News from the Chancery is published each week to share information and upcoming events with the people of the Diocese of Victoria.
We have three items to share with you today:
1) On Tuesday, January 14, St. Ann’s Parish in Duncan will host a visit of the relics of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Jean de Brébeuf, St. Charles Garnier, and St. Gabriel Lalemant. This visit is part of a national devotional tour which is offering Canadians the opportunity for an encounter with these great saints to receive the graces of healing and reconciliation for themselves, their families, and our country. The relics are expected to arrive at 11:30 am and will be welcomed by members of the Cowichan Nation. Celebration of the Eucharist will follow, and the relics will remain at St. Ann’s until 5:00 pm, open to all who want to visit and pray. For more information about the national tour, please visit https://martyrs-shrine.com/relic-tour/.
2) The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service will be held on Sunday, January 19 at 3:00 pm. Christians from across Vancouver Island will gather to reflect on and celebrate our common faith. All are welcome to participate, either in person at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Victoria (740 View St), or via the livestream at https://youtu.be/C0fsyZDAbTA.
3) The Diocesan Health Care Committee is offering its next series of online Pastoral Care Outreach Training sessions. These free sessions will be held via Zoom on Saturday mornings from 9:30 – noon, starting February 1 and running until April 5 (with no session on March 8). Participants will learn about deep listening and visiting the lonely, sick, injured, elderly, and dying – in hospitals, seniors’ residences, extended health care facilities, and at their homes. The sessions are also offered for those who wish to learn how to accompany and care for their family and friends. Please register through your parish by January 21.
