The answer is simple.
Yes, I do have an altar, but my chapel is within my living room. Because of this, the altar is not always in view. Most of the time, I gently wheel it aside to create space, especially when members gather for Bible study or when I offer a homily.
In this way, the space remains both sacred and practical, ready to serve the needs of prayer, teaching, and fellowship.
The altar is always present… even when it is not always seen
My life walking with Saint Francis of Assisi is not a short pilgrimage. It is not a season, nor a chapter. It is, in truth, a long road—stretching now across sixty-six years—quietly unfolding, step by step, often without my even realizing that I was already on it.
The journey did not begin with a grand calling, nor with a moment of thunder or vision. It began simply, almost humbly, as many true vocations do: in childhood.
I was a Wolf Cub.
In those early days within the Catholic Scouts of Canada, I was introduced to a figure who would remain with me for the rest of my life. Not as an abstract saint in stained glass, but as a living story—warm, vivid, and unforgettable. Saint Francis of Assisi was presented to us as the patron of Cub Scouts, a friend to the small, the young, and the searching.
For Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, read in here
A candle is a small thing. Poor, simple, easily forgotten.
And yet—it shines.
The Franciscan heart recognizes this:
God delights not in grandeur, but in what is humble and offered with love.
A single flame says:
“Here I am, Lord—small, but given.”
Like the quiet life of a friar, the candle does not speak loudly.
It simply burns… faithfully.
Even when no one is watching, it continues its offering.
So too the soul:
to pray not for display, but to remain before God in simplicity.
The candle gives light as it is consumed.
This is the Gospel lived in miniature.
It reflects the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who chose to be “used up” in love—
poor, joyful, and given entirely to Christ.
Francis called the sun his brother and the moon his sister.
Even fire, he called Brother Fire—beautiful, strong, and full of life.
A candle, then, is not just a symbol.
It is creation itself praising God.
A small flame joins the great hymn of all that exists.
Churches use many candles not for display, but for devotion.
Each one is an act of love.
Each one a silent offering.
Each one a reminder:
God is near, even in the smallest light.
We do not need great things to come close to God.
Only a flame…
a quiet heart…
and the willingness to be given.
✠ Archbishop Éric M. Gagnon, O.F.S., M.I.
President Bishop & Founder
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Maria Faustyna Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, OLM (born Helena Kowalska; 25 August 1905 – 5 October 1938 was a Polish Catholic religious sister and mystic. Faustyna, popularly spelled Faustina in English, had apparitions of Jesus Christ, which inspired the Catholic devotion to the Divine Mercy. She is sometimes called the “secretary” of Divine Mercy.
Throughout her life, Kowalska reported having visions of Jesus and conversations with him, which she noted in her diary, later published as The Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul. Her biography, submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, quoted some of the conversations with Jesus regarding the Divine Mercy devotion.
At the age of 20 years, she joined a convent in Warsaw. She was later transferred to Płock and then to Vilnius, where she met Father Michał Sopoćko, who would become her confessor and spiritual director and supported her devotion to the Divine Mercy. With this priest’s help, Kowalska commissioned an artist to paint the first Divine Mercy image, based on her vision of Jesus. Father Sopoćko celebrated Mass in the presence of this painting on Low Sunday, also known as the Second Sunday of Easter or (as established by Pope John Paul II), Divine Mercy Sunday.
The Catholic Church canonized Kowalska as a saint on 30 April 2000. The mystic is classified in the liturgy as a virgin and is venerated within the church as the “Apostle of Divine Mercy”. Her tomb is in the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Kraków, where she spent the final years of her life and met her confessor, Józef Andrasz, who also supported the message of mercy.
The Divine Mercy is a Catholic devotion to God’s mercy, associated with the reported apparitions of Jesus to Faustina Kowalska.
The Divine Mercy devotion comprises several practices, such as Divine Mercy Sunday, the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, and the Divine Mercy image, which Kowalska describes in her diary as “God’s loving mercy” towards all people, especially sinners. According to Kowalska’s writings, these devotions and practices were asked by Jesus Christ himself during his reported apparitions.
Kowalska was granted the title “Secretary of Mercy” by the Holy See in the Jubilee Year of 2000.
The primary focus of the Divine Mercy devotion is the merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one’s own heart to those in need. As he dedicated the Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Pope John Paul II said, “Apart from the mercy of God there is no other source of hope for humankind.” There are seven main forms of this devotion:
— Words attributed to Jesus by Kowalska in her diary.
Today, we celebrate the boundless love and mercy of Jesus Christ! Divine Mercy Sunday is a beautiful reminder that no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, God’s mercy is always available to us.
Let us open our hearts, trust in His mercy, and share that love with others. Take a moment today to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reflect on the power of forgiveness, and reach out in kindness to those around you.
“Jesus, I trust in You!”
May this day bring you peace, healing, and renewed faith. 🙏❤️ #DivineMercySunday #JesusITrustInYou #Mercy #Faith #Hope
May the Peace of the Risen Lord fill our hearts! May we be, with Our Lady, instruments of His Peace in our families, communities, and the world.
Summary: This post shares an inspiring glimpse into the daily life of a layperson following St. Francis’s teachings, connecting it to modern Canadian life.
Post: Ever wondered what it’s like to live by the spirit of St. Francis in today’s world? For members of Eric Michel Ministries International, it’s about finding faith in everyday moments, serving our communities, and embracing simplicity.
Imagine starting your day with a quiet reflection, then stepping out to make a difference in your neighbourhood, whether it’s through volunteering or simply offering a kind word. It’s about bringing compassion and peace to every interaction, just as St. Francis taught us. From our online service, our lay community embodies these values daily.
Join us as we share stories of faith, community, and living inspired by St. Francis. How do you bring faith into your daily life? Share your thoughts below!
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026 | EASTER TRIDUUM
GOOD FRIDAY
YEARS ABC | ROMAN MISSAL | LECTIONARY
First Reading Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Response Luke 23:46
Psalm Psalm 31:2, 6, 12–13, 15–17, 25
Second Reading Hebrews 4:14–16, 5:7–9
Gospel Acclamation Philippians 2:8–9
Gospel John 18:1–19:42Anon. 2009. Catholic Daily Readings. Bellingham, WA: Faithlife.
Title: The Significance of Good Friday: A Day of Reflection and Sacrifice
Good Friday holds a sacred place in the hearts of Christians worldwide. It is a day that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a moment of profound sorrow, sacrifice, and ultimate love. While Easter Sunday is celebrated with joy and resurrection, Good Friday serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of salvation, the price paid for the forgiveness of humanity’s sins.
On this day, we reflect on the unimaginable suffering that Christ endured. His pain was not just physical but emotional and spiritual. Jesus willingly accepted the weight of our sins, taking them upon Himself. His death on the cross symbolizes the profound love of God for His people, a love that would stop at nothing, not even death, to restore humanity’s relationship with the Creator.
For many, Good Friday is a time for deep personal reflection. It is a moment to pause and contemplate the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice and its meaning for our lives today. Jesus’ willingness to endure the cross challenges us to think about our own lives and the sacrifices we are called to make in the name of love, compassion, and faith.
Though the day is dark, Good Friday is also a day of hope. The story does not end with death. Through the agony of the cross, a promise of redemption and eternal life was made. And as Christians, we are reminded that even in the darkest moments, God’s plan is still at work, bringing healing, renewal, and restoration.
As we reflect on Good Friday, it’s also an opportunity to renew our own commitments to live lives of greater kindness, humility, and faith. The challenge, as followers of Christ, is to mirror His love, His sacrifice, and His grace in our interactions with the world around us.
On this day of mourning and reflection, let us remember that the cross is not just a symbol of death, but also a symbol of victory, a victory over sin, over death, and over despair. And that victory is a gift we are called to share with others.
So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at the table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” John 13:12–15
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| This May 4–10, we’re inviting all of Canada to Come Together because stronger connections mean better mental health for all of us. A reminder that small moments of connection can make a big difference in someone’s life.Whether it’s a phone call to a friend, a check-in with a colleague, or getting involved in your community, every act of connection counts. All toolkits, resources and everything you need to get involved during Mental Health Week will be available to download on April 7th at mentalhealthweek.ca. Share your moments of connection on social media using #ComeTogetherCanada and #MentalHealthWeek. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates as Mental Health Week approaches! |
| La Semaine de la santé mentale approche : Rassemblons-nous, Canada! |
| Du 4 au 10 mai, nous invitons tout le Canada à se rassembler, car des liens plus forts pour une meilleure santé mentale bénéficient à tout le monde. Un rappel : de petits moments de connexion peuvent avoir un effet important dans la vie de quelqu’un.Que ce soit un appel avec une personne proche, un suivi avec vos collègues, ou un engagement dans votre communauté, chaque action qui renforce les liens compte.Les ressources, les trousses à outils et les renseignements téléchargeables pour prendre part à la Semaine de la santé mentale seront disponibles le 7 avril à semainesantementale.ca.Partagez vos moments de connexion sur les réseaux sociaux en utilisant les mots-clics #RassemblonsNousCanada et #SemaineDeLaSantéMentale. Surveillez votre boîte de réception pour les mises à jour à l’approche de la Semaine de la santé mentale! |
“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.” Matthew 26:21–23
Christ is risen! Truly He is risen! The stone is rolled away. The tomb where Christ once laid is empty. Death did not hold Him. He conquered death and restored life. Jesus, Our Redeemer, brings us life, love, and hope won for us all through His passion, death, and resurrection.
This year, in these unprecedented times, our celebration of the Holy Triduum and Easter has certainly been far different than usual. The Coronavirus Pandemic and its effects have forced us all to adapt, sacrifice, and persevere in all things. We can all agree we’ve never experienced anything like this in our lifetimes. However, the same truths of our faith in the Paschal Mystery that we joyfully celebrate each year reign true today in the time of pandemic as “causes for joy.”
What I find special (and encouraging!) is how all the Easter Sunday Gospels begin with disciples seeking. In each of the Gospel accounts of the empty tomb, the women, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” or, Mary, the mother of James and John, go to the empty tomb. “On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb” (John 20:1).
What are they seeking? Perhaps the Resurrected Christ, but they didn’t all understand how the Scriptures would be fulfilled yet. Maybe they were seeking to mourn the Lord’s death more or to pray for Him. Maybe they were hoping to find some comfort in praying where His body laid at rest. No matter what, they were seeking. They didn’t immediately encounter the Lord either, they had to let the story continue to unfold and find Him. When they found Him, inexpressible joy was certainly the reaction!
Easter Joy, an encounter with our Risen Lord doesn’t just come to us. We must seek it. All of us approximately 2,000 years later are truly blessed to know how the story unfolds. We can seek to meet the Risen Lord knowing that He comes to us and calls us to Himself. Easter Joy, the joy of the Risen Lord is indeed ours when we seek Him!
How can we seek the Lord in such difficult times? In such depressing, scary, difficult times?
In faith, in hope, and in charity!
Seek Him! Believe in the power of God to transform our mourning into laughter and our fear into confidence. Live the truths and commandments of our faith. Long for the coming of God’s Kingdom, fulfillment only in Jesus Christ, and eternal life with Him. Long for the glory of God to be revealed through these difficult times.
Love, serve, and be charitable! Be kind, patient, and forgiving. Reach out to those who are lonely whether they be family, friends, or strangers. Share what you have with those in need. Recognize that praying for and supporting others are the greatest gifts of all through these times!
In these “uncharted lands,” we can hold true to our faith and the glory of the Resurrection. We can seek Jesus in opportunities that we never have before. We can find Easter Joy – the joy that “dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners” (Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter).
Once Mary saw, what did she do? “She ran and went” (John 20:2). Once you’ve found a glimmer of the Easter Joy, like Mary, bring it to others.
Andrew Rubinich currently is a Seminarian for the Archdiocese of Newark at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, New Jersey. He attended the College Seminary at Saint Andrew’s Hall at Seton Hall University and graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Catholic Philosophical Theology. In his free time from prayer, studies, and Seminary life, he enjoys time around the parish, time spent with family and friends, music, and writing.
The Easter Vigil is the most extraordinary liturgy of the entire year in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. The Roman Missal guides the celebration of this great night and even refers to the Easter Vigil as the “mother of all vigils,” which is quoting St. Augustine from the 5th Century. So, the Easter Vigil has real history.
Throughout the years, this celebration did get lost for a time, lacking the full vigor it once had. However, Pope Pius XII in the 1950s, restored the prominent celebration of the mother of all vigils on the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday.
The Easter Vigil is packed with breathtaking symbolism and meaning. And it is packed with a celebration of everything we hold dear as Catholics. Christ is seen throughout in amazing grandeur.
First, it must be mentioned, the Easter Vigil begins with a bonfire outside. This holy fire is called the Lucernarium and the liturgy begins with the celebrant blessing the Easter fire. This fire symbolizes Christ who is not dead, but very much alive, burning brightly. From this fire, coals are taken out to light the incense and the fire is also used to light the new Paschal candle.
Throughout the entire liturgical year, the Paschal candle stands in or near the sanctuary of the church or near the baptistry as a sign of Christ. This candle is triumphantly marched into the church which is completely dark at this point. The single burning flame enters the back of the church carried by a priest or deacon who then raises it above his head and sings, “Lumen Christi” (the Light of Christ) to which the people respond, “Deo Gratias” (Thanks be to God). This is repeated a total of three times as the priest nears the sanctuary of the church.
While the Paschal candle makes its way to the altar area, little candles held by the congregation are lit from the Paschal candle and the light of Christ truly begins to spread throughout the church which is now lit by candlelight.
Once the candle makes it to the front, the Easter Proclamation or Exsultet is proclaimed by the priest, deacon, or cantor. This triumphant and beautiful chant is the prelude to the celebration of Easter. It speaks of night and light, of the place and time of the moment, of the priest and congregation, and it anticipates the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
After the long subdued nature of the Lenten Season, the Easter Vigil breaks in with glory and anticipation. During the Gloria in Excelsis, for example, every bell available is rung all throughout the chanting or singing of the hymn. Each reading during the Liturgy of the Word has an accompanying responsorial psalm. There are many other musical additions to the liturgy called for in the Roman Missal, including the Litany of the Saints before the Blessing of the Baptismal Water. The music at the mother of all vigils is something truly magnificent.
The Liturgy of the Word is kicked into high gear. There are seven possible readings (minimum of three), each with a selected responsorial psalm sung in between the readings and prayers by the priest following each psalm.
Then the Gloria in Excelsis is sung. The Collect is said. A reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is proclaimed. The Alleluia is proclaimed for the first time since before Lent. Yet another Psalm is sung. Then the Gospel is read and the Homily is given.
The remainder of the liturgy is a remarkable tour de force of the Sacraments of Initiation of the Church. The Baptismal water is blessed; those entering the Church make a profession of faith, renounce sin, and are baptized. Many of these adults have been preparing for this moment for a year or more.
Next, those who are not Catholic but who are previously baptized make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church are received into full communion with the Church. Then, the new Catholics, now all baptized and officially members of the Catholic Church are invited to the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmed.
The entire congregation is then invited to renew their own baptismal promises and receive a blessing from the priest with the newly blessed baptismal water. The Liturgy of the Eucharist then takes place in the normal way.
However, now baptized and confirmed, the new Catholics (neophytes) receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist for the very first time. What a splendid moment to behold. This is the pinnacle of our Faith. With so many people leaving the practice of the Faith, this holy night is one in which to take part. By being present and praying for these new Catholics, we show our support to these new members of the Body of Christ.
Will Wright lives in Phoenix with his wife and sons and is a History and Religion Teacher at St. John Paul II Catholic High School. He is an adjunct instructor and Institute Fellow with the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix and an instructor at the Kino Catechetical Institute. He is also a regular author for the website Catholic-Link English, many of his articles have been featured on “The Best of Catholic Blogging” column on the National Catholic Register website, and has been published with Adoremus Bulletin and SpiritualDirection.com.
Will earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also holds a dual course of study Master’s Degree in Catechetics & Evangelization and Theology & Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently enrolled with Pontifex University and working towards a Doctorate in Theology (ThD).
On March 26 of 2026, I was invited to assist at a Chrism Mass at St. Jerome Cathedral on March 31st by Emilio Velo, Permanent Deacon.
The Chrism Mass is a major celebration of Holy Week, presided over by the bishop and attended by his priests (the presbyterium), during which he consecrates the Holy Chrism and blesses the oils for the sick and catechumens. Held in the diocesan cathedral, it manifests the unity of the local Church and allows priests to renew their priestly vows.
Key elements of the Chrism Mass:
The Holy Chrism, a mixture of olive oil and perfumes, is consecrated by the bishop. It is used for baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and the dedication of churches.
The other oils: the oil of catechumens (for those preparing for baptism) and the oil of the sick (for the sacrament of the sick) are blessed.
Renewal of vows: The priests (and sometimes deacons) renew their commitment to the service of Christ and the Church before the bishop.
Moment of Communion: This is a diocesan gathering that brings together priests, deacons, consecrated persons, and the faithful from all sectors.
Calendar: Traditionally, Holy Thursday is often celebrated on Tuesday or Wednesday of Holy Week for practical reasons.
These holy oils are then distributed to the parishes for use throughout the liturgical year
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint-Jérôme (Latin: Dioecesis Sancti Hieronymi Terraebonae) is a Latin rite suffragan of the Archdiocese of Montréal. Its cathedral episcopal see is Cathédrale Saint-Jérôme, dedicated to Saint Jerome (Hieronumus), in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec. It was erected on 23 June 1951 as the Diocese of Saint-Jérôme (Latin: Sancti Hieronymi Terræbonæ), on territories split off from (its Metropolitan) the Archdiocese of Montréal, the Archdiocese of Ottawa and the Diocese of Mont-Laurier. On 1 June 2022, the Diocese of Saint-Jérôme and the Diocese of Mont-Laurier were united to become the Diocese of Saint-Jérôme–Mont-Laurier. As of 2014, it pastorally served 446,000 Catholics (97.2% of the 459,000 total) across 2,116 km2 in 35 parishes, with 67 priests (52 diocesan, 15 religious), 18 deacons, 118 lay religious (21 brothers, 97 sisters), and 3 seminarians. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Saint-Jerome_Mont-Laurier
A sinful woman anoints Christ’s feet
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with him. Mary took a litre of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus, drying them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
John 12:1–3
No Roman Catholic Saints are recognized by the Orthodox Church after the 1054 schism.
The Eastern Orthodox Church has numerous saints who lived after the Great Schism of 1054, such as St. Sergius of Radonezh, St. Seraphim of Sarov, and St. Herman of Alaska, who are venerated for their holiness and spiritual guidance. The Catholic Church, particularly its Eastern rites, also recognizes and venerates many of these post-schism Orthodox saints, viewing them as figures of holiness who are not disqualified from being considered Catholic saints, as explained by Catholic Answers.
Examples of post-schism saints
Why are these saints recognized?
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E-mail: diocese@easterndiocese
Note: We have no links with any Orthodox Church