Padre Night 2026

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Padre Night 2026 brought Knights and clergy together at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre for an evening of fraternity, gratitude, and renewal. The venue was near capacity, the meal was excellent as always, and the room carried the unmistakable energy of a Catholic community that shows up in strength. By the end of the evening, 357 Knights and clergy were in attendance.

Council 1186 was represented by 15 in total, including 13 Brother Knights and two clergy: Fr. Arjay and Fr. Mario. It was a solid council presence and a good opportunity to share the night together beyond the regular rhythm of meetings and parish service.

The keynote address was delivered by Bishop William T. McGrattan of the Diocese of Calgary. He challenged Catholic men to take the faith seriously, to live it publicly with courage and clarity, and to embrace the call to be defenders of the faith. His remarks set a strong tone for the evening and left Knights encouraged and renewed in purpose.

Bishop McGrattan also used the occasion to promote a broader call for men to step forward through the 29th Annual God Squad Conference, titled “A Heroic Call to Action,” part of 2026 Calgary’s Men’s Conference. The message was blunt and bracing: men are needed for an incredible mission, and the work is not comfortable or glamorous. It demands perseverance and sacrifice, and it forms real brotherhood in the process.

The conference promotion highlighted multiple participation options: an in-person Calgary gathering at St. Peter’s [Register Here] and satellite locations in Lethbridge (via St. Martha’s) and Medicine Hat (via Holy Family). The invitation was clear. Do not stay on the sidelines. Answer the call, stand with other Catholic men, and take up the responsibility to lead, serve, and defend the faith with steadiness.

Padre Night delivered exactly what it should: a strong evening of fraternity, a renewed appreciation for our clergy, and a call to move forward with purpose. We are grateful to everyone who attended and represented the council well, and grateful for the witness of the clergy and the challenge put before us.

Photo credits: Photographs from the evening were captured by our Council Chronicler, SK Roland “Rollie” Reeves, through his skillful photography.