O Canada! A Call to Reflection and Renewal
By Sean Lynn
Executive Director God Squad Canada
National Director of Canada for Heroicmen
“O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command.” These powerful words resonate deeply within us, yet today, they seem to echo amidst a landscape of division and uncertainty. With an ever increasing culture of death, loneliness and isolation driving men to despair, where is Canada heading?
Remembering C.S. Lewis when we say “if we read only modern works, we will repeat ancient errors.” To navigate our future, we must first understand our past. And where better to begin than with St. Joseph, our patron saint for over 400 years?
Father Le Caron’s words from 1624, recording the solemn vow that made St. Joseph the patron of this land, reminds us of the deep faith upon which Canada was founded. Now, 400 years later, we invite you to join us in Calgary for a unique celebration of this enduring patronage.
God Squad Canada proudly presents the world premiere of the Litany of St. Joseph in song. This extraordinary event will bring together diverse voices from across our community: Vietnamese, Nigerian, and French church choirs, a high school choir, and our own St. Francis Xavier chaplaincy choir. Imagine the harmony, the shared spirit, as these voices rise in unison!
Continuing the premiere, we will unveil a newly commissioned work inspired by St. Joseph’s 400 years of patronage. This 13-movement piece, reflecting the ten provinces and three territories, will weave together the rich tapestry of Canadian musical history.
Why St. Joseph? This is the man entrusted by God to care for His only son. He nurtured Jesus, teaching him his trade and instilling in him the values of responsibility and service. St. Joseph’s example of faithful dedication serves as a powerful inspiration for us all, especially for men striving to live out their God-given vocations. God Squad’s vision, “Through the guidance of St. Joseph, our vision is to form and strengthen men, inspiring them to embrace God’s vocation in their lives,” speaks to the very heart of this endeavor.
In these challenging times, we invite you to join us for an evening of reflection, music, and community. Let us come together to honor St. Joseph and ask for his intercession for ourselves and for our beloved country. As the scripture says, “Go to Joseph; do whatever he says to you.” (Gen 41:55) We believe that by turning to St. Joseph, we can find guidance, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose for Canada’s future. We hope to see you on March 17th at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets are available at https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/the-litany-of-st-joseph-in-song
Please read the composer’s notes here https://www.carlosfoggin.com/litany-of-st-joseph
Tickets to this historic event are on sale now.
THIS EVENT IS A JUBILEE 2025 PILGRIMS OF HOPE EVENT… click here
We’re hoping that the Papal Nuncio for Canada will accept our invitation as well as a who’s who of the Catholic World including Bishops.
Anyone purchasing tickets to the Pilgrim of Hope Conference will receive a discount code for the Concert.
This year’s speakers are the Reverend Father Deacon Andrew Bennett of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, a doctorate in Politics; and Jeff Joaquin with his no holds barred approach to proclaiming God’s Infinite Mercy. The opening Mass will be presided by Fr Christino Bouvette.
THIS EVENT IS A JUBILEE 2025 PILGRIMS OF HOPE EVENT… click here
All attendees will get a 10 % discount towards the World Premiere of the Litany of St Joseph.
Consider signing up for our newsletter if you have not already and invite other men to as well. This way you can keep up with the latest events and activities.
We have a new Pray Request web page https://godsquad.ca/prayer-request/
Submit your request on God Squad and your prayers will be sent directly to the Seeds of the Word Catholic Community where God Squad and the Brothers and Sisters of the community will pray for your intentions.
Join the mission. Go to www.godsquad.ca and see what’s going on. Go to Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance at www.catholicmenleaders.org or to Heroic Men at www.heroicmen.org and just join us in the mission of discipleship. Bring other men along with you. Look for other brothers in your parish and together, we can make a difference.
St. Joseph. Pray for us!
