Even bishops need a holiday!

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/13P

Visiting Cardinals from Sydney and Westminster enjoy a glacial walk in Lake Louise, Alberta, as part of their Canadian Tour, 1947.

Summer is a great time for travel within our epically beautiful country. The opportunity to cross Western Canada by train is a hard one to resist - even for some hard-working bishops.

In August 1947, their Eminences Norman Cardinal Gilroy, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, and Bernard Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster, England, honoured Canada with a visit. They travelled by C.P.R. to Vancouver, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, and Winnipeg before leaving for events in Toronto.

Along the way, local clergy joined the the party to serve as guides and for photo ops, of course. Our own Cardinal McGuigan accompanied the visitors from Vancouver to Toronto.

In making preparations for these esteemed guests, Cardinal McGuigan wrote to the various host bishops: "It is the wish of the Cardinals to make this something of a holiday and to avoid all ceremonial except when perhaps it might seem natural, as on Sunday."

We wish you all happy and safe summer travels that don't stand on ceremony!

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/15P

Bernard Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster, England, poses with some hoofed friends.

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Their Eminences Bernard Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster, England, and Norman Cardinal Gilroy, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia at Lake Louise

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Labelled: At the Great Divide 5630' - Bishop Carroll at Western Boundary of his diocese

Left to right: Archbishop of Calgary Francis Carroll; Cardinal Griffin; Archbishop of Toronto James Cardinal McGuigan; Cardinal Gilroy; Bishop of Kamloops Edward Jennings

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/14P

Cardinal McGuigan Fonds, MGFA13.71(a)

August 1, 1947: Cardinal McGuigan sent this letter to all the local bishops whose dioceses they would be passing through, outlining the visitors' itinerary. He notes that,
 It is the wish of the Cardinals to make this something of a holiday and to avoid all ceremonial except when perhaps it might seem natural, as on Sunday.

From Atlantic to Pacific, Gee the Traffic is Terrific

We have heard it said that for the holidays, you can't beat home sweet home, so we know lots of our readers have been on the road this week.

For a local trip, perhaps you took the Harbourfront streetcar past the site of the old Maple Leaf Stadium at Lakeshore and Bathurst? Or maybe the Wellesley bus to Castle Frank Station?

Cardinal McGuigan in a procession for Rosary Hour at Maple Leaf Stadium in 1947.

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ARCAT Photo Collection

A TTC bus helping to shuttle crowds during the 1984 papal visit.

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ARCAT Photo Collection

For journeys a little farther afield, why not take the train? You get to relax instead of dealing with highway traffic. 

This photo of men beside a train engine originally belonged to Archbishop McNeil.

[1910-1930]

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Cardinal McGuigan steps down from a sleeping car on the Canadian National Railway with J.P. Johnson, the railway vice-president.

[1946-1955]

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ARCAT Photo Collection

Cardinal McGuigan accompanied some visiting bishops on a train tour of Canada in 1947. This photo would have been taken somewhere in British Columbia or Alberta.

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ARCAT Photo Collection

Maybe you could take the train to the city where you meet the boat for your cruise vacation. It's a nice time of year to be in the tropics!

Cardinal McGuigan and Bishop Allen socialize in the posh lounge on board the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth. At the time, the boat was the largest ocean liner, operating between New York City and Southampton, England.

[1946-1955]

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Or perhaps you're going to ring in the New Year in style somewhere overseas. Probably best to fly in that case.

Pope Saint John Paul II touches down at Pearson Airport during his 1984 visit and is greeted by Cardinal Carter.

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ARCAT Photo Collection

Wherever your holidays take you (Penetanguishene for some homemade pumpkin pie?), and whichever method you choose, safe travels!