The Unimaginable Love of God 2022 - The Society for the Propagation of the Faith - VOL 80, NO. 1 - Pontifical Mission ...
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VOL 80, NO. 1 Winter 2022
The Unimaginable Love of God
2022
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
Pontifical Mission Societies – English Canada
In 2021, your prayers and financial assistance allowed us to support projects in the following countries:
Society for the Propagation of The Society of Saint Peter the Apostle Holy Childhood Association
the Faith ETHIOPIA BENNIE KENYA
GHANA GHANA NIGERIA NIGERIA
LIBERIA KENYA SOUTH AFRICA
TANZANIA LIBERIA BANGLADESH
MALAWI MADAGASCAR INDIA
SOUTH AFRICA
Back Cover: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia (Taken by editor, Dominic Pullano) - Front Cover: St. Mark’s Basilica - pixabay.com/photos/pantocrator-jesus-christ-iconography-4426119
t ^/d ͗ŚƚƚƉƐ͗ͬͬǁǁǁ͘ĐĞŶĂĐůĞͲŐĞŶ͘ŽƌŐͬĞŶͬĂƌƚŝĐůĞͬŵĂĚĂŐĂƐĐĂƌͲŽƌŝŐŝŶƐͲĂŶĚͲƉƌĞƐĞ
The Unimaginable Love Of God
As Catholics, we believe that the events in the life of Jesus are much more than simply historical ac-
counts. The life and teachings of Jesus have a special meaning for us. They form the core of the Gos-
pel message. The events in the life of Jesus reveal the message that God wanted humanity to hear by
sending his only Son to earth, namely that God loves us. From the incarnation to the crucifixion to the
Ascension, and everything in-between, the events in the life of Jesus show us how much God loves us.
God the Father created humanity out of one great explosion of love. Humanity, however, has not always
reciprocated that love. In order to re-establish that union between God and humanity, God sent us His
Son to demonstrate the depth of the divine affection for humanity, including by giving up His life for us
on the cross. The Son came to bring to all humanity the love that exists between the Father and the Son,
in the form of the Holy Spirit, to dwell with us and to enable us to love God as much as God loves us.
In this 2022 calendar, we have highlighted one event in the life of Jesus that is celebrated liturgi-
cally in each month. Then, we have reflected on how these occurrences in the life of Jesus demonstrate
God’s love for each and every one of us. The theme for this year’s calendar is simply, “The unimaginable
love of God.” Throughout the year, you will be treated to an explanation of the love that God has for you.
As you go through the year and read the reflections for each month, may your love for God increase and
may you be evermore wrapped in God’s loving embrace. May you always realize that no matter where
you may have been, God has always been with you and loved you. Similarly, no matter where you are
now or where you may be going, God will always be with you and His love will never end. God’s love is
eternal and unconditional. May we always live in that love and share it with those around us. After all,
the primary work of the missions is to bring the love of God to others.
May the beautiful reflections of our two columnists of our magazine, Mission’s Today, Lori Lisi and
Maria Fornasier inspire you; and may the creative abilities of our graphic artist Chris Marcucci stir you in
2022. I would like to thank these individuals for their many contributions to this calendar. They have not
only created a practical tool to mark your time that is visually beautiful. More importantly, together, we
have created a calendar that will touch your soul.
May you all have a very blessed 2022.
Deacon Dominic Pullano, editor of Missions Today.
In 2022, we honour and pray for the
Sisters of Heart Immaculate of Mary of
Diego - Suarez.
Baptism of Jesus (January 9)
For many of us, January, as the first month of the year, is associated with new beginnings. Traditionally, it is a first significant step on our yearly journey to-
ward achieving our hopes and goals that we expect will culminate in a positive change in our lives. It is appropriate, therefore, that Jesus’ baptism is marked
during this month. Jesus began His ministry for the purpose of fulfilling God’s plan by absolving us of original sin, uniting us to our community of faith, and
preparing us for the ultimate reconciliation with the Lord, by being baptized. The event is simply and similarly told in each of the four gospels; after being
baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, a dove, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit, descends on Jesus and a voice from above confirms his favoured
status as God’s “beloved Son” (3:22 Luke).
Baptism is a foundational sacrament. Through the ritual of purification with water, which is traditionally viewed as the origin of life and death, we are initi-
ated into the relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Through the symbolism of being submerged, a person is absorbed into the reason for Jesus’
baptism; our baptism signifies that we accept Jesus as our Saviour, who died on the cross to pave the way for our redemption. In other words, by being
baptized, it is understood that we are repenting for the sinful state into which we were born by being baptized in water and anointed with the Holy Spirit,
which signifies a new beginning. Although Jesus was without sin, He set the example for us of being cleansed. Jesus understood that by willingly accepting
the ritual of being baptized in water, He was also undertaking the first public step in the journey to His death for the absolution of our sins. He welcomed
his initiation to His ultimate loving sacrifice for us. Baptism is our formal introduction to our journey, joining with Christ in humility and atonement. By being
dipped in water and marked by the Holy Spirit, we continue on our journey as children of God.
Image Credit: pixabay.com
JANUARY 2022
For True Human Fraternity - We pray for all those suffering from
religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and
dignity be recognized, which originate from being brothers and sis-
ters in the human family.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
Solemnity of Mary,
Mother of God
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Epiphany of the Lord (USA) St. Andre Bessette
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
St. Marguerite
Baptism of the Lord Bourgeoys
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Second Sunday in Week of Prayer for
Ordinary Time Christian Unity Begins St. Agnes St. Vincent
23 Third Sunday in 24 25 26 27 28 29
Ordinary Time St. Frances De Sales
30 Fourth Sunday in 31 St. John Bosco St. Timothy and
Ordinary Time Conversion of St.Paul St. Titus St. Angela Merici St. Thomas Aquinas
DECEMBER 2021 FEBRUARY 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
26 27 28 29 30 31 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 27 28
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (February 2)
February, a month that focuses on celebrating love among families, friends and others close to us, is also when we mark another significant milestone
in Jesus’ loving relationship with his community and us. On February 2nd, 40 days after Jesus’ birth, we celebrate his presentation in the temple by
his parents. Luke’s gospel recounts that Jesus was brought to Jerusalem by his parents, Mary and Joseph, to fulfill their obligations in accordance with
Jewish tradition, which dictated that a family’s first-born son must “be consecrated to the Lord” (2:23 Luke). Because the eldest son was believed to
belong to the Lord, he must be redeemed by his parents with an offering. Reflecting Mary and Joseph’s poverty, they offered “a pair of turtledoves or
two young pigeons” (2:24 Luke).
The Holy Spirit, which sanctified Jesus through the
sacrament of baptism, disclosed to Simeon, a devout
elderly man, that Jesus was the Saviour, and would
be the “glory of your people Israel” (2:32 Luke). In
the same way that Mary and Joseph’s simple gift
redeemed Jesus, so Simeon’s simple prayer fore-
told the redemption of the world by Jesus. In other
words, Simeon understood that Jesus would save us
from our sinful state through his great sacrifice. How-
ever, he also understood that many, including Mary,
would suffer as part of the journey Jesus would take
to accomplish his destiny of saving us.
The presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, the
Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, demonstrates
his humility, his status as the son of a poor family. By
electing to fulfil the expectations of Jewish tradition,
Jesus aligned himself with the religious institutions
and customs of his family and community. As the son
of God, Jesus was not compelled to obey the Law of
Moses. However, he chose to be circumcised and
to conform to other traditions based on the Law to
demonstrate his approval of them. It is public proof
that Jesus was the outcome of the prophesies spo-
ken of in the Old Testament by the various prophets.
Image Credit: pixabay.com
FEBRUARY 2022
For Religious Sisters and Consecrated Women
We pray for religious sisters and consecrated women; thanking
them for their mission and their courage; may they continue to
find new responses to the challenges of our times.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
30 31 1 2 3 4 5
The Presentation of the
Lord St. Blaise St. Agatha
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Fifth Sunday in
Ordinary Time St. Josephine Bakhita St. Scholastica Our Lady of Lourdes
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Sixth Sunday in Sts. Cyril and
Ordinary Time Methodius
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Seventh Sunday in Chair of St. Peter the
Ordinary Time Apostle St. Polycarp
27 28 1 2 3 4 5
Eighth Sunday in
Ordinary Time
JANUARY 2022 MARCH 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 1 2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
Jesus in the Desert
(March 6 First Sunday of Lent)
Lent, the 40 days of preparation through prayer and sacrifice, which mimic the 40 days
Jesus spent alone in the wilderness immediately after his baptism, is meant to equip us
spiritually for the Easter celebration of the Resurrection. In order for Jesus to prepare
himself for the work of his ministry – teaching, modelling and spreading his message
of hope and comfort – he spent a long time in a deserted place, abstaining from
food and contact with others. According to the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke,
he was steered by the Holy Spirit to spend 40 days in solitary contemplation. At
the end of that period of privation, Jesus was tempted three times by the devil,
who tried to incite Jesus to abandon his will power and faithfulness to God’s
expectations and submit to the human desires for food and power. He tempts
Jesus to behave selfishly and arrogantly, but Jesus resists, answering with
appropriate responses from Scripture, culminating with “You shall not put
the Lord your God to the test” (4:12 Luke) from the Book of Deuteronomy.
Jesus demonstrates that he is completely faithful to God’s will. Jesus’ abil-
ity to resist temptation foreshadows his supreme faithfulness to God’s
expectations for him at the Passion.
Clearly, Jesus is setting an example for us and demonstrating
his love for us by his period of abstinence and meditation. He
models how Lenten discipline, especially prayer and self-control,
helps us to react faithfully to temptation. He is also a role model
for us in the way that he demonstrates self-mastery and adher-
ence to virtue despite the daunting temptations presented to
him by the devil. We can take comfort from knowing that when
we must struggle with numerous and difficult temptations, we
can look to Jesus’ example of bravery and fortitude. By sacrific-
ing and thinking of others, our will to resist is strengthened. The
discipline that Jesus models for us to sustain us during Lent en-
courages us to take advantage of the opportunity for a reawaken-
ing and growth of our faith.
Image Credit: pixabay.com
MARCH 2022
For a Christian Response to Bioethical Challenges
We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they
continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and
action.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
27 28 1 2 3 4 5
St. Katherine Drexel
Ash Wednesday (USA)
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Sts. Perpetua and
First Sunday of Lent Felicity St. John of God St. Frances of Rome
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Second Sunday of Lent St. Patrick St. Joseph
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
The Annunciation of
Third Sunday of Lent the Lord
27 28 29 30 31 1 2
Fourth Sunday of Lent
FEBRUARY 2022 APRIL 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
27 28 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
The Resurrection
(April 17)
Easter Sunday, the culmination of the Passion and the most
important event in the Church calendar, is the day we celebrate
the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the joyful renewal
of our faith as well as providing hope for eternal life. Christ’s
resurrection is preceded by his death, which frees us from sin.
By rising to eternal life, Christ unifies us to him. We live this as we
partake in the sacraments, joined together by our Catholic faith.
In Luke’s Gospel, he recounts the events of that day; the women,
including Mary of Magdala, were shocked and fearful when they
discovered Christ’s missing body. Their sense of wonderment
was heightened as they were reminded “by two men in dazzling
garments” (24:4 Luke) that Jesus had told them that he would
“on the third day rise again” (24:7 Luke). Immediately, the women
spread the incredible news to the apostles and others. Later that
day, Christ appeared to men walking to Emmaus, which was near
Jerusalem, and then to his apostles, all of whom were challenged
to accept the events of the past few days, but also amazed and
elated when they understood that Christ had risen, thereby ful-
filling “everything written about me in the law of Moses and the
prophets and psalms” (24:44 Luke).
Christ’s resurrection is the basis for our Catholic belief.
It is his promise to those who remain faithful that they will also
join in the mystery of salvation and redemption. As St. Paul wrote
to the Corinthians, by rising from the dead, Christ is the first of
many who will be gathered to God’s side and feel the joy of be-
ing united to Him. As Christ explained to his companions along
the road to Emmaus, his resurrection is the complete realization
of the prophesies and pledges made in the Old Testament and
by Jesus throughout his ministry. It emphasises the divine nature
of Jesus, who is given new life by the Holy Spirit and raised up by
God; the Holy Trinity act as one so that we can recognize Christ
as divine, acknowledge his sacrifice so that we can look forward
to our resurrection, and follow his example.
Image Credit: pixabay.comAPRIL 2022
For Health Care Workers
We pray for health care workers who serve the sick and the elderly,
especially in the poorest countries; may they be adequately sup-
ported by governments and local communities.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
27 28 29 30 31 1 2
St. Francis of Paola
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
St. John Baptist de la
Fifth Sunday of Lent St. Isidore Salle
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Palm Sunday of the Holy Thursday/Begin- Good Friday/Passion of
Passion of the Lord Holy Week ning of the Triduum the Lord Holy Saturday
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Easter Sunday of the
Resurrection of the
Lord Octave of Easter
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Second Sunday of
Easter/Divine Mercy St. Marie of the
Sunday St. Mark St. Catherine of Siena Incarnation
MARCH 2022 MAY 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 8
15
22
9
16
23
10 11 12
17 18 19
24 25 26
13 14
20 21
27 28
27 28 29 30 31 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 29 30 31The Ascension (May 29)
~The Ascension of the Lord~
...he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
The Ascension of the Lord is an important event in the life and death of Jesus. Every year, 40 days after Easter, we celebrate this fundamental aspect
of our faith. As disciples of Jesus, we believe in His life, death and resurrection, and by extension, we believe that God raised Jesus to heaven to sit
at His right side. There, Jesus, who has completed his earthly mission, continues with the heavenly mission of revealing God’s unconditional love,
bringing us in relationship with Him, and advocating for all his disciples.
Throughout his life, Jesus reveals his love for his people and continues to do so in his death, by dying on the cross to atone for our sins. In his ascen-
sion, His love for us is proven unwavering. He continues to make his love known to us by interceding on our behalf with our heavenly Father. He ad-
vocates for the forgiveness of our
sins and ensures our salvation, so
that one day we, too, may live
with Him in His father’s house.
Every time we recite the Apos-
tles’ Creed and we reflect on
these words, ...he ascended into
heaven, and is seated at the right
hand of God the Father almighty,
we are reminded of God’s love
for us: “For God so loved the
world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes
in him may not perish but may
have eternal life.” John 3:16
Image Credit: pixabay.comMAY 2022
For Faith-Filled Young People
We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may
they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment,
the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Blessed Marie-Leonie
Third Sunday of Easter St. Athanasius St. Philip and St. James Paradis St. Francois De Laval
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Fourth Sunday of Easter
(Mother’s Day) St. Damien de Veuster Our Lady of Fatima St. Matthias
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Fifth Sunday of Easter
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Blessed Louis-Zephirin St. Augustine of
Sixth Sunday of Easter Moreau St. Bede the Venerable St. Philip Neri Canterbury
29 30 31
The Visitation of the
Ascension of the Lord Blessed Virgin Mary
APRIL 2022 JUNE 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 5 6 7 8 9
12 13 14 15 16
19 20 21 22 23
10 11
17 18
24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 26 27 28 29 30The Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 24)
There is in the Sacred Heart the symbol and express image of the
infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love in return.
– Pope Leo XIII
On June 24th, 2022 we celebrate The Solemnity of The Most
Sacred Heart of Jesus which is always celebrated on the 3rd
Friday after Pentecost. The first mass for this feast took place
on August 31, 1670 in Rennes, France. The image of the sacred
heart of Jesus which is depicted in Christian art is a flaming
heart (representing the glory of God) surmounted by a cross,
(symbolic of our Christian faith and the sacrificial love of Jesus
which is filled with compassion, generosity, selflessness, and
mercy) and encircled by a crown of thorns (reminder that true
love requires sacrifice and that we are commissioned to love in
the same way as Jesus loves us).
St. Margaret Mary of Alacoque, a cloistered nun from France,
shared what Jesus had spoken to her during the visions she
experienced between 1673 and 1675. Jesus revealed to her
that his heart was so burning with love for humanity that it
could no longer be contained and that she would be the ves-
sel through which this would be shared with humanity and
all His disciples would be reminded of His immense love and
endless mercy for them. Jesus disclosed to Margaret Mary the
twelve promises He makes to all those who are devoted to His
sacred heart and the devotions that are attached to them. Je-
sus promises, for example:
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will comfort them in their trials.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and, above all, in death.
5. I will shed abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
The Sacred Heart is a powerful symbol of the love of Jesus, and the most venerated symbol in our faith. The words of St. Pope John Paul II remind us
that: “For evangelization today, the Heart of Christ must be recognized as the heart of the Church.”
O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make
me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You Amen
Image Credit: pixabay.comJUNE 2022
For Families
We pray for Christian families around the world; may they em-
body and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness
in their daily lives.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
St. Charles Lwanga and
St. Justin St. Marcellinus Companions
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Pentecost St. Ephrem
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Solemnity of the Most
Holy Trinity St. Anthony of Padua
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Solemnity of the Most The Immaculate Heart
Holy Body and Blood St. John Fisher and St. The Most Sacred Heart of the Blessed Virgin
of Christ St. Aloysius Gonzaga Thomas More of Jesus Mary
26 27 28 29 30 1 2
13th Sunday in
Ordinary Time St. Irenaeus St. Peter and St. Paul
MAY 2022 JULY 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2
8
15
22
9
16
23
10 11 12
17 18 19
24 25 26
13 14
20 21
27 28
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
29 30 31 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31Jesus and Mary Magdalene (July 22)
~Mary Magdalene and the Women Who Accompanied Jesus~
“A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness,
has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him
and has set out following closely after him,
becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love
that is stronger than sin and death.”
~Pope Benedict XVI
Six years ago, on July 22, 2016, Pope Francis et al. published a new decree which elevated the celebration of St. Mary Magdalene from a memorial
day to a feast day, highlighting the importance of Mary Magdalene, both historically and in our time. It was Mary Magdalene, together with the
other women of faith, who accompanied Jesus to Gethsemane. She was there at His death on the cross and became the evangelist who delivered
the good news of His resurrection to the Apostles, after being the first to see the resurrected Lord. In modern times, Mary Magdalene is referred to
as the ‘Apostle to the Apostles’.
Although Mary Magdalene was commonly denigrated by the people of her time, she came to embody the very essence of Jesus’ radical view of
women. Scripture reveals to us that during Jesus’ ministry the women took on a new role. Jesus listened to them and acknowledged their deep
faith and recognized their great love for him. Although the men of His time judged women such as Mary Magdalene, Mary the sister of Lazarus and
Martha, and the woman who anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume at the house of Simon the Pharisee, Jesus forgives their sins and has mercy on them.
Jesus tells them that their ‘faith has healed [them] (Luke 8:48). Jesus welcomed everyone, including women, to join him and be active members in
His life and ministry, for as St. Paul reminds us, ‘there is not male or female, for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus.’ (Galatians 3:28).
Image Credit: pixabay.comJULY 2022
For the Elderly
We pray for the elderly, who represent the roots and memory of
a people; may their experience and wisdom help young people to
look towards the future with hope and responsibility.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
26 27 28 29 30 1 2
(Canada Day)
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
14th Sunday in St. Augustine Zhao
Ordinary Time St. Elizabeth of Portugal St. Maria Goretti Rong and Companions
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
15th Sunday in Our Lady of Mount
Ordinary Time St. Benedict St. Henry St. Bonaventure Carmel
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
16th Sunday in
Ordinary Time St. Lawrence of Brindisi St. Mary Magdalene St. Bridget
24 17th Sunday in 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ordinary Time
31 18th Sunday in St. Joachim and St. Joachim and St.
Ordinary Time St.
St. James
Anne Anne St. Martha St. Peter Chrysologus
JUNE 2022 AUGUST 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6
5 6 7 8 9
12 13 14 15 16
19 20 21 22 23
10 11
17 18
24 25
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 7 8
14 15
21 22
9 10 11 12 13
16 17 18 19 20
23 24 25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 28 29 30 31~The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary~ (August 15)
“Let us celebrate her today with the love of children, let us celebrate her joyfully but humbly, enlivened by the hope of one day being with her in Heaven.”
~Pope Francis
Every year, August 15th marks the Feast of the Assumption for all Catholics around the world. It is one of the three feasts of our Blessed Virgin Mary,
along with the January 1st and December 8th, that is a Holy Day of Obligation. This feast commemorates the end of Mary’s life on earth and her as-
sumption, body and soul, into heavenly glory, where she continues to share in Jesus’ heavenly destiny. This event was made dogma by Pope Pius XII
in 1950.
Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation is revealed to us in her assumption. She was not subject to the death and decay of sin, because she was con-
ceived without sin. Our Blessed Virgin Mary was the first to receive the redemption of eternal life, which Jesus attained for all humanity, by dying for
us on the cross.
On this day, we meditate on the mystery of the as-
sumption and on Mary’s greatest virtue, which was
her faith in God. In a visit to her cousin Elizabeth she
says, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked
with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all gen-
erations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done
great things for me, and holy is his Name. (Luke 1: 46-
49). Reminded of this every time we recite the Mag-
nificat, we are assured that by maintaining a life of
humility and faith in God, at the end of the world, we
will be resurrected into eternal life.
Our Blessed Virgin Mary is the sign of the salva-
tion promised to us all, and she is the symbol of the
Church. Her assumption is another example of God’s
love for us and it fulfils His promise of eternal life and
the resurrection of all his disciples. This event gives
us hope that one day we, too, will join our Lord in
heaven, for He has proven that faith in God leads to
an everlasting life with God.
Image Credit: pixabay.comAUGUST 2022
For Small Businesses
We pray for small and medium sized businesses; in the midst of
economic and social crisis, may they find ways to continue operat-
ing, and serving their communities.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
31 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Dedication of the
Basilica of St. Mary The Transfiguration of
St. Alphonsus Liguori St. John Vianney Major the Lord
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
19th Sunday in St. Teresa Benedicta of St. Jane Frances de
Ordinary Time St. Dominic the Cross St. Lawrence St. Claire Chantal
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
20th Sunday in The Assumption of the
Ordinary Time Blessed Virgin Mary St. Stephen of Hungry St. Bernard
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
21st Sunday in Queenship of the
Ordinary Time Blessed Virgin Mary St. Rose of Lima St. Bartholomew St. Louis St. Monica
28 29 30 31 1 2 3
22nd Sunday in Passion of St. John the
Ordinary Time Baptist
JULY 2022 SEPTEMBER 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 1 2 3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 25 26 27 28 29 30
31FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS
SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)
Catholics tend to hang crucifixes wherever possible, as we should. Not only are crucifixes a central feature in our churches, they are also placed in our
homes, schools, and even dangle from the rear-view mirrors of our cars. But whenever we look at a crucifix, it should be more than just a symbol of
suffering for us. As the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross reminds us, the cross is primarily a symbol of victory. The cross is a symbol of Christ’s vic-
tory over death. The cross is a reminder that Jesus won our salvation by dying on the cross for us. As a sign of victory, therefore, we neither despair
when we meditate on the cross of Jesus nor focus solely on the physical suffering of Jesus. Our faith teaches us to exalt in the cross and to celebrate
Jesus’s sacrifice of himself on the cross. For it is by this one great act of sacrifice that we have been saved.
As an act of sacrifice, the cross is also a symbol of love. Jesus’s sacrifice of himself for our sake is a reminder of Jesus’s great love for us. When we
reflect on the meaning of the cross, we should also remember Jesus’s love for his people. The cross reminds us that Jesus, even though he was the
Son of God, he came down from heaven to be our servant even to the point of giving up his life for us. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross not only
demonstrates the love of God for his people, it also demonstrates to us the true nature of love. More than an interior fuzzy feeling, love is essentially
sacrificial in nature.
So when we gaze on the crucifixes in our churches and homes, let us exalt in the cross and be wrapped in Jesus’s love for us.
Image Credit: pixabay.comSEPTEMBER 2022
For the abolition of the death penalty.
We pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the
human person, may be legally abolished in every country.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
28 29 30 31 1 2 3
World Day of Prayer for
the Care of Creation St. Gregory the Great
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
23rd Sunday in The Nativity of the
Ordinary Time Blessed Virgin Mary St. Peter Claver
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
24th Sunday in The Exaltation of the
Ordinary Time St. John Chrysostom Holy Cross Our Lady of Sorrows St. Robert Bellarmine
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25th Sunday in St. Andrew Kim and
Ordinary Time Companions St. Matthew St. Pio of Petrelcina
25 26 27 28 29 30 1
St. John de Brebeuf,
26th Sunday in St. Isaac Jogues and St. Lawrence Ruiz and St. Michael, St. Gabriel,
Ordinary Time companions St. Vincent de Paul Companions St. Raphael, Archangels St. Jerome
AUGUST 2022 OCTOBER 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1
7 8
14 15
21 22
9 10 11 12 13
16 17 18 19 20
23 24 25 26 27
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30 31 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31Our Lady of the Rosary – (October 7)
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are
you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’ (Luke 1:41-42)
For Catholics, the Rosary has been one of the most pre-
ferred forms of prayer and tools for spiritual renewal. The
importance of this prayer in the life of the Church is seen
in that the whole month of October is dedicated to pray-
ing the Rosary. Created by St. Dominic for lay people who
did not have the opportunity to pray the official prayer of
the church, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary has cap-
tured the imagination of many Catholics over the inter-
vening centuries and continues to be a great source of
spiritual comfort for Catholics of all ages and in all parts of
the world. Even the foundress of the Society for the Propa-
gation of the Faith, Pauline Jaricot, has a special relation-
ship with the Rosary, as she also founded the organization
known world-wide as the Living Rosary which promotes
this prayer form in the church.
One of the features of the Rosary is meditating on events
in the life of Jesus. Known as the mysteries, those who use
this prayer are not only instructed to recite the prescribed
prayers. During each decade, they are also advised to re-
flect on significant moments in the life of Jesus, beginning
from his early years, to his ministry, then from his passion, finally to his Resurrection. By reflecting on the life of Jesus, those who pray the Rosary draw
not only closer to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, but to Jesus himself. By reflecting on the life of Jesus, those who pray the Rosary begin to realize how
much Jesus has done for all humanity. They become aware that all Jesus did, from his incarnation, to suffering on the cross, to his resurrection, was
done out of love for all God’s people. As they immerse themselves into the life of Jesus, their own hearts can only expand with gratitude and love,
until they rest completely in the love of God.
As we pray the Rosary, not only In October but throughout our lives, let it become for us a portal that brings us to Jesus and His love for us. Then on
October 7, when we celebrate our Mother Mary as Patroness of the Rosary, may we recommit ourselves to growing in Christ’s love for us, through
this special instrument of prayer.
Image Credit: pixabay.comOCTOBER 2022
For a Church open to everyone
We pray for the Church; ever faithful to, and courageous in preach-
ing the Gospel, may the Church be a community of solidarity, fra-
ternity and welcome, always living in an atmosphere of synodality.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
25 26 27 28 29 30 1
St. Therese of the Child
Jesus
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
27th Sunday in
Ordinary Time St. Francis of Assisi St. Bruno Our Lady of the Rosary
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
28th Sunday in
Ordinary Time St. John XXIII St. Teresa of Jesus
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
29th Sunday in
Ordinary Time St. Ignatius of Antioch St. Luke St. John Paul II
23 30th Sunday in
Ordinary Time
24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31st Sunday in 31
Ordinary Time St. Simon and St. Jude.
SEPTEMBER 2022 NOVEMBER 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 27 28 29 30Christ the King (November 20)
The liturgical year begins with the Son, the second person of the Trinity, descending from heaven to take on human form to save humanity and
ends with the Son returning to heaven, after completing his mission here on earth, to take his rightful place at the right hand of the Father. With
the feast of Christ the King, we have come full circle but with one small difference. The Son has redeemed humanity. The Son has saved each one
of us. With the return of the Son to his eternal home, He has accomplished all that was required to win our salvation. We can rejoice and be glad
because Christ has accomplished for us everything that was needed for our salvation. We can be assured of our own place in the Son’s eternal
home because, as Jesus confirmed, “there are many rooms” in his Father’s house and He has returned to prepare a place for us. (John 15:?)
Throughout his life, Jesus was known to be a king by many. After all, the very term Christ is a regal title. For instance, the angel Gabriel, on an-
nouncing the birth of Jesus to his mother Mary, says, “He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the
throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:?) But Jesus was unlike
any king that the world ever knew the or since. As Jesus himself explained to his disciples that the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and
that was not to be the case with Christians. Just as Jesus became a servant and gave his life for all God’s people, so too all Christians are to become
servants. At the end of the day, Jesus, the Christ, re-imagines the very nature of kingship to be one who serves, not to be served.
The sacrifice of Jesus, therefore, who was a king but renounced all his splendour to become a servant, is the epitome of love. The whole life of
Jesus, from beginning to end, exemplifies the great love of God for his people. Throughout the liturgical year and in every Gospel account, we are
reminded over and over how much God loves us. As we come to the end of another liturgical year, let us always be mindful how each phase of the
life of Jesus is an expression of love. Each year is ‘theme of the calendar.”
Image Credit: pixabay.comNOVEMBER 2022
For children who suffer
We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are
homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed ac-
cess to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
30 31 1 2 3 4 5
All Saints Day All Souls Day St. Martin de Porres St. Charles Borromeo
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
32nd Sunday in The Dedication of the
Ordinary Time Lateran Basilica St. Leo the Great St. Martin of Tours St. Josaphat
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
33rd Sunday in St. Elizabeth of
Ordinary Time St. Albert the Great St. Margaret of Scotland Hungary
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Presentation of the St. Andrew Dung-Lac
Christ the King Blessed Virgin Mary St. Cecilia and Companions
27 28 29 30 1 2 3
First Sunday of Advent St. Andrew
OCTOBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 4 5 6 7 8 9
11 12 13 14 15 16
18 19 20 21 22 23
10
17
24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
30 31The Nativity of the Lord
(Christmas) – December 25, 2022
…though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality
with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
(Philippians 2:6-7)
During the Christmas season, it is common both within
churches and homes to have a nativity scene, also known
as a creche or manger scene. Displaying the nativity scene
was the brainchild of St. Francis of Assisi. As a devotee of
Lady Poverty, St. Francis wanted Christians to appreciate
the poverty into which Jesus was born. Jesus who was the
Son of God leaves the glory of heaven to not only become
human, but also to become the servant of humanity, so well
depicted in his birth in a manger in Bethlehem. The feast of
Christmas is more than the celebration of the birth of Jesus;
more than a birthday party. Christmas is the celebration of
the Incarnation, the feast of the incredible, mind-blowing
event that God would become human in order to become
our servant and save us.
This Christmas season, therefore, when we reflect on the manger scene, let it remind us of love. The poverty that Jesus endured, the humiliation
that Jesus accepted, was all done out of love for his people. This Christmas as we reflect that there was not even room for him to be born in a proper
facility, that he does all for love. Let us like the shepherds this Christmas go to Bethlehem and witness what God has done for us. Let us rest awhile,
like the animals, in the manger besides the Baby Jesus and come to the realization that this child is the saviour of the world. And let us, like the Magi,
travel long distances to adore the child who will redeem us.
All that Jesus will do while on earth will be done in love and will be done for us. This Christmas as we unwrap gifts under the Christmas tree, let it
remind us that we have received the greatest gift that could have ever received in the birth of Jesus. When we listen to the beautiful Christmas carols
and see all the lights and splendor of Christmas may it remind us to truly celebrate because we have been so blessed. As we spend time with family
and friends this Christmas season may it fill us with joy because God so loved the world that He sent his only Beloved Son. (cf. 3:16).
Image Credit: pixabay.comDECEMBER 2022
For volunteer not-for-profit organisations
We pray that volunteer non-profit organisations committed to human devel-
opment find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out
new paths to international cooperation.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
27 28 29 30 1 2 3
St. Francis Xavier
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
The Immaculate
Conception of the
2nd Sunday of Advent St. Nicholas St. Ambrose Blessed Virgin Mary
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
3rd Sunday of Advent Our Lady of Guadalupe St. Lucy St. John of the Cross
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
4th Sunday of Advent St. Peter Canisius
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
The Nativity of the The Holy Family of
Lord (Christmas) St. Stephen St. John The Holy Innocents St. Thomas a Becket Jesus, Mary, and Joseph St. Sylvester I
NOVEMBER 2022 JANUARY 2023
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 8
15
22
9 10 11 12 13 14
16 17 18 19 20 21
23 24 25 26 27 28
27 28 29 30 2219 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario M1T 3G5 • T : (416)699-7077 29 30 31PM40008362
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