My Dear People and Dear Clergy,
What a remarkable year it has been! We celebrated the first anniversary of Pope Leo’s election on May 8, 2025, and joyfully received his inspiring first Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in this age of artificial intelligence. Dated May 15, 2026, the Encyclical Letter also honours the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s historic encyclical, Rerum Novarum. It is a testament to our Church’s ongoing commitment to truth, dignity, and the well-being of every person.
Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)
I also encourage you to read Pope Leo’s Message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, which reminds us of the power of truth and love in our digital age.
Recently, we joyfully celebrated the great feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the apostles, filling them with courage and wisdom to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We also honoured Mary, the Mother of the Church, as we stepped into the Season of Ordinary Time—a season that is anything but ordinary. It is a sacred time for active growth—learning, serving, and living out Christ’s teachings each day. The green vestments we wear symbolize hope, growth, and new life—reminding us that our faith is a living, breathing force within us.
Pentecost beautifully reminds us that diversity is God’s gift—created by God and meant to be celebrated and respected. As one Church, we carry a powerful message of hope for a world weary of division and conflict. Our faith proclaims that God is with us—loving us unconditionally and working through every situation for good. The Spirit empowers us to bring light to dark places, offer hope to those in despair, and support families facing extraordinary challenges in their ordinary days. Together, through faith, dignity, and compassion, we can brighten each day and transform our communities.
Spring’s arrival is a vivid reminder of renewal and new life—a sign of hope blossoming all around us. It is a time to rejoice in the blessings God continually pours into our lives.
Last week, we celebrated our six Jubilarians—an incredible 344 years of dedicated service! We are truly blessed by their witness of faith and commitment. We also look forward to the ordination of our seminarian, Joseph MacMaster, who will be ordained a deacon on August 6, 2026, the Feast of the Transfiguration. As he begins this sacred journey, we surround him with our prayers and support, trusting that God will guide him in his future ministry as a priest. Let us continue praying for more vocations—trusting that God’s call is never silent.
The Sisters of St. Martha have been celebrating their 125th Anniversary as a Congregation with various events this past year. The theme of their celebration is “Standing together in hope: Shaping the Emerging Future.” They invite us to the closing Mass of their anniversary year on Wednesday, July 29, at 10 am at St. Ninian Cathedral.
Cape Breton University has honoured Father Norman MacPhee with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Father Norman’s lifelong dedication to service—through parish work, founding initiatives like Loaves and Fishes, and supporting the development of schools, services and a credit union in Honduras. In 2004, he established a bursary fund at Cape Breton University in memory of his parents. The Archie and Catherine MacPhee Memorial Bursary Fund now provides 14 bursaries annually and has supported more than 200 students in their studies. His generous spirit and unwavering commitment remind us of the profound impact one person can have when guided by love and faith. We thank him for his service, and we celebrate his life of dedication to community and faith.
As a diocese, we have embarked on a new journey together through our Diocesan Synod Team. We are now in the Implementation Phase of the Synodal Church—listening, learning, and growing as a community of faith. Our responsibilities are twofold: to engage in meaningful conversations until the end of 2026, and to develop structures and programs that keep our Church alive and vibrant for generations to come. This is a time of renewal, a time to deepen our unity and commitment to living the Gospel.
As the school year concludes, I pray God’s blessings upon all students and teachers, especially our dedicated parish catechists. Your efforts nurture faith and hope in the hearts of our young ones, shaping the future with love and truth.
Let us carry these blessings forward with joy, confidence, and unwavering hope. Together, as a community rooted in faith, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead with courage, compassion, and trust in God’s everlasting love.
Fraternally in Christ,
+ Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick
Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick
Bishop of Antigonish
