Sunday, December 7, 2025, marked an unforgettable milestone for the parishioners of Sainte-Madeleine Church in Outremont as they gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church, built in 1925. Hundreds of faithful filled the church, joined by civic leaders, provincial and federal officials, members of the Scouts, and the Knights of Columbus.

The Mass was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by Archbishop Christian Lépine and concelebrated by former pastors—Msgr. Pierre Murray, CSS, Msgr. Roger Dufresne, CSS, Fr. Nicolas Sengson, SVD—as well as the current pastor and Episcopal Vicar for Central Montreal’s deaneries, Fr. Jean-Marie Bilwala. Deacon Benoît Thibault was also present. The atmosphere was vibrant, lifted by a choir whose angelic voices and gentle, contemplative tones shaped a profoundly prayerful celebration.

Before beginning his homily, the Archbishop invited the assembly to reflect on their own journeys with the parish, asking who had been part of Sainte-Madeleine for 10, 30, 40, or even 50 years. Hands rose throughout the church—until a young boy proudly raised his, drawing warm laughter from the congregation.

The Archbishop continued by posing three simple yet profound questions: What inspires you about Sainte-Madeleine Parish? Does this parish speak to your heart? Does Sainte-Madeleine offer mercy?

He reminded the faithful that Saint Mary Magdalene, their patroness, received mercy and became a witness of it. God’s mercy, he said, is given so that we might in turn become merciful. The very word mercy—miséricorde in French—unites misère (misery) and cœur (heart): a heart willing to carry the suffering of another. A merciful parish, therefore, is a community that offers forgiveness—a demanding yet deeply life-giving call.

Archbishop Lépine invited everyone to look honestly at their daily lives: Which acts of forgiveness have I withheld? Which apologies have I not yet offered? Mercy, he said, is what saves us. It awakens us to the reality of divine forgiveness—free, unearned, and always available. As Pope Francis once said:“[God] never tires of forgiving, but at times we get tired of asking for forgiveness.” (Angelus, St. Peter’s Square, March 17, 2013)

Forgiveness is a gift and a grace; we cannot move forward without mercy. God’s forgiveness works within us. In a polarized world, we risk becoming quick to accuse and slow to understand, losing sight of the dignity of the human person. Mercy is the remedy we urgently need.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, he described the prophet John the Baptist as a giant of faith, marked above all by fidelity—his unwavering faithfulness to God. This raises a question for every community: Are we faithful to God? To be faithful to God is also to remain faithful to oneself, to the Gospel, and to one’s commitments. Fidelity requires inner strength. John the Baptist challenges Sainte-Madeleine Parish to be a community rooted in such fidelity—one that perseveres with trust and tenacity. Perseverance opens doors, allowing us to proclaim with conviction that God is present and that Jesus Christ is our Saviour.

Remaining in the spirit of Advent and awaiting the coming of the Lord, the parish hosted a joyful time of fellowship following the Mass. Parishioners left with hearts full of gratitude, hopeful that future generations will one day gather to celebrate the bicentenary in 2125.

Fr. Jean-Marie Bilwala
Episcopal Vicar
Central Montreal’s Deaneries