OUR LADY OF THE CAPE

STORIES & TESTIMONIES FROM THE CALGARY & CANMORE TOUR - MAY 2022

Submitted by Christine Gamache, Our Lady of the Cape Alberta Tour Coordinator

what about the west?

A question of blessing for Western Canada

This was the question raised in response to the announcement of the January 2022, Eastern Canadian Tour of Our Lady of the Cape, that initiated the participation of Western Canada.

For our Rosary teams, and dedicated custodians, 2022 will always be remembered as our incredible introduction to Our Lady of the Cape, Queen of Canada! Queen of the Holy Rosary! Queen of Intercessors and the amazing Calgary-Canmore Our Lady of the Cape Tour.

The pandemic brought with it many challenges yet at the same time, fruitful initiatives for the Greater Glory of God. One of these was the formation of Rosary groups determined to promote Marian devotion, to overcome the pandemic through the best possible solution – prayer and recourse to our blessed Mother Mary.

As Mother Mary would have it, the West had a significant role to play in her story. An Eastern Tour of Our Lady of the Cape was set to be launched May 2022 to commemorate the 75^th anniversary year of the Consecration of Canada to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This spiritual event took place on June 22, 1947, at the Marian Congress in Ottawa. It was the largest religious gathering in North America at that time. Accompanied by 40,000 pilgrims, the Our Lady the Cape pilgrim statue was processed from Cap-de-la-Madeleine Quebec to Ottawa. Over a million people gathered for a weeklong celebration to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa and to pray for Mary’s intercession to obtain lasting peace in the world. Watch Marian Congress documentary video (20 mins)

Upon reading about the 75^th anniversary tour to take place in the East, a member of a Rosary team quickly sent an email requesting participation, spurring on the Western Tour of Our Lady of the Cape. Dennis and Angelina Girard of the Marian Devotional Movement directing the Canadian Tour, quickly sought to accommodate. They noted that providentially, the same thing happened back in 1947, the West requested to be involved, and so it should be this time around in 2022. Considering that this may be the intent of Our Lady, Dennis obtained an additional Pilgrim Statue, a replica from the Shrine of Notre Dame Du Cap, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, and included Western Canada. In the months to follow, Our Lady of the Cape was sent to Manitoba, Saskatchewan and on to visit the Diocese of Calgary as part of the pilgrim statue tours. Four statues had been sent out as of May 22, to grace our country from sea to sea; one to the Maritimes, a second to Eastern-Central Canada, one to Western and the Federal Territory of Canada and one to our American neighbors in the USA.

The Our Lady of the Cape Tour went an unimaginable leap further, through the incisive work of Fr. Cristino Bouvette, the Vicar of Vocations of the Diocese of Calgary, and assigned National Director of the Liturgy for the Papal visit to Canada (for which he carried out a tremendous accomplishment in all the details). The Alberta Tour of Our Lady of the Cape culminated with Our Lady dawning the Papal Mass stage at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Not only was Our Lady to become known by Canadians but to the whole world as EWTN, Salt and Light, and secular media telecasted the liturgies and events. Out of this came a special significance in connection with our First Nations people of Tsuutʼina, Our Lady’s involvement in the reconciliation and healing pilgrimage.

The Canadian Our Lady of the Cape Tour provided opportunities for all to get to know and to venerate Canada's National Madonna, to encourage devotion to Our Mother Mary, to promote re-consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by our Bishops and the enrolment in the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary in each diocese. Leading up to the Tour, a 54-day novena was prayed by Catholics across Canada to put an end to the pandemic and to lift all mandates. By the end of the novena mandates were lifted and a sense of peace and joy became more prevalent as parishes strove to welcome and to reunite parishioners.

Our Lady of the Cape’s visit seemed to awaken and stir in our heart’s attitudes of adoration, wonder, gratitude, petition, contrition, a sense of patriotism; a Canadian identity rooted in the appreciation that Canada is a Catholic country founded on the Truths of our Catholic Faith, Consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of our Mother Mary.

The simple inquiry on behalf of Western Canada resulted in the Diocese of Calgary, an exceptional collaboration with Bishop McGrattan, Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon (Vicar General, Moderator), Fr. Nathan Siray (Liturgy, Diocesan MC), our clergy, and laity setting the events and destinations for the tour of the pilgrim queen visit from May 22 to June 2, 2022.

Promotions and preparations began with the launching of the Our Lady of the Cape website, run by the Communications Office of the Diocese. All parishes in the Diocese were encouraged to view the The Bridge of Roses, Drama Documentary to fully appreciate and understand the story of Our Lady of the Cape and her central role in our Canadian church history and evangelization in our present day. For our Diocese this visit of Our Lady of the Cape, the National Madonna, was intended to highlight the second anniversary celebration of the dedication of the beautiful Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies.

A book may suffice, to cover the many inspiring details of the story of Our Lady of the Cape Calgary – Canmore Tour. Recounted here are just a few of the highlights, commentaries, and experiences, those Mary Moments that took place reminding us that Mother Mary acts, seeks, consoles, and loves us all very intimately.

We are her children, and she came to gather us in, to unite families and parishes in prayer, to restore our hope, strengthen our faith, and to increase our charity in this period of freedom after the pandemic. One thing for certain all involved in her tour witnessed in some way or another, her hand in directing where she went, and who she intended to greet along the way.

Carmen Toole, Christine Gamache and Shaanen Cross

Our lady of the cape arrives

Mother Mary comes to her faithful servants

Our Lady of the Cape arrived from Saskatchewan, on May 22nd. One of our generous custodians and tour organizers, Carmen Toole, of St. Albert the Great parish, set out from Calgary to meet her in Saskatoon and within a 24 hour turnaround brought her to us in Calgary.

Over the course of her visit, Our Lady of the Cape was graciously welcomed in twelve parishes, by generous parishioners, CWL members, the Knights of Columbus, ministries, and custodians/guardians that prepared the way for the visits to: Our Lady of Peace Cairn Site, St. Anthony's, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Albert the Great, Tsuut’ina Our Lady of Peace Chapel, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, St. Mary's Cathedral with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore, Holy Spirit, Canadian Martyrs and Sacred Heart Churches. Six school visits included: All Saints High School, St. Matthews, Bishop O’Byrne High School, Prince of Peace School, Clear Water Academy, and Our Lady of the Rosary school. Visits to two care homes were also included, Providence Care Centre and Swan Evergreen Village. Every moment of the Tour of Our Lady of the Cape was well spent as the pilgrim statue had an overnight stay with families each evening.

The response to Our Lady of the Cape was impressive. All involved celebrated Our Lady of the Cape with distinction and beauty, with joyous song to silent prayer and veneration.

In her presence, Masses, talks and testimonies, inspirational homilies, prayer processions with numerous pilgrims took place; adorned with splendid bouquets of brightly colored roses, blessed by our Bishop and priests, these became sacramentals to be shared with pilgrims, the sick and the suffering. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and countless Rosaries were prayed. Numerous pilgrims of all ages from children with hugs to some with puppies, came seeking favors, giving thanks, all reverently honoured Our Blessed Mother Mary.

Outstanding in the Masses and liturgies, was the work and service of the Legion of Mary, and the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy and choir; the sisters and brothers of the Seed of the Word, with the sisters, beautifully singing the hymn entitled, Our Lady Queen of Canada, dedicated to Our Lady of the Cape. Lifting spirits to God, the hymn roused a sense of gratitude for the gift of our country, the treasure of our Faith and freedom, to be protected and guarded by Our Blessed Mother Mary. It was truly a grace filled time, of precious honor given to our beloved Mother Mary, a privilege to participate in this celebration and coming to know Our Lady of the Cape, our National Madonna.

Procession at St. Anthony's, Calgary

Pilgrims with pet visiting at Sacred Heart, Calgary

Sisters of the Seed of the Word at Our Lady of the Rockies Shrine Church, Canmore

OUR LADY OF PEACE CAIRN SITE WELCOMES OUR LADY OF THE CAPE

Naylan and his black Lab join in prayer

The Our Lady of the Cape team made their way to Our Lady of Peace Mission Cairn site at Twp 242/RR 43, AB. We had met early in the morning to accept Our Lady of the Cape from Carmen Toole who brought the statue into Calgary the evening before. On the way to the Cairn, one of the Alberta tour coordinators stopped on the side of the road, to invite a man who was working on some fencing in the ditch, to join in at the Cairn to pray. Waving the gentleman over, the coordinator pointed out that with her that morning in the back of her jeep, in the visible large white trunk, there contained a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Heavenly Mother, his Mother, who knew all of our needs, and that her title was Our Lady of the Cape Queen of Canada.

The tall slim man, with well tanned skin and piercing blue eyes leaned in the Jeep passenger side window and thoughtfully looked back at the trunk. Although something out of the ordinary had come to interrupt his work that morning, an incredible, perhaps bizarre sounding message, he listened attentively and respectfully as she shared the story of Our Lady of the Cape and invited him to pray.

His name was Naylan. He graciously thanked her for the invitation. He said that he would consider it. She drove on and met the rest of the team at the Cairn site. There they took Our Lady of the Cape out of the confines of the trunk that carried her safely to her new homeland. As they marveled at her beauty and the gift of her visit, they carefully set the statue up by the monument erected there to mark the first site of the Catholic church in Southern Alberta. Together the team began to pray the Rosary with those first missionary priests, Fr. Constantine Scollen, OMI and Fr. Leon Ducet, OMI, who both evangelized in our province and established the Our Lady of Peace Mission Church on the land of the Blackfoot in 1873.

Christine Gamache, Phil, Kari Faba and daughters, Shaanen Cross, Monica Massing, and Nazira Aby Ratched, OLC team members at the Cairn Site.

As we prayed the first decade of the Rosary, a truck pulled up, the door opened, and Naylan appeared. Out of the back of the truck, bounced a big black friendly Labrador, much like the one in the stories of Saint Don Bosco. The dog’s name was Jerome, and he happily greeted all present. We welcomed and offered Naylan a Rosary and explained how we were praying for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, and we introduced him to Our Lady of the Cape.

A non-Catholic Naylan stood with his hand carefully holding the holy Rosary that had been given to him by Phil Faba. He and the friendly dog Jerome who had settled down nestled at the feet of his master, listened to the prayers recited. By the end of the second decade, Naylan was reciting the Hail Mary’s and the Our Fathers along with us, fingering the beads of the Rosary as we contemplated the Joyful Mysteries and offered our intentions. The Rosary was concluded, and Naylan had prayed with us this efficacious prayer of Our Lady. We asked Naylan about his history, and he told us that his parents, grandparents, and great grandparents had lived in that area of the Cairn for years and worked the land. We wondered if they had also helped the Catholic priests back then that managed the mission church there.

At one point he paused as we gave him another Rosary to keep and a pamphlet on how to pray the Rosary, explaining this treasure of our Catholic faith. With tear filled eyes, he explained how he now understood why he had been called to pray with us. Just the day before his mother who was in her 90s had fallen and broken her hip. She was in intensive care in the hospital. He expressed how worried and concerned he was about her health and wondered, would she ever recover. At that point we invited him to gather closely around the statue of Our Lady of the Cape and we all offered spontaneous prayers for Naylan’s mother, her recovery and all their family. He was offered one of the roses that had been previously blessed, intended to be distributed to those sick and suffering. He gladly took the rose, the Rosary, and the Rosary pamphlet. He seemed more at peace and was grateful we had prayed for his mother. We gave thanks and said our goodbyes inviting him to join in more of the Calgary – Canmore Tour spiritual events.

Just as we were leaving to go, Kari got back out of her car and went to Naylan. “I just can’t leave without sharing this with you. As we were praying, and you were standing there with us I truly felt like Jesus Christ was standing beside me in you.” she said. The others listening also realized and thought, yes of course, it seemed as though Christ himself came to thank us for bringing His Mother Mary to be with others in our Diocese. Naylan who stood about 5’ foot 11”, appearing physically fit, had brown shoulder length hair, a beard and deep blue eyes. Not only did he seem to represent Christ in a spiritual way, but his physical stature also resembled the Christ we see in various images and artwork.

Later we all agreed that Naylan had a dignified and gracious demeanour. He was a man who worked with his hands, like Christ, doing physical labour and also carried himself with definite distinction, bearing a peaceful, and kindly disposition and polite mannerism. This inspiration on this visit from Christ in another, was certainly something to reflect on. This was one of the first of many Mary Moments that marked our joyful adventures and affirmed the lively presence of Our Lady of the Cape among us.

SWAN EVERGREEN VILLAGE

+Sr. Victoria Mary Hagel and friends

Arrangements were made with the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis, a dear friend of Sister Vickie, Karen Bout and one of the Calgary – Canmore Tour Coordinators Shaanen Cross to have Our Lady of the Cape visit our beloved Sr. Vickie, posed here with Wade Anderson.

Some weeks before her passing, Sister Vickie had become bedridden and apparently had been semi conscious but was now unconscious at the time of the visit. We entered the room of Sr. Vickie where friends and her sister companions surrounded her.

Our Lady of the Cape was placed at the foot of Sr. Vickie’s bed. After a few moments, Karen leaned over and said, “Sr. Vickie, look, Our Lady of the Cape has come to visit you.” At that point, dear Sr. Vickie opened her eyes and almost sat up looking directly at the statue of Our Lady of the Cape and exclaimed, “Look, how beautiful she is!”

She gazed on for a few moments more and then let her head go gently back on her pillow and she closed her eyes. It was an impressive moment. Karen told her that we would begin to pray the Rosary with Our Lady of the Cape, which we did. From time to time, Sr. Vickie would chime into our Rosary. One of the friends who was visiting Sr. Vickie, was especially moved by this. A non-Catholic, she declared that maybe she should become Catholic. Another dear friend of sister Vicki happened to have family members at Trois Rivieres, Quebec and she bore the same last name as Father Luc Désilets who was instrumental in building the Shrine at the Cape, beginning the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, and offering Rosary prayers from his sick bed, that resulted in the Miracle of the Ice Bridge at Cap-de-la-Madeleine. Our Lady of the Cape was affirming her children once again.

PROVIDENCE CARE CENTRE

Bishop Emeritus Eugene Jerome Cooney in prayer

Residents at Providence Care Center gathered in the chapel of Our Lady of Providence to visit with Our Lady of the Cape. They sang and prayed. Individually they lined up to spend some moments greeting Our Lady of the Cape.

An especially beautiful moment was seeing our Bishop Emeritus Eugene Cooney praying with Our Lady of the Cape in earnest in his holy reverent manner. This reminded us once again of the words of wisdom he shared on his 60^th anniversary to the priesthood in 2020; "When I was growing up, prayer and doing God's will was the most important part of our lives" …"We asked God for blessings everyday. We were very much aware that our life is in His hands. People today should remember that God's grace is necessary for us to get through and lead a good life."

St. Mary's Cathedral & Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore

The Our Lady of the Cape Tour to St. Mary’s Cathedral took place May 27-28^th and concluded with the Sunday noon Mass celebrated by Bishop McGrattan who delivered a moving homily highlighting the gift of our faith, traditions and Our Blessed Mother Mary.

Close to 400 parishioners were present, accompanied by the Knights of Columbus. The family of Nicholas and Sarah Simoni offered the gifts. Accomplished Choir Director John Morgan led inspirational solemn hymns that resounded through the air, and beautifully concluded the celebration with the Ave Maria sung by Ashley Rosales.

Nicolas and Sarah Simoni and Family - Offering the gifts at St. Marys Cathedral Mass on May 28th, 2022 (Felicity, Jerome, Rafael, Katerina and Angele Simoni)

Following the Mass, numerous parishioners lingered outdoors and on the front walk of the Cathedral seeking to greet Bishop McGrattan. They asked for his prayers, further blessings, and to meet Our Lady of the Cape.

Finally by 2:30 pm the statue of Our Lady of the Cape was escorted by the Knights of Columbus in a motorcade organized by the God Squad and pilgrims to Canmore. The statue was transported in a distinguished McInnis & Holloway Mercedes van to arrive for the evening 5 pm Vigil Mass at the Shrine Church in Canmore.

God Squad and the Knights of Columbus departure in the motorcade

The eve of the celebration of the dedication anniversary was to be the last Mass officiated by Fr. Nathan Siray, pastor of the Shrine Church, as he had served his term and would be going onto further studies in Washington, DC and to become pastor of St. Anthony’s parish in Calgary.

On May 29^th for the celebration of the Our Lady of the Rockies anniversary, Bishop McGrattan officiated the Holy Mass concelebrating with Fr. Nathan Siray, Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon, who originally headed the construction and establishment of the Shrine, Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano who was the newly appointed pastor of the Shrine, Fr. Kenneth LeBlanc, LC, Fr. Matthew EmmelKamp, and more priests from the Diocese. Deacon Brian West of the Shrine Church also assisted at the Mass. Approximately 300 pilgrims were in attendance.

Parishioners and guests continued the celebration and joined in a wonderful reception. Pilgrims visited and venerated Our Lady of the Cape in the Sanctuary until late that evening. From there Our Lady of the Cape was transported to Holy Spirit church to resume the tour.

PAPAL MASS WITH POPE FRANCIS

Our Lady of the Cape to take stage at the Papal Mass

When Fr. Cristino Bouvette announced that he would be the National Liturgy Director for the Papal Visit, the idea as to the possibility of having Our Lady of the Cape as part of the visit was presented. Fr. Cristino noted that an image of Our Lady would be required for the Papal Masses and that Our Lady of the Cape could be chosen for this. A few weeks later he confirmed that Our Lady of the Cape would be present for the Papal Mass at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. What joy to appropriately have the Queen of Canada present at the Mass as she is instrumental in reconciliation and the healing of all.

Prior to this, it had been discovered that in Alberta we already had a replica statue of Our Lady of the Cape in the Calgary Diocese at Tsuutʼina Our Lady of Peace Mission Chapel.

This was a surprise discovery as this Madonna had been in the sanctuary for over 50 years. Over time her title became unknown until a visitor to the mission church a few months prior to the Western Tour, identified the statue as Our Lady of the Cape. According to the directors of the Marian Devotional Movement, this statue was one of the first replicas distributed after the 1947 Consecration of Canada to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (Note: there is another replica in Beaumont, AB) When the replica statue from Cap-de-la-Madeleine came to visit Calgary, Fr. Cristino, the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, and the Legion of Mary community led a beautiful liturgy and procession to welcome and install the statue of Our Lady at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Following the procession, Fr. Cristino inquired of the custodians about the replica statue from Our Lady of Peace in Tsuutʼina. In that conversation he stated that rather than have the replica statue from Ottawa at the Papal Mass at Commonwealth Stadium, his preference was to have the Our Lady of the Cape replica statue from the Tsuutʼina Our Lady of Peace Chapel.

Fr. Cristino and SFXC servers during procession

Randy Turningrobe Elder, musician, and drummer at Our Lady Peace Mission Chapel, Tsuutina

It seemed very fitting that this particular statue be present at the Reconciliation Mass. Our Lady of the Cape had added meaning and significance for Tsuut'ina First Nations Catholics, having been among the Indigenous community all these years. Our Lady of the Cape Queen of Canada had resided on Treaty 7 land and made a humble home in the Our Lady of Peace Mission Chapel, quietly accompanying our Indigenous brothers and sisters through their joys and sorrows following the 1947 Consecration of Canada to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In a meeting in June 2022 with Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Deacon Frank Sharma, OCD, the Tsuutʼina Chief Roy Whitney, and Elder Regina Crowchild gladly offered Our Lady of the Cape for the Papal Mass. This was supported and approved by Fr. David Meadows, Pastor of Our Lady of Peace Mission church.

REStoration of the our lady of the cape statue from the our lady of peace mission

In early June 2022, the Cap de Madeleine replica statue made her way from Calgary to Stony Plain, AB. There the Carmelites of the Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre, a religious order dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel under the direction of Fr. Mario Fernandes OCD, held a beautiful two-day retreat. Providentially, this wonderful retreat centre is overseen by St. Thomas More parish Calgary pastor, and the Provincial Delegate of the Canadian Carmelite Society, Fr. Jerald D'Souza, OCD.

Pilgrims from all over Alberta including the Maskwacis Nation elders, a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Mission church Muskwacis Karen Wildcat, and youth came to venerate Our Lady of the Cape. It seemed as though Our Lady of the Cape was preparing the people of Maskwacis for the Holy Father’s visit, reconciliation talks and prayers in July.

The Our Lady of the Cape Alberta coordinator shared with Carmelite Deacon Frank Sharma the Story of Our Lady of the Cape from the Tsuutʼina Mission church, having been chosen by Fr. Cristino as the statue to be at the Papal Mass. The statue however was in need of restoration. Deacon Frank Sharma readily offered himself to be the one to restore this statue for the Papal Mass. “Let me be the one to do this for Our Lady, I will do it. It will be an honor.” “Of course, it should be you, Brother Frank,” the coordinator immediately replied as she recalled in that moment being told by her sister how artistic Brother was and knowing how prayerful and holy he is. “Certainly, Our Lady would want you to do this. Only a holy person could truly do this honor for Our Lady,” she said. It was another Mary Moment, where Our Lady of the Cape seemed to be telling us her wishes and choosing Deacon Frank to prepare the statue for this most important event of the Papal visit, the Reconciliation Mass.

Karen Wildcat Muskwacis and Eileen Sasakamoose Enoch, friends and Elders at Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre

Mother Daughter Pilgrims at Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre. Eileen Grossenbacker (left), Joani Grossenbacher (right)

Deacon Frank Sharma, OCD (left) and Fr. Mario Fernandes, OCD (right) at Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre

That week following the retreat, Deacon Frank met with Elder Regina Crowchild, Linda Britton, and one of the Alberta Tour coordinators. Considering that the statue would be very heavy, the coordinator had made previous arrangements with the local Tsuutʼina Fire Department’s Fire Chief Tyler Meguinis to help transport the statue from the Mission church to Deacon Frank’s vehicle, and to be relocated to the Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre in Stony Plain. She explained that it would be for the important work of the participation in the papal visit and Mass. Astute and generous Fire Chief Tyler understood the significance of this act of service and enlisted his team. Gratefully the Tsuutʼina Fire Department and Emergency Medical teams here joined the efforts of Canadians across the country in the preparations for the papal visit and Mass by attending to this very important matter.

On the day of the move, the Fire department, EMS members as well as family members and friends of Elder Regina Crowchild respectfully came to transport the Our Lady of the Cape statue. They asked about the story of Our Lady and listened attentively as it was shared. With professionalism, great care, and attention, they managed the transfer and carefully moved Our Lady of the Cape into Deacon Frank’s van ready to be transported for restoration to the Carmelite Spirituality Centre in Stony Plain AB.

Something very special occurred when the fireman and EMS staff were preparing to move the statue. The moving blankets had not yet arrived. Without hesitation, Fire Chief Tyler went to his vehicle and took out a beautiful blue quilted blanket that had a star motif designed on it. He held it up and solemnly exclaimed “Now I know what this blanket was made for!” The coordinator noted, “Tyler, you are a wise man and so right!” Again, as he held the blanket outstretched for all to see the magnificent star he repeated, “Now I know what this blanket was made for.”

The coordinator examined the blanket. Amazingly, it appeared to be new, not ever having been used before that moment. It was like the star of Bethlehem that appeared and led the way to the Christ Child. The statue of Our Lady of the Cape is that of an expectant Mother. The bright, beautiful blue blanket with the star motif was there to safely embrace Our Lady of the Cape and her Son Jesus, to lovingly guide them to the destination; at the same time to remind us all that Our Lady will lead the way to the heart of her Son Jesus and that Jesus is the Way, the Life and the Truth. The emergency and fire teams gently wrapped Our Blessed Mother Mary in the quilted blanket ready to be transported.

Following the transfer, those present celebrated with a simple picnic on the Our Lady of Peace grounds. Our Lady of the Cape from the Our Lady of Peace Chapel was on her way to be restored for the glorious reconciliation Mass with Pope Francis.

Surprisingly, the youth from Maskwacis who were at Mount Carmel Centre for their Confirmation Class were there to receive Our Lady of the Cape at the Carmelite Centre, and they carried the statue into Deacon Frank’s studio. How wonderful that these Indigenous youth who were studying the faith were there to greet Our Blessed Mother, and to take her to the next step in the preparations for the reconciliation Mass. It appeared that Mother Mary was affirming her happiness at the use of this statue for the Papal Mass. Another Mary Moment, a confirmation that Our Lady of the Cape was preparing the way for reconciliation.

We are truly grateful for the work of Fr. Cristino Bouvette, certain that Our Mother Mary has chosen him to reveal this Canadian National Madonna and Shrine especially as it relates to the healing and reconciliation of our Indigenous brothers and sisters, and our country as a whole.

OUR LADY OF THE CAPE PILGRIMS

Commentaries and Experiences

Our Lady of the Cape drew hundreds of pilgrims together over the course of her Calgary-Canmore Western Canadian Tour. In all she was visited by well over 5,000 or more pilgrims. Our Lady of the Cape made lasting spiritual impressions and left many with experiences to marvel and cherish.

Our Lady of the Cape has not only incredible historical significance to the founding of the Catholic Christian Faith in Canada, but also seems beautifully relevant to our current situation here in Calgary. Sarah and I had the opportunity to visit the actual shrine in Trois Rivieres, Quebec this past year on Oct. 7th for the world premiere release of “The Bridge of Roses” film and the 450th anniversary of Our Lady of the Rosary. Our family was delighted to be a part of the visit of the statue of Our Lady of the Cape to our own St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. Our children presenting roses to Our Lady and Bishop McGrattan celebrating Mass was a memory and prayer we are forever grateful for. We believe we need the intercession of Our Lady of the Cape now more than ever. May the intercession of Our Lady of the Cape, along with the visit of our Holy Father Pope Francis, bring healing to our land, unity among Catholics and Christians and empower us all to become Missionary Disciples.

~Nicolas Simoni, St. Mary’s High School Chaplain (Simoni family presented the gifts during the Mass officiated by Bishop McGrattan at St. Mary’s Cathedral May 28^th, 2022 - photo above).

The visit of Our Lady of the Cape to our diocese was such an amazing blessing, especially on this occasion of the 75th anniversary of Canada’s consecration to the Immaculate Heart. It was a great honour to be able to participate in several ceremonies throughout the city, most especially in the processions at St. Anthony's and St. Mary's Cathedral. To see Our Lady brought into the streets amongst all her children was deeply moving. After seeing what she has done for our diocese and for our country, I truly believe that the story of Our Lady of the Cape is the greatest Canadian story that has yet to be told! Our Lady of the Cape, pray for us!

~Jeffrell Painaga, President of the Legion of Mary, St. Mary’s Cathedral

Gail Evens in prayer at Sacred Heart Church, Calgary

As I was praying during my holy hour it came to me that we have many devotions to our blessed mother Mary but this one is the most powerful…Our Lady of the Cape, She is the Queen … She's the powerful one!

~Mrs. Lorette Young, Sacred Heart Parish

When I touched the expectant statue of Our Lady of the Cape, I felt my heart leap for joy!

~Fr. Arjay Abanto, previous pastor of Canadian Martyrs Church, now the pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Calgary.

I was most grateful to have our Lady of the Cape come to meet our people and visit at Our Lady Peace. I brought my daughter who has lupus. Many of my family members and friends came to meet Our Lady of Cape.

This was a beautiful visit that brought us peace and hope. Many of our people are no longer coming to church. We need to pray our Rosary, we need to find ways to bring them back.

~Elder Regina Crowchild, Our Lady of Peace Mission Tsuutʼina

What resonated with me as we prepared for the visit of Our Lady of the Cape was to see Ottawa in 1947 through the documentary of the Marian Congress (you tube); the five days of millions of people, venerating, parading, and celebrating Mary and her blessed Son Jesus compared to seeing Canada in 2022 - I was appalled and deeply dismayed at the stark difference. With the horrors of Covid 19, I knew immediately that Mary is the answer to bring our country and citizens back to God. We need our Blessed Mother so badly to bring us all back to Jesus. It would seem Our Lady of the Cape is the gift of our return here in Canada.

~Linda Britton, St. Bonaventure Church and Our Lady of Peace, Tsuutʼina

…With Our Lady of the Cape at St. Mary’s Cathedral, I was seated in the front row during Adoration. She was in front of me and, on the Altar, with the Blessed Eucharist. While enjoying their presence… a thought occurred to me, a “new" way to pray for a loved one. I have been praying and fasting these past years for the healing from emotional trauma, spiritual deliverance, and the coming back to faith of a family member. This is not to say that all the Masses, fasting, rosaries, and spiritual communions before were ineffective. The Lord was allowing these trials to continue for His good purposes. For me, it was a continual practice of the virtues I learned from a Marian consecration I did three years ago. With this encounter from then on, I began to pray for that specific person in the way Mama Mary (Our Lady of the Cape) taught me. I asked her and Jesus to fuse my will to Theirs and accompany me in those times the hurts occurred. In place of the bad memories, I asked for the Holy Spirit to infuse love and forgiveness. I saw this family member recently and could see the miraculous changes after only a couple of weeks. By the grace of God, through Our Lady, the Mediatrix of all Graces, healing has started, and relationships are slowly being repaired. All glory and honour to our ever-faithful God! Fiat!

~Ana Lynn, Our Lady of the Cape Custodian, St. Mary’s Cathedral

June 1st, 2022 provided for an honoured and unexpected visitation to the Parish of Canadian Martyrs. Once Fr Arjay gave his permission for this great event of hosting Our Lady of the Cape at the Parish, Mother Mary was right there with me as she guided me all along to set up the plan for this 24 hours visitation. Everyone who I approached in the parish to be involved did not hesitate to help out. I experienced all the guidance, time and energy that I needed, bestowed upon me as the days got closer to her visitation, which I truly felt the next day after her departure. We are very grateful for all the blessings Our Lady brought to us. It was truly touching when the Elementary students of St Margaret's Students (grades 1 & 2) came to the parish together with the principal and their teachers to spend a few minutes with Our Lady. They spontaneously responded to the Hail Mary in Spanish while the Rosary was being recited in English.

The highlight of the day was the 6.30 pm Mass celebrated by Fr Arjay who gave an inspiring homily of Our Lady, followed by a beautiful outdoor procession. Attendance was from numerous different parishes. Fr. Arjay blessed the white roses that had been placed at the feet of Our Lady and each family was given one rose to celebrate and witness to the passersby of this great visitation, which we felt Our Lady of the Cape truly deserves. Returning to the church after the procession a line up was spontaneously formed to have the opportunity to touch Our Lady. Everyone respectfully proceeded without any disturbance. After her departure some felt that they had to follow Our Lady to the next stop. Thank you, Our Lady, for your blessings on each and everyone of us.

~Member of the Legion of Mary and Custodian, Canadian Martyrs

As the documentary (The Bridge of Roses) said, this, Our Lady of the Cape, is a hidden treasure. What really struck me was the fact that Our Lady of the Cape was older than many American and European, apparitions, yet hardly known; the fact that Canada, at the highest level of authority, was a nation that profoundly believed and supported Marian Devotion and Catholic beliefs, is quite a contrast with the present situation. I also came to know about the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, which is an outstanding blessing to have in all corners of the world, brothers and sisters who are praying within the confraternity for all members and even after a members’ death. It revealed to me again that Our Lady has always had the power to reunite people, especially Catholics and to make us aware of her powerful intercession. Our Lady of the Cape, pray for Canada!

~Julio Jimenez, Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish

After Our Lady of the Cape statue left our parish, I felt an intense longing to be closer to Our Blessed Mother. This compelled me to share the Bridge of Roses documentary with my CWL sisters to make Our Lady of the Cape better known.

~Linda Shultz, Canadian Martyrs Parish

It was a blessing for me to be involved with the Our Lady of the Cape tour. As a custodian at St Mary's Cathedral, I felt a sense of love, peace, and joy pouring forth from our blessed Mother and was honored to help in some small way. I'm thankful for our blessed Mother's tender love for me and for her constant intercession to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

~Custodian at St Mary's Cathedral

Our Lady of the Cape at St. Albert the Great, Calgary

Being a National Shrine, I reflected on how unknown Our Lady of the Cape was among Canadians. It was a blessing and honor to make her known in our diocese as part of the Calgary-Canmore team.

~ Carmen Toole, St. Albert the Great Parish, Calgary

It was such a blessing to have Our Lady of the Cape visiting us and making sure we are not alone. I had two lights when I was in the Clear Water Academy chapel talking to Her: I was asking her for protection for soul and body of my three daughters. Immediately, I had this consolation clearly saying to me: “they were named after me (because the three are each named Maria) and I will always keep their body and soul safe.” I felt such a relief and joy knowing that Our Lady would keep looking after them. The second light I was given was when I was praying for Canada (having completed the 54-day novena) all these concerning details that came to my mind… we still had some restrictions and mandates. Yet, there was such a peace and consolation I received from her, that I knew there was nothing to worry about. That Canada was under her protection and that we would survive this madness.

~Educator, Clear Water Academy

When we heard that Our Lady of the Cape was visiting our Calgary Diocese, we immediately notified our son Craig who is the president of the Legion of Mary in our parish. We let him know what a very special opportunity this was to have Our Lady of the Cape come to visit, a great blessing and that we must have her come to St. Anthony’s. We encouraged Craig to do all that was necessary to have Our Lady of the Cape visit at St. Anthony parish. We are very pleased that she was able to be with us. It was a beautiful event, so many graces…

~ Mr. and Mrs. Martis, St. Anthony's Parish, Calgary

Craig Martis, with his sister and his parents who were instrumental in organizing and bringing the Our Lady of the Cape statue to visit to St. Anthony’s Church, Calgary

Elder Regina Crowchild

Praise be to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I was visiting Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec and never knew about Our Lady of Cape, yet that same month I got to know her while she visited Holy Spirit church in Calgary. It was to my great surprise she was coming to visit us here. She came here to meet me after all. I was so excited to see everyone making preparations for her visit. I wanted to impress my heavenly Mother since I had been in her town and did not visit her there. I thought I must do something special to welcome her, I must visit her. I came to know she was coming to Tsuut’ina, Our Lady of Peace chapel. I heard others saying we need to invite more First Nation people to join in, to greet and welcome our Mother. Everyone was looking to bring members to the church. I knew the mother of the Princess of Tsuut’ina. Their whole family treats me like a family member. I was afraid to ask her to attend to greet Our Lady, since they had recently experienced the loss of many members in the Nation including their grandfather, so the family was mourning. It was hard for me to contact them. I started praying hard to our Mother for the family to visit me at the pharmacy where I work. Then the princess' mother visited, and I shared my desire that her daughter would welcome Mother Mary. She expressed that it was a very difficult time to come out as her mother was not doing well and the whole family was grieving…. I reminded her that she was my sister and that her father died in the Christian faith, and I had joined the choir at his funeral, taking care of all the family members. I told her, you know dear if you bring your daughter, if she comes to welcome Mother Mary, our Mother will be so happy, your dad and all the members of the Nation will rejoice in the Lord Jesus, that your daughter being the Tsuut’ina Nation princess, would welcome her to our church. What a Joy too for all the departed souls of the faithful of Tsuut’ina who will bless you from Heaven.

The mother of the princess agreed and said “Sister, this makes sense, I will go home and ask my daughter letting her know that Aunty Jasmine is asking for this and if she says yes, I will bring her.” Meanwhile Elder Regina Crowchild, with the help of Melissa DeGroot, were also asking everyone to join for this time of prayer with Our Lady of the Cape. On Saturday, to my surprise, not only was there the blessing of the lovely princess, so many came, and everything was so beautiful. It was such a peaceful day, we gathered in the open air. Our Lady of the Cape was processed in from the road. She was preceded by the Tsuut’ina princess in her ceremonial ribbon dress, dancing so gracefully, almost as though she was dancing on air, as her feet bounced gently off the ground while doing the jingle dance, in honor of Our Blessed Mother Mary. All this was accompanied by drumming and singing by our First Nation brothers from Tsuutʼina and from the Siksika Nations. They joined and led us in prayer along with Fr. David. Brother Denis Grady also led in song and we recited the Rosary, under the bright blue sky as chirping birds sung from the nearby trees and three majestic Eagles flew overhead, high above people. It was as though they too were saying that it is a blessing to have Our Lady with us. Even the green grass and the wildflowers were dancing as a sweet gentle breeze, the Holy Spirit surrounded us. I had tears in my eyes as I watched the princess distribute the roses blessed by Fr. David and Fr. Josh, to each person present.

We all said goodbye to the Pilgrim statue of Our Lady who came to visit from the Cape but fortunately for us we have been blessed with our own statue of Our Lady of Cape at Tsuut’ina, so she will be with us for all time. In our Tsuut’ina Nation church she has prayed with us, Our Lady of the Cape has been with us for at least 50 years. We are blessed to have Her and our beautiful church. I am so grateful that my Heavenly Mother heard all my intentions, my prayers for welcoming her to Tsuut’ina and that my sister made my dream come true through bringing her princess daughter to welcome our Heavenly Mother. Thanks to the Manywounds family.

~Jasmine Banz, Holy Spirit parish and Our Lady of the Peace Mission.

Falon Manywounds welcoming Our Lady of the Cape at Our Lady Peace Mission Chapel

thank you to our diocese and our lady of the cape

Our Lady of the Cape, pray for us

Overall what made this Marian Tour of such interest to the many who came to touch and see, came to pray, to ask favours and to give thanks to our blessed Mother Mary, was appreciably the fact that Our Lady of the Cape is the Queen of Canada, given this title by Holy Mother Church, she was crowned not once but twice by our Popes (on behalf of Pope Pius X in 1904 and Pope Pius the XII in 1954). Our Lady of the Cape is the Mother and protector of our beloved country, choosing Canada as the place for her special shrine, a National Shrine recognised on the level of Fatima, Lourdes and Guadalupe. Of all places in the world, right here in Canada she is becoming more known today to promote a spiritual renewal, spiritual communion among Catholics and non-Catholics alike, worldwide.

For many of us as Catholics and Canadians prior to the tour, Our Lady of the Cape was unheard of. Importantly at this time in our history and she is revealing herself to us, gathering her children and assuring us of her maternal presence, protection, her most precious and generous love for all, drawing us closer her Immaculate Heart, to the Sacred Heart of her Son Jesus; preparing hearts to receive Jesus, in order to bring Him to all nations.

May the visit of Our Lady of the Cape, Queen of Canada, Queen of the Holy Rosary and Queen of Intercessors, encourage us to personal, family, and communal prayer, especially the Holy Rosary; a deep love for our Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist; to develop a deeper awareness that God envelops every aspect of our daily life, from receiving our daily bread, to concerns such as love, work, health, friendship, suffering, and the current events that affect the nation, the world, and the Church. May Our Lady of the Cape continue to spiritually enrich our lives and strengthen our families, community, and Church; to bring us closer to God and to bring lasting peace to all.

A sincere thank you to Bishop William McGrattan, Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon, Fr. Nathan Siray, Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Fr. David Meadows, Fr. Fabio DeSouza, and all of our priests, Angelina and Dennis Girard, Sean Lynn, and The God Squad, Jeff Hagel of McInnis and Holloway, Master Andy Hamel of the Knights of Columbus and all of the participating Knights, Gloria Boogsman, Holy Name CWL President and CWL from various parishes, and all of our custodians, supporters and pilgrims for making this visit of Our Lady of the Cape to Alberta possible.

A special thanks to the Our Lady of the Cape Team Linda Britton, Shaanen Cross, Gail Evens, Kari Faba, Carmen Toole, Nazira Aby Ratched, Monica Massing, Arlette Allijan, Catherine Hendry, Mary Lojek, Beverly Picard, Regina Crowchild, Christine Gamache, and Wade Anderson.

Our Lady of the Cape remains with us in our Diocese at Our Lady of Peace Mission Church at Tsuutʼina. May she continue to be venerated in this holy place in the days to come for all present and future generations. Our Lady of the Cape, pray for us!

For more photos from the Our Lady of the Cape visit, check out the Diocese of Calgary Flickr page

Article & testimonies submitted by Christine Gamache for Faithfully
Photo credits: Christine Gamache, Wade Anderson, Bandi Szakony, and Lincoln Ho - Used with permission.

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