UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Diocese of Hamilton was established on February 29, 1856 by Pope Pius IX as a division of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The first Bishop was the Right Reverend John Farrell; installed on May 24, 1856.
The Hamilton Diocese has grown to become the second largest English-speaking Roman Catholic Diocese in Canada, encompassing the Counties of Brant, Bruce, Grey, Halton, Waterloo, Wellington, and four Townships in the County of Dufferin.
There are currently 119 parishes in the Diocese, with the inspiring Christ the King Basilica, built in 1933, as the Cathedral. The Diocese of Hamilton has flourished through the leadership of its Bishops and the faith of its clergy, religious communities, and dedicated parishioners.
The Diocese is proud to celebrate its rich history and cultural diversity.
Season of Lent: Let us journey together in hope
Date posted on March 3, 2025
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What is Lent?
Lent is a yearly celebration of the Church in preparation for Easter. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God’s Word and of more fervent prayer, we are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery.
During Lent, the reminder of baptism already received, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery, in which each of the elect will share through the sacraments of initiation. (RCIA 125, Ad gentes, 14)
For those already baptized Lent is a time of preparation to celebrate the paschal mystery through reminders of our baptism and penitential practices. (GNLYC 27)
Lent is a privileged time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This season provides an opportunity to renew and deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to renew the choices we make, so that we might live as he taught.
When is Lent?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, and continues until the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening, on April 17th, 2025. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.
Our Annual Pilgrimage of Lent
In his message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis advises: “This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs.”
“Let us all walk in the same direction, tending towards the same goal, attentive to one another in love and patience.”
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