2025.10.26 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

In the Archdiocese of Toronto, this Sunday, the last Sunday of October, is commemorated as the Day of Palliative Care, a day to appreciate the gift of life and to promote palliative care.  Palliative care is the Catholic response to end-of-life care. In our society today, especially in our Canadian society, there is more and more discussion about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). As Catholics, we are called to proclaim Christ’s gospel of life and preserve life until natural death. Palliative care is not merely about easing pain and managing symptoms—it is about restoring dignity to life when the days are fragile and few. It reminds us that even when cure is no longer possible, care never ceases to be. In the quiet spaces of hospital rooms and homes, palliative care becomes an act of love –where presence, compassion, and listening often speak louder than medical interventions.

In the light of Christian faith, palliative care echoes the compassion of Christ, who comforted the sorrowful and tended to the brokenhearted. And, Christ taught us that life has value, even in the midst of severe illness and poverty. Palliative care respects the value of life and seeks to provide comfort and care as illness progresses. There are several resources available to keep the faithful informed of the role of palliative care. The Archdiocese of Toronto’s Office of Formation for Discipleship has developed a brochure titled, “Palliative Care and a Catholic Response to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.” Let us continue to pray for respect to life from womb to the tomb.

Fr. Vijai, C.S.C. ~ Pastor