Visit of the Confrères to the Redemptoristines

On May 31, Fathers Jacques Fortin, C.Ss.R., Gabriel Bourgou, C.Ss.R., and Sébastien Kossi Dassi, C.Ss.R., concelebrated the Mass for the Feast of the Holy Trinity presided over by Father Patrice, chaplain to the Redemptoristine Nuns at their monastery in Ste-Thérèse-de Blainville. Afterward, Fathers Gabriel and Sébastien shared with the nuns their pastoral experiences within their Vice-Province of West Africa. They also spoke about their integration and the beautiful mission they have been carrying out at the Shrine of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré since their arrival in Quebec on September 6. At the end of the discussions, the prioress, Sr. Annie Labrecque, O.Ss.R., shared with us a report on the General Assembly of the Redemptoristine Sisters held in Poland last May.

During their stay in Montreal, they stayed with our confreres from the Montreal community—Father Serge Laverdure, C.Ss.R., and Brother Jacques Desjardins, C.Ss.R.—a unique opportunity to discuss their mission with them. We entrust our pastoral ministries to God through the intercession of St. Alphonsus and Blessed Maria Celeste Crostarosa.

A Farewell Celebration at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Father Jacques Fortin, C.Ss.R., accompanied by Father Sébastien Kossi Dassi, C.Ss.R. and the Managing Director of the Basilica, Mr. Gabriel Bouchard, warmly thanked permanent deacon Jean-Yves Ferland—seen here with his wife Louise—for his extensive pastoral counseling and the pastoral services he has provided at the Shrine over the past 15 years. Deacon Ferland will be taking a well-deserved retirement and will devote more of his time to his family and to taking care of his health. He received a commemorative plaque in gratitude for all these years of service to pilgrims and visitors. May Saint Anne watch over him and grant him health and happiness with his loved ones.

Multicultural Social in St. John's, NL

The Parish Pastoral Council of St. Teresa’s Parish in St. John’s, NL, recently hosted an Outdoor Multicultural Social, bringing parishioners and Redemptorists together to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the community. Members shared traditional treats, music, activities, and customs from their cultures, creating a joyful afternoon of fellowship, friendship, and learning.

An update from our confrères in New Brunswick

Our confrères in New Brunswick celebrated several sacraments this spring. At the Elsipogtog Pastoral Unit, moderated by Fr. Bernard Gauthier, C.Ss.R., two children received their First Communion on May 16, and seven children received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Archbishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., on May 30. At the Our Lady of Hope Pastoral Unit, also moderated by Fr. Gauthier, one child received First Communion on May 17, while five children received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Archbishop Desrochers on May 31. Similar celebrations of First Communion and Confirmation were also held at the Unité Pastorale Marie, Étoile de la Mer, moderated by Fr. Jean Bélisle, C.Ss.R., on April 11 and 18. The Pastoral Unit also celebrated a Graduation Mass on June 10, presided over by Fr. Pyritho Marcelin, C.S.C.

Praznyk celebrations in North Battleford, Whitkow, and Hafford Districts in Saskatchewan

Praznyk celebrations have begun across the North Battleford and Hafford Ukrainian Catholic Church Districts in Saskatchewan, moderated by Fr. Leonid Malkov, C.Ss.R. Parishioners from the different district parishes recently attended the Praznyk services in Uhrynow, North Battleford, Hafford, Orlow, and Speers. Services will continue elsewhere in the district throughout July and August.

A Praznyk is a day of celebration that marks the annual feast day of the specific patron saint or religious event after which a local parish church is named. It is an opportunity to give thanks for God’s blessings, to renew the spiritual life of the community, and to reconnect with loved ones. The heart of every praznyk is the Divine Liturgy – the worship of God and the acknowledgement of all His blessings. Many people make a point of returning to their ancestral parish for this day, making praznyks something of a family and community reunion. When celebrated during the warmer months, they are often accompanied by processions, blessings of water, cemetery visits, grave blessings, and prayers for the departed.

An update from our confrères in Yellowknife

Our confrères in Yellowknife, Fr. Mick Fleming, C.Ss.R. and Fr. Bill Bernard, C.Ss.R., have been busy throughout the Spring and Summer ministering in and around Yellowknife.

In May 2026, they co-presided the Holy Eucharist to celebrate Catholic Education Week together with the educators of the Yellowknife Catholic School Board. In his homily, Fr. Mick reminded everyone that we encounter Christ every single day, and that we are all called to use our unique gifts to boldly share faith, hope, and compassion—especially with the unloved, the sick, the young, the elderly and the poor.

On June 7, Fr. Mick Fleming and Bishop Jon Hansen, C.Ss.R. of the Diocese of MacKenzie-Fort Smith attended the Worship Fest 2026 Concert at Somba K’e Civic Plaza organised by Yellowknife Christian Ministerial. The event, which was also attended by the locals and by the leaders of other Christian groups and churches featured powerful prayer sessions, worship music, uplifting exhortations and a heartfelt invitation for healing and reconcilation.

Finally, Bishop Jon participated in a consecration ceremony in June 8 for the future NWT Residential School Monument. Led by the We Always Remember Circle for Northern Residential School Survivors, the ceremony marked an important step in honouring survivors, their families, and remembering the children who never returned home. A naturally weathered, culturally grandfather rock selected from the site of the former Sacred Heart Residential School in Fort Providence is expected to form part of the new monument, and attendees were invited to place their hands on the rock to give it positive energy and blessings. (Diocese of MacKenzie-Fort Smith, with additional information from the Yellowknifer.ca and Cabin Radio)

Fraternal Visitation in Toronto

Frs. Paul Vinh, C.Ss.R., and Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R., are currently in Canada for the Fraternal Visitation of the General Government. During their time in Toronto, they visited the Redemptorist communities at St. Patrick’s in downtown Toronto and Perpetual Help House in North York. They also met with the staff of the Provincial Office, St. Patrick’s Residence, and St. Patrick’s Parish.