On Friday, November 6, 2026, we celebrated in Ottawa 100 years of CNEWA’s mission alongside distinguished guests, friends, benefactors, and representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, and the Romanian Orthodox Church.
We were also delighted to welcome members of the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre, the Knights of Columbus, Madonna House, and the Catholic Women’s League of Canada; the sisters who accompanied the Apostolic Nuncio; representatives of the Parliament of Canada; friends from the Sheptytsky Institute and The Catholic Register; and our colleagues from CNEWA New York and the CNEWA Canada team.
Archbishop Marcel Damphousse opened the evening with prayer, followed by Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix, who offered words of welcome and reflected on CNEWA’s mission. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, read a congratulatory message from Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
Our guest of honour, Fr. John O’Brien, S.J., delivered an exceptional address that touched our hearts.
Larissa Habib joined us from CNEWA’s Beirut office. Born in Lebanon to a Palestinian family, she shared how CNEWA helped her when she was in need. Today, she works for CNEWA in Beirut, giving back by helping others in need.
A special highlight was the presentation of the Faith and Culture Award to His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk by Msgr. Peter Vaccari, President of CNEWA. As His Beatitude could not join us, Bishop Bryan Bayda accepted the award on his behalf, and guests watched His Beatitude’s video message.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who celebrated with us and to all who support CNEWA’s mission of bringing hope to those who suffer!
