"Let us rejoice with our Archbishop Christian Lépine!"

Many people are searching for meaning in their lives and longing for an attentive ear. They knock regularly at the doors of our churches, confident that they will find at least one person ready to welcome them, to listen, and to accompany them. As priests, our mission calls us to be close to one another. The strength to fulfil these missions comes from our relationship with Christ. The Catholic Church continually reminds us that Jesus Christ, the Gospel of God, was the first and greatest evangelizer. A life of communion with Jesus also helps us to live in communion with our brothers and sisters. Many occasions are thus open to us to nourish our relationship with Christ.

On the feast day of St. Patrick, March 17, 2026, close to 30 priests and deacons serving the French-language parishes of central Montreal gathered for a day of spiritual renewal at Saint-Mathieu Church, at the corner of 1st and Jean-Talon avenues. The day was organized by Fr. Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region of Montreal. Though French-language in their ministry, these parishes also welcome many faithful from other cultural communities, including Italian-, English- and Haitian Creole-speaking faithful.

Archbishop Lépine led the clergy through a time of reflection centred on the Crucifix and the self-giving love of Christ, who offered himself in sacrifice for our salvation. He invited us to make room above all for a personal experience of Christ — the encounter that first touched our hearts and called us to his service. For without a deep relationship with him, we risk losing sight of those entrusted to our care, or of those who come to us questioning their way in life.

The day was also a moment of joyful fellowship, as we celebrated the 14th anniversary of Archbishop Lépine's appointment to the See of Montreal — named by Pope Benedict XVI on 20 March 2012.

Together in communion with our Lord Jesus Christ and with our Archbishop, we closed the day with a splendid banquet and a cake presented in his honour. We wish His Excellency Archbishop Lépine good health and the continued fruitfulness of his ministry in the Archdiocese of Montreal. Congratulations and every good wish to His Excellency!
 

Father Jean-Marie Bilwala
Episcopal Vicar, Central Region
Archdiocese of Montreal