By Deacon Eric Gurash
While it may have been a chilly February day outside, the chapel of Trinity Manor at Westera in Regina was filled with the warmth of home and family as more than 80 residents, priests, staff and family members joined Archbishop Donald Bolen in blessing the chapel in Regina’s newest personal care and independent living residence located in the heart of Westerra. Located at the corner of Alfalfa Street and Canola Avenue in Regina’s new Westera neighbourhood, Trinity Manor is modeled after a sister facility in Saskatoon, both of which are operated by Emmanuel Care, a healthcare ministry of the Catholic Church under the leadership and sponsorship of the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan.
The blessing, which took place on Thursday, February 6, provided an opportunity for, a gathering of various families whose lives will continue to share life and faith in the years to come; the residents and staff of Trinity Manor, the family members, the leaders and staff of Emmanuel Care, and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Regina.
Scott Irwin, president and CEO of Emmanuel Care, addressing those who gathered before the start of the Mass, shared how the community of Trinity Manor underscores their ongoing desire to “strive to meet unmet needs, create communities of caring and healing for all while following Jesus Christ.”
Currently counted among the growing number of residents from all faiths and backgrounds, are five retired priests of the Archdiocese of Regina and three religious sisters. Two additional religious sisters are also on staff providing care for residents.
In his homily, Archbishop Donald focused on the image of the incarnation, the heart of our Christian faith where St. John tells us, “The Word takes flesh and literally pitched his tent among us.” It is an image evoked in Israel’s own experience at the base of Mount Sinai where God first established a “tent of meeting…a place where God speaks to Moses face to face as a friend.”
“In the same way,” said Bolen, “this chapel is meant to be a place where all of you – residents and staff – can come to this ‘tent of meeting’ and encounter the living God.”
Archbishop Bolen went on to remind everyone gathered that it is not just the chapel which is a holy place, but that the living God desires to “encounter us in the very depths of our lives” and that it is in the entire, broad scope of eating, and celebrating and living together as family that this new community of God’s People will encounter a God who walks with us in every moment.
After the blessing, which entailed an anointing of the altar and walls of the chapel with sacred oil of Chrism. Francis Maza stepped forward to introduce and officially commission Trinity Manor Executive Director, Tricia Engel. Maza, who serves Emanuel Care as Executive Lead of Mission, Ethics, and Spirituality, introduced Engel as the much-loved leader of the Trinity Manor family.
Engel, served the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region for twenty years, seven of those as Chair of the Provincial Palliative Care Steering Committee. She remains an active member of Holy Child Parish in Regina and sings regularly with their choir. For the residents and staff, Engel is more than a leader, “she embodies a true concern for the person, a care for their health and well-being. We’re led by someone who is such a vital asset to us!”
Trinity Manor at Westera offers community-centered living, which includes modern one and two-bedroom suites, a warm and inviting central dining room with chef-prepared meals, health and wellness facilities, including a salt-water pool, a licensed bistro and coffee lounge, and personal care services for the activities of daily living. More information on making Trinity manor at Westera your new home or arranging tours of their facilities can be found at https://trinitymanorregina.ca.
