66 Years of Faith: St. Catharines Jubilee and Carmelite Prospects in Toronto
The 66th Jubilee of St. Catharines Diocese was celebrated on November 25, 2024 at St Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral at 11 am. The newly appointed Cardinal, Most Rev. Francis Leo, the Archbishop of Toronto, was the main celebrant along with Bishop Gerard Bergie of St Catharines. There were 70 priests and the Cathedral was packed with the faithful. After the mass there was a felicitation program arranged at Club Roma at 125 Vansickle Road, St. Catherine’s city. The Cardinal was felicitated and Bishop Gerard congratulated a few silver and Golden jubilarians.

Through the recommendation of Bishop Gerard Bergie, I had a special meeting with the Cardinal and spent 10 minutes with him. During our conversation, he inquired about the Discalced Carmelites in Canada. He was happy to know that the Karnataka-Goa Province would be willing to cater to the spiritual needs of the Secular Carmelites in his Archdiocese and that he is ready to explore the possibilities of establishing our presence in Toronto.

-Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza OCD