Post for October 17, 2010 - The Canonization

Considering that this event was the whole point of our trip to Rome, we got up very early to head to St. Peter’s square. It paid off, we were sitting very close to the front, under the shadow of the large statue of St. Peter.  We were able to see the Holy Father very clearly and everything that was happening. We even sat with two CCO alumnus, who are Sisters from the Servants of the Cross in Ottawa! The weather was gorgeous as well, what a gift!


Again, we felt the privilege of having such a great seat for the canonization. We definitely noticed that many Aussies were in attendance (for the canonization of Blessed Mary MacKillop), but not quite so many Canadians. We still believe that the significance of St. Andre will continue to unfold in Canada because the Holy Father said he was man of great faith and healing, as well as calling people to conversion. The scriptures say that signs and wonders would follow the preaching of the gospel. With the intercession of Brother Andre, let us all preach the gospel and let the Holy Spirit do as He wills.


It is evident that Rome is a city of great Saints, and we sensed that the way we can honour these Saints is to not just speak about them, or put pictures of them up on our walls. We honour them best by glorifying God in our lives – being abandoned, and doing what the Lord has asked of us. In the communion of Saints, they are supporting us in our battle, as the men who held up the arms of Moses so that God would have the victory (from the first reading today). In St. Peter’s square today we were truly surrounded by the Communion of Saints and St. Andre of Montreal was front and centre. As a movement, we were affirmed again to keep doing our part in the battle which is to lift the name of Jesus high and proclaim him clearly and simply.