Drawing inspiration from an open letter about
human dignity penned by Montreal Archbishop Christian Lepine last December, the archdiocese’s 2026 Annual Campaign theme is “Where There Is
Dignity, We Are There.”
Maribel Mayorga, director of communications and media relations, said the appeal goes beyond just affirming this
principle. It also demonstrates the importance “of living it out completely
through care, listening and accompaniment.”
Where last year’s campaign reaped $670,000, this year’s goal is $1 million. But highlighting the monetary target is not the motivation of this drive, said Mayorga.
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“The focus for us is to really encourage
(support for) all the community work that the diocese and many other offices
are doing through and for the parishes so that these services can continue to
grow and reach more people in need,” she said.
Video features are at the heart of this effort. The archdiocese produced six profile stories to highlight the
steadfast efforts of longtime volunteers serving in the youth, marriage and
family, pastoral home care, cultural communities/migration, street
ministry/homeless and pastoral personnel vocations.
Sr. Natalia Vazquez, the coordinator for the
human and spiritual accompaniment of Archdiocese of Montreal priests, is
featured in one of the videos serving 30 priests living in the Angus residence.
She and her team ensure these priests reach their medical appointments,
access the sacraments and receive spiritual support from other clergy, while
also keeping each pastor’s loved ones informed about their well-being.
“I’m fully dedicated to this mission,” said
Vazquez in the video. “From the moment I arrive each morning, for example,
through my prayers, everything is for the mission and praying for the priests
and for their sanctification.”
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Mayorga said what is appealing about the
videos is the power of witness and faith being exhibited.
“You see in action what is really happening
in the hearts of all these people through, of course, God’s presence,” she said.
Not only does Mayorga gain an intimate
glimpse of the archdiocese’s impactful work through the videos, but she also
gets a close-up view through her visits to the parishes.
“Whether it’s cultural committees, youth,
family life or any department, I can see how they’re close to people, how
compassionate they are and how they can really make a difference in people’s
lives,” said Mayorga.
Lepine underscored to the faithful
how they, too, can make a difference by choosing to support the campaign.
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“Every gesture, every presence shared, every
word matters,” he wrote in a letter. “Through your generosity, the
Catholic Church in Montreal can continue its mission to welcome, serve,
accompany and bear witness to God’s love. Your support sends a clear message
to those we accompany: ‘You matter. Your life is invaluable.’ ”
Visit diocesemontreal.org to learn more.
(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)