For the readings and prayers of today's mass, go to the link below and scroll to pg. 33
As a proud Canadian, I treasure this day. I think of all those who make up our country - our Indigenous Peoples, and all those who have to come to Canada over the centuries. There is much to proud of our history, but like every nation, we have had our times and policies that in hindsight we wish were different. But one thing for sure - everyone who came here over the centuries, came here for basically the same reason - for a better life than what they had back home. This certainly was the reason why my grandparents left family and friends back in the Czech republic and Italy and came to Canada in the late 20s and early 30s.
This vision of peoples from all over the world coming here has some correspondence to the future vision that Isaiah speaks of in our 1st reading. We must work hard and hope and pray that this nation will continue to become a nation where justice and peace and community will prevail.
In my mind the best possible prayer for our nation is contained in the Collect Prayer for the Mass of Canada Day:
"Eternal God, whose reign extends from sea to sea and whose care endures throughout the ages, hear our prayers for our country: grant wisdom to those who govern it and respect for human life and dignity to every citizen, so that justice may flourish and all peoples live in unity and in peace." To which all Canadians can say, "Amen".
A gentle reminder that when attending one of our weekend masses, to please use Eventbrite to register before Friday at 5 pm. The following link will enable you to do so: https://myparish.org/post/5eec28e765f492006062ab35
For those who do not have a computer, please call the office by Friday morning in order to have Joanna register you.