No one is forgotten by God. Pope Leo XIV’s message on the occasion of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was published today; the sixth edition of this event will be celebrated on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
In the text, the Holy Father reminds us that the Lord knows each of our faces and that his love never fails, not even in the frailty of old age. The Day, writes Pope Leo XIV, « is an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be a mother to all and that at any age it is always possible to recognize ourselves as sons and daughters of God ». Addressing the elderly directly, the Pope encourages them not to fear weakness – « do not be afraid of fragility! » – and to recognize in it a true vocation to prayer and reconciliation, asking them to pray earnestly « that peace may soon come to the whole world ».
A pastoral resource for communities around the world
To mark the release of the Message, the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life is making a pastoral kit available to support dioceses, parishes, congregations, and associations around the world in celebrating the occasion. The resource - which contains the Holy Father’s Message, the official prayer, pastoral guidelines, a liturgical resource, and the Day’s logo - offers tools and practical suggestions for putting into practice the desire expressed by the Pope in the Message: « May this day, therefore, be an inspiration for everyone, especially the young, to revive the beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents, the elderly members of the family and even those who have no one to visit them. Bring them, through this message and your presence, the closeness and affection of the Pope. Ensure that the words of the prophet, “But I will never forget you,” take the form of a tender and affectionate encounter.».
A celebration of the Eucharist and a visit to elderly people living alone
As is customary, it is proposed that the celebration of the Day be structured around two fundamental gestures: a Eucharistic liturgy dedicated to the elderly, and, a visit to the loneliest members of one’s community, to whom the Holy Father’s Message should be delivered along with a tangible sign of closeness. In this sixth edition, particular emphasis is placed on reaching out to those who live alone and those who receive no visitors: when visiting a facility, it is recommended to also reach out to the elderly who are bedridden in their rooms, so that no one misses the message of consolation that the Day aims to convey.
The option to reschedule the celebration date
The resource also notes the Holy Father’s provision, which has already been communicated to all episcopal conferences: the usual date for celebrating the Day remains the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus; however, if specific pastoral needs so suggest, the episcopal conferences have the authority to move the celebration to a different date. In each diocese, the bishop is invited to celebrate the Day in the cathedral.
Farrell: At every age, we are children, living members of the Christian community
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, lastly invites the elderly to celebrate the Day in the joy of feeling like children loved by God, and emphasizes that “rediscovering oneself as a child at every age is a call for all the elderly to deepen their vocation and to feel—in every season of life—that they are living members of the Christian community and co-responsible for its mission”.
Resources to share to promote the Day in local churches
The Dicastery also invites communities to publicize the initiatives organized for the occasion by writing to anziani@laityfamilylife.va or sharing them on social media with the hashtag #Elderlyandgrandparents.
Dear Faithful of the Eparchy of New Westminster, Read this Statement! It is brief, but filled with information and rich with Christian truth about our love and respect for the elderly and those experiencing pain and fear of illness. The provided click-on links lead us to a lot more information as we are ready to absorb it. May this lead all our Faithful, clergy laity and religious to react in these four responses:
- voice concern about “MAID,
- remain steadfast in opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide
- pray for the conversion of hearts and minds away from this practice
- be present and reach out to persons who are sick and vulnerable.
If we continue to unite our efforts in these things we will manage to push back this cloud of hopelessness and bring the sunshine of the Gospel into our society and into the lives of many who need that right now.
+Michael, Eparchy of New Westminster
STATEMENT BY THE CCCB STANDING COMMITTEE FOR FAMILY AND LIFE TO THE CATHOLIC FAITHFUL IN CANADA AND ALL PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL
VOICING CONCERN AND CALLING FOR PRAYERS ON THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF EUTHANASIA AND ASSISTED SUICIDE (“MAID”)
On June 17, 2026, a decade will have passed since Bill C-14 received Royal Assent, legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide across Canada, and permitting eligible adults, under specified conditions, to access what is legally termed “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”). As we mark this sobering anniversary, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Standing Committee for Family and Life invites the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to voice renewed concern about “MAID,” to remain steadfast in opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide, to pray for the conversion of hearts and minds away from this practice, and to be present to persons who are sick and vulnerable.
Canada now has “the world’s largest and fastest-growing euthanasia program.”1 The percentage of “MAID” deaths is increasing annually and accounts for 5.1% of all deaths in 2024 (or 16,499 Canadians).2 Since its legalization, an estimated 100,000 Canadians have died by euthanasia or assisted suicide.3 Grave concern is warranted regarding the continued expansion of the eligibility criteria for “MAID,” which puts increasing numbers of Canadians at risk. In 2016, only individuals whose death was “reasonably foreseeable” were eligible for “MAID” with so-called “safeguards” in place. Subsequent legislation in 2021, however, considerably broadened the criteria, expanding access to include those whose death is not reasonably foreseeable, but whose condition is “grievous and irremediable.”4
On this occasion, we reject complacency with the status quo on euthanasia in Canada. Formed by the Gospel, we are called to draw near to those who suffer: not to ignore, trivialize, or abandon them in their pain or despair, but to accompany them with compassion, practical care, and hope (cf. Lk 10:30-37). We actively seek opportunities for effective, collaborative strategies to provide concrete and compassionate support to those living with serious physical or mental illness, those with disabilities, and those nearing the end of life, as well as their families and caregivers.
As disciples of Christ, we affirm that every human life is a gift, holds profound dignity and value, and is part of a human community (cf. Mt 25:31-46). In contrast, euthanasia and assisted suicide, whatever their motives or means, consist in intentionally causing or hastening the death of a person who is sick, suffering, disabled, or dying in order to eliminate suffering. Such acts can never be morally acceptable, for they are gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the
respect due to God, the Creator and Lord of life.5 True compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, palliative care, and relief of pain. Together with healthcare professionals, patients, and families, our faith teaches that we must strive for proportionate treatment options that neither unduly prolong nor intentionally hasten death, but instead offer life-affirming and compassionate care.
On this 10th anniversary, we pray for all those whose lives have been lost to “MAID.” We also pray for their loved ones, many of whom continue to carry grief, confusion, regret, or unanswered questions. We remember those who continue to suffer: the sick, persons with disabilities, the elderly, those living with mental illness, those nearing the end of life, and all who experience loneliness, fear, or despair. We renew our call to “give witness at the side of the sick person and to become a ‘healing community’ in order to actualize concretely the desire of Jesus that, beginning with the most weak and vulnerable, all may be one flesh.”6 Even in suffering, illness, dependence, and frailty, human life retains its God-given dignity and capacity for love, communion, and grace.
We give thanks to the many dioceses, eparchies, parishes, organizations, healthcare workers, families, and volunteers who, over the past 10 years, have promoted Christian hope in the face of illness and death and have resisted “MAID” with courage and compassion. Their witness reminds us that defending life is not only a public teaching, but also a daily work of presence: visiting the sick, supporting caregivers, accompanying those in despair, advocating for the vulnerable, and helping build communities where no one feels they must face suffering alone.
In this moment of sober reflection, prayer, and renewed responsibility, we call the Catholic faithful to pray for those who are sick, suffering, isolated, or nearing the end of life; for their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals; and for the conversion of hearts and minds toward a culture that receives every life as a gift and never abandons those most in need. The resources below reflect the Church in Canada’s ongoing commitment to building compassionate communities, promoting authentic palliative care, and providing practical support to all who suffer.7 May the Church in Canada continue to be a place where people, especially the sick, elderly, disabled, suffering, and dying, are received with love, accompanied with compassion, and reminded that their life remains precious in the eyes of God.
Issued with the approval of the Permanent Council 10 June 2026
2. Government of Canada, Sixth Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2024, “2. MAiD requests and outcomes, updated November 11, 2025, accessed May 15, 2026.
6. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Samaritanus Bonus: On the Care of Persons in the Critical and Terminal Phases of Life (Vatican City: Holy See, 2020), sec. V, no. 10, “Pastoral accompaniment and the support of the sacraments”.
In communion with our Lord, the Great Physician, let us offer together a prayer of hope, compassion, and vision towards the promise of everlasting love and life:
Loving God, rock of strength for those who trust in you; comforter of those who call on you. Hear the cry of those who suffer from sickness or weakness and embrace them in your loving arms. Give them peace and strengthen them with the vision of your kingdom. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[“Prayer for the Chronically Ill” excerpted from Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family @ Concacan Inc., 2004. All rights reserved.]
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Statements and Resources Issued by the Church across Canada:
The Parish of Holy Eucharist Cathedral is preparing to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2027, so it kicked off the festivities and fundraising this year with a gala evening hosted by Cathedral Rector Very Rev. Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych and many parish volunteers.
The evening began in the church with Vespers with Lytia that celebrated the Parish Praznyk of the Feast of the Holy Eucharist as well as the Feast of All Saints of Ukraine. The first feast was carried to the Sunday from Thursday June 4th and the second feast of all saints of the Ukrainian Nation was establish by the Synod of Bishops in 1991 to take place on the Sunday after All Saints.
Vespers was led by Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych while singers and a considerably larger than usual congregation sang the response. Bishop Michael presided at the Lytia when the loaves of bread, wine, oil and wheat are blessed and later distributed with an anointing.
The dinner in the hall in the lower level beneath the Cathedral was truly a gala event. The kitchen team of the cathedral under the leadership of head chef Tetyana Korobanova prepared and served a truly exquisite meal of amazing hors d’oeuvres a hot meal and a plethora of desserts for every taste. Seminarian Juan Salas served as the maître d' of the evening directing a team of young men in serving the tables and providing refreshments throughout the event. The entire event was meticulously coordinated by the Cathedral’s Director of Development, Iryna Dzobko.
Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych served as the host and master of ceremonies for the evening. He explained that the goal of the evening was to serve as a fundraiser, but especially as an awareness-raiser about the great jubilee year of the Cathedral parish in 2027. He shared about the history of the parish from the first gatherings of faithful, the priests that served them and how the parish grew, especially with the influx of newcomers after the Second World War. During the evening, he thanked and acknowledged those who contributed to parish life in special ways…. the priests, the religious Sisters and the dedicated parishioners who committed themselves and their livelihoods so that the parish would grow. He thanked George & Millie Kozak, the oldest couple of the parish there that evening, as representative of all parishioners who remained faithful to their Church and to their parish their entire lives. Throughout the dinner special guests, including Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, the local Member of Parliament Jacob Sawatsky and the Mayor of New Westminster Patrick Johnstone were all invited to speak. The cooks who prepared the meal were duly thanked as was lead singer Halyna Bybyk who was also celebrating her birthday at the time. A professional bandura-player, Svitlana Prysiazhna, performed a few soul-transcending numbers during the evening, some for which she sang.
It was a delightful evening enjoyed by all. We need only keep in mind that this was only the beginning! We now have a year (but only a year!) to prepare for a worthy celebration of the parish’s 75th anniversary… a commemoration that will do true justice to the pioneers, the parishioners, Sisters, and clergy who struggled and rejoiced and pulled-together and shared joys and sorrows over the years, but kept the parish going and growing. And, above all, to give glory to God whose love, grace and salvation are the sole reason and purpose of this parish and why every effort associated with the parish is immeasurably more than worth it!
On May 27, Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster was the site of a very rare and special event for the Church. By decree of the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, and with due consent of his monastic superiors, Father Richard Soo, SJ was elevate to the status of “Archimandrite” in the presence of clergy, religious and many faithful who all came out to exclaim their heartfelt “Aksios!”.
Father Richard, a priest of the Society of Jesus, has dedicatedly served the Ukrainian Catholic Church in various eparchies – including: a pastor, chancellor, vicar general, syncellus and retreat master, etc. - for many years. His service is always marked with excellence, kindness and a great sense of humour. Aside from his ecclesial work, he is well known for his successful Evangelical outreach to the Chinese community and beyond. Wherever he has served, his love for the Eastern Catholic churches and prayer is extended to everyone. His present ministry in Richmond is a typical example – his services are attended by grateful Ukrainian newcomers, enthusiastic members of the Chinese community, and members of Iranian, Egyptian and other backgrounds. All are welcome. Fr. Richard has also been outspoken regarding human rights abuses in China - notably his standing with the people in relation to the Umbrella Movement of Hong Kong, and his continuous prayer and public manifestations for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, of the Eparchy of New Westminster, led the ceremony with the assistance many others. The ancient Akathist prayer service in praise of the Theotokos, was led by Vicar General, Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych and was concelebrated by several other priests, deacons and subdeacons. A mixed group of singers from the Cathedral parish and Fr. Richard’s ‘Eastern Catholic’ parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos led the responses. When the time for the elevation ceremony came, the Rt. Reverend Archpriest Fr. Joe Ostopowich functioned as the Archdeacon who presented Fr. Richard. The Vice-Chancellor from the Eparchy of Toronto, V. Rev. Roman Lobay read His Beatitude’s Decree as well as a greeting from the Bishop of Toronto, Bishop Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. Deacon Christopher Chiu, who was recently ordained to the Diaconate in Fr. Richard’s parish, assisted by the subdeacons Adrian and Ryan and seminarian Juan, presented the insignia of Archimandrite Richard’s new status.
As the congregation responded with an enthusiastic “Aksios!” (i.e. “he is worthy of this honour and responsibility!”), Bishop Michael presented to Archimandrite Richard… the epigonation(“strap on your sword… mighty in your splendour and goodness…. your right hand will lead you to victory…”)… the pectoral cross (“protect me Lord, Jesus Christ by the sign of Your holy Cross…)… and the mitre (“… helmet of salvation…”). Later, Fr. Richard received the mantia (cape) of an Archimandrite and a staff (crozier), at which the Bishop said, “Accept the crozier so that, supported by it, you may tend your flock, for you will have to give an account for it to our God on the day of judgement”.
It was a joyful occasion for the Eparchy and for the whole Church as not only a worthy priest was acknowledged for his years of service and continued ministry, but the faithful also gained a unique leader in the fulfilment of the mission of Christ’s Church upon the Earth.
A wonderful reception was held just down the street at the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre.
(photos: Mary Jean Kwiatkowski, Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn)
Today, 4 June 2026, as the funeral services are held in Winnipeg, the faithful of the Eparchy of New Westminster also bid a prayerful farewell to Sister Ambrose Stachiw, SSMI who served the Ukrainian Catholic parishes on Canada’s west coast for many years.
In the large chapel of the principal residence of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Winnipeg, known as “Bethany Home”, Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, OSBM, presided at the Divine Liturgy and funeral rites for this 92-year-old servant of God who was born in Ukraine, but served the Lord and His Church in Canada for many decades.
Several priests and many Sisters joined Metropolitan Lawrence, Metropolitan emeritus Stefan Soroka and auxiliary Bishop Andriy Rabiy for a funeral service that was described as more joyful than sad as the Church in Canada bid farewell to Sister Ambrose. Some of Sister’s family members were present as well as many faithful, who poured out into the corridors around the chapel.
After returning to university in 1994, Sister Ambrose accepted the appointment to the Eparchy of New Westminster to work in the Catechetical department together with Sister Ruth Aney, SSMI this ministry continued for eighteen years. Over the years, many Sisters have served the Eparchy in many ways. We are presently blessed to have Sister Angelica Hodowansky, SSMI and Sister Janice Soluk, SSMI who serve in New Westminster and travel throughout the territory visiting our parishes.
The Eparchy of New Westminster – our bishops, clergy and lay-faithful over the years - are indebted to Sister Ambrose for her almost two decades of overseeing religious education among us. May our loving Lord welcome her into His Heavenly Kingdom and grant her eternal memory among the saints and angels.
Vichna yiy pamyat’! Вічна їй пам'ять!
VIDEO: You may watch the funeral service at the Bethany Home Chapel via YouTube. To learn more about Sr. Ambrose’s life, you may focus on Metropolitan Lawrence’s homily, which begins at 39:40, an on the eulogy delivered by the SSMI Provincial Superior from Toronto, Sister Christina Syrotynsky, which begins at 1:32:25.
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