CANORA - All those in attendance at the Nov. 11 church service at the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Canora were encouraged to strive to “help move our world one step closer to the peace of God’s Kingdom.”
The service, hosted by the Canora Ministerial Association, opened with the singing of O Canada.
“We gather today to remember those who have lived and died in the service of God and in the service of others,” said Ken Rolheiser. “We pray for our living veterans who make great sacrifices for peace in our world. We pray also for those who suffer through war and are in need. We ask for God’s help and blessing that we may do his will in service to our fellow man and the whole world.”
Pastor Mavis Watson shared the well-known wartime poem, In Flanders Fields.
Accompanied by Leanne Buchinski, those in attendance sang traditional favourites Amazing Grace and O God Our Help in Ages Past.
Scripture readers were Paul Born, Micah 4:1-4 and Fr. Thomas Mutavanattu, Matthew 5:3-12 (the beatitudes).
Fr. Mutavanattu spoke on the significance of Remembrance Day, and how the sacrifices of those who came before us should inspire in us a renewed commitment to peace.
“This day invites us to reflect, and honour those who sacrificed so much for our freedom and peace,” he said.
“As we commemorate this very important day, we are invited not only to remember their bravery, but to reflect on the values that were generated through their sacrifices. In reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day, let us go to the Beatitudes.
“The beatitudes remind us of the deeper spiritual truths that ground our ceremonies today. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
“The soldiers, health workers and countless others who served did not seek their own fame or recognition; they gave of themselves in quiet, humble service for the good of others. This reminds us that greatness often lies in serving others. Jesus said, ‘I came not to be served, but to serve.’
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Remembrance Day is also a day of mourning, a time to honour those who never returned, the families who grieved, and the lives that were forever changed. Today we express our solidarity with those who carry the burden of loss.
“Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.’ Those who served did so without seeking reward or earthly gains. They fought for ideals – freedom, justice, and the hope of a peaceful world.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Our soldiers were driven by a desire for a world where all people could live free from oppression, fear, and injustice. This day calls us to hunger and thirst for righteousness and justice.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. War brings with it immense suffering, but it also brings out profound acts of mercy.
“Countless stories remind us of soldiers, medics, and civilians who, even in the darkest hours, showed kindness to others,” continued Fr. Mutavanattu. “Mercy softens the edges of war, reminding us of our shared humanity.
“On Remembrance Day we are called to be merciful, especially by caring and supporting the families of the veterans. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
“While we remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, we also need to renew our commitment to peace. Their sacrifices should inspire us to be agents of reconciliation in our world, to build bridges, resolve conflicts, and promote understanding. This is how we honour their legacy – by committing ourselves to a peaceful world.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Many had to suffer hardship and persecution, yet they remained steadfast in their duty to defend freedom and justice.
“Remembrance Day is our opportunity to recognize that their suffering was not in vain but was a pathway toward a brighter, more just world. Friends, in this way, Remembrance Day invites us not only to look back but also to carry forward the legacy of those we remember.
“The Beatitudes remind us that the values for which they fought are as relevant today as they were in the past. Let us be inspired by the spirit of Remembrance Day and the beatitudes. Let us strive to live in this world as peacemakers, people of mercy who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
Following the homily, Cathy Trach read the roll call; the names of local individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thom Carnahan, padre for the Canora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, shared the intercession prayers.
“In thanks for our veterans’ sacrifices we offer these prayers: On this Remembrance Day, we bring before God our prayers for the world, the church and all people.
“The peace, which is your will, the peace which we so badly need... Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
“We remember all those who have died in any kind of war throughout your world, including those of the world wars – including those who were close to us.
“We remember those who came home with injuries, physical and psychological and those whose loved ones never returned.
“Remembering the conflicts of the past and the sacrifices which were made, we pray for our world where war is still a grim reality. Lord help us to renew our fight against cruelty, injustice, prejudice, tyranny and oppression.
“God, we pray for the leaders of all nations asking you to pour out your spirit of reconciliation on them. Give them a longing to bring freedom from fear and freedom from want for all peoples. We pray also for people of all faiths, called to witness to your love. May all persons of goodwill work to break down the barriers which divide people. Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer.
“Merciful God, we pray for peace in our hearts, homes, nations and world. O God, accept these prayers for our sake and of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen”
Pastor Brett Watson closed the service with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the Blessing.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
After the service, all were invited to lunch at the Legion Dugout, to be followed by a speech from Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Ciesielski, originally from Canora.
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