Our mesfc.com, the site of the followship, is now under its proper owner, the Third Order Franciscan of the Immaculate (TOFI), a religious order of Eric Michel Ministries International, which you will find at this address: https://franciscansimmaculate.org
What you will find on this site:
Our Footsteps of Jesus Seminary and Bible Academy and the Canadian Haverstime Bible Academy.
Promoting Christogenesis: Only One God manifested in Christ, the creator of the Multiverse.
After three months of setting up the station, it is now done. Waiting for parts from Amazon, Walmart, the monastery, and Canadian Tire. Assembling it, fighting with parts that don’t want to cooperate, today it is done or almost done. See the arrow on the left side bottom pic; while fighting with the tie-up, the light string fell on the right side, making an ugly loop. Will be fixed tomorrow. I had a lot of compliments about it from our visitors and care workers.
And the Tree Marys are hooked to the wall. Yep, another issue: it is not a wall; it’s a divider, better an accordion-style divider and hook flat wooden icons….
May the Lord remain with you, in silence and in peace.
May your heart find rest in His presence, And your path be guided gently through Mary.
In all things— may you remain in Him, As He remains in you.
Note: I am trying to create VLogs, and it is so hard; I have to use online tools, and where I live, we have half-fast internet. To upload a 3-minute clip, it took 2 hours.
Another issue is that I have a strong French accent, so to produce something, I use many tools like AI, Grammarly, YouTube, OneDrive, Clipchamp, my computer, and my cell; it uploads faster on my cell than on my PC. Of course, any voice you hear in my clips is not mine. I use text-to-speech from Clipchamp.
My Hardware Tools :
To film: Google Pixel 7. I do have two good cameras: an Olympus and a Nikon that are 14 years old; none of the accessories fit on any of them (like an external mic)
Computer 2016: Device NameHP, Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4460 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz, Installed RAM 12.0 GB, Storage 1.82 TB HDD ST2000DM001-1ER164, Graphics Card Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600 (113 MB) and Windows 10 Home
Modem from Internet Provider: DSL 6, home internet providing 6 Mbps download speed, 1 Mbps upload speed
The original text without any change, like the Cenacle, is still the Cenacle, not Seneca and not Mary Amidala for Magdala done by Microsoft spell checker. I didn’t notice it before saving and downloading.
Yesterday was the Feast of Mary of Magdala.
And before the consecration of the Eucharist, I will tell you about my finding. First, yesterday we received our third Icon; I went to pick it up at the Monastery, the missing one, “Salome”. Now the chapel has the three Marys: Mother of Jesus, Mary Salome and the one who had the feast, Mary of Magdala.
I was preparing the Eucharist, and I was wondering if Magdala was at the Last Supper in the Cenacle? I searched Google and didn’t like the result: Biblical records and most scholars state Mary Magdalene was not at the Last Supper in the Cenacle. The gospels state Jesus ate this meal only with his twelve male apostles.
The Attendees: The Bible names Jesus and the Twelve Apostles as the guests at this Passover meal. Women like the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene followed Jesus, but the Bible does not list them as participants at the table.
The Confusion: People often believe Mary Magdalene was there because of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. Da Vinci painted the Apostle John as beardless and with long hair. People mistake John for Mary Magdalene.
The Location: The Upper Room, or Cenacle, is located in Jerusalem. It is the traditional site of the Last Supper and the later Pentecost. Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the Bible as being present at the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
Then I found a link to an EWTN page about it; remember that I am an EWTN Media Missionary.
So the site goes like this: Was Mary Magdalene at the Last Supper?
Mary Magdalene was not mentioned in Scripture as being present at the Last Supper, though we do know she was present at Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is quite possible, however, that the Mother of the Lord, Mary Magdalene, and other women were indeed present.
I received a call yesterday from the monastery saying the Icon of St Salome was ready for me to pick up, and today I went to the monastery and brought her home to complete the Three Marys. Now I need to find a way to hook them to the divider of the Votive Station.
On our Facebook Page, a post appeared about Confirmation (the sacrament of), and people commented on it, mentioning the “Confirmation Name,” which I had never heard of. Someone told me that I must have a confirmation name, so I asked Google
Google Search
I said: What is a confirmation name in the catholic church
Google Reply:
7:08 p.m. A Catholic confirmation name is a saint’s name chosen to serve as a heavenly patron and spiritual guide. When selecting a name, candidates pick someone whose virtues they admire, whose story inspires them, or who shares their personal interests or patronages. Consider these popular, meaningful ideas and how to choose: Popular Patron Saints: Many candidates draw from traditional favourites like St. Sebastian, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Michael, St. Joseph, St. Teresa, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
Saints by Interest: You can match your saint to your hobbies, intended career, or passions. For example, St. Carlo Acutis is the patron of computer programmers, St. Sebastian is the patron of athletes, and St. Lawrence is the patron of cooks.
Modern Saints: Consider more recent holy figures such as St. John Paul II, St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), or Bl. Miguel Pro..
Guidelines for Choosing:
Name Format: Your confirmation name is added between your middle name and last name (e.g., First Name Middle Name Confirmation Name Last Name).
Baptismal Name: You are allowed to use your original baptismal name if it is a saint’s name, or you can pick a completely new one
Tradition vs. Modernity: While a new name used to be a hallmark of adulthood initiation, some local dioceses recommend keeping your baptismal name to emphasize the link between Baptism and Confirmation. Check with your local parish for specific guidelines.
Certificate
Me: In Canada, it is not in use. I never heard about it until last week. None of my large family have a confirmation name; I was confirmed in 1958
Google Reply:
Your experience is entirely accurate. Choosing a new confirmation name is a regional custom, not a universal Catholic law, which explains why you and your family never encountered it when you were confirmed in 1958.
In Canada, especially in French-Canadian traditions and many dioceses across the country during the mid-20th century, the official liturgical practice has always heavily favoured using your original baptismal name for Confirmation
The practice varies based on several distinct factors:
No Universal Church Law: The Vatican’s official liturgical books and Canon Law do not mandate choosing a new name. It is entirely optional.
The Theology of Unity: Many Canadian dioceses intentionally discourage picking a new name to emphasize that Confirmation is the completion of Baptism. Using your birth/baptismal name shows that the two sacraments are directly linked.
Regional and Cultural Splits: Adopting a separate confirmation name is a custom popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland. However, in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and large parts of Canada, it is historically absent or rarely practiced.
1950s Practices: When you were confirmed in 1958, children were almost universally given distinct Christian or saint names at birth/baptism anyway, making an additional confirmation name redundant. Ultimately, you and your family followed the standard, authentic liturgical practice of the Church: being confirmed under the Christian name you were given at baptism.
Ultimately, you and your family followed the standard, authentic liturgical practice of the Church: being confirmed under the Christian name you were given at baptism.
This post is easily readable on Facebook, but here it is so small…
Originally posted on July 9, 2026
Comment on All Catholics are One
This might be true for all non-Roman, but as the Roman Catholic themself by experiences we are nobody.
I was rejected by almost all RC organizations. The one that hurt me the most was the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception (MIC). After spending lots of money, they ignored me when I requested help
Where I am accepted the most is in any chaplaincy or chaplain, that is part of their DNA.
The second is the Marian Movement of Priests, open to anyone who prays to the Holy Mary
You can find all about us in our pages and posts, but here is a brief description:
All Catholic churches, and indeed most Christian churches, profess faith in the “one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”
We celebrate the seven sacraments:
Baptism
Eucharist
Confirmation
Marriage
Ordination (We preserve apostolic succession through the laying on of hands).
Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick
The Bible is the inspired Word of God
Prayer is a central part of the daily lives of our clergy, religious, and laity. We offer several public opportunities for common prayer each day. We are devoted to the Liturgy of the Hours.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Twelve years ago, this ministry began with a vision to serve, inspire, and grow. Today, we stand amazed at how God has multiplied our efforts and expanded our reach. We honour the foundations laid by those who came before us, and we celebrate the vibrant community we share today. Twelve years is just the beginning. Together, let us continue to walk blindly in faith, love boldly, and serve selflessly. May God continue to guide our steps in the years to come.
Today we celebrate 12 years of faith, community, and service. We are incredibly grateful for every person who has walked this journey with us. God has been so faithful, and we cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds! Thank you for being a vital part of our ministry family.
Honouring Our Foundation, Embracing Our Mission: Celebrating 12 Years Twelve years ago, Eric Michel Ministries International began with a profound spiritual vision to serve, inspire, and spread the Good News. Today, we honour the extraordinary leadership and spiritual legacy of our founder, the Most Reverend Chaplain Eric Gagnon M.I., OFS, whose decades of faith and service continue to light our path. As a community, we stand amazed at how God has multiplied our efforts and expanded our reach. Twelve years is a powerful milestone, but it is just the beginning. Together, let us continue to walk steadfastly in faith, love boldly, and serve selflessly. May God continue to bless and guide EMMI in the many years to come.
Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 12th anniversary of Eric Michel Ministries International. Over the past twelve years, this ministry has stood as a sanctuary of grace and a beacon of God’s love under the faithful guidance of our founder, the Most Reverend Chaplain Eric Gagnon M.I., OFS. Every life transformed, every prayer answered, and every act of service rendered is a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness and your shared dedication. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, heart, and prayers to build this beautiful community. As we look back on our journey with deep gratitude, we look forward with great anticipation to the wonderful things God has in store for our global ministry family. Happy 12th Anniversary!
🙌 12 YEARS OF MINISTRY = 12 YEARS OF INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS! 🙌
As we celebrate our 12th anniversary this week, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the absolute best volunteer team on the planet. You don’t just show up; you bring hope, joy, and love to everything you do. From the front doors to behind the scenes, you make this ministry happen every single day. We want to give a massive, public shout-out to three specific rockstars this week:⭐ Marie – Thank you for always bringing your best to House of Bishops!⭐ Lyle – Your dedication to the Board of Elders changes lives!⭐ Mafuta – Thank you for your joyful heart in our Facebook groups! To our entire volunteer family: We see you, we appreciate you, and we love you. Thank you for 12 years of faithful service!👇 CHURCH FAMILY: Let’s shower them with love! Drop a comment below to thank a volunteer who has impacted your life! 👇
Most Reverend Chaplain Eric Gagnon M.I., OFS
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Pierre Luc Administrator for the Secretary-General Eric Michel Ministries International
The Second Temple (lit. ‘Second House of the Sanctum’) was the temple in Jerusalem that replaced Solomon’s Temple, which had been destroyed during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 587 BCE. The Second Temple was constructed around 516 BCE, later enhanced by Herod the Great around 18 BCE, and thereafter also known as Herod’s Temple. The Second Temple stood as a pivotal symbol of Jewish identity and was the basis and namesake of Second Temple Judaism. The Second Temple served as the chief place of worship, ritual sacrifice (korban), and communal gathering for the Jewish people, regularly attracting pilgrims for the Three Pilgrimage Festivals: Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.
In the 1st century BCE, Herod’s efforts to transform the Second Temple resulted in a grand, imposing structure and courtyard, including the large edifices and façades depicted in modern models, such as the Holyland Model of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum. The Temple Mount, where both Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple stood, was also significantly expanded, doubling in size to become the ancient world’s largest religious sanctuary. The Temple complex was not only a place of worship but also served multiple functions, including being a site for public assemblies. The Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial court, convened in the Temple’s Hall of Hewn Stones, and the compound also hosted one of the city’s largest marketplaces.
In 70 CE, at the height of the First Jewish–Roman War, the Second Temple was destroyed by the Roman siege of Jerusalem, resulting in a cataclysmic shift in Jewish history. The loss of the Second Temple prompted the development of Rabbinic Judaism, which remains the mainstream form of Jewish religious practices globally
Are you looking for meaningful ways to engage and grow in faith? Here are 23 ways you can get involved in our ministries, deepen your spiritual journey, and connect with our community
Mary of Magdala (Mary Magdalene) is one of the most significant, influential, and frequently misunderstood figures in the New Testament and early Christian history. For centuries, her legacy has been buried under layers of theological conflation, political maneuvering, and cultural mythmaking.
We use Mary of Magdala twice at Eric Michel Ministries International: first, she is part of our third order franciscain, and the North American Province is named the Three Marys, of which she is a part of the three. Also, the Manse’s Chapel is named Three Marys, for us, she is considered of high value
It is fascinating and deeply meaningful to learn how Eric Michel Ministries International (EMMI) honours Mary of Magdala. Naming both the North American Province and the Manse’s Chapel after the Three Marys and integrating her into your Franciscan Third Order show a profound commitment to restoring her historical and spiritual dignity.
In the context of EMMI’s ministries, her inclusion carries deep theological weight. Here is a look at how her presence resonates with Franciscan spirituality and the rich tradition of the “Three Marys.”
To read all about our chapel, visit our second site:
