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The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius


Patrons of Sacred Music Annual Reception
Thursday, April 23rd | University Club of Chicago | Black Tie Optional We warmly invite you to join us for an extraordinary evening in honor of sacred music — a night of elegance, inspiration, and community, benefiting the Sacred Music Apostolate of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius. Last year, this gala sold out. To be a part of this noteworthy evening, be sure to reserve your tickets. An Evening to Remember From the first notes of the choir to the final course of dinn
3 days ago


What is Consecrated Life?
The following reflection is drawn from a homily given by Rev. Nathan Ford, SJC on the occasion of the World Day of Consecrated Life , celebrated on February 2nd . In dark corridors of stone and brick, the quiet footsteps of sandals are all that can be heard. Early in the morning, before even the birds begin to sing, a soft chant echoes across the chapel of the Carmel. A new day has begun. Shoulder bags and satchels slung over shoulders, men in black cloaks walk a different c
Feb 24


Lent 2026: Learning to Receive the Love of God
How the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius Live Lent and How You Can Join Them Lent is not only a season of sacrifice — it is a season of receptivity . Before we “ do ” anything for God, we allow Him to love us, heal us, and draw us more deeply into His Heart. Each year, the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius enter Lent together with a common rule of life that strengthens prayer, deepens fraternity, and clears away distractions. While the full observance of a religious commun
Jan 29


Chants of the Church Year
This weekly video series offers reflections on a variety of chants as they occur throughout the Church year. It is designed to help you deepen your appreciation for Gregorian Chant in general, while also providing material for meditation in preparation for the liturgy of the coming Sunday. Enjoy delving into the rich heritage of the Chant of Mother Church, by which she nourishes her children week after week. Ascension - Offertory: Ascéndit As we bring our gifts to the altar,
Jan 27


Welcoming Our New Novices
At Solemn Vespers on Tuesday, December 23 , the Feast of St. John Cantius , the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius joyfully welcomed three men into the Novitiate , marking the beginning of a new and focused stage of religious formation. Br. Bobby Olson (Richmond, VA), Br. Ryan Ruddy (New Hope, MN), and Br. Donovan Utz (Richmond, VA) receive their habit (a black cassock, roman collar, and sash without fringe) and are entrusted over to the care and direction of their new Novi
Dec 30, 2025


The Two Tables: Inviting Others to Join the Feast
“Are you called?” What seems like such a simple question, is actually one of the biggest in a Catholic man’s life. A quiet whisper in the stillness of his heart, inviting him to discern Religious Life and the Priesthood. A whisper that can only be heard if he leans into the silence. It’s a place many in today’s world are hesitant to go, and in some cases, a place they might not know how to get to. This December 20th , Father Nathan (the Vocations Director) and the Canons Regu
Dec 2, 2025


In the Footsteps of a Saint
The lives of saints, especially those who lived centuries ago, aren’t always easy to separate from legend. Such has been the case with St. John Cantius, patron of the Canons Regular and the Chicago church that bears his name. Although most parishioners know him best from the painting over the high altar, which shows the saint presiding over the famous “Miracle of the Jug” a new biography by Fr. Dennis Koliński, SJC, St. John Cantius: The Good Teacher, makes the first serio
Nov 5, 2025


Celebrating Generations of Canons at the annual Benefit Dinner 2025
On September 28, 2025, The Hilton Chicago came alive with faith, fellowship, and generosity as the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius hosted their Annual Benefit Dinner. Under the theme "Celebrating Generations of Faith: Honoring the Canons Regular," friends, family, and supporters gathered to support our mission of forming holy priests who Restore the Sacred. The evening was a beautiful blend of spiritual reflection, inspiring stories, and community, raising vital funds for
Oct 13, 2025


The Great Prayer of the Church
The Divine Office, or Liturgy of the Hours , often seems to exist in a universe of its own. For many it evokes monastic life, or at least...
Oct 2, 2025


Pope Leo XIV gives Blessing to Canons Regular
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, our Superior General, Very Rev. Joshua S. Caswell, SJC, met with the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV after the...
Sep 22, 2025


The Miracle of the Jug and the Mission of Restoration
On Sunday, August 31st, 2025, Fr. Nathan Caswell, SJC, preached a homily on humility and the mission of restoration entrusted to the...
Sep 2, 2025


St. Augustine, The Canons Regular, and POPE LEO XIV
Præsul Augustínus, Canon vitæ canónicæ et lucérne pédibus eórum qui Christi sequúntur disciplínam assíduis laúdibus mérito prædicátur....
Aug 28, 2025


Renewal of Vows & Founding Day – August 14, 2025
You are warmly invited to join the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius on Thursday, August 14, 2025 , for a joyful and prayerful...
Aug 6, 2025


Canons Regular Annual Retreat 2025
“Members of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius observe an annual communal retreat.” ~ Constitutions of the Canons Regular of St....
Jul 31, 2025


Welcome Our New Postulants at St. John Cantius
On the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist , the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius joyfully welcomed three new postulants...
Jul 14, 2025


His Excellency Bishop Joseph Perry's Remarks at the 2025 Patrons of Sacred Music Reception
Thank you, one and all, for your various roles with the gift of sacred music in the Church’s program of worship. At this moment in...
Jul 2, 2025


An Evening Restoring Sacred Music
His Excellency Bishop Joseph Perry delivers remarks at the Patrons of Sacred Music Annual reception. Last Thursday, we had the immense...
Jul 2, 2025


St. Anne's Chapel Summer Masses 2025
Join us this summer for first Saturday Mass at St. Anne's Chapel.
Jun 2, 2025


A New Priest for the Canons Regular
We joyfully announce that last Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., through the power of the Holy Spirit and the imposition of hands by...
May 19, 2025


Statement of Canons Regular of St. John Cantius On the Election of Pope Leo XIV
"God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in...
May 9, 2025
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