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"We live in a frenetic time, always busy in doing things. But the Lord calls us to pray without ever tiring, to seek his justice with a trusting heart," the cardinal emphasized, encouraging a deeper and less distracted spiritual life. |
On Sunday, 19 October 2025, the parish community of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Canadian Martyrs celebrated with profound joy the 70th anniversary of its founding that took place on 19 October 1955. The event brought together the faithful, religious, and friends of the parish in a solemn Eucharistic celebration that was presided over by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness Pope Leo for the Diocese of Rome.
Founded in the heart of the Nomentano district, the parish dates back to 1948, when the General Curia of the SSS Religious decided to build a general house and a chapel dedicated to Eucharistic adoration and apostolate. At the request of the Roman ecclesiastical authorities, the church was also designated as a parish church. Thanks to the support of Canadian Christians, the building was constructed and dedicated to the Holy Canadian Martyrs (1630–1680), designating it as Canada’s national shrine in Rome. Later, the Marian title of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament was added.
The celebration was attended by the SSS Fathers of the international community of the Holy Canadian Martyrs and several religious from the General Curia, three priests from the Neocatechumenal Way, and as many as 400 representatives from 33 Neocatechumenal communities. Also present there were the Scout Group, which celebrated its 70th anniversary, seminarians of the Urban College, and numerous faithful.
At the beginning of the celebration, the parish priest, Father Nicaise Milandou, sss, welcomed the cardinal, expressing the community’s joy at his visit and conveying, through him, greetings to the Holy Father. The Liturgy of the Word, proper to the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, inspired the cardinal’s homily, which focused on the need for persevering prayer. Commenting on the Gospel of Luke 18:1-8, the cardinal invited the faithful to imitate the widow who, with insistence and patience, obtains justice from the unjust judge: "And will not God bring about justice for his elect, who cry out to him day and night?"
At the end of Mass, the parish priest thanked the cardinal on behalf of the assembly and the Parish Pastoral Council. On this occasion, the secretary of the Pastoral Council presented the Vicar General a symbolic gift: a carved wooden Way of the Cross, a living memory of the Holy Canadian martyrs who crossed forests and hills to proclaim the Gospel. "The cross is the sign of adherence to Christ; it leads us through trials to the joy of the resurrection," said Father Nicaise, encouraging the cardinal to persevere in his mission with courage and faith.
After the parish priest’s words of thanks, the cardinal expressed his joy, stating that this was his first visit to this church and expressed his desire to return in the future for a pastoral visit. He then encouraged the parishioners to persevere in the faith and to keep the parish alive through the power of prayer.
The day ended with a moment of festivity and fraternity in the parish grounds, enlivened by children's games and sharing between generations. It was an anniversary lived with simplicity and a profound sense of purpose, a sign of the Eucharistic vitality that continues to animate this parish community.
Father Nicaise Milandou Semo, sss
Parish priest
