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Diocèse de Timmins / Diocese of Timmins

 


‘Ad Limina' Visit

As you know, all the Bishops of Ontario travelled to Rome at the beginning of September for their "Ad Limina" visit, words that mean: at the threshold of Christianity. More than being an opportunity for meetings and discussions with the Pope's closest collaborators and with the Holy Father himself, this visit takes on a very symbolic character of unity and collaboration in the service of the same Church. It becomes a remarkable spiritual event and a time for knowledge and mutual enrichment. At the end of the journey, we went to Assisi to experience a retreat there together in a wonderful setting where everything speaks of God but in a context of simplicity and humility in the tradition of St. Francis. I kept you in my prayers throughout the journey, asking the Apostles Peter and Paul, whose tombs we visited, to help us with the mission entrusted to us and with the courage necessary to proclaim Jesus Christ in today's world.

In his closing speech, Benedict XVI did not fail to underline the commitment of our country in service to justice and peace in the world. Then, he deplored the fact that our values often detach from their Christian roots to evolve in a disturbing direction. This is demonstrated in a particular way in the new definition recently given to the word ‘spouse' and the destruction of unborn children in the name of freedom of choice. The Pope said: "When the Creator's divine plan is ignored, the truth of human nature is lost". Even democracy can only succeed if it takes into account a correct and true understanding of the human person. The challenge for Christians will consist of evangelizing a culture marked by relativism, where, judging from everything, the self is the ultimate criterion.

The Pope had words of admiration and encouragement for all those who work among young people. He hopes that the youth can continue to appreciate the gift of faith that they have received.

We all agreed in saying that this was the best ad limina visit in a very long time. We discovered there a spirit of listening and collaboration as well as a will to respect the roles and responsibilities of each one. I have returned from the visit with a new vitality.



"As sisters and brothers, let us communicate..."

This is the theme retained by the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the 2006-2007 year. A working document will very shortly be given to you in your parishes. The process will unfold in three stages, the first of which will extend from mid October to December. Each stage will include a brief presentation followed by a series of ‘pertinent' questions, which have already been tested among the members of the DPC, the pastoral workers and the priests. I ask all those responsible for parishes and pastoral workers to use every means possible and imaginable to allow the greatest possible number of people to personally reflect on the proposed questions and to discuss them in groups. This is a process that seems to me to be of utmost importance for the fulfilment of our lives and greater happiness in the groups we belong to and in our pastoral commitment. Every time the theme of communication is concerned, it always goes further than we think...