Our Mother of Perpetual Novena Triduum in Canada

September 7, 2022

by Barbara Galbraith, Parishioner at St. Patrick’s

After a hiatus of two years, due to Covid 19 restrictions, the Triduum in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was once more able to be celebrated in person at St. Patrick’s Church, Toronto, on June 27th, 28th and 29th.

The three evenings were well attended and the church was filled, there was a sense of welcome and joy at once more being able to gather together to celebrate this special devotion to Mary.

The tenor of each evening was set before the Mass by a prayerful and peaceful introduction of a Marian theme. On the first evening the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, The Litany of Loretto was prayed by the whole assembly.

The second evening, the Memorial of the Redemptorist Martyrs, a medley of Ancient and Modern music was beautifully sung by Fr. Ray Earle, the Associate Pastor. He led a procession starting at the shrine to Our Mother of Perpetual Help and moving to the Pieta on the opposite side of the church. This included the Salve Regina and Woman of Mystery.

The third evening included a reading of the prayer to Mary from a poem by Sir Walter Scott, whereby a young woman, living in danger and exile, appeals to Mary as her protector and guide.

These words have been translated into German and set to music by Schubert, and is known as the German Ave Maria. This was sung in a clear and ringing voice by Rayleigh Becker, one of our cantors.

The homilist was Bishop Jon Hansen C.Ss.R., of the diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. Bishop Jon is a former pastor at St. Patrick’s Church and people were delighted to see him and welcome him back.

The themes of his homilies were:

1. Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Ask a sign of the Lord – God gives us signs, Jesus shows the way, Mary is a fellow traveler and guide.

2. Memorial of the Redemptorist Martyrs of the Ukraine. More than we bargained for – Ordinary people can be called to extraordinary heights of heroism and endurance. God gives us strength to endure.

3. Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Renewing ourselves, renewing our faith - Our life is not a sprint but a marathon for which the Lord will give us strength to finish.

The Liturgy each evening was enhanced by the soaring, harmonious voices of the choir – encouraging us all to sing in praise and thanksgiving – and the powerful and skilful playing of Dr. Robin Williams, the Director of Music.

This, together with the careful preparation and participation of the ministries of hospitality, lector, server and extraordinary minister of communion, as well as the presence of members of the Redemptorist community, ensured three beautiful evenings of prayerful worship and praise.

North American Conference of Redemptorists

Washington, DC

Our Mother of Perpetual Novena Triduum in Canada