In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Friday was the Memorial of St Padre Pio, patron of the school named after him in Woodbridge. St Padre Pio was born in southern Italy over a hundred years ago. He is known for his love of God, wisdom, and care for those he met.
Today is the Feast of the Canadian Martyrs, patrons of Canadian Martyrs CES in Newmarket. St. Charles Garnier CES in Richmond Hill, St. Rene Goupil-St. Luke CES in Thornhill, and St. Jean de Brebeuf CHS in Woodbridge are all schools named after Canadian martyrs. A martyr is someone who gives up his or her life while serving God. These Canadian Martyrs are models of courage. They died in the service of bringing the Christian faith to others.
Today we also remember Father John Kelly, patron of Father John Kelly CES in Maple. He was President of the University of St. Michael’s College and was known as someone who challenged his students to build a City of God in our midst.
Sunday evening our Jewish brothers and sisters began their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year, which lasts until tomorrow evening September 27th. During this time, Jewish people from all over the world celebrate God’s creation of the world.
Let us pray with the words that Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.