Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Archbishop Christian Lépine cordially invites us to celebrate the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at our diocesan patronal feast on May 31, at 7:30 p.m., at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

As you know, the Catholic Church of Montreal’s official name is the "Archdiocese of Ville-Marie" (Archidioecesis Marianopolitana). Our diocese was erected on May 13, 1836. It is therefore fitting to celebrate, at the end of this beautiful month of May, both our birthday and our patron saint.

At this solemn Mass, we will give thanks to the Lord for the gift he has given us in Mary, who is our model, our inspiration and our help at all times.

We will also thank Mary for accompanying us throughout these times of great transformation in our Church. Her Visitation to Elizabeth inspires us to engage in missionary conversion, to listen to others, to reach out and encounter them.

This will also afford us a wonderful opportunity to meet again following Pentecost, to forge links among us as we rise to the challenge before us of constituting, here in Montreal, a Church united in our diversity, a Church of encounter, dialogue and fraternity and a sign of humanity according to God’s will.

If you are unable to join us in person, it will also be possible to take part in this celebration via our diocesan YouTube channel: link

We look forward to seeing you there!

† Alain Faubert, VG
Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal