World Youth Day in Rio...Our Diocesan Delegation

Pictured above is the World Youth Day delegation representing our Diocese led by Fr. Victor DeGagne.  This picture was taken at last week's send-off Mass for the pilgrims at St. Dominic's Church presided over by Bishop Fred Colli. 

Our diocesan pilgrims have now arrived in Rio along with over 300,000 other young Catholics who have made their way to Brazil for this week-long celebration of faith.  One of the most notable pilgrims, Pope Francis, arrived in the city yesterday.  Upwards of three million people are expected to take part in the concluding Mass on Sunday. 

Salt & Light Television will be providing coverage of all the main events.  For a schedule of programs and other feature presentations visit www.wydcentral.org .

"Being a Friend of God"

To celebrate the Year of Faith, the Catholic Women's League of St. Peter's Parish recently held a day of prayer/retreat day based on the theme "Being a Friend of God".  The lives and stories of different saints were presented as sources of inspiration for our personal quests to be a holy people. 

 

About 20 parishioners and friends took part in the day, which began with Mass at St. Peter's.  The remainder of the day took place at the beautiful Jesuit spiritual centre just outside the city.  Everyone had a good time and is looking forward to our next day of prayer!

 

Watching an episode of Fr. Barron's "Catholicism" series on the Communion of Saints

An inspirational and informative presentation on St. Francis of Assisi

 

An inspirational lunch break, to nourish the body, mind and soul!

 

Picnic Pics...

Thanks to the members of the parish council and to the many other volunteers who all chipped in to help make our annual outdoor Mass and parish picnic happen.  Despite the ominous weather forecast, the Lord heard our prayers, and the rain held off until the picnic ended.  Deo Gratias!

 

Pauline K. receiving congratulations in light of her recent election as president elect 

for the executive of the provincial Catholic Women's League.

Josh S., flanked by other youth who journeyed to Rome,

sharing some words of testimony and appreciation.

What would a picnic be without face-painting?

A Pilgrim People: Our Lady of the Lake and St. Benedict's

Some scenes from this past weekend's pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Lake Shrine and St. Benedict's Chapel.

 

The beautiful St. Benedict's welcomes pilgrims into its tranquil space of prayer.  Built by missionary priests and pioneer families around 1915, St. Benedict's is now a mission of Holy Family Church.  Mass is celebrated once a month, usually on the third Sunday.

 

Pilgrims take a moment of rest after reaching the grotto which overlooks the great Lake Superior.

The fog lifts, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of our "lunch stop".

We are thankful that the rain held off and the day went well.

Another blessed journey!

Outdoor Mass and Picnic Weekend

Sunday, July 14

following the 10 a.m. outdoor Mass

 

Hamburgers, hotdogs and refreshments provided.

No charge to attend.

Join the fun, and bring a friend.

Home from Rome

Fr. Terry and the rest of the pilgrims would like to thank all who supported our pilgrimage to Rome in any way, but especially for the many prayers for the success of our journey.  We will be at the outdoor Mass and picnic this weekend, and have prepared a slide show of pictures from our time in Rome.  We hope to see you there and have a chance to thank you personally.
Blessings in Christ!

Last post for Roma?

Dear family and friends in Thunder Bay!

Today is the last full day of our pilgrimage.  It is hard to believe that tomorrow evening we will be back home!  Today's highlight was a visit to the town of Assisi, made famous by one of it's native sons, St. Francis.  Praying at his tomb and learning more about his life and the religious order he founded was a true gift.  Our time to and from Assisi via train also gave us an amazing tour of the Italian countryside.

We will begin our journey home at 8:20 a.m. local time (2:20 a.m. Thunder Bay time).  As great as our time in the Eternal City has been, we look forward to coming home.  Until then, God bless!

The pilgrims....
and the Rome gnomes.

Pilgrim's most memorable moments...

Yesterday, members of our group shared some thoughts on how the pilgrimage has been going to date. These words were prepared before today's memorable visit to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican.  Here is what they said:

Italy so far has been an amazing experience.  Have seen a lot of eye-opening and super cool things.  A highlight/most special experience would be seeing all of the items that were unexpected but amazing to have been kept all these years (i.e. a piece of the cross Jesus was crucified on, the bones of the finger of St. Thomas, etc.  Being able to pray in front of such things is something I, as well as the other members of the group will keep as memories forever.  Throughout the trip a prayer often said was to thank the parishioners/other groups that were so generous in their donations to our trip!  It has all been much appreciated!  - Kate H.

Many incredible experiences in Rome!  A true testament to this is the blisters on our feet and the aches in our legs.  We have all put on many miles on our shoes and have visited such significant churches (I have lost count) that represent both those who laid the foundation of or Catholic Faith and also those who fought to maintain it throughout the years.  Two highlights for me were the tomb of St. Ignatius and the chains that bound St. Peter.  But that barely scratches the surfaces.  Such a life-changing experience!  - Darren L.

The most memorable experience for me was the Roman Coliseum.  It was incredible to imagine the Roman gladiators fighting wild animals. - Joshua W.

This trip has been filled with spiritual treasures and blessings.  We have seen many magnificent basilicas, where the Trinity is truly alive.  Climbing the steps that Jesus ascended to meet Pontus Pilate was very moving to me.  Relics in other basilicas included a nail, 2 thorns and the wood of Jesus' cross - amazing!  To share these spiritual blessings with the group makes it even more special. - Scott W.

So far my favourite experience was going to St. Peter's Square and seeing Pope Francis.  It was amazing to see so many people, and to be in the presence of such faithful people.  Even though the walk was long, it was definitely worth it.  Also, the hunt for Gabby was quite memorable, however, it was a scary time.  So happy we found her.  YAY!  - Jenna G.

Been an awesome experience so far!  Many memorable moments, including seeing the pope and losing myself in the Pantheon square....But it has been very spiritually encouraging as well and it's been a great group to travel with.  - Gabby S.

The most memorable moment so far for me was the choir and Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore.  Even though the songs were long, the choir took my breath away as the voices and instruments echoed throughout the church.  The Mass was in Latin and Italian so I didn't understand much, but with the choir I felt really touched and blessed to have experienced such a wonderful Mass. -Shalyn M.

Italy has been absolutely amazing!  From the delicious food to the amazing sights, it has been sharing these experiences with new found friends that has been most memorable.  Highlights so far include the amazing choir at our Italian Mass, a visit to the Capuchin Crypt and having a blessing from Pope Francesco!  Looking forward to our personal Canada Day celebration in Rome with more gelatto and capuchinos.  Miss you, Mom, Dad, and Ty!   xoxo - Kate :)

My highlights for Italy have been a visitation to the Pope, and seeing a piece of Jesus' crib at St. Maria Maggiore.  However, my favourite part was being able to see a piece of the True Cross at Santa Cruce Church.  The food is great but the company is even better.  Also, we lost Gabby but we found her!  
- Nick C.

Josh S. says "hello", and he will have more to say, without a doubt... Stay tuned for Rome from Josh's perspective...

And from the group chaplain...well, he will definitely need a holiday after this pilgrimage!  All joking aside, it has been a blessed journey and great group to be with.  We are thankful for our many blessings.