who have gone before us, those who have yet to experience the beauty of the sunrise and sunset of each day and for those struggling in their final days. Each one sacred, each one loved. May their voices never be forgotten...

A Spiritual High Five from the Toronto Catholic District School Board!

We have a precious gift with publicly funded Catholic schools in our province that provide us an opportunity to weave the thread of faith through the halls and classroom of schools throughout Ontario. In the Archdiocese of Toronto, we have five english Catholic school boards and one french Catholic board that make up 500 schools with more than 300,000 students.

May 6-11 is Catholic Education Week with a host of activities planned to highlight the extensive contributions made by Catholic schools in strengthening our entire community. Parishes throughout the Archdiocese will use this weekend to offer special prayers for our Catholic schools with many welcoming a speaker from a parish school to speak to the importance of the system.

I had a chance to be part of a special gathering May 2, 2012 in anticipation of Catholic Education Week by attending the Toronto Catholic District School Board's Witness to Faith Symposium. The gathering wrapped up the most recent three year Pastoral Plan: Word, Worship, Witness while, at the same time, launching the next three year pastoral plan drawing on the virtues of Faith, Hope & Charity.

It was a wonderful day, bringing together close to 1,000 partners in education from across the school board. These included students, educators and parents as well as clergy representing every school in the board along with other partners who play a key role in strengthening our family of faith.

It was great to visit with many tables, seeing pastors and associates alongside parents, teachers and students, modelling the triad of parish, home and school, a refrain we often speak about but witnessed first hand from table to table throughout the room.

A highlight for many was the "Nurturing our Catholic Community" panel discussion, moderated by Christina Quach, a student from Madonna Catholic Secondary School. Six speakers had the chance to offer their own reflections on the impact of Catholic Education in their own words.

Fr. Jimmy Zammit, a franciscan friar and pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Toronto spoke of his joy in visiting parish schools, in particular special needs students and the wonderful partnership that has existed between his parish, educational community and parents. He speaks from experience, having been a product of the Toronto Catholic schools as a young boy, reflecting to this day on visits from parish priests years ago.

Susan Hookong-Taylor, a talented teacher, composer and musician spoke poignantly of her experience in writing the Song of the Cross, first used at World Youth Day 2002 and now an anthem for many faith gatherings. She also discussed her love of vocation in reaching out to other young people as a teacher, passing on the seeds of faith to students and how God uses her as an instrument (fitting) to reach others.

David Rodriguez, representing Catholic parents, reflected on his 12 year old daughter and her awareness of social justice issues, discussing them regularly at home and even making her way to school for 7:30 a.m. morning meetings to tackle issues that are close to her heart.

Steve DeQuintal, teacher at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton, discussed how service and the gift of our talents being shared with others has impacted his own life. He lives in the Parkdale area in downtown Toronto and spoke of the outreach efforts initiated by the Missionaries of Charity and other charitable organizations looking to connect with young people. What Steve didn't mention is that he is one of the most generous and humble people I know, always reaching out to offer an encouraging word to others, inspiring his students and community through his dedication to serving others and for spearheading literally dozens of projects reaching out to those in need each month. If you want to help someone and aren't sure what to do, Steve is a servicepedia for outreach.

We also heard two powerful witness talks from students currently in the system. Isabel Ng-Lai, a student from Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, who spoke of her experience traveling overseas to India and her involvement in community service projects in Calcutta and Darjeeling. She took it a step further, returning home to Toronto and starting a non-profit organization, "1Focus" with the goal of raising $10,000 to provide assistance to young people living in poverty back in India, specifically focusing on three schools. This is the 2011/2012 project - Isabel and her co-founder Miranda Dela Cruz, plan on identifying a different project each year. You can learn more about their organization through their website here.

Jennifer Reginold, a student at Francis Libermann Catholic Secondary School, spoke of her own experience in starting an initiative, entitled, "Sucks No Socks" with the intention of providing every homeless young person in Toronto with fresh socks. Started in 2010, Jennifer has worked with local youth shelters and Catholic schools to raise awareness around the issue of homeless youth not having the basic necessities of life. The first year she managed to collect and distribute 9,000 socks with this past year expanding to the involvement of 24 elementary schools collecting and distributing 24,000 pairs of socks. Awesome!

You couldn't help but be inspired by the personal witness, passion and humble example of these young students in truly answering the call of Christ to love and serve.

Cardinal Collins wrapped up the day with a reflection on the new pastoral plan, "Faith, Hope & Charity" providing some memorable imagery to go along with these virtues. My personal fave: "Faith is like turning on the headlights to see what is ahead of us and what is around us."

Director of Education, Bruce Rodrigues, also shared his own insights poignantly telling all gathered to kick off the day that, "Each of you makes our schools a place of excellence where Christ is alive."

All in all, a great way to rev up for Catholic Education Week. There truly are amazing things happening in our Catholic schools. Are they perfect? No. Just like each one of us, they are all works in progress. Yet we need to stop and remind ourselves at times that we truly have a precious gift in Catholic Education in Ontario and if we look for stories inspired by our faith, they're not hard to find. If you're ever looking for more positive stories about our system, check out the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association Good News Blog which is constantly providing inspiring stories about Catholic schools throughout the province - you can access the blog here.

For those of us who are products of the system, we can certainly reflect on those teachers, parents, priests and classmates who inspired us then and many who continue to give selflessly of themselves to put others first, seeing the face of Christ in all those we encounter.

As Cardinal Collins put it in his talk, "We don't need to like everyone we meet in life, we need to love them." Well there was a lot of love in the room with the Toronto Catholic District School Board and its faith partners this week. A love we all hope will spread in abundance each and every day.

Thanks to all involved in this day for a memorable spiritual bouquet of stories, prayer and enormous blessings! Definitely a spiritual high five!