Congratulations, Fr. Shaji, on the opening of your sparkling new residence for Holy Cross Family Ministries in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Thank you for your gracious invitation to attend the blessing, during which you showed exceptional hospitality, generosity, and kindness. No detail was overlooked — from the warm welcome, décor, prayer booklets, music, and blessing to the attention shown to everyone in attendance and the delicious Indian meal shared by all. Fr. Shaji, you made the celebration truly unforgettable, and we were honoured to be part of it.
What a joy it was to witness the unwavering support and blessing given to your ministry by Most Reverend Bishop Bergie, local parish priests, and your brother priests in the Congregation of Holy Cross from Boston, Montreal, and Welland. It was inspiring to see your fellow priests roll up their sleeves and assist wherever needed to make the blessing of your new residence and ministry so memorable.
We are in awe of how quickly God provided a new and spacious residence for Holy Cross Family Ministries in Canada. Fr. Shaji, through prayer and trust in Mary’s intercession, you sought a home for this vital ministry — and she clearly responded. It is no coincidence that her intercession made the blessing possible on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patroness of the Congregation of Holy Cross. When God desires something, He opens doors. This confirms how much Holy Cross Family Ministries and the praying of the Rosary by families are needed today more than ever. What an exciting and grace-filled time! The timeless words of the late Fr. Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., remain true: “The family that prays together, stays together.”
Thank you, Fr. Shaji, C.S.C., for including us among Bishop Bergie and the many members of the Holy Cross community — priests, religious, and laity — from the Diocese of St. Catharines and beyond. It was a joyful and spirit-filled celebration. On behalf of our staff, students, and my family at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, please be assured of our continued prayers and support for you and the Holy Cross Family Ministries.
Don Hall
Chaplaincy Leader
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School