On Sunday, 22 February, our archdiocese came together for the Rite of Election, a celebration of decisive call and the inscription of names, and a moment of profound beauty, born of the Church gathered together, and of missionary hope. With our new team, I had the privilege of accompanying our catechumens, parish teams, clergy and families through this defining step towards the sacraments of initiation, to be celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

A Record Number of Young Adults

We welcomed a record 239 young adults, a sign of hope that speaks quietly but powerfully to the work of the Holy Spirit in our local Church. Many of them were entering the cathedral for the very first time.

One could see it immediately: the reverent awe on their faces as they crossed the threshold of this sacred space, inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Some paused. Others looked up in silence. The grandeur of the cathedral seemed to mirror the magnitude of the step they were taking.

There was excitement. There was apprehension. Many emotions intertwined — but above all, there was joy. A pure, undeniable joy at being called by name, at recognizing that God loves them personally, and at freely answering that call.

Holly Eugenio, Associate Director of Mission Jeunesse, reflected: "Something that marked me was the deep connection between the catechumens and their parish leaders. You could feel a shared joy and pride...like these companions were genuinely coming to present someone they had walked alongside. They knew their stories.”

The Richness of the Rite

The Rite of Election is at once simple and profound. Presented by their sponsors, godparents and parish representatives, the catechumens stood before Archbishop Christian Lépine, who, in the name of the Church, declared them among the elect.

The proclamation of the Word anchored the celebration in the history of salvation. The affirmation of sponsors, godparents and assembly reminded us that faith is never lived alone. Being called forward made visible what had already been taking place invisibly in their hearts — through months, and for some, years of accompaniment.

For me, the most moving moment was the signing of names in the Book of the Elect.

As each catechumen came forward to inscribe their name, I was struck by the authenticity of their joy. There was nothing superficial in their gesture. Many smiled broadly; others were visibly moved. It was as though the simple act of writing their name became a sacred affirmation: I belong. I am known. I am loved. I answer.

Witnessing that awakened something deeply personal in me. It brought me back to my own baptismal vocation — to the quiet, lasting joy of knowing that God calls each of us by name. In their faces, I rediscovered that first love. And I found myself praying that this joy — the joy of being known by God — would take root more deeply not only in them, but in each of us.

A Communion of Service

This was a defining moment for the Mission Jeunesse-Youth Ministry team, whose experience in welcoming and engaging young adults brought energy, attentiveness and missionary joy to the day.

Their attentive presence, hospitality and joyful service created an atmosphere in which the catechumens and their families felt truly welcomed and supported. Their witness reminded us that leadership in the Church is always rooted in service.

This year also marked an important milestone. It was the first major diocesan celebration for our newly formed EVC team — Evangelization and Christian Life — enriched by recently appointed colleagues who took up their responsibilities with generosity and dedication.

A celebration of this kind is never the work of a single office alone. I am deeply grateful for the collaboration of the cathedral staff, who ensured with great pastoral care that every detail served the dignity of the liturgy.

A Sign of Hope for Our Church

As we prepare for Holy Week and the Easter Vigil, we carry these nearly 240 elect in our prayers. They are not simply participants in a programme, they are brothers and sisters responding to the living God.

This year's Rite of Election was more than a significant liturgical milestone. It was a visible sign of renewal in our archdiocese — a reminder that Christ continues to call, that hearts continue to open, and that the Church continues to walk faithfully with those who seek him.

May the joy we witnessed on 22 February continue to resonate throughout our parishes and communities. And may each of us, in our own way, rediscover the grace of being called by name.

Isabel Correa
Director, Evangelization and Christian Life and
Mission Jeunesse Youth Ministry
Archdiocese of Montreal