Reverend Claude Grou, C.S.C., Provincial Superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Canada, warmly received Father Shaji M.L., C.S.C., the National Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM) Canada, during his maiden visit in this role. Accompanied by Father Arul Jayaraj, C.S.C., Regional Director of Montreal, and Ms. Ingrid Lefort, they gathered at the Provincial’s office in Montreal on August 27, 2024, to discuss the future pastoral direction for HCFM’s efforts across Canada.
During the meeting, Father Grou shared valuable insights and thoughtful guidance on the contemporary importance of Venerable Father Patrick Peyton’s mission to promote family prayer, particularly the Rosary. He discussed how HCFM’s mission aligns with the Province’s broader pastoral goals, including ministries that support and nurture family life. He referenced Centre le Pèlerin as a model for outreach, where emphasis is placed on offering guidance and resources to families. The meeting fostered a collaborative and forward-looking vision for integrating HCFM’s contributions within the overarching Holy Cross mission in Canada. The session concluded with a special blessing from Father Grou for the HCFM team as they carry this mission forward.
Later that day, Father Shaji, joined by the Montreal team, met with Father Raymond Gourde, C.S.C. Father Gourde offered an in-depth perspective on Centre le Pèlerin’s mission and the growing demand for couple-centered programs, spurred by families’ expressed needs. They discussed the potential for an HCFM delegate to complete the Centre le Pèlerin program and adapt it into specialized resources designed to benefit couples, adding a valuable dimension to HCFM’s offerings.
The HCFM team further connected with Father Dennis, C.S.C. and Deacon Julius Rosario, C.S.C. (22nd October 2024) at St. Sixtus, as well as Father Pere Labine, C.S.C. and Father Joy Biswas, C.S.C. (21st October 2024) at St. Lawrence. Additionally, a fruitful meeting took place with Father Jomon, C.S.C., the Vicar Provincial, on October 23rd in Montreal.
During these October 21-23 gatherings, HCFM leaders expressed their commitment to support parish-led initiatives that emphasize prayer and spirituality within families, fostering a renewed emphasis on Praying the Rosary as a means to enrich parish life. Since August 2024, Father Shaji has also held several productive meetings with Father Frank Wagner, C.S.C., House Superior of English Canada, generating optimism for increased collaboration in service of the Holy Cross mission.
Since August, HCFM has extended its outreach, reaching out to pastors of all Holy Cross-run parishes in Canada, including Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal. We have endeavoured to make HCFM’s resources and services readily available to support the Congregational Mission at every level. The team was met with a warm and fraternal response, with confreres expressing an enthusiastic desire to enrich both family and parish life through HCFM’s offerings.
The HCFM ministry is also exploring new opportunities to serve both Holy Cross and non-Holy Cross parishes throughout Canada, reaching English and French-speaking communities alike. So far, over 12 non-Holy Cross parishes in English Canada, across the Toronto, Hamilton, and St. Catharines dioceses, as well as one in Montreal, have been introduced to HCFM’s services. The encouragement and solidarity from the leadership of Holy Cross Province Canada have paved the way for an inspiring and vibrant path forward.
It’s wonderful to acknowledge and celebrate the warm, fraternal welcome extended by all the House Superiors and other confreres during these visits. Their hospitality reflects the deep bond and genuine brotherhood that characterize the Holy Cross communities. Recognizing these moments of unity helps strengthen the spirit of fellowship and reinforces the shared mission within the Congregation of Holy Cross.
May the Holy Family be our strength and inspiration as we continue this mission. May Blessed Basil Moreau, Saint André Bessette, and Venerable Patrick Peyton intercede on our behalf, guiding us in Christ’s mission.
