Congratulations to Our children!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the children of our parish who received their First Holy Communion last Sunday.

What a beautiful and joyful occasion it was to witness you take this important step in your faith journey! As you received Jesus in the Eucharist for the very first time, may you always remember this sacred day with joy and gratitude.

May your hearts remain open to His love, your lives be filled with His peace, and your faith grow stronger with each passing day. We are proud of you and we continue to keep you and your families in our prayers.

God bless you always!

— Your Parish Family at St. Francis De Sales.

Join us as Rev. Mr. Peter An is ordained to the priesthood by Bishop William McGrattan on Fri, June 27 at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral (Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus).Masses of Thanksgiving with the newly ordained priest:
• Sat, June 28 at 11 am – St. Mary’s Cathedral
• Sat, June 28 at 5 pm – Vigil Mass, St. Luke’s Church (reception follows)
• Sun, June 29 at 4 pm – SFXC Mass, St. Mary’s Cathedral

The Diocese of Calgary has released its latest clergy personnel announcements, effective Aug 1, 2025, highlighting clergy retirements, new pastoral appointments, and the arrival of new priests joining the Diocese.

• Download announcement

Amid rising violence in the Holy Land and Middle East, the Bishops of Canada invite the faithful to pray for peace during this month of the Sacred Heart. "Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus focuses our attention on the Lord’s inexhaustible love for humanity, and His desire that all be saved."

• Read the full message from CCCB 

The Feast of Corpus Christi: Celebrating the Real Presence of Christ

Each year, the Church joyfully celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, more commonly known as Corpus Christi. This feast, rich in theological meaning and tradition, is a public proclamation of our faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Historical Origins

The Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted in the 13th century, thanks to the efforts of St. Juliana of Liège, a Belgian nun who had a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Through mystical visions, she felt called to promote a special feast dedicated solely to the Eucharist. With the support of theologians and clergy, her request eventually reached Pope Urban IV.

In 1264, Pope Urban IV established Corpus Christi as a universal feast with the papal bull Transiturus de hoc mundo. He also commissioned the great theologian St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the prayers and hymns for the feast, many of which—such as Pange Lingua and Tantum Ergo—are still sung in Eucharistic processions and Benediction today.

Eucharistic Processions

One of the most beloved traditions of Corpus Christi is the Eucharistic procession. In this solemn ritual, the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets in a monstrance, accompanied by clergy, altar servers, and the faithful. This procession is not only an act of worship but a public witness to the central mystery of our faith: that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.

In many cultures, these processions are adorned with flower petals, banners, music, and stops at temporary altars or "stations" for prayer and adoration. In some places, the streets are beautifully decorated with floral carpets—a vibrant testimony to the community’s love for the Eucharist.

A Feast of Faith and Unity

Corpus Christi reminds us of the Eucharist’s vital role in the life of the Church. As the "source and summit" of our Christian life (Lumen Gentium 11), the Eucharist unites us with Christ and with one another. It nourishes us spiritually and calls us to be the Body of Christ in the world—living lives of charity, mercy, and justice.

Celebrating Today

Whether through attending Holy Mass, joining a Eucharistic procession, or spending time in Adoration, Corpus Christi invites us to renew our love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Let us take this opportunity to deepen our faith, give thanks for the gift of the Holy Sacrament, and joyfully proclaim:
"O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!"

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Each year, on June 24th, the Church joyfully celebrates the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist—one of only three birthdays commemorated in the liturgical calendar, along with those of Jesus and Mary. This feast holds deep theological and cultural significance, and in the Canadian context, it carries special resonance.

A Prophet’s Birth

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, was set apart by God even before his birth. His miraculous conception to the elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth, his leaping in the womb at the presence of the unborn Christ, and his mission of preparing the way for the Lord mark him as a pivotal figure in salvation history. His birth is celebrated six months before Christmas, as he was the one to proclaim, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

A Feast Rooted in Light

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist occurs just after the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. From a symbolic standpoint, the days gradually begin to shorten afterward—reflecting John’s humility and his role of decreasing so that Christ might shine more brightly. His feast is thus a celebration of light, both natural and spiritual.

A Canadian Celebration

In Canada, June 24th is more than a liturgical observance—it is also Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, a public holiday in the province of Quebec and a cultural celebration for French-speaking Canadians across the country. Originally established as a feast day by French colonists, it has evolved into a vibrant expression of faith, heritage, and identity. In the early days of New France, Masses, processions, and bonfires were common ways to mark the day, and many parishes across Quebec are still dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

The symbolism of John as a voice in the wilderness resonates deeply in Canadian history. He is a saint who speaks to both the spiritual pioneers who brought the Gospel to this land and to those today striving to live the Gospel in a diverse and sometimes secular society. His call to repentance, renewal, and preparation for the Lord remains a challenge and a hope for our nation.

A Voice for Today

As Canadians, the feast of Saint John the Baptist invites us to reflect on our Christian witness. Are we preparing the way for Christ in our homes, communities, and country? Do we have the courage to speak truth with love, as John did—even when it costs us?

May the voice of John the Baptist echo anew in the Canadian Church: calling us to conversion, to joy, and to readiness for Christ’s coming. As the summer unfolds, may we carry his message into our lives: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Luke 3:4).