Day Two...Shrines of Quebec Pilgrimage

This morning we said goodbye to Sudbury after a good (but short!) night's rest.  Most of the day was spent on the road, with a couple breaks en-route.  We've been blessed with great weather and good spirits. 

We are now in Montreal, overnighting at the Holiday Inn.  A few of us enjoyed an evening stroll, while others prepared to call it a night! We're looking forward to a big day tomorrow with visits scheduled for St. Joseph's Oratory and Notre Dame Basilica.  Then we're off to Ste. Anne de Beaupre!

Here's a few pictures from the course of the day:

An unidentified pilgrim contemplates taking things into her own hands...

 

"Anyone for musical chairs?"

 

Entering Quebec did involve tackling a few obstacle courses...

 

In search for answers, we find more questions...

 

 

Enjoying a moment of rest...

 

 

"Man cannot live on bread alone."  However, we won't complain!

 

Pilgrimages can have a way of changing one's whole perspective. 

Fr. Terry, deep in prayer...

 

After a long day on the road, it's time to sit down to a relaxing meal.

 

 

The sun sets on another day.  Good night!

 

Pilgrim's Progress... Day One of the Shrines of Quebec Pilgrimage

After a long day on the road, we have arrived in Sudbury, looking forward to a good night's rest!  Our day began with a candle-light send-off Mass at St. Peter's Church.  We were happy to have a number of parishioners and friends join us for this 6 a.m. Mass and to see us off! 

 

We made a quick stop in Nipigon to pick up the final member of our pilgrim group, and though tempted to pull over and pick blueberries, we chose instead the path of practicing detachment and forged ahead on the journey. 

 

Travelling the North Shore of Lake Superior didn't fail to impress with its many offerings of natural beauty.

 

Posing for pictures after a lunch stop in White River...

 

Pilgrims wait patiently for the next course to be served at our dinner stop in Sault Ste. Marie.  All the praying en-route certainly helped work up an appetite!  

 

After completing the longest travel day of our journey, we still had energy to smile.  So far, so good!  Thanks be to God!

 

To all our friends and family back home.... thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Midsummer Movie Night...The Fatima Story

 

"The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima" will be shown this Friday, August 16, at 7 p.m. in our church hall. 

 

Attendance is free, donations are welcome, refreshments available and the church hall is wheel-chair accessible. 

 

This movie thoughtfully recreates the 1917 events that brought hope and new religious fervour to a war-ravaged world. 

 

For more information, please contact Stewart at 807-285-5419 or e-mail feedback@saintgabriels.ca

Pilgrim Watch...

Next week a group of over forty individuals from across our diocese, including Fr. Terry and six other parishioners, will journey to Quebec as part of a Year of Faith Shrines of Quebec Pilgrimage. 

The journey will bring them as far east as the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre (pictured below), which claims the distinction of being the oldest pilgrimage site in North America.  Follow the pilgrims' progress on this blog as updates and photos are posted. 

A "send-off" Mass will be held this Sunday, August 18, at 6 a.m. just prior to the bus departure.  The pilgrimage concludes with the return home on Sunday, August 25.

Please Note... Week of no Masses

Please note that there will be no regular weekday Masses in our parish from Monday, August 19, up to and including the morning of Saturday, August 24.  Parishioners may wish to attend any of the following Masses at these nearby churches:

St. Patrick Cathedral - 9 a.m. Mass from Tuesday to Friday

St. Casimir Church - 7 p.m. on Wednesday and 9:30 a.m. on Thursday

Kitchitwa Kateri Church - 12 noon

 

Thank you for your understanding.

Knights and Days of Prayer

 

The Giant slept as lively discussion took place and informative presentations were made as part of a study day/day of prayer hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 7332 last weekend.  Topics covered included the latest encyclical, "The Light of Faith", the New Evangelization, and the Year of Faith. The Jesuit spiritual centre once again proved to be the perfect venue for this event. Out of this day came some good suggestions and positive momentum which will benefit our Council in the upcoming months.

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 .