Two bishops on a “Run for Reconciliation” at 2024 Canadian Death Race near Grande Cache, AB

Bishop Gary Franken and Bishop Mark Hagemoen (l-r) are running the Canadian Death Race Aug. 3-4 with eight young men on two relay teams. Bishop Hagemoen reflects on what he calls the "Death (…to Life) Race" which he is running in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. (Submitted photo)

Updated Aug. 3, 2024

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Bishop Gary Franken with team members at registration for the race Aug. 3, 2024. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and Bishop Gary Franken of the Diocese of St. Paul, Alberta will tackle the gruelling “Canadian Death Race” Aug. 3-4, running in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF). They are joining eight young men from both of their dioceses on two relay teams. The “Canadian Death Race” features a 118-km course beginning and ending on a 4,200-foot plateau, passing over three mountain summits, with over 17,000 feet of elevation.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and a team known as “4 Bros and a Bishop” first ran the course as a “Run for Reconciliation” in August 2022. This year’s “Bros and Bishop” team is also joined by a five-member “Momento Mori” team, led by Bishop Gary Franken of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Paul, AB. (Find profiles of the runners, below.)

Reflection on relay race in support of the reconciliation fund

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

“Walking together is not easy, but it is possible.”

I understand that Pope Francis wrote this statement in French in a visitor’s comments book as he departed from the National Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupre in Quebec on July 28, 2022. This statement has haunted me for the last two years and reminds me of the importance of the journey – the pilgrimage together.

In my second “Death (…to Life!) Race” in Grande Cache, AB during my time serving in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, I have the privilege of running this year with another brother bishop who I have known for many years, along with eight young men who are faith-filled and wanting to be led and challenged by the Lord as He reveals to them His will for their lives.

Bishop Gary Franken and these eight young men have all demonstrated what it means to be generous and selfless on the journey, and to engage the pilgrimage journey with trust and openness to the God who reveals His desire for our lives, and His vision of hope for our world.

This year, I again dedicate my efforts to supporting the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund for our diocese in support of projects for reconciliation and healing.

In his homily at the Holy Mass for Reconciliation at St. Anne de Beaupre National Shrine in 2022, the Holy Father encouraged us in this this difficult and important journey together. Pope Francis stated:

“When confronted with failure in life, nothing could be worse than fleeing in order to avoid it. It is a temptation that comes from the enemy, who threatens our spiritual journey and that of the Church, for he wants us to think that all our failures are now irreversible. He wants to paralyze us with grief and remorse, to convince us that nothing else can be done, that it is hopeless to try to find a way to start over.

“The Gospel shows us, however, that it is in precisely such situations of disappointment and grief – when we are appalled by the violence of evil and shame for our sins, when the living waters of our lives are dried up by sin and failure, when we are stripped of everything and seem to have nothing left – that the Lord comes to meet us and walks at our side.”

Pope Francis, National Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupré
Thursday, 28 July 2022

May we not only remain dedicated to the ongoing journey of reconciliation and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous brothers and sisters, but may we open to be stretched and challenged about our own views and attitudes as we forge a new future together, admittedly in difficult current times for our world.

I recently heard from a group of Indigenous Catholic leaders that we pursue truth alongside of other virtues, including respect, humility, courage, honesty, compassion, wisdom, and a love that seeks shalom – peace and right relationship. These are challenging goals that relate to and depend on each other. They are especially important as we seek an unknown future together.

Brothers and Sisters, I invite your support for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund for our diocese. Most of all, I ask for your prayers and your spiritual support of this call to commit to walk with Our Lord. The “race” can at times be beautiful and easy – and at many times, it can be very difficult and may even seem impossible. But with Our Lord …all things are possible! (see Matthew 19:26)

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The 2024 race marks the fourth run that the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation and the diocese have promoted in support of the reconciliation fund, beginning with the “Beaver Flat 50” in 2021.

Support Bishop Hagemoen’s fund-raising efforts for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fundon the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website: dscf.ca/annual-bishops-race.

Bishop and Bros team at race registration Aug. 3, 2024.

Profiles of the runners

BROS & BISHOPS Team

Ryan Mallet – Leg 1 (submitted photo)

Ryan MallettLeg 1:  “This past spring I just finished two years of formation at St. Therese institute in Bruno, SK, and am now living and working in Lloydminster AB.  I am passionate for all things fitness and all things faith. I am very excited for the chance to run-trek with an amazing group of Catholic men, including two beloved bishops, in The Great Canadian Death (…to Life) Race in the mountains of Grande Cache!  Given the name of the race, and the terrain of the course, I am grateful for two team members that can readily administer the last rites!”

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Diocese of Saskatoon – Leg 2 (submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen – Leg 2:  “I serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon, and this will be my sixth Death (…to Life…) Race. It’s a real honour for me to run with my brother bishop, Gary Franken (he is 1 year younger than me!), and with the other young men from both of our dioceses. This run also represents the long, adventurous, arduous journey of reconciliation and healing, which features much needed mercy and persistence.”

Ronan Gillespie – Leg 3 (submitted photo)

Ronan Gillespie – Leg 3:  “I an 20 years old and I currently living with my family in Crescent Beach BC, finishing high school, and working at a local restaurant. After this summer I’m hoping to attend the Saint Therese Institute in Bruno, SK. When I was asked by my older brother (Kieran Gillespie) to partake in the Death Race, I accepted immediately, hoping that an early commitment would give me extra time to train. Unfortunately I procrastinated training, although picking up recently. The race will be a great challenge, but united by faith I am certain that our two teams will overcome any difficulties.”     

Raphael Pelletier – Leg 4 (submitted photo)

Raphael Pelletier – Leg 4:  “Hello! My name is Raphael Pelletier. I am 22 years old and I am from a small town called Legal, an hour north of Edmonton. I come from a family of six. I am the oldest of two brothers, Justin and Isaac, and a sister, Julia. I am a second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan here in Saskatoon and I also play on the men’s Huskie hockey team. I was able to take part in the Death Race two years ago with Bishop Mark, Luc, Jerome and Dom Montpetit, and Jacob Powell. It was an incredible experience and I am really looking forward to the physical challenge ahead and also to create memories and to grow closer as brothers!”

Maximilian Connelly – Leg 5 (submitted photo)

Maximilian Connelly  – Leg 5:  “I am 22 years old, and will be doing a third-year Apostolic Internship at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission.  I have been running for a year and feel very blessed to be taking on my biggest challenge yet in the Canadian Death Race!”

MOMENTO MORI Team

Luc Montpetit (submitted photo)

Luc Montpetit – Leg 1:  “I’m 20 years old and from small town Bruno, SK, but now live here in Saskatoon. This will be my second trip for this race. My first year didn’t quite go as expected as I didn’t get to run because of an injury but I’m back at it this year!”

Kieran Gillespie – Leg 2 (submitted photo)

Kieran Gillespie  Leg 2:  “I’m 23 years old and the eldest of five – my brother Ronan is doing the Death Race alongside me. I’m from the West Coast of BC, and I’ve always loved hiking camping, and being in the mountains. After serving and working for NET Ministries of Canada for four years, I most recently experienced a deeply transformative year at St. Therese Institute (alongside some of these other amazing guys!) I’m looking forward to taking on the Great Canadian Death Race with my brothers in Christ this year, it’s a real special opportunity.”

Bishop Gary Franken of the Diocese of St. Paul, AB – Leg 3 (Submitted photo)

Bishop Gary Franken – Leg 3:  “I have served as the Bishop of St. Paul’s Diocese, Alberta, for the last one and a half years.  I am originally from the Vancouver area, and served as a priest for the Archdiocese of Vancouver for about 33 years before being appointed to St. Paul’s. This will be my second Death Race – having run it about 18 years ago. I have always enjoyed hiking in the mountains, not just for the physical experience, but also for the beauty and the contemplation. I am hoping that experience and some more wisdom will compensate for my years (I am 61).”

Jerome Montpetit – Leg 4

Jerome Monpetit Leg 4: “I am 23 years old, and this will be my second ‘Death (…to Life…) Race.’ I am currently studying Philosophy through Holy Apostles College and Seminary while living a life of prayers and service. I continue to discern priesthood and religious life as I seek to know and do God’s will.”

Alex Pulvermacher – Leg 5 (submitted photo)

Alex Pulvermacher – Leg 5: “I grew up in Bruno, SK, and have been living in Saskatoon since 2016, when I moved to pursue and engineering degree at the U of S. Since then I have made Saskatoon home and am working as a civil engineer-in-training. As a teenager, I spent a lot of time in the outdoors, jogging, cycling, hunting, and going on hikes, which led me to fall in love with God through the beauty that I encountered in my wanderings. I was honoured to accept the invitation to join the team of incredible men on this race, and to do a hard thing for the glory of God.”

A mountain-top experience (submitted photo)

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