Feast of the Anniversary of the Consecration of the Lateran Basilica

Many people mistakenly believe that St. Peter's Basilica is the most important papal church. In fact, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the pope's cathedral and has a significant history in Christianity. This basilica, one of Rome's four major basilicas, was consecrated by Pope St. Sylvester I on November 9, 324.

The basilica’s name comes from the Lateran family, who originally owned the land. Emperor Constantine the Great bestowed their palace to Pope St. Sylvester after allowing the Christian faith to be practiced openly. The basilica became the first cathedral of Rome.

Though it ceased to be the popes' residence following the Avignon captivity in the early fourteenth century, the Lateran Basilica holds exceptional importance today. It is recognized as the archbasilica, and newly elected bishops participate in a solemn procession to it. The Latin inscription above its entrance, "Mater et Caput omnium Ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis," translates to "Mother and Head of all churches of the City and the World."

The basilica is notable for hosting various liturgical celebrations, including Mass at the start of Lent and Holy Thursday. Nearby are the "Holy Stairs," brought from Jerusalem in 326, believed to be the steps Christ ascended to face Pilate.

As the pope's cathedral, the Lateran Basilica serves as a parish for all Catholics. Initially celebrated only in Rome, this feast spread through the efforts of the Augustinian monks and was incorporated into the liturgical calendar by Pope St. Pius V in 1570.

Today, we express gratitude for all churches built by the faithful. Each church symbolizes the living house of God, just as the Lateran Basilica, the first Catholic church dedicated to God, embodies the unity of the Church founded on Christ and Peter.

Today's Sunday in the Catholic Church is known as World Mission Day, which reminders us to reflect deeply on missions and how we understand our responsibility towards them. Usually, when we think of missions, we imagine distant countries, exotic cultures and people who do not know the Gospel. However, today's day reminds us that missions are not only about "others" - people from the so-called third world. Missions are something that each of us should practice here and now, in our daily lives, in our environment, in our home.

Missions begin in the heart of each of us. Jesus said: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15), but this “world” does not have to be geographically far away. Our world is our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools – these are people we meet every day.

Isn't it the case that often closer to us, in our own parish, among our relatives, friends and colleagues, there are people who distance themselves from God? Don't we see people around us who need a testimony of love, support, understanding? They are our first "addresses" of the mission.

Today, the mission of the Church is more than a trip to the other side of the world. It is a mission of witnessing love, openness, reconciliation - and above all where we live every day. Maybe there are people in our homes who need our presence, our forgiveness, our example of living by faith? Maybe in the workplace we can share a good word, support, sometimes a simple smile with someone who feels lost? Maybe our parish needs our commitment, our help in building a community?

Today's world is often plunged into chaos, fear, division. All the more he needs the Gospel – the Good News about God's love, which brings peace and hope. We, as Catholics, are sent to be missionaries in this world. It doesn't always require great gestures. Sometimes it is enough to be a presence, a witness of life, faithfulness to the Gospel in everyday, small things.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, may today be our World Mission Day an opportunity to rediscover our vocation to be a missionary. Let's start with ourselves, with our home, our work, our parish. The mission begins where we are. Let us ask the Lord to give us the strength and courage to carry His love wherever He sends us.

May our everyday life become a space of mission, where we will bear witness to Christ, bringing peace, love and hope to those who need it most.

Fr. Marius

If you would like to include the name of a loved one in the "Book of the Names of the Dead," please sign the book at the back of the church or contact Nancy in the church office at 403-652-2203 or email her at www.francisdesales.shaw.ca.

The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2024.

All Saints Mass. Please join us on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 @ 9:15 am for  All Saints Mass.

All are welcome!

As November approaches, a time when we pray for all the faithful departed, I would like to bring your attention to a small update regarding our Candle Mass. Since the Feast of All Souls falls on a Saturday this year, our Candle Mass celebration will take place on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:00 pm. This special Mass is dedicated to all the deceased from our parish and our families, and during the service, we will remember our departed loved ones through prayer and by lighting candles.

If you have a family member or friend who passed away in the past year (November 2023 to present) please let Nancy know and they will be added to the Candle Light Service. If their funeral was not here, please bring in a picture with the details of your name, date of birth and date of death. There will also be a reception afterwards in the church hall.

All are welcome!

If you have any questions, please call Nancy in the parish office at 403-652-2203 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Inspired by the words from 1 Chronicles 29:13: “Now, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name,” we are reminded of the gratitude we owe for the privilege of walking this journey of faith together as a parish family. May you have beautiful Thanksgiving celebrations with your family and parish community this weekend.