Survivors describe grief in 'Aftermath of Murder'

Video series captures stories of loss due to homicide and it gives back to those still suffering

Christopher Ducharme, founder of B.C. Victims of Homicide, and Jo-Ann Turner-Crean, past president of the B.C. Bereavement Helpline, say they recognized the need to provide support for people coping with the death of a loved one. Photo contributed to BCC.

Cristina Pastia didn't know the goodbye she exchanged with her parents before they left on a vacation to Romania four years ago would be the last time she saw them alive. The day she was to pick up her parents at the airport, Pastia learned they had died. Police who found their bodies in a hotel believed it to be a murder-suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:
A new study on income-splitting shows how different family types can achieve tax fairness, so that families with the same income, whether made by one or two earners, will pay the same amount of tax. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

A Houston doctor is under investigation on charges that he performed illegal late-term abortions after former employees alleged that several babies were born alive and then killed in gruesome ways. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Paul's singles to celebrate 35th anniversary

Club invites adults for a dinner and dance

A couple dances the tango in St. Peter's Square three days after the election of Pope Francis,  March 16.
(Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic)

The St. Paul's Catholic Singles Club will celebrate their 35th anniversary with a dinner and dance May 25. Couples will join for a joyous evening in the Sunrise Community Hall (1950 Windermere Street) in Vancouver.

The non profit organization was founded in 1978 for those 38 and older, and eligible for marriage in the Church. With a live singing performance by Patrizia Coletta, the doors open at six p.m. 

Tickets are $35.

For more information, go to the St. Paul's website.

Where enemies come together

Pope says those who disagree meet doing good works

A nun walks near the Basilica of St. Francis in the early morning in Assisi, Italy. Pope Francis will visit the birthplace of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, on the saint's feast day, Oct. 4. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Every human person, despite his or her beliefs can do good, and a sharing in good works is the prime place for encounter among those who disagree, Pope Francis said at his Mass today. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

It's not every day that a retired vice-admiral is feted. However, one of this year's inductees into the Vancouver College Hall of Honour should present a sterling example of leadership to current Grade 12 students. Vice-Admiral (Ret.) Nigel Brodeur will be present at a tribute dinner May 25. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The Atlantic Episcopal Assembly has issued a letter to parishioners in the Atlantic Provinces expressing concern over federal Employment Insurance (EI) reforms. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope Francis reportedly performs exorcism

Video footage during a Sunday Mass raises questions

 Video screenshot of what has been described as an exorcism. The Associated Press.

Pipe organs and gasping can be heard in the footage captured at the Vatican by Italian TV station TV2000; the video depicts Pope Francis laying his hands on the head of a young man in a wheelchair. 

The Italian media, and media corporations worldwide, have made it seem as if Pope Francis was performing an exorcism. Though it may look like one, according to the Vatican the Pope didn't perform any kind of exorcism.

The video begins with Pope Francis shaking hands with a young man in a wheelchair, with his other hand on the young man’s head. Five seconds later, Pope Francis places both hands on the young man’s head, and the young man's mouth gapes wide as he gasps, convulses, and finally droops in his chair.

"As he frequently does with the sick and the suffering who come his way, he intended simply to pray for a suffering person who had been brought before him," said Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, the Vatican spokesman, in a statement to Vatican Radio on May 21. 

New pastoral centre closer to construction

Offices, chapel, meeting spaces, and suites for priests all part of building plans

Architect's model of new John Paul II Pastoral Centre. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

The new John Paul II Pastoral Centre is a step closer to construction. The development application was approved by the City of Vancouver's Director of Planning May 2. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:
The Holy Spirit made it possible for everyone to hear the apostles in their own language on Pentecost, uniting people who were divided, Pope Francis said, calling on Christians to witness to the faith in a way that reconciles and is forgiving. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Charting our direction from the Year of Faith forward

Archbishop lays out goals for next three years

Pope Francis calls us to live "daily situations with greater trust, to facing them with
courage and determination," quotes Archbishop Miller in his letter. (Photo: CNS)

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, wrote a recent letter outlining the priorities for the Archdiocese for the next three years. They are:

• Growing a Culture of Vocation
• Evangelizing the Family
• Stewarding God's Gifts

Each priority has two associated goals, which the archbishop hopes will "motivate and guide all that we do in the service of the Lord and His Church."

The full text of the letter can also be found on The B.C. Catholic website.

200 miles an hour

Pope praying for children, others struck by Oklahoma tornado

Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and rescue workers dig through the rubble of Plaza Tower Elementary school. (CNS photo / Oklahoma National Guard handout via Reuters)

Pope Francis sent condolences to those parents who lost their children in a tornado that killed around 100 people in Oklahoma. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:
Pro-lifers from B.C. showed their passion for the unborn, especially females, as they joined this year's March for Life to "End Female Gendercide," the theme of the rally. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Rose Prince Pilgrimage to take place in Lejac

 

All are invited to honour the memory of Rose Prince July 5-7

 

Pilgrims will have the chance to sing, learn, and pray for peace and healing together at the Rose Prince Lejac Pilgrimage.  Aboriginal and non-aborginal communities are invited to join the ceremony.   
The three-day event will include meals, the Stations of the Cross, confessions, a candle procession, a healing Mass with guest speaker Sister Kateri Michell, SSA, and a Mass said by Bishop Stephen Jensen.

The pilgrimage is expected to be a spiritual and life-changing experience. First Nations Ministry Coordinator Rennie Nahanee said, “Some people take dirt from the grave, hoping a miracle will happen.”
He added that the ceremony can allow for admitting and repenting of sins, which can “bring people to a new way of life.”

The Rose Prince Pilgrimage will take place July 5-7, west of Prince George, between Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof.

For more information and volunteer opportunities, click here.

 

Walkers gather at Crossroads

-->

Pro-life walkers aim to establish a Culture of Life

2012 Crossroads team with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre (BCC file photo).

The 2013 Crossroads pro-life walk is coming up fast. On Sunday a team of pro-life supporters will gather in Vancouver, B.C., to begin the walk for life across Canada. As the group travels across the country, they will educate youth about the pro-life movement while they stand up for all human life from conception to natural death. See the full schedule here.

Walkers are expected to face challenges physically, emotionally, and spiritually as they establish a Culture of Life and make people aware of the value of every life. 

Read more about Crossroads here. 

2010 Crossroads team walks to a hospital in Sault Ste Marie to protest abortion (Photo: Michael Mendonca). See Michael Mendonca's blogspot.

2010 Crossroads team prays at St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal (Photo: Michael Mendonca).

Talitha Koum Society turns 13

Whitehorse bishop attends transition house milestone

Bishop Gary Gordon of Whitehorse addresses the gathering at Talitha Koum's
anniversary celebration May 11 at St. Mary's in Vancouver. (Photo: Dkostynuik)

The Talitha Koum Society celebrated its 13th birthday with a well-attended anniversary dinner fundraiser at St. Mary's in Vancouver May 11. Bishop Gary Gordon of Whitehorse gave a blessing and invited those present to live deep gospel values.

The transition house helps women who suffer from addiction and who may have been in trouble with the law. Two women shared their stories and experience of Talitha Koum at the event.

Kimmie Jensen, executive director, holds a microphone for Nadine
while she tells of her journey to Talitha Koum. (Photo: Dkostynuik)

For more information on the society, go to their website here.

Saint may have to wait

Relations with China affect timing of Matteo Ricci cause

A statue of Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci stands outside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Beijing in this 2007 photo. CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec.

Approval for the beatification of the Italian Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci, who ministered in China 500 years ago, depends to some degree on the Vatican's relations with China. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Alissa Golob, 26, the national youth coordinator for Campaign Life Coalition (CLC), got involved in pro-life activism the old-fashioned way: through "snail mail." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The Knights of Columbus are known for their pro-life initiatives, and the youngest council of knights in B.C. is contributing to the movement on a local campus. Every week, a group of knights and university students gather for a pro-life rosary at Redeemer Pacific College. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ukrainian prelates gather for working group

Bishop Ken Nowakowski of New West leads 'vibrant parish' renewal

Bishop Ken Nowakowski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster leads a Divine Liturgy in Lviv, Ukraine May 14.
(Photo submitted.)

Bishop Ken Nowakowski, the Eparch of New Westminster, led multiple sessions of the Working Group for the Strategic Development of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Brukhovitsi, Ukraine, May 13 and 14.

The prelate was assisted by Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, the Secretary General of the Synod of Ukrainian Bishops, along with clergy and laity from Europe, and the Americas.

Bishop Nowakowski and other members of the Working Group.
(Photo submitted.)

The working group has the responsibility to assist the Ukrainian Bishops in implementing a plan put forth by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (head of the Ukrainian Church) in his pastoral letter: The Vibrant Parish: The Place to Encounter the Living Christ.

The Eparch of New West pictured alongside dozens of his fellow clergymen.
(Photo submitted.)

The working group examined the progress so far and brought up new documents to help priests with pastoral planning and administration.

Pontificate in Blessed Virgin's hands

Pope Francis and his work consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima

Pilgrims attend a candlelight vigil at the Marian shrine of Fatima in central Portugal. CNS photo / Rafael Marchante, Reuters.

At the Holy Father's personal request, Cardinal Jose Polycarp, the Patriarch of Lisbon, consecrated the pontificate of Pope Francis to Our Lady of Fatima on her feast day. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Teachers should not make a god out of providing tests constantly for their pupils, but rather guide their students to discover their faith. Dr. David Wells, the Director of the Vicariate for Formation in the Diocese of Plymouth, England, gave this message at an education conference in Whitehorse April 25-27. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

David Bereit, founder and national director of 40 Days for Life, shared some tips with pro-life high school students on how to convert abortion workers to the pro-life cause. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pupils score funds for Brazilian soccer club

St. Thomas Aquinas students kick-start donations of training gear, equipment to Sao Paolo

Luke Harris (left), Kiara Machry, Lucas Wagorn, Amy Crawford, Brooke Marklund, and Matthew Callaghan, all Grade 8 students at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary who helped contribute, hold up soccer jerseys that will be donated to a group in Sao Paolo, Brazil, called the Soccer Club. Special to The B.C. Catholic.

A local Grade 8 group, 13-14 years old, has undertaken to deliver brand new soccer equipment to a group in Sao Paolo, Brazil, called the Soccer Club. The local teenagers, from St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary in North Vancouver, are led by Lucas Wagorn. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

As he looked ahead to Pentecost, coming May 19, Pope Francis spoke about the Holy Spirit's role in guiding Christians to know Jesus, Who is the Truth, in an age of relativism. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

One of the most powerful forms of social justice is adoption, because it unleashes purpose, love, and mercy, says Ryan Bomberger, co-founder of the Radiance Foundation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-life cause continues to advance

Director optimistic about outcomes of Motion 408

Conservative MP Mark Warawa speaks at the March for Life in Ottawa this year. His
motion against sex-selective abortion was deemed non-votable in March. (Photo: CCN)

Motion 408, Mark Warawa's non-binding motion against sex-selective abortion, was struck down by a House of Commons sub-committee in March. The MP decided to introduce a new bill rather than appeal the decision.

But Mark Penninga, the executive director of the Association for Reformed Political Action, does not see this as a loss for the pro-life movement.

Our immediate reaction may be disappointment. What good did all of our petitions and letters do if the motion never even came to a vote, let alone passed? But step back, look at the facts, and be encouraged. Motion 408 has had a momentous impact on advancing pre-born human rights in this nation.

Penninga gives six effects of the motion that, he believes, should leave supporters optimistic. Read the full blog post on weneedalaw.ca here.

Cardinal Collins warns against gambling

'False Eden' promised through addiction

(Caption: Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto processes out of the papal conclave's opening Mass in St. Peter's Basilica March 12.

Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic)

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto recently spoke to Vatican Radio about society's growing dependence on gambling. He said gambling itself is not inherently evil; however, the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the problems that can arise from widespread addiction to blackjack and other games of chance.

“First of all, it can lead to injustice,” he says. “There are numerous issues where people gamble away the grocery money and cause distress in their families.”

Listen to the interview here.

The prelate has also released a pastoral letter on Gambling, Gaming, and Casinos for the Archdiocese of Toronto. The full text of that letter is available on the Archdiocese of Toronto website.

Read the pastoral letter here.

One-child policy causes reign of terror

Horror of female gendercide driven home during National March for Life

Reggie Littlejohn speaks at the May 9 Rose Dinner. Deborah Gyapong / Canadian Catholic News.

Deborah Gyapong of Canadian Catholic News reports that participants in this year's National March for Life May 9 came away equipped with a new awareness of the horrors of female "gendercide." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pro-life speaker, broadcaster, and best-selling author Michael Coren will speak May 18 at a Ridge Meadows Pro-Life Society dinner meeting on his perspective of the debate. Abortion, euthanasia, and family are among the topics he will cover. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

When news of the guilty verdict of first degree murder for abortionist Kermit Gosnell broke, pro-life leaders welcomed his conviction, while calling for a closer look at the abortion industry as a whole. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Surprise! I'm really here!

Popemobile trip surprises March for Life participants

Pope Francis waves from the popemobile at the end of a canonization Mass. The same day, he appeared in his popemobile at the March for Life. CNS photo / Tony Gentile, Reuters.

Pro-lifers who had just finished the third annual Italian March for Life on Sunday were surprised to see Pope Francis coming toward them in the popemobile. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priests and laity have come to study for centuries at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, nicknamed the "Angelicum." Theology professor Father Robert Christian, OP, puts the university's motto, caritas veritatis, or "the charity of truth," into action. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

This year's National March for Life in Ottawa May 9, which drew the largest crowd ever, framed abortion as a human rights issue damaging especially to women and girls. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

No to the wall

U.S. bishops oppose re-routing of Israeli-Palestine separator

Christian leaders pray in front of the Israeli separation wall near Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, West Bank, in 2010. CNS photo / Debbie Hill.

The U.S. bishops have criticized an Israeli plan to re-route a separation wall through the Cremisan Valley in the West Bank, claiming such a move would harm both Christian families and religious orders. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other new stories on the BCC website include:

A unique relationship between the Squamish tribe and St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School has materialized in an invaluable piece of artwork. The unveiling and traditional brushing ceremony of the carving were held April 23. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Anyone who has ever attended an organ recital knows that no good concert is complete without stilettos. At least, that's according to hot and humorous duo "Organized Crime," whose Betty and Veronica good looks, costumed antics, and serious musical chops are turning the organ world on its head. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Satisfy all desires

God's living water does just that, Pope proclaims

Pope Francis exchanges skull caps with a young girl after arriving for his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 8. CNS photo / Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo.

The Holy Spirit is the "living water" that fulfills our lives because He tells us "we are loved by God," Pope Francis proclaimed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


"Fight Like Soldiers, Die Like Children" is a documentary about children forced either to fight as soldiers or to become sex slaves and "bush wives" during conflicts in places such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Chaplains at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) scrambled into action for the airport's largest-ever emergency exercise April 17. A multi-faith contingent consisting of a Roman-collared clergyman, a Jewish rabbi, Muslim volunteers, and the Salvation Army gathered for a preparation summit before a simulated airplane crash. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.