Remembrance Day, observed every November 11, is a solemn reflection and gratitude day in Canada. Today, we honor the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces and remember the lives lost in wars and conflicts. For Catholics, Remembrance Day holds special significance, resonating deeply with the Church’s values of Peace, sacrifice, and prayer for the souls of the departed. Here are several reasons why Remembrance Day is significant for Catholics in Canada.

1. Honoring Sacrifice and Selflessness

The Catholic faith teaches that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others, as expressed in John 15:13. Remembrance Day honors the sacrifices of those who risked, and often gave, their lives for the protection and freedom of others. In reflecting on their bravery and self-giving love and service for the greater good.

Catholics are called to recognize and honor these acts of selflessness as examples of living out the Gospel. By remembering the courage and dedication of these individuals, we are are reminded of the profound value of service and the importance of standing up for the protection of others.

2. Praying for the Souls of the Departed

Catholic tradition holds a deep commitment to praying for the souls of the deceased. In the Church, November is already designated as the month for remembering and praying for all who have passed away, especially those in purgatory. Remembrance Day is an opportunity for Catholics to offer specific prayers for soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty and for those who carry the wounds of war.

Masses, moments of silence, and personal prayers for the deceased on Remembrance Day provide Catholics with a unique opportunity to fulfill the Church’s call to pray for the repose of souls, hoping that God will grant them eternal Peace. These prayers reflect the Catholic belief in God’s mercy and the hope of salvation for all people, particularly those who died amid the turmoil of war.

3. Commitment to Peace

We place a strong emphasis on Peace. Rooted in Jesus’ teachings about peacemaking, the Church advocates for nonviolence, justice, and compassion. Remembrance Day not only commemorates past sacrifices but also calls Canadians to strive for a future free from war. For Catholics, it is a reminder of the Church’s mission to promote Peace as a core Gospel value.

Catholic social teaching speaks of a “just peace” that is grounded in justice and the dignity of every human being. Remembrance Day encourages Catholics to reflect on how they can actively work toward Peace within their communities and on a global scale, honoring those who have fallen by dedicating themselves to building a more just and harmonious world.

4. A Time of National and Communal Unity

Remembrance Day provides an opportunity for us, regardless of background, to come together and reflect on shared values and history. For Catholics, who are part of a global community yet deeply connected to their local society, this is a meaningful day to express solidarity with their fellow citizens. Through the symbols of poppies, ceremonies, and moments of silence, Catholics in Canada join others in a collective act of remembrance, prayer, and hope.

Participating in these traditions is a way for Catholics to express their faith in the public sphere while contributing to a national moment of remembrance. This aligns with the Catholic teaching on the importance of community and the role of faith in public life, reminding Catholics of their duty to engage with and support their broader society.

5. Drawing Inspiration for Personal Vocation

Finally, Remembrance Day serves as a source of inspiration for personal vocation. In honoring the sacrifice of others, we are reminded of our own call to serve according to our unique gifts and circumstances. Whether through small acts of kindness, volunteering, or advocating for those in need, Catholics are encouraged to find ways to contribute to the common good, inspired by the valor and dedication of those who served.

In reflecting on the sacrifices made by soldiers and veterans, Catholics may discern ways to live out their faith more fully in their own lives. This can include acts of charity, community service, or simply treating others with greater compassion and respect, particularly those who suffer from the scars of war or violence.

Conclusion

For Catholics in Canada, Remembrance Day is more than a moment to recall history; it is an invitation to pray, honor, and renew their commitment to Peace and service. Rooted in the values of sacrifice, prayer for the departed, Peace, community, and personal vocation, Remembrance Day allows Catholics to connect their faith to the lives of those who served and died in the cause of freedom. By observing this day, Catholics remember the past and find renewed strength to contribute to a future marked by compassion, justice, and hope.

The Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary outlines the locations where indulgences can be obtained, including places in Rome, the heart of Christianity, shrines in the Holy Land, notable international shrines, episcopal cathedrals in all dioceses, and churches designated for Jubilee celebrations by bishops. This ensures that no one is excluded from experiencing the grace of the Jubilee.

According to the decree, all truly repentant individuals can obtain a plenary indulgence for themselves or for the departed. This applies to those who receive the sacraments, pray for the intentions of the Pope, go on a pilgrimage or visit holy places, and engage in works of mercy and penance.

The Guidelines from the Apostolic Penitentiary state that to receive a plenary indulgence, one must be in a state of grace. One can achieve this through participation in the Holy Mass, the celebration of the Word, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Way of the Cross, reciting the Akathistos hymn, or participating in a penitential celebration that concludes with individual confession.

Additionally, those unable to participate in pilgrimages or travels for valid reasons, such as the elderly, sick, cloistered nuns, or prisoners, can also receive a plenary indulgence. They can do this by reciting the "Our Father," making a profession of faith, and offering their sufferings for the salvation of the world.

The decree emphasizes that to obtain a plenary indulgence, individuals should engage in acts of mercy and penance, refrain from trivial entertainments and distractions, give alms to the poor, and support religious and social activities dedicated to the defense of life.

A Gift for Souls

As we approach the November celebrations, let us focus on a positive and supernatural perspective. We should remember our loved ones not only by adorning their graves with chrysanthemums and lighting candles. The best gift we can offer them is our prayers and the practice of remembrance, particularly through the gift of indulgence.

During the first eight days of November, the Church provides a valuable opportunity to assist souls in purgatory with indulgences. The most significant gift for their salvation can be attained by visiting graves or cemeteries and fulfilling the usual conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence, which include being in a state of grace, having no attachment to sin, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Moreover, individuals who cannot physically visit a cemetery or church due to illness or disability can still gain this indulgence. The sick can engage in a spiritual pilgrimage to the cemetery. To receive a plenary indulgence for the deceased, they should cultivate this intention within themselves and participate spiritually in visiting the cemetery. They can also spiritually receive Holy Communion if they are unable to do so in person.

God, in His mercy, looks at the heart of each person and understands every human limitation. 

May this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day serve as a reminder, amidst November's reflections on the often somber realities of this world, that "we do not have a permanent city here, but are striving for the future" (Hebrews 13:14). Let these celebrations inspire us to worship the good God, who is always "marvelous in His saints" (cf. Lumen Gentium 50), and invites us to follow in their footsteps, striving to be "holy and blameless in His sight."

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.

St. Charles Borromeo was born on October 3, 1538, in the castle of Arona, Italy, as the nephew of Pope Pius IV. He was a talented student who diligently pursued his studies, ultimately earning two doctorates in civil and ecclesiastical law. In 1560, he became a cardinal and took on the role of administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan, as well as serving as the protector of Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and various religious orders. Despite the considerable possessions and funds associated with these titles, he remained a zealous servant of God. 

Charles gained fame as a teacher for bishops and an excellent advisor and diplomat, playing a significant role in concluding the Council of Trent (1545–1563), which was vital for the unity of Catholics. He was ordained as a priest in 1563 and consecrated as the bishop and metropolitan of Milan in 1564.

His leadership style was decisive yet gentle; he was demanding but also just, effectively implementing the reforms established by the council. On September 26, 1569, he survived an assassination attempt that left him wounded. He advocated for the establishment of seminaries and the writing of a catechism for the Church. 

St. Charles Borromeo showed a deep commitment to caring for the poor and the sick, founding and constructing hospitals, shelters for the disabled, the elderly, and orphans, as well as schools. During the plague epidemic in 1576–1577, he opened granaries, tended to the sick, distributed the Eucharist (last communion), and led penitential processions barefoot, carrying a cross and wearing a penitential rope around his neck.

He passed away on November 3, 1584, and was canonized on November 1, 1610, by Pope Paul V. His liturgical memorial is celebrated on November 4.

These days, and especially here, it's hard to imagine that people can be discriminated, or worse, persecuted because of their faith. Unfortunately, reality isn't as such. Today, across the world, 327 million Christians live in a country where there is persecution at various degrees. Because of their faith, they endure discrimination, they get scorned, they get arrested, they get incarcerated, they get tortured and sometimes they even get killed. It is estimated that 75 % of acts of violence for religious reasons are perpetrated against Christians, which makes them the most persecuted group.
Instead of getting better, the situation is getting worst year after year. Among persecutors we find governments who fear the influence of the Church and try by all means to reduce Christians to silence. This is frequent in communist or totalitarian countries. We also find other religious groups who wish to eliminate Christians in order to become the only religious group of a region.
The persecuted find strength in our prayers which accompany them and that way they don't feel abandoned from the rest of the world.

Join the global movement on Red Wednesday on Nov. 20 to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide. Parishes are invited to participate on Red Wednesday by: illuminating the parish church in red, organize liturgy or prayer (Mass, evening prayer, rosary, or other prayer service), wear a red piece of clothing, light a candle in our chapel or church and pray for persecuted Christians, and use social media to spread the word about the event. 

• Register your parish’s or school's participation, and download Red Wednesday resources at acn-canada.org/rw 
   
• Save the date: You are invited to attend the Red Wednesday Mass on Nov. 20 at 6 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral with Bishop McGrattan, followed by a social gathering with food and drinks in the Parish Hall. 

If you have been admitted to any of the following hospitals in Calgary and would like the Sacrament of Anointing of the ick, you may contact your parish priest or call the Diocese of Calgary Call Centre

403-231-9505

Sevwing the following hospitals:

• Alberta Children's Hospital
• Foothills Hospital
• Peter Lougheed Hospital
• South Health Campus