On Sunday, November 3, 2024, the faithful of Saint-Charles church were delighted to welcome Archbishop Christian Lépine, to celebrate their patronal feast in honour of Saint Charles Borromeo. Wondering where this unique parish is located? No need to search Google Maps: it is located in the heart of Montreal's southwest Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood, fondly known by locals as "The Point," and you'll discover a church of remarkable architecture.

According to the Bureau of Statistics of Canada (Census 1861 to 2021), Saint-Charles parish was canonically erected on April 27, 1883, and its registers opened on June 17 of the same year. A chapel served the faithful until 1890, when construction of the first church began. Unfortunately destroyed by fire on July 5, 1913, it was replaced by the present church, erected in 1913-1914.

Two highlights marked this festive family day. At 11 a.m., a vibrant intercultural mass was celebrated by Archbishop Christian Lépine, alongside Frs. Vincent Esprit, FMI (assistant priest) and Jean-Marie Bilwala, i.m.c., E.V. (episcopal vicar for the area), and Deacons Benoit Thibaut and Dr. François Lehman.

In his homily, our archbishop, drawing on the day's Gospel, spoke of the fear of God as an expression of love for the Lord. He invited us to follow this love in listening to and serving our brothers and sisters on a daily basis.

Unity in diversity was the hallmark of the offertory: faithful from all over the world paraded with flags from their countries of origin, bearing witness to their faith and their joy in serving the Lord. At the end of the mass, the faithful of Saint-Charles extended the celebration with spontaneous songs and dances inspired by their respective cultures in the parish hall.

Fr. Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala, i.m.c., E.V.
French-language Deaneries, West sector

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