Confluence of Faiths: FCJ Centre Joins 2026 Calgary Interfaith Breakfast

On Thursday morning, May 14, more than 200 people gathered for the annual CIC Breakfast, a room full of faith leaders, advocates, and city representatives all focused on one theme: "Confluence of Faiths." It was a morning of fellowship and reflection on how faith communities can act as the moral backbone of Calgary, especially during what many described as a "hard season" for the city and the world. Representing the FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre were four staff members and one FCJ Sister, joining the conversation on how to bridge the growing divisions in our modern society. 

The morning included a significant moment for the city as Mayor Farkas formally proclaimed May 14, 2026, as Interfaith Awareness Day. With Calgary fast approaching a population of two million, the mayor noted that faith communities are the "integral supply lines" of trust that hold our civic fabric together. 

The Honorable Ronald Ghitter gave a moving address centered on the "leadership of decency." He spoke about historical figures who stood up against bigotry at great personal cost, challenging the room to move beyond just watching from the sidelines. 

"I submit that when we see something that is inappropriate, racially motivated, bigotry, prejudice, or stereotyping, we can't sit back and do nothing," Ghitter said. "That to me is just acquiescence. That's just accepting it." He pushed the audience to realize that this kind of leadership has to come from spiritual communities: "If the faith community doesn’t provide leadership in dealing with the importance of decency and fair treatment to all of us, then who else can really do it?" 

Mayor Farkas followed with an honest look at the "shifting" social landscape. He spoke about how faith is being tested today, not just in a religious sense, but faith in our neighbors, in democracy, and in the idea that truth still matters. 

"Faith gives us the opportunity and the strength to confront many of these hard realities that we're facing as a community and to face them together," Farkas said. He thanked the leaders in the room for their "sacred work," noting that faith leaders remain the most trusted voices on the front lines, whether helping during the pandemic or the city's recent water crisis. 

Looking out at the 200 guests, the Mayor concluded: "This room tells me that Calgary still believes in something bigger than any one of us alone... it tells me that our city still has moral strength." 

For those of us at the FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre, "Confluence of Faiths" isn’t just a theme for the CIC breakfast; it’s our daily mission. We believe deeply in the importance of providing a sacred, quiet space where these vital interfaith conversations can happen. 

As Calgary grows, the FCJ Centre will continue to be a dedicated hub for interfaith leaders and groups, a place where people of all traditions can meet, listen, and find the shared purpose that was so evident at this year's breakfast. We are honored to provide space for the "moral strength" of our city to gather and grow.