The meeting with well-wishers and collaborators of Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM) Montreal, organized by Fr. Arul Jayaraj, CSC, the Regional Director, was truly an amazing and inspiring experience. It was evident that there are numerous volunteers filled with zeal and readiness to spread devotion to praying the Rosary and promoting the devotion to the Holy Family. The gathering, held on February 25th at 7:00 PM at the iconic St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, was a remarkable moment of faith, collaboration, and missionary enthusiasm.
During the meeting, Fr. Shaji had the privilege of sharing his reflections and making an appeal for greater collaboration with HCFM. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as volunteers and well-wishers enthusiastically embraced the mission of fostering family prayer and strengthening the faith community in Montreal and beyond. Their dedication and commitment to this sacred cause were truly uplifting and reaffirmed the vital role HCFM plays in deepening Marian devotion and building stronger families through prayer.
Fr. Arul Jayaraj, CSC, made extraordinary efforts to maximize the presence of Fr Shaji during his brief visit to Montreal by organizing four crucial meetings, each aimed at strengthening HCFM’s presence and mission in the region of Quebec. The day began with a significant meeting with the Rector and Vice Rector of St. Joseph’s Oratory at 10:00 AM, followed by a meaningful discussion with Rev. Andrew Thavarajah at Saint Kevin Parish, Montreal, at 12:30 PM. In the afternoon, at 4:00 PM, we had a fruitful interaction with the Holy Cross Sisters, reinforcing our shared mission. The highlight of the day was the 7:00 PM meeting with the dedicated collaborators of HCFM Montreal, where the enthusiasm and willingness to serve the Church’s mission were profoundly evident.
Adding to the evening’s joy and inspiration, Fr. Arul and the team orchestrated a heartwarming surprise felicitation to commemorate 25 years of the priesthood of Fr. Shaji. This unexpected and beautiful gesture was a moment of immense grace, gratitude, and praise to God. It not only filled the heart with joy but also served as a wonderful testimony to the beauty of vocation to religious life and priesthood. The celebration was a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance in our calling and the impact of dedicated service to God’s people.
This meeting and the entire day’s events reaffirmed the immense potential for HCFM’s growth in Montreal and the greater Quebec region. With the unwavering support of volunteers, clergy, and religious communities, the mission of promoting family prayer and devotion to the Rosary continues to flourish. May God bless all those who generously commit themselves to this noble cause, and may the Holy Family continue to inspire and guide us in our mission.