About Us
Bishop William McGrattan
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary
Appointed the eighth Bishop of Calgary by Pope Francis on January 4, 2017, and installed on February 27, 2017, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. He previously served as Bishop of Peterborough (2014–2017) and Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto (2010–2014). Bishop William McGrattan holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Divinity from St. Peter’s Seminary, and a Licentiate in Fundamental Moral Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He also served as Rector of St. Peter’s Seminary, recognized for his dedication to priestly formation and Catholic education.
As Bishop of Calgary, His Excellency continues to shepherd the diocese with a focus on vocations, parish renewal, and the Church’s mission in both urban and rural communities. Under his leadership, the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies was established as a diocesan Marian shrine, serving as a spiritual home for the faithful and pilgrims in the Rocky Mountains.
Rev. Pilmaiken Lezano
PARISH PASTOR
In June 2022, Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano was appointed to serve in the mountain town of Canmore as Pastor of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, a diocesan Marian shrine dedicated in 2020 that also serves as the local parish community. On August 1, 2023, Bishop William McGrattan formally installed Fr. Lezano as Pastor, following his initial service as Administrator.
Since his arrival, Fr. Lezano has provided spiritual leadership to the faithful of Our Lady of the Rockies and to the many pilgrims who visit the Shrine. Under his care, this young parish community continues to flourish as a place of worship, Marian devotion, and warm hospitality amidst the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. His ministry has been marked by a heartfelt welcome to visitors and a deep commitment to nurturing a vibrant devotional life within the parish.
Deacon Brian West
PARISH DEACON
Deacon Brian West serves at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, where he has been a devoted pastoral presence since its inception. Residing in the Bow Valley, Deacon West has faithfully ministered as a deacon for 19 years, serving both the parish communities of Banff and Canmore. He worked closely with the local community during the planning, blessing, and construction of the Shrine in the early 2010s, assisting with blessing ceremonies for the building’s steering, design, and fundraising committees.
Known for his active role in liturgy, catechesis, and community outreach, Deacon West regularly assists at Mass and supports major diocesan liturgies at the Shrine. Over the years, he has been integral to pilgrim celebrations and continues to offer pastoral care and liturgical support to parishioners and visitors alike, remaining a faithful servant to the people of the Bow Valley.
Parish Community
THE FAITHFUL OF THE BOW VALLEY
This vibrant parish community unites long-standing local families, new residents drawn by the majesty of the Rockies, and countless visitors and pilgrims seeking peace, reflection, and renewal.
At the center of this diverse and welcoming community, the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies stands as a spiritual home and beacon of Marian devotion. The Shrine not only serves the faithful of the Bow Valley but also welcomes pilgrims from across the diocese and beyond, fostering a shared sense of faith, hospitality, and reverence for the sacred mysteries of the Catholic tradition.