Missionary serves needy in Guadalajara

Project Brotherhood completes four-month Mexican trip

Project Brotherhood hard at work on their mission.

In a special for The B.C. Catholic, Anthony Chung remembers his mission trip to Guadalajara with Project Brotherhood. Heartened by the generosity shown to members of Project Brotherhood by Vancouverites and Guadalajara locals, he reflects on the impact of missionary work and sacrifice.

A recent missionary trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, was one of the most rewarding events of my life.

It all began last November, when I noticed an ad in our parish bulletin. Project Brotherhood was looking for volunteers. In light of the Year of Faith and the constant urging of Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, to serve those in need, I signed up.

I was brought up in Hong Kong. Catholic missionaries from all over the world taught me and strengthened my faith. This year I celebrated the 50th anniversary of my baptism. I was excited to think that at this stage of my life I could join a group of young adults and volunteers to serve a community in a foreign land.

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

Providing hope for the suffering

Newly released video highlights struggles of Christians living in the Holy Land

This is the first of a series of videos released by the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL).

The new video includes testimony from FFHL president Father Peter Vasko about the challenges faced by Christians living in the Holy Land today. These problems include the lack of a worshiping presence in the region, as well as the absence of support for those living there.

According to Father Vasko, the Christian community in the Holy Land is gradually diminishing and without action it will not be long before it disappears alltogether. The video aims to solicit aid for FFHL programs that provide financial support for those living in the area.

In conclusion Father Vasko asks his viewers to tell others of the difficulties faced by Christians in the Holy Land. He hopes that increasing awareness will ultimately lead to greater support for those suffering.

UK journalist defends sex-selective abortion

Abortion act divides supporters

Ann Furedi voices her support of sex-selective abortion. Bwp media / Getty Images / The Guardian.

In an article for The Guardian, journalist Sarah Ditum argues that sex-selection is a justifiable and legal reason for abortion.

Although abortions are legal under the U.K. Abortion Act passed in 1967, the reasons for getting an abortion are left ungoverned in law.

Ditum's article follows the comments of Ann Furedi, chief executive of BPAS, the U.K.’s leading provider of abortion services. Furedi recently said support of sex-selective abortion is intrinsic to the stance of a true pro-choice advocate.

Ditum claims that abortions benefit women who live in patriarchal societies where male children are preferred. Read the full article from The Guardian.

Planned Parenthood on the decline

Abortion clinics across North America continue to close at a remarkable rate

Closure of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Bryan, Tex.  Photo Credit: 40 Days for Life / Coalition for Life.

Tom Strode from the Baptist Press has written an article about the increasing rate of abortion clinic closures.

The speed and frequency of abortion clinic closures across the continent, he says, is escalating as pro-life laws take effect. Each closure is a victory for pro-lifers. 

The article also speaks of the transformation of a former abortion clinic director into a pro-life activist. Abby Johnson, the director of an abortion clinic in Bryan, Tex., decided to leave the clinic after a personal struggle with her role after she helped to perform one woman's abortion.

The increasing rate of abortion clinic closures provides evidence of the effectiveness of new pro-life laws. With the number of closures so far in 2013 greatly outweighing the total number last year, it is clear that the pro-life ideology is strong and spreading, Strode says.

This year, 42 clinics that provided surgical abortions have shut their doors, and two that offered chemical abortions by drugs also have closed, according to Operation Rescue, which monitors closings and health and safety violations by clinics nationwide. That number far surpasses the 25 surgical clinics shutdown last year and the 30 in 2011, by Operation Rescue's count. While others estimate a smaller number of closings, the pattern is clear.

Some of the shutdowns have been of major clinics. For instance, Virginia's No. 1 abortion provider closed, The Washington Post reported in July. NOVA Women's Healthcare in Fairfax, Va., shut down after state and local governments enacted regulations the abortion provider appeared unable to meet. The northern Virginia clinic performed 3,066 abortions in 2012 and 3,567 in 2011.

 The full story is available at Christianity Today. 

Ancient town uncovered

Archaeologist team uncovers Biblical era remains along the Sea of Galilee

Historians think this Sea of Galilee boat, uncovered in 1986, must have a link to a nearby newly revealed town.
 Photo credit: Berthold Werner

Owen Jarus, a contributor to the website live science, has written an article about a newly found town near the Sea of Galilee.

Catholics and historians are excited about the discovery of an ancient town along the shores of the Sea of Galilee in the Ginosar valley of Israel. A team of archaeologists from the University of Reading came across the ancient remains during a recent field survey.

Evidence found at the site is causing people to speculate that the ancient town is the Biblical city of Dalmanoutha. In the Gospel of Mark, Dalmanoutha is the place Jesus sailed to after feeding 4,000 people through the miracle of multiplying fish and loaves of bread.

Besides the Sea of Galilee boat, there were many other artifacts not only uncovered, but also found spread across the modern town that now occupies the area. Pillars, pottery, and large basalt blocks have also been found.

Whether their findings turn out to be Dalmanoutha or not, this groundbreaking discovery is expected to provide an idea of life during biblical times.

Some of the most impressive finds, however, were not made in the fields but rather in modern-day Migdal itself. The archaeologists found dozens of examples of ancient architectural remains, some of which the modern-day townspeople had turned into seats or garden ornaments, or simply left lying on the ground. In one instance, the researchers found more than 40 basalt ashlar blocks in a single garden.

After talking to the local people, and trying to identify the source and date of the findings, the researchers determined that many of the architectural remains came from the local area and likely were part of this newly discovered town.

The full story is available at live science.

Priorities and goals, moving forward

Infrastructure renewal planning to be complete by Nov. 30, 2015

Earthquake victims buy groceries at an improvised store after an earthquake. CNS photo / Eduardo Munoz, Reuters.

Here is an update by Dan Moric on what parishes in this archdiocese are doing to improve their earthquake preparedness.

The completion of a formal "Campus Master Plan" is the primary mechanism by which a parish and/or regional high school will demonstrate completion of planning for "Infrastructure Renewal by Nov. 30, 2015."

At the time of writing, 23 parishes and/or regional schools have been in contact with the Project Management Office to initiate this process. These 23 are in various stages of completion: three have effectively completed the process, four are approaching completion, and 16 are in beginning stages.

All parishes will move forward with this task at a rate that allows for completion by November 2015. 

The full story on The B.C. Catholic website can be viewed here.

Abortion meets its end

The future begins on Sept. 25. Take a Stand for Life

Mark the beginning of the end of abortion in our city and beyond. AwakeningUSA.

Become a part of a revolutionary, "coordinated international pro-life mobilization" by participating in a vigil that will be held outside of BC Women's Health Centre in Vancouver.

With the dedication of faith filled people who have prayed and fasted during the 40 Days for Life campaign, a total of 37 abortion facilities have shut down.

The event is from Sept. 25 to Nov. 3.

For full story see the 40 Days for Life website.

Stand Strong Together

Join other women on the road to safety and recovery from domestic abuse 

Domestic Abuse Services - Our Lady of Good Counsel Society aims to provide women with practical skills to manage and cope with stressors in their lives.

Domestic Abuse Services - Our Lady of Good Counsel Society (DAS-OLGC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1995 within the Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Regardless of religious denomination, race, or creed, DAS-OLGC wishes to raise awareness about domestic abuse and relationship violence throughout the Lower Mainland through a process of educational workshops.

Starting on Sept. 27, in Surrey B.C, for 10 weeks, there is a chance to become part of a women's support group that claims to improve self-esteem, confidence, authenticity, and relationship with self and others.

For more information contact Anne at 604-585-6688 / 604-562-6357
Domestic Abuse Services' helpline is 604-640-7549/ 1-888-833-7733 and visit their website here.

Changing faiths at the Crystal Cathedral

The crown jewel of Orange County, California is now Catholic!

"Catholic on the inside, but kind of Protestant on the outside," said Duncan Stroik, professor of architecture at Notre Dame. Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times.

The County's community of 1.2 million Catholics deserved a place of worship that would match its impressive size.
"I want people to come in and be overwhelmed by the sense of God and the sense of beauty," said Rob Neal, the Orange County property developer.

The change to Catholicism, although intimidating, requires much faith.
"The worship itself is what will give it a Catholic identity," said Brother William Woeger.

The diocese bought the Crystal Cathedral campus for $57.5 million and launched a project to refurbish the complex for $53 million.

'The first Mass is said to be held in 2015,' Woeger predicts.

Towering like the Emerald City, the cathedral formerly known as Crystal sits at what  might be Orange County's nucleus, a trinity of confluencing freeways, the Angels and Ducks stadium and a glimpse of a sacred place of a different kind - Disneyland.

From that gleaming sanctuary, evangelist Robert Schuller delivered sermons that were beamed to television sets around the world. His ministry became synonymous with the megachurch, designed so the light and the breeze could stream through, a grand replica of his humble beginnings preaching on the roof of an Orange drive-in's snack shop.

The Crystal Cathedral was to Schuller what Graceland was to Elvis. Now it has been bought by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, which has long coveted having a cathedral that sat at the centre of its vast footprint of 1.2 million Catholics.

For full story, see the Los Angeles Times website.

Priorities and goals moving forward

Infrastructure renewal planning to be complete by Nov. 30, 2015

Earthquake victims buy groceries at an improvised store after an earthquake. CNS photo / Eduardo Munoz, Reuters.

The completion of a formal "Campus Master Plan" is the primary mechanism by which a parish and/or regional high school will demonstrate completion of planning for "Infrastructure Renewal by Nov. 30, 2015." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.



Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Love conquers violence, cardinal says after shooting
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington prayed for the victims of the Washington Navy Yard shooting, saying victims and their families can find consolation and comfort in the hope given by Christ. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

40 Days for Life is back on
The 40 Days for Life fall vigil in Toronto is on again, just months after the spring campaign was forced to take a hiatus. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Altar servers receive awards at Holy Rosary Cathedral

Archbishop tells 107 young people Christ 'came to serve, like you'

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, (with mitre on) stands alongside 107 altar servers from 54 parishes Sept. 7 in Holy Rosary Cathedral. The archbishop thanked them and their parents for carrying out such an "awesome responsibility." Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Altar servers are tasked with the solemn duty of assisting their pastor.
To recognize publicly the importance of their contributions, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, hosted the eighth annual Archbishop's Altar Servers Award Ceremony during a morning Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral Sept. 7. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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European bishops warned of growing restrictions on religion

During their first meeting in Strasbourg, France, held Sept. 12-14, the legal advisors to the European Bishops' Conference warned of an increase in legal restrictions against religious freedom. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Syria's tragedy up close

While diplomats shuffle between Geneva, Moscow, and Washington, their plans to place Syria's chemical weapons under international control are having no impact on the war of attrition Syrians are fighting with rifles, rocket propelled grenades, tanks, and bombing raids. As the violence that's killed more than 100,000 Syrians wears on, Turkey is seeing more and more of the human toll in the form of refugees and wounded fighters. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archivists unearth forgotten stories of residential schools

Images reveal memories of picnics, sports games, band trips

Children enjoy ice cream at St. Mary's residential school in Mission, on the north bank of the Fraser River near what is now Fraser River Heritage Park. The school, run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of St. Ann, operated from 1863-1968. RCAV Archives.

Photos of distant childhood memories will be on display at this week's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event as Catholic archivists help provide a process toward healing. Albums of pictures of children in residential schools will be on display for anyone to view and copy during the reconciliation hearing on the PNE grounds Sept. 18-21. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pontiff says Church lives, 'suffers' for her children

"Dear brothers and sisters: today I wish to return to the image of the Church as our mother," Pope Francis told those gathered for his audience in St. Peter's Square on Sept. 18, "by reflecting on all that our earthly mothers do, live, and suffer for their children." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Quebec values charter debate reverberates on Parliament Hill

Parliament's new session is to open in mid-October, but already federal politicians have been forced to respond to the controversial Parti Quebecois Charter of Quebec Values. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Voices to speak at TRC event

Team will present 'universality, diversity of the Church'

Peter Nation, coordinator of Catholic Voices Canada, encourages young people to become Catholic Voices speaking out on controversial topics and defending the Church. Anne Marie Abraham / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Catholic Voices will ring out in Vancouver. The not-for-profit group focuses on improving the Church's representation in the media, particularly in news programs and debates, through educating and training Catholics to be strong voices in the public square. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Italian pastor donates used car to Pope Francis

An Italian pastor has donated a used Renault 4 with 186,000 miles to Pope Francis, in response to the exhortation he made to priests and seminarians in July to live simply and humbly. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Communications and Society re-evaluating its mission under new CEO

Communications et Societe (CS), an organization the Canadian bishops founded more than 50 years ago to censor films, will be re-examining its mission under a new CEO. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Earthquake assessment available online

Archdiocesan report shows one-third of buildings are 'high risk'

Ken Hackett, left, then president of Catholic Relief Services, stands with Carolyn Woo and U.S. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas in the remains of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Port-au-Prince in 2011. The cathedral was destroyed in Haiti's catastrophic earthquake in 2010. CNS photo / Jim Stipe, courtesy of Catholic Relief Services.

The results of the infrastructure assessment of every archdiocesan building are now online. Everyone can browse the six-page document and check out the seismic evaluation of their local church, parish office, hall, or school. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Chilean lawmakers establish day for unborn children

By a vote of 59-27, the Chilean House of Representatives has approved a law establishing March 25 as the Day of the Unborn Child and of Adoption. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB plenary to examine charity at home and abroad

Charity both at home and abroad is the theme of this year's annual plenary meeting of the Catholic bishops Sept. 23-27 in Sainte-Adele, Que., said Msgr. Patrick Powers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The TRC takes steps forward together with archbishop

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada plan a Mass followed by a 2 km walk on Sunday September 22 at 8am.

An aboriginal girl at an event in 2008 in Ottawa promoting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The goal of the commission is to support those who have suffered through residential schools. CNS photo / Art Babych.

Socks are being pulled up and laces being tied in preparation for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Mass and walk with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. The walk will begin after Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral on Sunday Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. It will stretch from its starting line, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, along the streets of downtown to Science World, marking the end of a week-long event.

The walk will be "a great wind up to the TRC, not the end of the process, but the beginning of a new one" says Rennie Nahanee, First Nations Ministry coordinator for the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Starting September 18, The Archdiocese of Vancouver is hosting the TRC's national event for the reconciliation after the tragedies associated with residential schools. Beginning in 1870, native children were forced out of their homes and sent to boarding schools that were being funded by the government and run by churches.

The Mass and walk are the conclusion to a week of cultural celebration for the TRC and all those affected by residential schools, with all participants of the Mass invited to join the archbishop for the walk on Sunday.

Through sharing past stories, and collective remembrance the TRC looks to provide reconciliation as well as awareness to all those effected by residential schools, with the event's exclamation point being the Mass and walk with Archbishop Miller.

Groundbreaking for archdiocesean project

                 The new John Paul II Pastoral Centre is scheduled for completion in November of 2014.

This is the architect's rendering of the new John Paul II  Pastoral Centre for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Picture submitted.

Agnieszka Krawczynski writes a story about the plans and further construction of the new John Paul II  Pastoral Centre on 33 Avenue.

After more than 50 years in an aged-brick building on Robson Street, the offices of the archdiocese are going to move to part of the former St. Vincent Hospital site.

A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for the Archdiocese of Vancouver's new John Paul II Pastoral Centre Aug. 29 on 33 Avenue in Vancouver near Willow Street. The new centre will contain offices, a chapel, meeting rooms, and nine suites for retired priests.

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

Rose Prince pilgrimage brings 'real depth of faith'

Whitehorse and Prince George bishops attend three-day celebration

Priests, native elders, and laity participate in a Eucharistic procession during the Rose Prince Pilgrimage in Lejac, B.C. Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Weeks before they went back to Corpus Christi College for classes, nine students went north to Lejac, B.C., to attend the annual Rose Prince Pilgrimage in July. Alongside native elders, the undergraduates listened to testimonies from people who knew the holy woman who died in 1949. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis visits refugees at Jesuit centre in Rome

Just two months after paying a visit to immigrants on the Italian island of Lampedusa, Pope Francis visited a group of refugees at a Jesuit-run centre in Rome today. He met at the Church of the Gesu with refugees seeking asylum in Rome, as well as volunteers who help provide them with food, health care, social support and legal aid. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop warns against enshrining Quebec values in a charter

Montreal Archbishop Christian Lepine has warned against enshrining Quebec values in a charter. Once Quebec "values" are enshrined in a charter, they are "frozen in time," and the charter "puts pressure on everyone, on institutions and individuals," he said in an interview from Montreal. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Wilderness cathedral provides tranquility

Father Robert Haggarty, OMI, organizes annual Fountain Lake trek near Lillooet

A statue of St. Kateri decorates the Fountain Lake site 20 kilometres north of Lillooet. Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The annual Fountain Lake trek offers pilgrims a chance to worship God in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. This year was the 20th pilgrimage. The three-day event, held 20 kilometres north of Lillooet, B.C., was held Aug. 9-11. On the first night, a candlelight procession lit up the night sky. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Embrace peace, Pope tells massive prayer vigil

Addressing myriad people in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis denounced war as a "defeat for humanity" and called on world leaders and individual Christians alike to rebuild a "shattered" harmony. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic bishops and organizations join in fasting and praying for Syria

Canada's Catholic bishops and Catholic organizations and lay faithful joined Pope Benedict in a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria and the Middle East Sept. 7. They also renewed their call for a second day of fasting and prayer for the following Saturday, Sept. 14. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

New director of Catholic cemeteries tours historic St. Peter's Cemetery

Peter Nobes plans to share stories and celebrate lives of notable figures from the archdiocese's past

Director of Catholic Cemeteries Peter Nobes (right) tours St. Peter's Cemetery with historians Dale (left) and Archie Miller, and grounds caretaker Robert Gilmore Aug. 16. "I found the insights fascinating; the place has so much history," Nobes said. The cemetery was established in the 1880s. Jennifer Pecho / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Did you know New Westminster was the first seat of the Vicariate Apostolic of British Columbia, with St. Peter's Church as the cathedral, before there was an Archdiocese of Vancouver? For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Bell of Batoche, taken to Ontario in 1885, returned

A piece of history has been returned to its original location after 128 years. In July, the Bell of Batoche was returned to Saskatchewan. The bell originally hung in the church at Batoche, now Batoche National Historical site, before it was taken to Ontario by victorious soldiers in 1885. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The Church loves us as a mother, Pope says

Pope Francis told thousands gathered for his weekly Wednesday general audience Sept. 11 that the Church is like our mother, who gives life to and nurtures the faithful. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Women's League strengthens relationships with natives

Regina convention passes resolution, commits to inspiring new members

Pat Deppiesse of the Archdiocese of Vancouver (right) is one of eight CWL members from across Canada who received a life membership this year.

About 750 members of the Catholic Women's League discussed their aim to reach out to female leaders of native groups in their communities as they met at their 93rd annual national convention in Regina, Sask. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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California advances new abuse bill which could bankrupt Catholic dioceses

A California sex abuse bill that has been described as discriminatory against the Catholic Church has passed the legislature and is advancing to the governor's desk. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Scientist opted for poverty with Franciscans

It began simply enough. Joachim Ostermann "thought it would be a nice break" when his Vancouver parish said a retreat was being held at Westminster Abbey. "I had never been in a monastery before," he thought. "I should check this out. I might like it. It might be a nice way to spend the weekend, so why not?" For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.