Day of fasting, prayer and penance Oct. 27, 2023

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Warning against a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and ongoing conflicts elsewhere, Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace in the world Oct. 27. “War does not solve any problems, it only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” he said at the end of his general audience talk in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 18. “Our thoughts go to Palestine and Israel,” he said to applause. “Casualties are rising and the situation in Gaza is desperate,” he said. “Please, may everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.” What is also “disturbing,” he said, is the possibility the conflict will spread just as so many other battles of war are being waged in the world. “Please,” he said, “let us continue to pray for peace in the world, especially in tormented Ukraine,” a tragedy that is no longer talked about but continues. “Silence the weapons. Listen to the cry of the poor, the people, the children, for peace,” the pope said. He urged all people of faith to take “just one side in this conflict: that of peace. But not with words, with prayer, with total dedication.”

For this reason, he said, he has decided to call for a day of fasting, prayer and penance Oct. 27. The pope invited men and women of every Christian denomination and other religions as well as those committed to the cause of peace to participate in any way they feel is appropriate. There will be an hour of prayer starting at 6 p.m.Rome time in St. Peter’s “imploring for peace in the world,” he said, and local churches are invited to organize similar initiatives.

Clergy Appointment

The Superior of the North American Vice Province of the Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel (CSMA) has assigned Fr. Peter Wojakiewicz CSMA to the Diocese of Charlottetown. Bishop Joseph Dabrowski has appointed Fr. Peter as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, Cornwall, and administrator of St. Martin of Tours, Cumberland and of St. Anne’s, Emyvale effective December 1st, 2023.

Update on St. Martin of Tours Restoration

July 26, 2023

Good news!  As you are all aware, the church suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Fiona last fall.  We have now completed the details with the insurance company and are extremely pleased to report that the insurance claim for the major repairs has been approved. To date, a contractor has been confirmed and they are now prepared to proceed with ordering the necessary supplies and other articles to complete the job. Repairs will be done on both the interior and exterior of the church first with a completion date projected to be late September. Work necessary for the repair and restoration of the steeple is expected to be completed by late October 2023.

Thank you to our parishioners for their patience during this difficult time in the history of St. Martin of Tours. Your continued support is appreciated.

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Thank you Jonathan and Staff!

Loblaw Companies Ltd. takes fighting food waste seriously and are working to reduce food loss and waste.  Locally, Good’s Independent Grocer in Cornwall, PE has volunteered to participate with local food banks to reduce perishable food going to landfills.  Partners include the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Cornwall Food Bank, the South Shore Food Share and the West River Fridge. Because of the commitment of Jonathon Good and his dedicated staff, thousands of pounds of meat, seafood, baked goods and dairy have provided safe healthy meals to people in need. Thank you so much, Jonathon and staff, for your commitment to our community.

Loblaw Companies National 2023 Spring Food Drive

The Good Shepherd Conference (Cornwall, PE) of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) participated in the Loblaw Companies National 2023 Spring Food Drive.  Locally, Good’s Independent Grocer raised over $1000 in support of the SSVP’s Cornwall Food Bank.  Special thanks to Jonathon Good and the staff at the Independent Grocer.  Pictured are Darlene Harper from the Cornwall Food Bank and Jonathon Good from the Independent Grocer.