On this day of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, here is the new pastoral letter from Archbishop Lépine.

Dear People of God in the Archdiocese of Montreal,

"Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death…" (Psalm 33:18,19).

The findings uncovered by the Capriolo Report compel us to move forward, embracing transformation on a personal level, as a community and as an institution, ensuring that crimes of a sexual nature never occur here again as we work diligently to prevent all forms of abuse within our diocese.

The first stage of this work entails recognizing the harm that has been done, which must be followed by repentance and penance, prayer and fasting, prevention and reparation. As the People of God, we are called to proclaim the birth of Jesus to the world, the sole Saviour of the world, and yet we, too, need to be saved. The Church is holy, but her members are sinful. To be credible witnesses in the mission of evangelization, we must acknowledge our own sinfulness; the Church, herself, must be open to being evangelized.

It is in this context, dear brothers and sisters, that I invite you to take part in a Penitential Triduum for the Archdiocese of Montreal to take place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. on:

• September 29:  Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
  Part I – Fasting, Praying the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel and Mass: Consecration of the Archdiocese to the Archangel Michael and petitioning for his protection both against the powers of evil and in our quest for truth.
   
• October 7:     Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
  Part II: Fasting, Praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, Mass: Renewal of the consecration of the Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and petitioning for her protection against sin.
   
• October 13:    Anniversary of the Consecration of Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.  
  Part III: Fasting, Penitential liturgy, Mass:
  Diocesan Day of Atonement and Purification.  

You may choose to participate in person or virtually by following us on the YouTube channel "Catholic Church of Montreal." Detailed information will be available on the diocesan website in the coming days.

On this feast day, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, let us fix our gaze on Jesus Christ, who said to us: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself " (Jn 12:32).  Recognizing that we are sinners, let us trust that the infinite Love of God is always stronger. Only Jesus Christ can renew our hearts and our personal lives and our community as well.

May God's abundant mercy fill you with the grace of salvation, which is granted to us through the pierced Heart of Jesus Christ.



† Christian Lépine
   Archevêque de Montréal