November 2026 — Remembering Our Heroes, Becoming Saints
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5
Dear Brother Knights,
As October comes to an end, snow has already covered much of our Alberta landscape. The
open-water fishing season is behind us. The boats and regular fishing lines are put away, but a
true fisherman never gives up fishing! Already, we are preparing our ice-fishing tents, ice augers,
sleds and snow tires, hoping the ice will soon become thick and strong enough to take us safely
to our favourite fishing spots. One season ends, but another is just around the corner.
Our journey through the Beatitudes continues. In September, we reflected on being poor in
spirit: “Lord, I need You.” In October, we considered those who mourn; a heart that still cares.
Now Jesus teaches us: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that the Beatitudes first reveal the face of Christ Himself. Jesus is
the Blessed One. He is meek, but never weak. He speaks the truth, serves others, forgives, and
gives His life. The saints are our spiritual heroes because they followed Him and allowed His life
to become visible in their own.
On November 8, our Ukrainian Catholic Church celebrates the Synaxis of St. Michael the
Archangel and all the heavenly powers. We look to St. Michael as the leader of God’s heavenly
hosts and a defender against evil. As Knights, we too are called to spiritual courage. Our greatest
battle is not against other people, but against sin, injustice and the evil that wounds human
hearts. We need God’s grace and the courage to remain faithful to Christ.
November is also a month of remembrance. On November 11, Remembrance Day, we honour
those who sacrificed their lives in military service. We also remember the recent tragedy at
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, where four soldiers lost their lives and 39 were injured
during a training incident. We pray for the fallen, their families, the injured and all who carry the
sorrow of this tragedy. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
The Church celebrates All Saints and remembers the faithful departed. Pope Francis reminds us
that the Beatitudes are the Christian’s identity card and the path to holiness. The saints are not
distant heroes; they show us what God’s grace can accomplish in ordinary human lives. We are
not merely called to admire them, but to follow Christ as they did.
On November 12, we remember St. Josaphat, who gave his life for the unity of the Church. On
November 21, we celebrate the Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple. Our
Byzantine tradition also begins the Nativity Fast on November 15, with regular weekday
observance beginning Monday, November 16. Sunday remains a little Pascha, the day of the
Resurrection. We prepare for Christ with hope and joy.
Brother Knights, meekness is not weakness. It is strength placed in God’s hands. Let us
remember our heroes, learn from the saints, and ask ourselves: Am I becoming the person God
is calling me to be? We do not have to become famous to become holy. We become holy
through faithfulness in our families, Councils, Parishes and daily lives.
Just as the fisherman is already preparing for the next season, let us never put our Christian
calling on hold. We prepare our equipment and wait patiently for the ice to become strong, but
our faith must remain strong in every season. May Christ guide us safely through life’s waters
and lead us always toward holiness.
Please pray for me, as I pray for you. Together we remain in the same boat, learning to cast
into the deep and trusting always in the voice of Christ.
Vivat Jesus!
Fr. Slavko Dumeč
State Chaplain
Alberta – Northwest Territories
Knights of Columbus
