Bishops get partial credit for releasing prisoner

CCCB among parties acknowledged for the release of Pakistani girl accused of blasphemy

The B.C. Catholic has a story by CCN's Deborah Gyapong about a letter from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops that was seen as one of the interventions that led to the release of a Down's Syndrome Pakistani girl accused of burning the Quran:

Some news reports indicate the girl may have been framed by an extremist religious leader.

“She just came out on bail,” said Bhatti, who is the brother of Shahbaz Bhatti, the assassinated former minorities minister and first Christian in the Pakistan government’s cabinet. “Her case is not finished yet, and we’re not sure how long it will go.”

In the meantime, the girl and her family continue to need protection from extremists who have threatened to burn the family alive and threatened the girl's 1500-member Christian community. Most of those Chrisitians have gone into hiding.

“I would like to thank the Canadian Catholic bishops’ conference for intervening in this issue,” Bhatti said.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Transformation in Africa 'urgent'

Pope calls on lay Africans to evangelize their continent

Yaounde cathedral

Here is a Catholic News Agency story about Pope Benedict XVI calling on lay Catholics to evangelize Africa, which he called the "continent of hope."

"In this transformation of the whole society, which is so urgent for Africa today, the lay faithful have an irreplaceable role," the Pope said in a Sept. 5 message to the Pan-African Congress of Catholic Laity.

The Pan-African Congress of Catholic Laity is taking place Sept. 4-9 in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon. Organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, it brings together Africans from all walks of life, along with the continent's bishops, to "reflect on various challenges and share experiences."

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sister leaves behind a wonderful legacy

Farewell Mass celebrated for VanSpec director

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, cuts a cake in honour of outgoing VanSpec director
Sister BethAnn Dillon, DSMP (left), and her replacement, Sister Kathy Stark, DSMP.
Nathan Rumohr / The B.C. Catholic.

Friends, colleagues, and The B.C. Catholic were in attendance to say goodbye to former VanSpec director Sister BethAnn Dillon:

Sister Dillon has been named vocation directress for her order, the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence, in Chicago.

"This evening the Lord gathers us as His people at this Eucharist to give Him thanks and praise for what He has accomplished at VanSpec," Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, said during his homily, "especially for the ministry of Sister BethAnn Dillon and the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence."

Archbishop Miller said VanSpec has been an enormous blessing for the archdiocese and thanked Sister Dillon for her hard work improving the program.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Auxiliary bishop ordained in Edmonton

Bishop Gregory Bitman to assist Archbishop Richard Smith

Edmonton’s Auxiliary Bishop Gregory Bittman
blesses the congregation in St. Joseph’s Basilica at the
end of his ordination Mass Sept. 3.
 Ramon Gonzalez / CCN.

The B.C. Catholic has a story by Ramon Gonzalez of the Western Catholic Reporter about the ordination of the Archdiocese of Edmonton's new auxiliary bishop:

In a spirit of joy and thanksgiving, Catholics from across the Edmonton Archdiocese gathered at St. Joseph’s Basilica Sept. 3 to witness the ordination of Father Gregory Bittman as auxiliary bishop.

Nearly 1,500 people, including the apostolic nuncio to Canada, a cardinal, the primate of the Church in Canada, a total of 23 bishops, 138 priests, and 18 deacons, attended the ceremony. Bishop Bittman’s mother, two brothers, and many other members of his family also attended.

Speaking to the Bittman family, Archbishop Richard Smith said, “I know it’s a very proud day for all of you and I assure you that everyone here this evening shares your joy.”

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Charlotte diocese brings out Christ during Democratic convention

St. Patrick's Cathedral holds Vigil for Liberty

While President Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Party's nomination
for the 2012 presidency, a Charlotte parish will be holding a prayer vigil. The
vigil’s organizers hope the prayer event will help advance “thoughtful reflection”
among everyone, including politicians, reporters, and protesters at
the Democratic National Convention.

The B.C. Catholic has a Catholic News Agency story about the Diocese of Charlotte holding a special prayer vigil with Eucharistic adoration during the Democratic National Convention:

“The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is pleased to offer a gift to our nation, and that is over 80 hours of Eucharistic adoration and prayer for our country,” Bishop Peter J. Jugis said in his homily for the vigil’s Sept. 4 Mass.

“We are keeping our attention and our hearts fixed on Jesus,” he said.

The vigil began the morning of Monday, Sept. 3, and will run through 9 p.m. Sept. 6.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Celebrating 800

Poor Clare nuns' reclusive life of prayer reveals true riches

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrates with the Poor Clares in Mission:
Sisters Claire Marie, (left), Agnes Marie, Roberta Marie, Laura Maria, Marie-Celine,
Sophia Maria, and (not in photo) Marie Therese, Christine, and Mary Francis.
OSBs Fr. Mark, Frater Leo join in. Nathan Rumohr / The B.C. Catholic.

For 800 years the Order of St. Clare has inspired women to serve God through a life of prayer. The Archdiocese of Vancouver celebrated this milestone recently and The B.C. Catholic was there:

Not many groups can commemorate an 800th anniversary, but the archdiocese's Poor Clares have been doing that for the past year. On Aug. 12 they honoured their order's founding as Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrated Mass at the Poor Clare monastery in Mission, recognizing their beginnings in 1212.

"The contemplative life demonstrated by the Poor Clares is a constant reminder that God gives full meaning and joy to human lives," said the archbishop.

"Following in the steps of their beloved foundress, the Poor Clares have sought the Lord and brought to realization that experience of God Who tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good," Archbishop Miller said during his homily.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth urged to pursue holiness as a goal

Saskatchewan Catholic young and families for Rock the Mount

Keynote speaker Peter van Kampen engages the crowd
at the Catholic youth rally at Mount Carmel shrine
Aug. 18. Kiply Lukan Yaworski / CCN.

The B.C. Catholic has a story by Kiply Lukan Yaworski of the Prairie Messenger about the latest Rock the Mount youth rally:

Under sunny prairie skies and surrounded by lush fields, hundreds of youth and their families filled the hillside at the historic Our Lady of Mount Carmel shrine Aug. 18 for Rock the Mount, an annual celebration of Catholic faith featuring music, talks, and prayer.

Beginning as a followup to World Youth Day in Toronto in the summer of 2002, Rock the Mount Catholic youth rally once again brought together many groups, ministries, and individuals to lead the free youth-centred event.

Music was provided by the Alberta band FX of Grace, as well as by the Saskatchewan-based FacetoFace Ministries evangelization team.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope will weigh in on Middle East

For Pope Benedict in Lebanon, the pastoral is political

A boy hangs out near his home in the Dbayeh Palestinian refugee camp, an all-Christian enclave outside Beirut, Lebanon.

This Catholic News Service story reflects on Pope Benedict XVI's trip to Lebanon Sept. 14-16. Assuming spillover from the civil war in neighbouring Syria doesn't force a last-minute cancellation of the trip, it says, his purpose will be above all pastoral; and, as usual for papal trips, most of his remarks will focus on the spiritual.

Yet as the Syrian conflict exemplifies, the concerns of Christians in the Middle East are in many respects inseparable from politics; and however diplomatically the Pope may word his statements, some will inevitably touch on the region's political struggles and tensions.
Pope Benedict's primary reason for visiting Lebanon is to deliver his document of reflections on the 2010 special Synod of Bishops, which was dedicated to Christians in the Middle East. At that gathering, bishops spoke out on a range of issues that included the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, dialogue with Islam and Judaism, and the emigration of Christians driven by persecution, military conflict, and economic hardship.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Grotto pilgramage

Annual trek offers insight into upcoming Year of Faith activities in the Archdiocese of Vancouver

Catholic Pilgrims carry a statue of Our Lady during the annual pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission Aug. 18. P.G. Corr / Special to The B.C.

The B.C. Catholic has a story by Karen Murphy Corr this year's procession at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission:

For nine years Squamish tribe elder Wendy M. Charbonneau has led the procession at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission during the annual pilgrimage. However this year, more than in past years, she relied on her love for Jesus and His mother to help her walk the steep hill at Fraser River Heritage Park. 

People from all over the archdiocese joined in the pilgrimage Aug. 18. 

"I've had chronic rheumatoid arthritis in my spine now for several years, but osteoarthritis developed this past year in my shoulders and hips. I also have nerve damage in my foot so I usually use a scooter now," Charbonneau explained softly.

Read the whole story at The B.C. Catholic website.

A Paralympian from the archdiocese

St. Matthew's parishioner pushes into London hosted games

Paralympian Nathan Dewitt races down a track at Holy Cross High School.
The 21-year-old St. Matthew's parishioner will race Sept. 4 and 8.
The Paralympic Games in London will run from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9.
The Surrey Now / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The B.C. Catholic has a story about wheelchair racer Nathan Dewitt who will be competing in the Paralympic Games in London:

Coaches and therapists told Nathan Dewitt early in his wheelchair-racing days that he had talent, and that if he kept working hard he could one day compete in the Paralympic Games.

The 21-year-old parishioner at St. Matthews in Surrey never quite believed those words until he qualified for the Canadian Paralympic team this year.

"It was one those goals I didn't think I would actually fulfill," Dewitt said. But the humble Surrey resident was lauded for his ability early in his career, winning the Avche Pinkard Rookie of the Year Award (Wheelchair Race Series) and named the B.C. Athlete with a Disability of the Year in 2007.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Historic crossroads for U.S.

Glendon: economic, cultural concerns make 2012 election historic

Here is a Catholic News Agency story about Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, who believes that the 2012 presidential election will be a historic crossroads for the United States.

"I think this may be the most important election in many, many years, and the reasons for saying that are both economic and cultural," she told CNA Aug. 24.

Glendon, who was recently appointed vice-chairwoman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, says American voters face a choice between a Democratic Party that is "very devoted to and willing to give priority to what I would call the 'lifestyle liberties,'" and a Republican Party that is more supportive of "the family and the small institutions of civil society and religion."

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Amnesty calls for Vietnamese priest's release

Communist country has held Father Nguyen Van Ly in prison off and on since 1970

Father Nguyen Van Ly

The B.C. Catholic has a story by Ramon Gonzalez of the Western Catholic Reporter about Amnesty International's call to release a Vietnamese priest who has been imprisoned in the communist country for advocating for freedom:

Father Ly, 64, is serving an eight-year prison sentence for consistently calling for more religious freedom and for his long-standing criticism of the human rights policies of the Vietnamese government. 

In March 2010 he was temporarily allowed out of prison for medical treatment after he suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

However, in July 2011 he was taken back to Ba Saoi prison accused of inciting dissent. He is said to be in poor health and is partially paralyzed as a result of the stroke.

Read the full story on The B.C. Catholic website.

New CWL president-elect from Vancouver

Archdiocese's vice chancellor may become the third B.C. president

Barbara Dowding

The B.C. Catholic has a story about the Catholic Women's League's new president-elect Barbara Dowding:

Barbara Dowding has been elected president-elect of the Catholic Women's League of Canada. Dowding, vice-chancellor of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, was a member of the executive committee elected at the CWL's national convention Aug. 12 to 15 in Edmonton. 

Dowding is excited about the new challenge. "There's a new interest in the CWL from younger women because they are starting to understand we do more than just bake," she joked. "We all have great hope. This new executive is forward thinking. We aren't so young in age but we are young in ideas and in vision."

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

A plug for freedom

Final Republican platform has strong religious freedom plank

A view of Tampa, Fla., host of the 2012 Republican National Convention

The B.C. Catholic has a Catholic News Agency story about religious freedom being a major theme in the Republican Party's new platform:

The U.S. Republican Party included a significant section on the importance of religious freedom in its new official platform, adopted Aug. 28 in Tampa, Fla.

"We pledge to respect the religious beliefs and rights of conscience of all Americans and to safeguard the independence of their institutions from government," stated the 2012 Republican platform, which was formally approved at the party's national convention.

The party explained that its positions respect "God-given individual rights," including the freedom "of every American to follow his or her beliefs."

Read the full story on The B.C. Catholic website.

No to pipeline, says Christian group

Kairos objects to Northern Gateway pipeline

Sxc.hu

Environmentalists aren't the only ones opposed to a proposed pipeline that would run through B.C. The B.C. Catholic has a story by Ramon Gonzalez of the Western Catholic Reporter about a Christian think tank's opposition  to the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline:

The ecumenical group Kairos says the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat, B.C., would have serious implications for the economy, ecology, and Canada’s relations with aboriginal people.

“Key concerns for Kairos include whether or not indigenous rights will be fully respected,” says Jennifer Henry, the group’s executive director.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

New Dominican monastery rises in B.C. wilderness

Archbishop Miller blesses and anoints the new home for St. Dominic's contemplative nuns

The new Queen of Peace Monastery. Nathan Rumohr / The B.C. Catholic

The Archdiocese of Vancouver has a new monastery, and The B.C. Catholic was on hand for its blessing:

After settling in B.C. 11 years ago, the Dominican Contemplative Sisters welcomed hundreds of guests, both lay and religious, to their new home for a dedication Mass at the brand new Queen of Peace Monastery. 

"This monastery and its chapel bridge the gap between beauty in the world of nature and the unfathomable beauty of eternal life, between the beauty of things and God Who is beauty itself," Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, said during his homily Aug. 8 on the Feast of St. Dominic.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

Witch hunt in Pakistan

Vatican defends child with Down syndrome accused of burning Quran

This Catholic News Agency story relates that Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, the head of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, has voiced support for a Christian Pakistani girl with Down syndrome who was arrested for allegedly burning pages of the Quran.

Reports from some humanitarian organizations in the region said the girl unintentionally burned the pages because they were mixed in with a pile of trash she collected to make a fire for cooking. Neighbours allegedly burst into her home and accused her and her family of burning the Quran.

This is not the first time the Vatican has spoken out on such a case. The Holy See has also called for the release of Asia Bibi, a Catholic mother of five in Pakistan who remains imprisoned for allegedly violating the country's blasphemy laws. She has been given a death sentence despite her insistence that she is innocent.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

WYD again

World Youth Day Rio opens registration Aug. 28

Organizers for World Youth Day Rio 2013 announced that registration for the event will begin Tuesday, Aug. 28.

They pointed young people to the official Pilgrim's Guide, which was released on July 31, and contains basic information about registration and frequently asked questions.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

New CWL president has spiritual focus

Betty Ann Brown Davidson, installed during the 92nd annual national convention

New Catholic Women's League president
Betty Ann Brown Davidson

The B.C. Catholic has a story about the new president of the Catholic Women's League. Ramon Gonzalez of the Western Catholic Reporter caught up with Betty Ann Brown Davidson at the organization's conference in Edmonton:

The new national president of the Catholic Women’s League is a deeply spiritual woman who wants league members to foster a relationship with Jesus.

Accordingly, president Betty Ann Brown Davidson has chosen a more spiritual theme for her two-year term: "We Have Seen the Lord." 

“This is because the Church is starting the new evangelization and we are having a Year of Faith,” she explained. “It’s the idea that we are resurrection women like the women after Jesus rose and it’s up to us to go and tell the Gospel story. 

“That’s what I want them to do — to whisper the Gospel.”

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.

LCWR myths exposed

National Catholic Register tells a different story about the liberal nuns

A photo of an unnamed nun professing support
for abortion is posted on Dan Burke's
blogpost on the National Catholic Register
website.

Dan Burke, executive director of the National Catholic Register, shares his thoughts on the recent dispute between the Vatican and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in a recent blogpost on the Register's website. Burke says the nuns are not being attacked by Rome over doctrinal issues as reported by many in the mainstream media:

One of the great privileges of our work at the National Catholic Register is that we have the opportunity to counteract the distortion in the secular media that is often birthed out of the ranks of even those who claim to love God, the Church, and those in need. Yes, to be clear, there are many within the LCWR that do love and worship in spirit and truth. They are the many who are undervalued, mistreated and who still quietly give their lives away on a day-to-day basis.

Burke writes these "undervalued" nuns are often not supported by LCWR leadership, and are often suppressed:

We are aware of many who are suppressed by their very own leaders (those nice-sounding ladies you see at the press conferences who speak in soft, gentle, and peaceful tones of “dialogue” and "contemplation"). You heard me right. The surface claim that these women live in democratically ordered communities and that these communities are perfectly represented by the LCWR is, in fact, often not the case.

The post also lists several Register stories and opinion pieces regarding the issue. To read the whole post click here.