Anne Leahy has been appointed Canada's ambassador to the Holy See. Anne, a former parishioner, informed me through an email last week while I was on holiday. I am delghted to hear of her appointment and I cannot think of a more deserving person. Anne continues to inspire me, and indeed many others, by her gentle and humble witness of faith, and by the many personal ways in which she has responded to so many world concerns, especially in matters of social justice. Anne will be the first woman to hold the post of Canadian ambassador to the Holy See. She leaves soon for Rome but plans a visit to the Newman Centre in the coming weeks prior to her departure. Please remember her in your prayers.
During World Youth Day, 2002, Anne assisted Fr. Rosica and acted as the federal co-ordinator for World Youth Day. She was well-qualified for that role. Anne has served as ambassdor to Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Poland, Russia, and more recently as ambassador to Africa's Great Lakes region. She founded the international studies institute at the University of Quebec at Montreal from 2000 - 2004. I know that many at the Newman Centre hold her in great esteem and so we wish her all the best in the days and years to come.
It is hard to believe another World Youth Day has come and gone. The recent World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, drew about 40 persons from the Toronto Archdiocese. The cost of such a trip proved to be very daunting for many local youth and so the Archdiocese of Toronto also held a Catholic Youth Weekend at Martyr's Shrine in Midland, Ontario, in mid-July (the same weekend as the Pope celebrated with international youth in Australia). Close to 500 youth attended the more local event in Midland. I am pleased, however, that Newman was well represented in Australia by two young people from our community Liane Maryuen went as part of the official Archdiocesian celebration. Prior to her departure, she was commissioned and blessed at the Cathedral with the other pilgrims and later at Newman at a Mass attended by the Youth Director, Fr. Edwin Gonsalves. In addition, Mervyn Theo also attended while visiting some relatives and friends in Australia. I am sure we will soon hear from them about their experiences since I have invited them to offer a written reflection to share with the community. I wish to thank them for their great witness of faith and for the prayers they offered in Australia for the Newman community.
In this edition of the bulletin, you will find some pictures which highlight World Youth Day, Australia, to include pictures of Liane, as well as pictures highlighting recent events at the Newman Centre. It was a pleasure to share in the Appreciaiton Night for all the Liturgical Ministers in our parish, as well as to enjoy a wonderful breakfast this past July 20th with all who attended the annual Parish Brunch. I am grateful to Hector Acero, Student Campus Minister, for his great work in organizing the parish breakfast. As you know, it sold out a week prior, yet Hector managed to secure a few extra tickets for those who had been away and had little chance to get tickets. Hector will also be organizing the parish Boat Cruise and Dinner around the Toronto Islands set for Saturday, August 16th. I hope to see many of you at that event as well. We held it for the first time last summer and it proved to be a great success. Please be sure to get your tickets early. I am sure it will be a delightful August event.
Finally, I wish to congratulate Claude and Rosemary Thomson, on the occason of their 50th wedding anniversary. Claude is the Chair of the Newman Foundation and I was delighted to celebrate a special Mass with them recently at the Newman Centre. Claude and Rosemary actually met at a dance at the Newman Centre more than 50 years ago! As such, they have very fond memories of the Centre. Fr. Larry Marcille, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, and their current pastor, also attended their celebration. Kindly remember them in your prayers and I appreciate their fine work with the Newman Foundation.
I close with an assurance of my prayers; let us remember one another in prayer.
Fr. Pat
