On September 30 we recognize and honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Archbishop Dunn invites people across the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth to take that day to intentionally listen and learn about the residential school system and pray together for the local efforts being made to walk together with the Mi’kmaq to seek true healing and reconciliation. 

As part of the Treaty Day activities, Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica hosts a Treaty Day Mass at 10:30am.  Archbishop Dunn will preside the Mass while members of the Mi’kmaw community will take part in the various liturgical ministries. At this celebration representatives of the Church, Mi’kmaw chiefs, Grand Council and Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in prayer and friendship.  All are welcome!

September 27, 2026 was the 112th Word Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) with the theme ‘Even Just One of These Children (cf. Mt 18:10)’.

Most of us are used to engaging with Holy Scripture during Holy Mass on Sundays, or perhaps in our private prayer lives, which provides us with an opportunity to meet God through his word and deepen our faith. Another – very powerful – way of expressing and exploring our faith is through art. In fact, for the greater part of the history of Christianity, artistic renditions of Jesus and his works, the Holy Family, the saints, Christ’s miracles, and more, were the most immediate way for Christians – especially those who were illiterate – to encounter a variety of biblical stories. This lecture series is an invitation to come together, and think and talk about sacred art, with the goal to engage with the artworks in a meaningful way that may add a fresh perspective to our faith and prayer life.

On October 4, Canadians will gather at 375+ locations nationwide to peacefully raise awareness about the truth of abortion during Life Chain, now in its 35th year in Canada. Below are the Life Chain locations and times across Nova Scotia. Upon arrival, participants will be greeted by the organizer and given signs to hold with messages such as “Abortion Kills Children,” “Abortion Hurts Women,” and “Adoption: A Loving Option.” Participants will spread out along the sidewalk and spend time in quiet prayer. This is a unique, family-friendly event advocating for innocent pre-born children. As Christ reminds us in Matthew 25:40: "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."