This special and awesome event in Niagara Falls in the diocese of St. Catharines occurred on September 15th, 2025, the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, the patron saint of the Holy Cross Fathers. It was attended by an eclectic audience being led by the Most Reverend Bishop Gerard Bergie of the diocese of St. Catharines. Present also were Rev. Frank Wagner, CSC (English Canada House Superior) ; Rev. Claude Grou, CSC ( Provincial, Province of Canada) ; Rev. Pinto Paul, CSC (HCFM International Director); Rev. Shaji M.L. CSC ( HCFM National Director), many other Holy Cross priests, laity, special friends and associates of HCFM Canada and a small choir consisting of Barbara and Mario who provided beautiful singing and music. The programme consisted of the blessing of the House by the Most Reverend Bishop Birgie, lighting of candles, prayers, readings, singing of hymns and a speech by Rev. Shaji, CSC. This was followed by a delicious luncheon of South East Asian cuisine , thanksgiving, special prayers to Our Lady for her intercession and gift giving from the Associates of HCFM to the House. The board meeting concluded the event.
It was a great honour to be a part of this joyful event, which I felt to be wonderful, enriching and heart warming. I was afforded the opportunity to meet with so many priests, associates and fellow parishioners, including Rev. Emmanuel, CSC (St. Raphael ) in a spirit of friendship, warmth and comradeship. I felt truly appreciated. The event also afforded the chance to draw us closer to Our Holy Mother Mary through prayer thus being blessed with the hope of inspiration, more insight and wisdom.
The board meeting offered an occasion to deepen one’s understanding of the mission and tasks ahead of HCFM Canada. There is a need to continue and be ever more diligent to pray the Rosary for the intercession of Mother Mary in bringing the redemptive Christ Jesus to all. I was particularly struck and moved to sombre thought by Rev. Claude Grou’s address in which he emphasized the need to bring this message to all including and especially those outside the Church . Adequate ways to achieve this pose a challenge and are still lacking. He continues to encourage all and to work on this task urging us all to do likewise. I thank Rev. Shaji CSC for his inclusion of me and his warmth and encouragement to all in HCFM Canada.
L.B.M. Carling-Chambers, MD
Burlington, Ontario