Each year during Holy Week, a tradition dating back to Pope Benedict XVI's Year for Priests in 2010, the Office for Pastoral Personnel hosts a dinner bringing together priests, deacons, and deacons' wives from parishes across the diocese just before the Chrism Mass.

On Holy Wednesday, April 1^st, nearly 150 people answered the invitation, gathering in the downstairs hall of Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral for a warm evening of fellowship.

The evening came together through the contributions of many. The meal was generously funded by L'Œuvre des vocations du diocèse de Montréal, a charitable organization dedicated to the formation of future priests, while a number of guests brought desserts and decorations. The room setup and service were handled by volunteers who gave their time generously, their commitment and prayer very much part of what made the evening a success.

This year, the Church marks 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi entered eternal life (†1226). St. Francis, who was himself a deacon, held priests in deep and lasting regard, writing to them: "See your dignity, and be holy, because He is holy!" His witness as friend of Christ and brother to all gave the evening a fitting patron.

In remembrance of this anniversary, and as the Paschal Triduum drew near, the dinner gave priests, deacons, and deacons' wives a time to give thanks for the gift of the Eucharist and of priestly and diaconal ministry, and to strengthen the bonds that unite them in a shared vocation.

A selection of photos from the evening appears in the gallery below.

May the Risen Lord bring each of us peace, joy, and hope, and may He bless all who give themselves generously to the service of the Church.

Father François Charette
Director, Office for Pastoral Personnel
Archdiocese of Montreal

On behalf of the Office for Pastoral Personnel team