Bishop Hagemoen challenges pilgrims to be Prophets of the New Millennium

SASKATOON — As Catholic youth gear up for the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, Bishop Mark Hagemoen urged those who participated in the Mount Carmel Pilgrimage Site to embrace their role as prophets of the new millennium.

On the Day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel feast, hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the Mount Carmel Pilgrimage site on Sunday, July 16, to participate in the annual liturgical services, and the day commenced with the recitation of the rosary and Marian hymns, culminating in a concelebrated mass led by Bishop Hagemoen.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen

During his homily, Bishop Hagemoen echoed the words of Pope Francis, calling on the pilgrims to embrace their prophetic calling and spread God's word to all. He emphasized that each individual, through baptism, has received the gift of Messianic prophecy, becoming a prophet themselves.

"The pope says, ‘Each of us, brothers and sisters, is a prophet. In fact, with baptism, let us all receive the gift of the Messianic prophecy.’ He quotes the Catholic Catechism: A prophet is one who, by baptism, helps others read the present under the action of the Holy Spirit. It is essential to read the present, not like the news, but under the action of the Holy Spirit, who helps understand God's plans and conform to them," said Hagemoen.

Pilgrims flock to Mount Carmel every July 16.

Highlighting the significance of living according to Christ's teachings, Bishop Hagemoen emphasized that being a prophet is not limited to mere words but requires actions that bear witness to Jesus and demonstrate His love and compassion to others.

"You and I are called to be prophets. As a bishop, my brother priests, and Abbot Peter [Novecosky], are called to be prophets as we live our ministry of priesthood and ordination. You are called to be prophets. Here is what the Holy Father says: ‘A prophet is someone who points to God and who, by word and life, shows us how to be like Christ,'" he added.

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pilgrimage Site is

one of the important pilgrimage sites in Saskatchewan

Drawing inspiration from the biblical figure of Elijah, who challenged the prophets of the false god Baal, Bishop Hagemoen encouraged the faithful to demonstrate the power of the one true God through their actions and devotion.

In preparation for next month's World Youth Day in Lisbon, Fr. Gerard Cooper will accompany 40 pilgrims from the Diocese of Saskatoon, while 30 others from the Diocese of Prince Albert will join them. Together, they will be part of a 5,000-strong Canadian youth delegation at the international event.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presides over a concelebrated Mass.

As the young pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey, Bishop Hagemoen's message resonates, urging them to be modern-day prophets, spreading the message of love and hope to the world.