Our Archdiocesan Feast Day is December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is also the day that we became the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth. Archbishop Dunn invites the faithful to join him to celebrate this important date in the life of our local Church by joining him for a special 7:00pm Mass on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. A reception will follow in the hall. All are welcome!
As part of the celebrations of this Jubilee Year, the Archdiocese will welcome the major relics of the Canadian Martyrs and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
Martyrs’ Shrine, where the relics reside in Midland, Ontario is an official pilgrimage destination for this Jubilee Year. However, not everyone may be able to travel there hence the relic tour will bring the relics to places where people might not easily travel to the Shine.
As part of the celebrations of this Jubilee Year, the Archdiocese will welcome the major relics of the Canadian Martyrs and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. This Holy Year is a special time to restore relationships with God and neighbour, for the forgiveness of debts of different kinds, for reconciliation and healing, and for special graces in the lives of individuals. Martyrs’ Shrine, where the relics reside in Midland, Ontario is an official pilgrimage destination for this Jubilee Year. However, not everyone may be able to travel there hence the relic tour will bring the relics to places where people might not easily travel to the Shine.
2025 is also the 100th anniversary of the beatification of the Canadian Martyrs (1925) and the
400th anniversary of St. Jean de Brébeuf’s arrival in Canada (1625).
The relics will be accompanied by Fr. John O’Brien, S.J., Director of the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, ON.
Prayer for Peace
Liturgy Contacts
Fr. Henry Smolenaars
Pastor, Director of Liturgy
Deacon Bernie Young
Liturgy MC
Fr. James Richards
Retired, Consultant for Liturgical Ministry
