The season of Lent started on Ash Wednesday, February 26. The flowers around the altar in church were replace with a cactus. The cactus reminds us of the desert with John the Baptist preaching repentance and where Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days.

Abbot Peter is attending the meeting of the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops in Victoria starting Feb. 18. He serves as the secretary for the bishops from Western and Northern Canada.

During his pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory the week of Feb. 3, Fr. Paul visited the tomb of St. André Bessette, a miracle worker during his lifetime. Fr. Paul was accompanied by Jackie Saretsky, diocesan hospital chaplain. They are shown in the crypt church, offering lots of petitions for people who requested prayers.

Brother Anthony and Abbot Peter attended the Jan. 26 Vietnamese New Year’s celebration in Saskatoon. A Mass was followed by a festive supper and New Year’s celebrations.