Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation - Ensuring the blessings we have received will be shared for generations to come.

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BISHOP’S RACE
2025

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”
Hebrews 12: 1

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“DUM SPIRO SPERO”
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BISHOP MARK

Greetings to you all, from Bishop Mark. I serve as the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, and this will be my seventh Death (…to Life…) Race. This is also the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache, AB, and the 10th anniversary of the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Canada. Of course, it is also the Great Jubilee Year 2025 of HOPE and MERCY!

It’s an honour to run on behalf of our diocese, along with the other young men on our team as we join together in this “race-pilgrimage.”

This run also represents the long, adventurous, arduous journey of reconciliation and healing, which features much-needed mercy, perseverance, and patience. It is the little things that matter in the long journey of relationship-building. Participating in this run is perhaps a symbol of the many steps forward on a long journey to what I hope and pray is God’s plan for us all.

RONAN

I am Ronan Gilliespie. I am 21 years old and I currently living with my family in Crescent Beach BC, I attended Saint Therese Institute in Bruno Saskatchewan this past year. This will be my second Canadian Death Race. Unfortunately, my training has not worked out as planned – and I am doing one of the most challenging legs. However, my heart and will are strong, and things are picking up recently. The race will be a great challenge, but united by faith with these brothers – I am certain that our team will accomplish this great race and pilgrimage.  

KIERAN

Hello, my name is Kieran! I’m 24 years old and this will be my second Death Race, running once again alongside my brother Ronan. 
It’s a race of epic proportions, and the challenge entices me. Pushin my body to its limits, pushing through pain with mental toughness to conquer the wilderness. Epic. Here we go for race number two.    …But I have a different focus this time. 

God is writing a story with each of our lives, and I pray that we will be attentive to him in the midst of this journey. It is one of the greatest joys in life to do God’s will alongside my brothers, and as we travel, converse, and pray together. I know God will speak in our hearts. The interior life is the place of the struggle and joy, and thought this race will be physically challenging, the bigger journey will take place within.   

Oh man, I wish that I could express in this little bio all that I wish to say. I believe that a RENEWAL of the world will take place through contemplative living. The greatest thing I can do is be faithful and attentive to God in all I do, and He will transform the world. I am excited to discover the ways in which I am called to serve God and His church. For now, it is the Death Race with my brothers, and the following two-week mission trip to the Northwest Territories.

Please pray for us.  In Christ, Kieran. 

MAXIMILIAN

My name is Maximilian Connelly. I’m a 23-year-old aspiring Catholic speaker living in Lloydminster, Alberta. Over the past three years, I’ve had the blessing of attending a Catholic school where my faith was challenged, deepened, and ultimately strengthened. While I’m still very much a newcomer to my Catholicity, I have a deep desire to grow by living it out—through active mission abroad one day, but also through the daily mission I’m called to right now: to work, love, and serve those around me. 

I’ve loved sports my whole life, but about three years ago, I discovered running—and it quickly became more than just a way to stay in shape. It’s now both a mental and spiritual tool that helps me find peace, clarity, and connection with God. 

I’m especially excited for my second Death Race with Bishop Mark and the boys. The first time, I prayed the entire time out of fear—this time, I hope to do the same, but out of joy. 

I’m passionate about helping others encounter Christ in everyday life, whether through a talk, a conversation, or even a run. I may just be starting out, but my heart is all in. 

JOSEPH

Hello! I am Joseph Cote, I am 19 years old, and I live in Terrace BC. I have been a student at St Therese Institute for the past two years and am going to be an ‘Apostolic Intern’ this upcoming year. I wanted to do this race as I see it as a pilgrimage. God loves to use pilgrimages to challenge me and bring me deeper in my faith and in relationship with Him, so I am using this not only as a way to grow closer to God but grow in a deeper relationship with my brothers in Christ.  

RYAN

My name is Ryan Mallett. After completing two years of formation at St. Therese Institute in Bruno SK, I took several months’ time for ‘pilgrimage’ in Europe – featuring the Camino de Santiago. I am now living and working in Lloydminster AB and am preparing for marriage.  I am passionate about all thing’s fitness and all things faith. I am very excited for the chance to again participate in this pilgrimage-trek with an amazing group of Catholic men. As with last year, it’s good to have a Bishop along – in case there’s a need to administer the last rites! 

GALLERY