Focus on the Word
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Isaiah 55.10-11; Romans 8.18-23; Matthew 13.1-13
O God, who show the light of your truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right path, give all who are accounted Christians the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ and to strive after all that does it honour. Amen.
ShareLife is a sign of our stewardship, and an opportunity Pray for the Deceased to share the gifts of time, talent and treasure that have been Melanie Opinion Mabiog Mervyn Nicholas entrusted to us by God.
"As generous distributors of God's manifold grace, put your The 98 victims of the Pakistan Airlines Airbus crash gifts at the service of one another each in the measure he in Karachi has received." (1 Peter 4:10)
RCIA, RCIC Parish Week 12 July 2020 Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults & Children
Saturday, 11 July / St. Benedict, abbot Pray for all in our parish R.C.I.A. process, who preparing for 8.00 am Mass: † Souls in Purgatory (Audrey Caza) the Sacraments of Initiation; as well as the youth in our 5.00 pm Mass: † Swarna Ameresekere (family) parish R.C.I.C. process. Due to ongoing precautions to deal
SUNDAY, 12 JULY – 15 A with the Covid 19 pandemic, groups meetings cannot be
■ Homilist: Fr.Elias Chachati held at the Church. However, instruction is being provided ■ 2nd Collection: ShareLife Free Will on line, and information is being disseminated through email
9.00 am Mass: † Billy & Ludy Ombac (family) messages. Spiritual support is also provided through the 10.30 am Mass: † Ernesto & Lydia Rodas (family) resources printed in this bulletin, and through the various 12.00 pm Mass: † Rodrigo DeLeon (Carol Banez) links provided by the Archdiocese on the parish website. 1.30 pm Infant Baptism 7.00 pm Mass: Pro Populo 1st Communion and Confirmation Monday, 13 July The celebrations of 1st HOLY COMMUNION and CONFIRMATION, 8.00 am Mass: † Cristeta Costales Garcia (Criselda) which were to take place after Holy Week, will be rescheduled 7.00 pm Mass: Int. Alwina Fernando (friends) later in the Fall. Updates will be provided regularly, and dates Tuesday, 14 July publicized as soon as possible, to give families a chance to prepare 8.00 am Mass: Int. Thanksgiving on her 66th Birthday properly to celebrate these vital, affirming and life-giving events (Helen Serneo)
nd Wednesday, 15 July / St. Bonaventure, bishop & doctor 2 Collection 8.00 am Mass: Int. Corazon, Divina Mar & Dino Aseo (family) 12 July: ShareLife Appeal, Freewill Offering Thursday, 16 July / Our Lady of Mount Carmel On 12 July, the 2nd collection will be the Freewill Offering for our 8.00 am Mass: † Charles D’Silva (Lydia & family) annual ShareLife Appeal, supporting 33 Catholic agencies and 10 grant recipients that respect the sanctity of all human life. Friday, 17 July 8.00 am Mass: † Orlando, Virginia & Arnel Tolentino (family) If you use one of the recycled envelopes marked “ShareLife,” 11.00 am ►Ina Grafton Nursing Home Mass remember to write your own Sunday envelope number on top.
Saturday, 18 July / St. Benedict, abbot 8.00 am Mass: † Hans & Rose Kwa (Angela Tam) 3:00 pm Wedding: Christopher & Jamie Katrina Ramos COMING UP 7015o20
5.00 pm Mass: Int. Marjorie Joseph (Mom, Agnes) 6 Aug. Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
15 Aug. Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary SUNDAY, 19 JULY – 16 A
■ Homilist: Deacon Ramon Villardo 20 Sept. Stewardship Sunday 9.00 am Mass: † Crescenzo Tisi (Grande family)
10.30 am Mass: † Celine Donald (Valentino Rego & family) 12.00 pm Mass: Int. Thanksgiving Birthday Mely Website stmariagoretti.archtoronto.org (Deacon Ramon & family) For the Prayer to St. Michael, and details of other events in our 7.00 pm Mass: Pro Populo Parish, see pages 3 and following in the website bulletin.
Resuming Masses Capacity for Baptisms, at our Church on Wednesday, 17 June 2020 Weddings, Funerals
This is a synopsis of the Letter first published on 15 June 2020. Ontario Eases Restrictions, 12 June 2020 For the full text, see the bulletin for 21 June 2020. Ceremonies Attendees Will Still be Required to Practice Dear members of St. Maria Goretti Parish, Physical Distancing
Things look a little different as we return to Church. As we The Ontario government is providing more flexibility on the re-open, we must do so in phases. Our capacity is limited number of attendees permitted at indoor and outdoor due to directives from the Province of Ontario. wedding and funeral ceremonies, in recognition of the One key point we need to highlight is that the Archdiocese importance of being with loved ones during the moments recommends that all (over the age of 3) who come to Church that matter most. Based on positive public health trends the wear a face mask to mitigate the spread of the virus. government is extending the number of people allowed to We warmly invite you to consider how you might share your attend an indoor wedding or funeral ceremony to a time and talents as a Volunteer. The many tasks required for maximum of 30 per cent capacity of the ceremony venue. re-opening are significant and we need more Volunteers than Wedding and funeral ceremonies taking place outdoors will ever to help. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Gavin be limited to 50 attendees. Moniz at: [email protected].
Our joy of re-opening our Church is balanced with these For all ceremonies, those attending must follow proper required restrictions. However, returning to Sacramental life health and safety advice, including practising physical and gathering as a community is sustenance essential for our distancing from people who are not from the same household or their established 10-person social circle. faith community. We look forward to welcoming you back. Be assured that you remain in our prayers each day. “With recent progress to reduce the spread of Covid -19, we are able to ease restrictions on these special ceremonies,” Sincerely in Christ, said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Fr. Edwin Galea, Fr. Elias Chachati, Health. “We have taken deliberate steps to increase testing Deacon Ramon Villardo and increase our ability to track and contain this virus. As we loosen these measures, I strongly urge everyone to remain careful and cautious as we are all still at risk.” Face Masks Mandatory
New Law: 7 July 2020 The changes came into effect on Friday, 12 June 12 at 12:01 am. The maximum number of people allowed at indoor or I want to thank all of you for your co-operation and kindness outdoor wedding and funeral receptions stays at 10 people. as we have returned to Church over these past weeks. It has As the Covid -19 outbreak evolves in Ontario, further been so great to see parishioners once again and I thank direction will be provided on capacity restrictions for everyone who has been so helpful in this re-opening stage, Weddings and Funerals going forward. especially our wonderful volunteers. Thank you!
As you may have heard in recent days, a new by-law has Visit Ontario’s Covid-19 website to learn more about how the province protects Ontarians from the virus. been passed that makes the use of masks or face coverings inside all public places mandatory. This includes Churches David Jensen, Communications Branch and our own parish. I would ask that all those coming to [email protected] 416-314-6197 Church bring a mask or face covering and wear it upon entering. I recognize that this may be an inconvenience yet I know that we are all committed to caring for our neighbor. Re-opening Committee
While a number of restrictions have been lifted in recent Many thanks to Gavin Moniz, and the members of the days, we are still in the middle of a pandemic and need to Parish Re-opening Committee, for their dedication to take the appropriate steps to minimize any potential spread our faith community, and for their help in making sure of Covid-19. So while the Archdiocese of Toronto had that everything is in order to allow us to reassemble, in highly recommended wearing a mask while in Church and I know that most of you have been doing so, it is now a by- accordance with the guidelines issued by the Provincial government and the Archdiocese of Toronto. law that we must follow.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation as we do all that As it becomes available, pertinent information will be we can to take care of one another and keep our community posted directly on our website home page. safe and healthy. Thanks to everyone for your patience, collaboration Sincerely in Christ, and prayer. – Fr. Edwin Galea
Fr. Edwin
In 1976, Archbishop Philip Pocock (photo above) founded the SHARELIFE campaign in the Toronto ShareLife 2020 Archdiocese to support the work of Catholic agencies that serve the greater community. Living the Gospel !
Our ShareLife Freewill Appeal is on 12 July Remember our SHARELIFE Today, we reflect on Living the Gospel by Agencies at this critical time Revering Life at All Stages: Community / Family Services From Conception to Natural Death. Catholic Community Services of York Region, Catholic Cross-cultural Services, Catholic Family REVERENCE FOR LIFE has been a core principle of Services of Durham, Catholic Family Services Peel- ShareLife since our founding in 1976. We recognize the Dufferin, Catholic Family Services of Simcoe Country, sacredness of life from conception to natural death. We Catholic Family Services of Toronto, FertilityCare are also committed to Catholic Social Teaching that Toronto, Natural Family Planning Association upholds the dignity of poor and marginalized people, affirming that everyone is created in the image of God. People with Special Needs Our agencies apply these values in everything they do. Mary Centre, Our Place Community of Hope, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, St. Bernadette’s Family Thanks to all for your support of our parish 2020 Resources Centre, St. Michael`s Homes / Matt Talbot ShareLife. This is a real blessing, a tribute to the Houses, Silent Voice Canada (ministry to the deaf) generosity of every donor, at a time of great need.
Children and Youth Please make a sacrificial gift to ShareLife through our Catholic Children`s Aid Society of Toronto, Catholic parish campaign.
Settlement House Day Nursery, Covenant House, The Share Life Freewill Appeal is this Sunday, 12 July. Sancta Maria House / Young Parents: Please donate, and help us reach our goal! Rosalie Hall, Rose of Durham, Rose of Sharon, Your generosity will help bring compassion and hope
Vita Centre / Seniors: to others.
Les Centres d’Accueil Heritage, Loyola Arrupe Centre, If you have not yet had a chance to participate in our Providence Healthcare, Society of Sharing parish Appeal, there is still time to help us reach our Affiliated Organizations goal!
Camp Ozanam (Society of St. Vincent de Paul), There are still late donations coming in; this year’s
Good Shepherd Ministries, Birthright International Campaign officially closes at the end of July. Three New Titles of Mary Prayer to
Pope Francis has approved the inclusion of three St. Michael additional invocations in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also called the Litany of Loreto. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us In a 20 June letter to all the Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences, Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the in battle, be our Congregation for the Divine Liturgy and the Discipline defense against the of the Sacraments, said that these invocations should be wickedness and snares inserted in the Marian litany: of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, Mater misericordiae Mater spei O Prince of the Heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all Solacium migrantium the evil spirits who prowl about the world Cardinal Sarah wrote, “The seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. titles and invocations which
Christian piety has reserved for the Virgin Mary over the St. Maria Goretti course of the centuries, as the Feast Day celebrations privileged and sure way to an Many thanks to all who encounter with Christ, are innumerable.” assisted at the special devotions to our dear The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Patroness at the First Friday the Litany of Loreto, has been an approved prayer for Holy Hour and Mass on 3 the intercession of Mary by the Church since the late July, at all Sunday Masses last th 16 century, with its usage recorded even prior. week, 4 & 5 July, and at the
It consists of the recitation of formal and informal titles Holy Hour and Mass on the actual Feast Day: Monday, 6 July. Our gratitude is extended of Mary, followed by the request to Mary to “pray for to the representatives of the Children’s Choir, for their us.” The litany can be prayed in Latin or the vernacular. Liturgical Act at the 10.30 am Mass on Sunday, and to Sir Cardinal Sarah noted where each invocation should be Grand Knight Melvin Zamora, for offering the Prayer to St. Maria Goretti at the 12.00 noon Mass. added, using the Latin formulations. The framed collage of photos from the Visit of the Body of “Mater misericordiae,” which means, “Mother of St. Maria Goretti to our Church, from 31 May to 2 June mercy,” should be placed after “Mater Ecclesiae.” 2012, will remain in front of the Altar for all our Sunday Masses on 11 & 12 July. “Mater spei,” which means “Mother of hope,” should follow “Mater divinae gratiae.” Parishioners are encouraged to use this prayer frequently, to solicit the intercession of our Patroness in our need. “Solacium migrantium,” which means “Comfort of migrants,” should follow “Refugium peccatorum.” Prayer to St. Maria Goretti
The letter of Cardinal Sarah was issued on the O Saint Maria Goretti, who, strengthened by God’s Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He wrote: Grace, did not hesitate, even at the age of twelve, to shed your blood and sacrifice life to defend your “With every good wish and kind regard, we wish to virginal purity, deign to look graciously on the entrust this notification to you for your information and unhappy human race, which has strayed far from application. The Church which walks along the the path of eternal salvation. pathways of history as a pilgrim towards the heavenly Jerusalem and enjoys inseparable communion with Teach us all, and especially modern youth, with Christ her Spouse and Saviour, entrusts herself to her what courage and haste we should flee anything that who believed in the word of the Lord. We know from could offend Jesus and defile our souls with sin. the Gospel that the disciples of Jesus had in fact learned Obtain for us from God great horror of sin so that, from the beginning to praise her as ‘Blessed among keeping our souls undefiled, we may live holy lives women’ and to count on her maternal intercession.” on earth and win eternal glory in heaven. Amen.
The Story of Alessandro Serenelli
“Maria’s forgiveness saved me.” – A. Serenelli
Alessandro Serenelli was born into a family well acquainted with poverty and hardship. Shortly after he was born, his own mother attempted to drown him. She died several months later, while in a mental asylum. His brother was also interned in an asylum, where he also died.
Alessandro’s father, Giovanni, was an alcoholic who struggled to provide for his children. He moved the family multiple times trying to earn a living as a manual laborer. Following his death, the Capuchin friars with whom he lived Unfortunately, his alcoholism prevented his holding down a found a sealed envelope among his personal effects. It was job for very long. It was while working as a sharecropper his spiritual testament, written in the form of an open letter that he met Luigi Goretti, father of Maria Goretti. Since both to the world. It contains an appeal that all follow the way of families lived in poverty, they decided to partner together Christ. It also paints a dramatic and touching picture of a and attempt to work as a team for those hiring sharecroppers. man who was able to regain his dignity through the generous
Both men eventually decided to move their families to a mercy that those he wounded extended to him: small town called Le Ferriere di Conca, near Nettuno, about 40 miles south of Rome. By this time, Giovanni Serenelli I am now almost 80 years old. I am close to the end of my had only his son Alessandro living with him. They found days. Looking back at my past, I recognize that in my early work, and lived in a house with the Gorettis on one side and youth I followed a false road—an evil path that led to my the Serenellis on the other, and a kitchen in the middle. ruin. Through the content of printed magazines, immoral shows, and bad examples in the media, I saw the majority Within two years, when Alessandro was 18 years old, of the young people of my day following evil without even Maria’s father died of malaria. His own father was thinking twice. Unworried, I did the same thing. increasingly gripped by alcohol, and Alessandro became more and more reclusive and withdrawn. There were faithful and practicing Christian believers around me, but I ignored them. I was blinded by a brute Alessandro began to make lewd jokes and gestures towards impulse that pushed me down the wrong way of living. Maria. These were followed by repeated attempts to seduce her. Maria wanted nothing to do with Alessandro and At the age of 20, I committed a crime of passion, the memory rejected one of his propositions. Knowing he was capable of of which still horrifies me today. Maria Goretti, now a saint, violence, she was careful never to be alone with him. But was my good angel whom God placed in my path to save me. Alessandro devised a plan to approach the house in the Her words both of rebuke and forgiveness are still imprinted middle of the day, when Maria would be alone and everyone in my heart. She prayed for me, interceding for her killer. else would be at work. Thirty years in prison followed.
When Maria found herself trapped in the house alone with Resigned, I atoned for my sin. Little Maria was truly my Alessandro, she resisted him with all her strength. In fact, light, my protector. With her help, I served those 27 years her resistance was so great that he was unable to rape her. In in prison well. When society accepted me back as a member, a fit of rage, Alessandro stabbed Maria 14 times with a file. I tried to live honestly. With angelic charity, the sons of St. Maria died 24 hours later. Francis, the minor Capuchins of the Marches, welcomed me
Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He was kept among them not as a servant, but as a brother. I have lived in isolation as he tended to be violent against other inmates. with them for 24 years. Now I look serenely to the time in which I will be admitted to the vision of God, to embrace my One night, six years into his prison sentence, Maria appeared dear ones once again, and to be close to my guardian angel, to him. She appeared in a garden picking 14 white lilies, and Maria Goretti, and her dear mother, Assunta. handed them to him one by one. This gesture of forgiveness, this act of love, filled him with light and the Holy Spirit. He May all who read this letter of mine desire to avoid evil and was immediately contrite for what he had done. He finished follow the good. May all believe with the faith of little the rest of his sentence in tranquility. In fact, his behavior children that religion with its precepts became so docile, and the transformation of his person was is necessary for life. so dramatic, that he was released three years early. After his It is true comfort, and the only sure way release he sought the forgiveness of Maria’s mother. He in all of life’s circumstances, even in the joined the Capuchin Franciscans and, as a lay brother, most painful. worked as a gardener, porter, and general laborer. He died in Peace and all good. the peace of Christ, with the love and admiration of those that knew him, at the Capuchin convent at Macerata, Italy, Alessandro Serenelli on 6 May 1970. Macerata, Italy, 5 May 1961
A second characteristic trait present in David’s vocation is his poet’s soul. From this small observation, we can deduce that David was not a vulgar man, as is often the case with individuals who are forced to live for long periods in isolation from society. He is, instead, a sensitive person who loves music and singing.
The world that presented itself before his eyes was not a silent scene: as things unraveled before his gaze he observed a greater mystery. That is exactly where prayer arises: from the conviction that life is not something that takes us by surprise, but a stupefying mystery that inspires poetry, music, gratitude, praise, even lament and supplication in us. When a person lacks that poetic dimension, let’s say, when poetry is missing, his or her soul limps. Thus, tradition has it that David is the great artist behind the composition of the
Psalms. Many of them at the beginning bear an explicit Pope’s General Audience, 24 June reference to the king of Israel, and to some of the more or On the Prayer of David less noble events of his life.
David, therefore, has a dream: being a good shepherd. ‘Favoured by God even from his youth, Sometimes he will live up that that task, other times not; he is chosen for a unique mission that what is important, however, in the context of the history of would play a central role in the history salvation, is that he is a prophecy of another King, whom he of the people of God and in our own faith.’ merely announces and prefigures.
In the Pope’s general audience of 24 June, he continued his Look at David, think about David. Holy and sinful, catechesis series on Prayer, focusing on the theme: “The persecuted and persecutor, victim and murderer, which is a Psalm 18: 2-3, 29, 33 contradiction. David was all of this, together. prayer of David” ( ). We too have recorded events in our lives that are often Catechesis of the Holy Father opposed to each other; in the drama of life, all people often Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! sin because of inconsistency. There is one single golden
On the itinerary for the catechesis on prayer, today we meet thread running through David’s life, that gave unity to King David. Favoured by God even from his youth, he is everything that happened: his prayer. That is the voice that chosen for a unique mission that would play a central role in was never extinguished. David the saint prays: David the the history of the people of God and in our own faith. In the sinner prays; David, persecuted, prays; David the persecutor Gospels, Jesus is called “son of David” a number of times; prays. Even David the murderer prays. This is the golden like him, in fact, He is born in Bethlehem. thread running through his life. A man of prayer. That is the
According to the promises, the Messiah would come from voice that is never silenced. Whether it assumed tones of the descendants of David: a King completely after God’s jubilation or lament, it is always the same prayer, it is only heart, in perfect obedience to the Father, whose action the melody that changes. In so doing, David teaches us to let faithfully realises His plan of salvation (see Catechism of the everything enter into dialogue with God: joy as well as guilt, love as well as suffering, friendship as much as sickness. Catholic Church, 2579).
David’s story begins on the hills around Bethlehem, where David, who knew solitude, was in reality never alone! In the he grazes the flock of his father, Jesse. David is, therefore, end, this is the power of prayer in all those who make space first of all a shepherd: a man who takes care of animals, who for it in their lives. Prayer gives you nobility, and David is defends them from oncoming danger, who provides for their noble because he prays. But he is a murderer who prays; he sustenance. When by God’s will David will have to care for repents and his nobility returns thanks to prayer. Prayer his people, the things he will do, will not be very different. gives us nobility. it is capable of securing their relationship with God who is the true Companion on the journey of every This is why the image of the shepherd frequently occurs in man and woman, in the midst of life’s thousand adversities, the Bible. Even Jesus defined Himself as “the good good or bad: but always prayer. Thank you, Lord. I am shepherd”, whose behaviour is different than that of the afraid, Lord. Help me, Lord. Forgive me, Lord. David’s trust mercenary; He offers His life on behalf of the sheep, He is so great that, when he was persecuted and had to flee, he guides them, He knows each one by name (see Jn 10:11-18). did not let anyone defend him: “If my God humiliates me David had learned a lot from his previous job. So, when the thus, He knows what He is doing,” because prayer leaves us prophet Nathan reproves him for his very serious sin (see 2 in God’s hands. Those hands wounded by love: the only sure Samuel 12:1-15), David understands that he had been a bad hands we have. shepherd, that he was no longer a humble servant, but a man who was crazy for power, and preyed on others.
Born Jan. 15, 1924 in the Bavarian town of Altoetting, Georg Ratzinger showed an early talent for music, playing the church organ at age 11. The family eventually settled outside nearby Traunstein in 1937, where he and his brother joined the seminary. During World War II, Ratzinger told The Associated Press in an interview that he remembered huddling with the blinds drawn with his younger brother and father listening to Allied radio broadcasts, because their father wanted them to know the truth about the Nazi regime.
Though the Ratzinger family was firmly anti-Nazi, Georg Ratzinger was forcibly enrolled into the Hitler Youth in 1941. In his book, “Salt of the Earth,” Benedict remarked on the time and his own subsequent enrolment at age 14. Georg Ratzinger dies, 1 July 2020 In 1942, Georg was drafted into a federal labour force, and The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Pope the same fall entered the regular German armed forces as a Benedict XVI, who earned renown in his own right as a radio operator in a signals unit. After serving in France, the director of an acclaimed German boys’ choir, has died at 96. Netherlands and Czechoslovakia, Ratzinger was sent in 1944 The Regensburg diocese in Bavaria, where Ratzinger lived, to Italy where he was wounded in fighting. said that he died on 1 July. His death came a week after He was captured by U.S. forces and was a POW the rest of Benedict made a 5-day visit to Regensburg to be with him. the war, returning to Traunstein one day in July 1945. Ordained on the same day as his brother, Georg proved to be Joseph recalled it in his memoir “Milestones,” remembering a talented musician and went on oversee the recording of that the family had no idea if Georg were alive or dead. numerous masterpieces and concert tours around the world “A quiet worry hung over our house...” he wrote. “Suddenly, by the Regensburger Domspatzen, a storied choir that traces on a hot July day, steps were audible, and he whom we had its history back to the 10th century. missed for so long was again standing in our midst, tanned He remained extremely close to his brother throughout his from the Italian sun. He sat down at the piano, thankful and career, expressing dismay when Joseph Ratzinger was relieved, and intoned ‘Holy God We Praise Thy Name.’ ” elected Pope that the stress would affect his health and that Following the war, the brothers entered the seminary of the they would no longer spend so much time together. archdiocese of Munich and Freising. They were ordained The Pope had his quarters in the Apostolic Palace modified Priests together on 29 June 1951, the Feast of Saints Peter with a special apartment for his brother, who travelled and Paul, in the Cathedral at Freising. frequently from his home in the Bavarian city of Regensburg After working his way up as priest in the region, Georg was to Rome. Elected to the papacy in 2005, Benedict stepped appointed musical director of St. Peter Cathedral in down in 2013 and was succeeded by current Pope Francis. Regensburg in 1964, becoming the conductor of the famed Georg and Joseph came from a religious Catholic family, the cathedral choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen. sons of police officer Josef and Maria Ratzinger, and great As head of this world-renowned choir, whose name means nephews of the German politician Georg Ratzinger, a priest “Cathedral Sparrows,” Georg helped build its reputation and social reformer who was a member of the Bavarian and around the world, running tours that included trips to the Federal parliament. Vatican, the United States, Canada, Poland and Japan and performances for Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II.
Georg travelled to the Vatican for his brother’s installation as Pope on 24 April 2005. In October of that year, the brothers got together again. “Sanctus,” a piece Georg composed, was played at a Vatican concert for the Pope and sung by the Domspatzen, while both brothers watched on.
As Georg’s health failed, his brother came to Regensburg to visit him. Benedict greeted old neighbours and prayed at his parents’ grave. He stayed at a seminary during his trip, visiting his brother twice a day.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him. Above, left: The Ratzinger siblings: Maria, Georg, Joseph. May he rest in peace. Amen. Above, right: Georg’s book on his brother, Pope Benedict.
Remembering the Faithful Departed
During the pandemic shutdown in Ontario from mid-March to June, many families were deprived of the opportunity to pay a proper farewell to loved ones who died. The Church remembers the faithful departed in its prayers, and will provide appropriate memorial rites for families who wish to gather to honour their departed members. In funeral Masses, Memorial Masses, graveside prayers of remembrance, and in the many ways in which we publicly remember our faithful departed, we cherish their memory and pray for their swift reunion with all the Saints in the heavenly Kingdom.
Above: Funeral Mass for Fr. Georg Ratzinger at St. Peter Above: Grave plaque for Mary and Paul Galea at Holy Cross Cathedral, Regensburg, Germany. Cemetery, Thornhill. (Flower arrangement by Kathleen Galea.)
Above: Mrs. Maria Canete holds a picture of her dear Below: The collage of photos from the visit of the Body of husband Fidel after his funeral on 27 June 2020. St. Maria Goretti (2012) in front of our Altar, 6 July 2020.
Between Masses, the Church is a peaceful place to pray. process, since the pews must be cleaned after each Mass, Below: The Andrada family spends time in personal prayer. Parishioners who visit and wish to pray personally are asked In order to avoid compromising the mandatory disinfection not to sit in the pews.
Above: V. Pethuru family visits the Church for personal Below: The Children’s Choir provides a Liturgical Act prayer, 30 June 2020. at the 10.30 am Mass on 5 July 2020.
Above: Yvonne Suico, Gavin Moniz and Lillian D’Souza Below: Joshua Rebello, Claudine Tadeo and Bryan meet to review Re-opening procedures at the Parish. Harack assist at the 12 noon Mass on 5 July 2020.