Ontario Catholics in support of children in the Holy Land
TORONTO – Every now and then, a specific event/activity attracts public attention for the “good and noble” ideals it espouses and makes efforts to achieve, even as the Press and Media appear smitten with the concept of cause behind the “crisis and urgency” motivations for finger- pointing. Saturday’s fundraising event by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Lieutenancy Canada-Toronto was just such an occasion.
Quietly, without any ado, the Order, whose motto includes a vison statement “where faith and service come together for those in need in the Holy land”, raised $100,000 for the purpose of restoring functionality in the context of political/military obstacles to hope through future citizens.
It represents a humble, yet impressive, contribution to a much larger, world wide ambitious goal by the patriarch of Jerusalem, who appeared via video, Cardinal Pizzaballa, a friend and colleague of Toronto’s own Frank Cardinal Leo. His Eminence was the guest speaker of the evening. His fundamental message: “the need to restore school, support families and offer Hope to those in need”.
“These are fundamental Catholic/Christian values at the base of our Educational Rights guaranteed by our York Catholic District School Board”, said newly elected – by acclamation – Chair Maria Iafrate.”
Chair Iafrate added that it was an ideal setting to renew acquaintances with His Eminence and to introduce the need to meet more formally to address the issues of constitutional, denominational rights in a challenging educational environment here in Ontario as well. The array of “people of influence and means” in attendance speaks to interest in the public domain for upholding those values, she said.
Local federal MP, Anna Roberts, also in attendance seconded that view. Lisa LaFlamme was her usual professional self and Dame Rosetti as the Chair of the Gala was appropriately deferential to all who made the event a success.
Here below is a photogallery from the event (photos: Corriere Canadese)
