🌸🙏 161st Annual Feast of St. Ann Celebrated with Faith, Joy & Gratitude 🎉⛪
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Jarvis, joyfully celebrated the 161st Annual Feast of St. Ann, our beloved Patroness, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, welcoming parishioners, families, friends, and visitors for a beautiful day of prayer, thanksgiving, faith, and fellowship. ❤️🙏
The celebration began with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Gerard Bergie, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Catharines. The parish was also honoured by the presence of Most Rev. John A. Tonnos, Bishop Emeritus of Hamilton, whose participation added to the joy and significance of this special celebration. ✨
In his words of welcome, Rev. Fr. Stephen Lobo, OCD, Pastor, reflected on the rich heritage of 161 years of faith and devotion under the patronage of St. Ann. He reminded the faithful that this anniversary is not simply a celebration of the past but a renewed commitment to treasure, live, and pass on the gift of faith to future generations, following the beautiful example of St. Ann and St. Joachim. 🌸👨👩👧👦
Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew 13:44–46, Bishop Gerard Bergie reminded the congregation that the Kingdom of God is the greatest treasure and the pearl of great price. 💎 He encouraged everyone to place Christ at the centre of their lives, to treasure their Catholic faith, and to make faith the greatest inheritance they pass on to their families. His inspiring homily invited everyone to become joyful disciples, rooted in prayer, united in love, and committed to building strong Christian families and vibrant parish communities. ✝️❤️
The celebration was enriched by the prayerful participation of parishioners, visiting guests, liturgical ministers, altar servers, lectors, musicians, choir members, and numerous volunteers whose generous service helped make the liturgy prayerful, beautiful, and uplifting. 🎶🙏
Following the Holy Mass, Bishop Gerard Bergie led the Blessing of St. Ann’s Cemetery, offering prayers for all the faithful departed who rest in peace. 🕊️ The blessing was a moving reminder of our Christian hope in the Resurrection and our communion with those who have gone before us in faith.
The parish family then gathered for a joyful fellowship meal and parish celebration, sharing delicious food, warm conversations, laughter, and the joy of being together as one family in Christ. 🍽️🤝❤️
During his concluding remarks, Bishop Gerard Bergie expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the faithful of St. Ann’s Parish for their vibrant participation, joyful spirit of faith, and warm hospitality. He spoke with great appreciation of the life, enthusiasm, and welcoming spirit that characterize the parish community.
The Bishop also offered special words of encouragement to Rev. Fr. Stephen Lobo, OCD, describing him as a young, dynamic, and enthusiastic pastor whose zeal, vision, and tireless pastoral initiatives are helping to build a welcoming, vibrant, and faith-filled parish family. 🌟 He praised Fr. Stephen’s dedication to evangelization, faith formation, and community life, and encouraged the parishioners to continue supporting and journeying with their pastor. He reminded everyone that when a parish walks together with its shepherd, united in faith, hope, and love, great things are possible through God’s grace. 🙏❤️
The parish extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Gerard Bergie for his gracious presence, inspiring leadership, and the generous time he spent with the parish family. We are equally grateful to Bishop John A. Tonnos for honouring us with his presence and prayers, making this historic celebration even more memorable. 💙
A sincere word of thanks is extended to every volunteer, liturgical minister, choir member, Faith Formation Committee member, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women’s League, parish staff, sponsors, donors, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your generosity, dedication, and countless hours of service made this year’s feast a beautiful witness to faith, unity, and Christian fellowship. 👏❤️
As St. Ann’s Parish celebrates 161 years of faith, prayer, and service, we give thanks to Almighty God for His abundant blessings throughout our history. Inspired by the example of St. Ann, may we continue to grow as a welcoming, faith-filled, and missionary parish family, joyfully proclaiming Christ and passing on the priceless treasure of faith to generations yet to come. 🌿✨
“St. Ann, pray for us, our families, and our parish community.” 🙏🌸
