Parish Bicentennial Proclamation
The glory of the Lord has shone upon us,
dear brothers and sisters, and shall ever be manifest among us,
until the day of his return.
As we move through
the rhythms of times and the changing seasons, let us come together
to celebrate the mysteries of our salvation.
This year,
we have the special joy of celebrating 200 years
as a parish family in Niagara-on-the-Lake,
under the theme of
"Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future."
With grateful hearts for God's enduring mercy,
we join in commemorating this remarkable milestone
with a series of special events ...
January 25, Sunday, marks the Formal Opening and Proclamation
of our bicentennial.
It coincides with the 200th anniversary
of Niagara-on-the-Lake's first resident priest
and the formal establishment
of Kingston as a diocese, separate from Quebec,
on January 27, 1826.
On April 26, a Sunday in the Easter Season,
coinciding with the Birth of St. Vincent de Paul
on April 24, 1581,
a commemorative Prayer Card will be distributed.
On Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity, May 31,
in anticipation of Corpus Domini,
there will be a display of posters
depicting eucharistic miracles,
as documented and designed by St. Carlo Acutis.
On June 14, also a Sunday, we celebrate
the Canonization of St. Vincent de Paul
which occurred on June 16, 1737.
Our second annual Parish Picnicwill take place that afternoon, in Virgil,
welcoming all to share in fellowship.
Sunday, September 27 will be the highlight
of the bicentennial celebration!It relates to the Death of St. Vincent de Paul
on September 27, 1660
— and thereafter his annual feast day.
The festivities will include
a Eucharistic Celebration, an Outdoor Reception,
and a Gala Banquet.
On November 22, Christ the King Sunday,
there will be an afternoon Holy Hour of Adoration.
On December 13, a Sunday in Advent,
our bicentennial festivities will conclude,
in remembrance of the establishment
of Toronto as its own diocese, separate from Kingston,
elevated accordingly as an archdiocese,
this taking effect on December 17, 1841.
Let us honour our rich heritage
and 200 years as a parish family
as we embrace the future together,
united as a community of faith and service
here in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
