On Sunday, March 15, 2026, a day of renewal for catechists and faith formators was held at the former Major Seminary of Montreal.

Organized at the initiative of Lucile Chiron, lay pastoral agent (APL) for the parishes of Notre-Dame de l’Alliance and Saint-Paul de la Croix, this gathering—originally intended for her local communities—was opened to other parishes in a spirit of collaboration. Several participants accepted the invitation, coming notably from Notre-Dame de l’Alliance, Saint-Paul de la Croix, Saints Martyrs of Vietnam, Notre-Dame d’Anjou, as well as other parts of the diocese.

The day included spiritual guidance offered by the “Seeds of the Word” Community, which recently arrived in Montreal; their contemplative and missionary charism enriched the various moments of the gathering.

A Time to Refocus on What Matters Most

Upon arrival, participants were warmly welcomed with coffee, creating a fraternal atmosphere conducive to fellowship. The day began with a hymn to the Holy Spirit, opening hearts to this time of grace. Christine, a consecrated layperson, then introduced the “Semences du Verbe” congregation, highlighting its charism centered on the Word of God.

The day’s theme, “The Joy of Giving,” guided the teachings and times of reflection. Participants were invited to rediscover the profound meaning of their commitment to the Church, as a response to the Lord’s call, in the image of Christ who gives himself entirely out of love.

A path of conversion and self-giving

An initial session helped participants internalize the meaning of Lent. It is not merely a series of sacrifices, but a path of conversion. Renunciations then take on their full meaning: they prepare us to welcome the Lord and to renew our fidelity in every aspect of our lives.

The teachings also reminded us that God is love, goodness, and mercy, but that He is also total self-giving: self-giving in creation, self-giving in His Passion. By contemplating Him, each person can draw the strength to give of themselves in turn, freely, without expecting anything in return. This self-giving, lived with promptness and without conditions, leads to forgiveness and bears the fruits of joy and fruitfulness.

The Word at the Heart of the Mission

After a time of fellowship, the second part of the day centered on a lectio divina on the Gospel account of the healing of the man born blind. The participants moved through the different stages of this spiritual practice: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. This process allowed the Word to take root in the heart, so that it might then be translated into concrete actions.

The day continued with the celebration of the Eucharist. During the homily, Father Ushindi, of Notre-Dame de l’Alliance, offered a moving testimony on the total gift of self to God, after having removed the “mud” from his eyes and seeing the Lord to give Him his definitive “yes.”

Fraternity and Sending Forth on Mission

After Mass, participants shared a meal, continuing their conversations in a friendly atmosphere. The day concluded with a time of adoration and praise in the chapel, allowing everyone to leave renewed, strengthened, and filled with the joy of self-giving.

Everyone left renewed, strengthened in their mission, and filled with this deep conviction: joy comes from the gift of self.

We give thanks for this initiative and for all those who faithfully work to pass on the faith in their respective communities.

Karin Perea
EVC