Prelate urges preservation of 'humane social order'

Archbishop lifts up judges and lawyers against a 'ruthless secularism' slowly creeping into society

Judges and lawyers were called to a wholly distinct kind of bar Jan. 16. Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrated the third annual Red Mass for members of the B.C. legal community in Holy Rosary Cathedral. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Priest lauds temporary halt of Washington death penalty

Protesters calling for an end to the death penalty hold a banner before police arrest them outside the U.S. Supreme Court in 2007. CNS photo / Jason Reed, Reuters.

Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington state has issued a moratorium or temporary prohibition on executions, drawing praise from a priest who has written against the death penalty. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Young men discern priestly vocation

Alberto Menendez and Rafael Alvarenga. Chris Miller / Western Catholic Reporter.

Discerning young men are helped at the annual Come and See weekend by gaining a glimpse into the many aspects of life at St. Joseph Seminary. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prison ministry initiatives promote human dignity

Nation-wide network helps volunteers improve service to inmates, victims, and communities

Former prison inmate Keith Swayne, left, talks with Paul Collins, who helped him after his release. The two met through the St. Vincent de Paul Society's prison ministry program, which helps newly released inmates adjust to mainstream society when they have no family or friends to turn to for help. CNS photo / Don Blake, The Dialog.

Prison ministry efforts are uniting nation-wide to improve the ways they reach out to inmates, victims, and communities affected by crime. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Bishop details secrecy of Christian conversions in Lebanon

Jesuit Father Martin McDermott administers the sacraments of Christian initiation for new members of the Church on Pentecost Sunday in Beirut May 27. Among those joining the Church was a Yemen-born Muslim who had fled his home country because of his desire to become a Christian. CNS photo / Dalia Khamissy.

According to a local bishop, numerous conversions of Muslims to Christianity occur every year in Lebanon but the true number is unknown because of the risk of social stigma and persecution. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

'Boring' budget positions Tories for 2015 election debate

Cardus vice president Ray Pennings on Parliament Hill on budget day. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

The 2014 budget, described by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty as "boring," positions Ottawa for a surplus next year and a debate on the proper role of government. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Martial arts instructors build homes in Philippines

Vancouver couple kickstarts non-profit organization to help typhoon victims in their homeland

Marcy Hilario (left) and her husband Milo (right) pose with the family of Ramel and Floramay in front of what will be a new home for typhoon victims. The Hilarios helped five families buy materials and start rebuilding their lives. Photo submitted to BCC.

A pair of kickboxers was getting ready for some time off in the sun when they heard about Typhoon Haiyan's devastating effects Nov. 8. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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UN report on abuse showed ideological influence, cardinal says

Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

A United Nations commission report on the Vatican's response to abuse of children was not "fair or particularly helpful," but took an "ideological" approach, Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston has said. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishops send input on family consultation to Vatican

Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary, is pictured in Rome Nov. 5. Cardinal Erdo, who will be the relator for the 2014 extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, said doctrine, not public opinion, will be the basis of reasoning for the synod. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Canada's bishops the results of a consultation on a host of hot button issues concerning the family to the Holy See, but will not make their report public. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Soldiers launch 'Operation Non-Perishable'

B.C. Regiment assists The Door is Open and Sancta Maria House

Lt-Col. (ret'd) Andrew Conradi (left), the former commanding officer of the B.C. Regiment, stands with The Door Is Open manager Julia Ruggier, Cpl. Colin Canavan, and Maj. Doug Evans. Kim Bekesinski / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

For the last few years the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), through the initiative of a few soldiers, has asked comrades, former serving members, cadets, and friends to contribute non-perishable food items to a food bank. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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The Eucharist gives us a taste of heaven, Pope reflects

Newly married couples leave after attending Pope Francis's general audience Feb. 5. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his general audience, Pope Francis spoke on the significance of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, explaining that it is a banquet which reminds us of the eternal life to come. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Amnesty International faces backlash for draft prostitution policy

People place flowers representing victims of sexual violence in Nicaragua on the staircase of the Monument of the Angel of Independence during a protest in Mexico City in 2011. CNS photo / Bernardo Montoya, Reuters.

Amnesty International is facing criticism for a draft policy that urges decriminalization of prostitution. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Chicago woman dies after treatment at Planned Parenthood clinic

Her orphan receives $2 million settlement

Tonya Reaves, 24, died from complications because of an incomplete second trimester abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic. Photo from http://thechristians.com/?q=node/1169.  

The death of Tonya Reaves has been ignored by the media for nineteen months, only making headlines now because Planned Parenthood has made a deal to pay Reaves' orphaned son $2 million.

Tonya Reaves came to a Planned Parenthood (PP) clinic in Chicago to get an abortion on July 20, 2012. She later died because of negligent practices at PP: taking more than five hours for PP to call for an ambulance and at the hospital, Reaves waited another five hours to get into surgery.

Read the full story here.

A medical examiner’s report ruled Reaves’ death “accidental” due to “hemorrhage resulting from cervical dilatation and evacuation.” - See more at: http://thechristians.com/?q=node/1169#sthash.jYQpLvAW.GTN663sr.dpuf

A medical examiner’s report ruled Reaves’ death “accidental” due to “hemorrhage resulting from cervical dilatation and evacuation.” - See more at: http://thechristians.com/?q=node/1169#sthash.jYQpLvAW.GTN663sr.dpuf

A medical examiner’s report ruled Reaves’ death “accidental” due to “hemorrhage resulting from cervical dilatation and evacuation.” - See more at: http://thechristians.com/?q=node/1169#sthash.jYQpLvAW.GTN663sr.dpuf

A medical examiner’s report ruled Reaves’ death “accidental” due to “hemorrhage resulting from cervical dilatation and evacuation.” - See more at: http://thechristians.com/?q=node/1169#sthash.jYQpLvAW.GTN663sr.dpuf

A medical examiner’s report ruled Reaves’ death “accidental” due to “hemorrhage resulting from cervical dilatation and evacuation.” - See more at: http://thechristians.com/?q=node/1169#sthash.jYQpLvAW.GT

For the full story here.

Belgian legislators extend euthanasia to children

Protesters urge King Philippe not to sign into law

Protesters in Brussels hold banners Feb. 11 against legislation authorizing
euthanasia for children. (Photo: Laurent Dubrule / CNS / Reuters)

Despite protests, lawmakers in Belgium voted yesterday to allow euthanasia for small children:

Belgian lawmakers voted by a large margin on February 13 in favour of extending the country's euthanasia law to children under 18.

86 members of the House of Representatives supported the legislation, 44 were against, and 12 abstained. The vote followed approval by the Senate last November, with 50 out of 71 senators voting in favour.

The law allows children with terminal ailments who are in great pain to request to be put to death if their parents agree and a psychiatrist or psychologist find they are conscious of what their choice signifies.

All that's needed for the law to go into effect is Belgian King Philippe's signature. Read more on that here.

Rome calling: Punk drummer returns to pew

Terry Chimes, original member of The Clash, goes back to Catholicism

(Terry Chimes, who drummed with The Clash and Black Sabbath, wrote about his struggles with faith in his autobiography.
Photo credit: PA.)

According to the British newspaper, The Catholic Herald, the original drummer from punk pioneers The Clash has specifically mentioned his return to Catholicism in a new book.

In his autobiography, The Strange Case of Doctor Terry and Mr. Chimes, lapsed Catholic Terry Chimes, who drummed and toured with the band in the early 1980s, explains his relationship with Confession.

As a child, he recalls an incident when he stole a sword with his friend Tommy.

"I went to bed that night thinking that what I had actually done was stealing. My Catholic upbringing told me that stealing was a sin and an offence to God. I felt very bad about it and wasn’t sure what to do. I felt that I should give it back, but Tommy had no such qualms of conscience. 

I was quite upset at the time and my parents asked me several times what was wrong but I never told them. In the end I took the problem to the priest at Confession. He told me off, made me promise not to do it again and gave me some homework to do. After doing my homework, I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I never wanted to have that feeling of a bad conscience again. So despite the criticisms you hear about a Catholic upbringing and the concept of Confession, in my particular case, at the time, it worked well.”

Read the full article here.

Ecumenism can start over coffee

Anglicans and Catholics already recognize each other's baptism

Professor Christophe Potworowski (right) chats with Rev. Richard Leggett and moderator Anne Larochelle during an ecumenical event for Catholics and Anglicans Jan. 26. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Grabbing a beer or coffee with an Anglican might be the key to creating lasting unity between their church and ours, according to a local ecumenical effort. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Queen Elizabeth to meet with Pope Francis in April

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Benedict XVI greet guests as they walk through the gardens at the Royal Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh, Scotland, in September 2010. CNS photo / Dylan Martinez, Reuters.

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Rome on April 3, and will meet with both the Pope and the Italian president. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Eucharistic mosaic at St. Joseph's Basilica

A mosaic inspired by the book of Revelation and giving glory to Christ's Eucharistic presence has recently taken its place behind the tabernacle at St. Joseph's Basilica. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Syrian catastrophe in danger of destabilizing region

Only Pope has moral authority on international stage

A man runs while carrying a child who survived what activists say was an airstrike by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad in Aleppo Jan. 21. CNS photo / Ammar Abdullah, Reuters.

Despite millions of dollars in aid, the conflict in Syria has left the country "totally broken" said Carl Hetu, national secretary of CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association) Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Scottish Catholic agency free to follow beliefs against same-sex adoption

Priest reads a letter criticizing the Scottish government for supporting plans to introduce same-sex marriage to the congregation during Mass in St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh less than two years ago. CNS photo / David Moir, Reuters.

A Catholic adoption agency in Scotland has avoided a threat to its charitable status that could have closed the agency, following an appeals board's ruling that it may follow Church teaching against same-sex adoption. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Two saints who smiled

Angelo Roncalli and Karol Wojtyla, each in their own way, brought the joyful outlook of cheerful giving to the papacy as they both lived lives of deep faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Physicians at Ottawa clinic refuse to prescribe contraceptives

Ottawa doctors defend conscience rights

Dr. Edmond Kyrillos distributed signed copies of this letter to patients, a
photo of which was later found on the Radical Handmaid's Facebook page.

Several doctors working at Care-Medics Medical Centres in Ottawa have been sending out letters to patients explicitly informing them that they will only provide one method of birth control: Natural Family Planning. At least three physicians have explained that they will not refer patients to other doctors for operations such as vasectomies and abortions.

The Canadian Medical Association has a policy that allows physicians to refuse to refer patients for abortions if it conflicts with their religious beliefs, but cases where physicians refuse to prescribe birth control are a grey area, said Jeff Blackmer of the CMA. “We don’t expect them to check their morals at the door; we recognize they will continue to hold personal views.”

For full story see The Ottawa Citizen website.

Hit TV producer makes film on life of Christ

Jesus' journey adapted to the big screen in Son of God

The movie poster for the film "Son of God" from http://www.sonofgodmovie.com/home.html.

Reality TV producer, Mark Burnett's movie Son of God explores the life of Jesus Christ from his birth to resurrection. This movie takes excerpts and deleted scenes from The Bible, a popular 10-episode miniseries also produced by Burnett. Son of God will hit theatres starting February 28th.

Christian groups join in prayer service for unity

Archbishop Miller says the Lord's Prayer and Apostles' Creed alongside pastors of six churches

Pastors from seven participating denominations bless all those assembled at First Lutheran Church Jan. 19. Members of the Baptist, Anglican, United, Mennonite, Catholic, Lutheran, and Armenian-Apostolic Orthodox Churches attended. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Jesus's plea that His followers "may all be one" was the driving force behind a prayer service in First Lutheran Church Jan. 19 to which participants from seven Christian churches were welcomed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Cardinal Cardinal defies papal order, will publish book

Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, who served as personal secretary to Blessed Pope John Paul II, prays at the tomb of late Polish Pontiff in St. Peter's Basilica. The tomb is under the altar in the basilica's Chapel of St. Sebastian. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano.

When a contentious book is published in Polish Feb. 5, curious Poles will be able to leaf through a copy of Blessed Pope John Paul II's private correspondence. Its publication is an explicit violation of the late Pontiff's order to have his notes burned. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canadians give $11 million for Philippines

Grateful women collect supplies in a food station. Photo contributed to BCC.

Funds for aid and reconstruction have been pouring in since Typhoon Haiyan made a disastrous mark on the Philippines and surrounding area in November. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Two religious groups say goodbye to Lower Mainland

Archdiocese thanks sisters for 160 combined years of missionary & retreat work

Sister Cecilia Hong, MIC, (left), Sister Zenaide Correia, MIC, Sister Marie-Paule Sanfacon, MIC, Sister Monica Kaufer, RC, Sister Monette Ouellette, MIC, Sister Pam Falkowski, RC, and Sister Sylvia Dupuis, MIC, cut a cake as part of farewell celebrations in Rosary Hall Jan. 12. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

After 160 combined years of service to Vancouver, two religious congregations are packing up and moving to serve other cities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Bishop sees movement away from 'culture of death' in Europe

People wave trademark pink, bluem and white flags during a protest march called "La Manif pour Tous" (Demonstration for All) against France's legalization of same-sex marriage in Paris in May 2013. CNS photo / Stephane Mahe, Reuters.

A series of recent pro-life and pro-marriage events show that Europe is reacting against the "culture of death," said Bishop Juan Antonio Reig Pla of Alcala de Henares in Spain. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Funds sought to aid pregnant women in conflict zones

Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, greets attendees at an international conference on women's health care and the dignity of motherhood sponsored by MaterCare International at the Vatican in 2011. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

MaterCare International has issued a code blue alert for pregnant women in conflict zones around the world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

'Superpope' artist acclaims Pope Francis as a true hero

Picture will not last long because of the way it was made

A man walks past a large drawing of Pope Francis depicting him as a superhero on a wall near the Vatican Jan. 29. The Argentine pope is shown taking off into the air with his right fist clenched in a classic Superman style. CNS photo / Robert Duncan.

Artist Mauro Pallotta revealed that his viral depiction of Pope Francis as a superhero was done to portray how the Pontiff uses his papal authority "for the good." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Federal government sues Catholic entities involved in residential schools

Grouard-McLennan Archbishop Gerard Pettipas shown on Parliament Hill in 2008, the day of Prime Minister Harper's historic apology for Indian residential schools. CCN photo.

The federal government is suing Catholic entities involved in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement for over $1.5 million in contested funds. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vancouver high school to add new wing

After years of waiting, the second phase of Notre Dame Regional Secondary School's campus upgrade is beginning. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Trinity Western to open faith-based law school

Sixty students expected to enter the 'paper chase' in 2016; fundraising for new building not announced

Robert Kuhn, TWU president and graduate of UBC law school, stated, "There is room in this pluralistic country for an excellent legal education provided in a Christian context." Trinity Western University.

Trinity Western University, an evangelical institution, received permission one month ago from the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education to set up a law school. This came two days after the university won preliminary approval from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Opus Dei bishop's beatification set for Madrid

Bishop Alvaro del Portillo is pictured in an undated photo. CNS photo / courtesy of Opus Dei Information Office.

Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, the second leader of Opus Dei, will be beatified in his birthplace of Madrid on Sept. 27, the Vatican has announced. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Gathering of faiths held at St. Michael's

Panellists taking part in the annual gathering of the three faiths governing St. Michael's Retreat House included, from the left, Evangelical Lutheran Bishop for Saskatchewan Cindy Halmarson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle Rob Hardwick, Friar Dennis Vavrek and Brett Salkeld. Frank Flegel / Prairie Messenger.

Ecumenism and the growth of Christian Churches co-operating and working together has accelerated in the past 50 years, according to panellists taking part in the annual gathering of the three faiths governing St. Michael's Retreat House. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Faithful donate $9 million in aid

Local Catholics give $1.1 million for typhoon relief efforts

Typhoon Haiyan survivors decorate a Christmas tree amid the rubble of destroyed houses in Tacloban, Philippines, Dec. 17. Canadian Catholics raised millions of dollars to support ongoing relief efforts. Erik De Castro / Reuters / CNS.

Parishes across the country have raised more than $9 million for relief efforts in the Philippines, since an estimated 6,000-plus people died and millions were displaced as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Pope advances eight causes for canonization

Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, addresses Pope Francis during a canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in this May 12, 2013, file photo. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Catholic Press Photo.

During a Monday meeting with the head of the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the "heroic virtue" of eight Servants of God, which now allows their public veneration. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Flu, despite innoculation, can hit hard

Yes, she did get her flu shot. She does each and every year. Her three children too, but Kathleen Nguyen, sacrament education co-ordinator for the Edmonton Archdiocese, was burning the candle at both ends of the day before Christmas break. On Dec. 16 she noticed she was tired, faint, fuzzy headed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The cost of sainthood

Congregation for Saints' Causes announces plan to contain fees

People visit the tomb of Blessed John XXIII in St. Peter's
Basilica at the Vatican. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)

Plenty of historical, theological, and medical research is involved the Church's thorough process of investigating someone's life and declaring them a saint. Ever wonder how much that costs?

Having a holy son or daughter formally recognized as a saint by the universal church could easily cost a quarter of a million dollars. But experts say the church isn't selling halos; it's compensating professionals doing serious research, so that a pope can solemnly declare his certainty a person is in heaven.

U.S. Catholic officials traditionally have used $250,000 as a benchmark for the cost of a cause from the initial investigation on a diocesan level to a canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"The costs are relatively low compared to what similar services would cost in the real world," Father Marc Lindeijer, SJ, said.

Where does this money go, anyway? Read the full article here.

New emblem connects prelate's past and future

Symbols point out Bishop Hagemoen's legacy in Vancouver

The official Coat of Arms of Bishop Mark Hagemoen

The new bishop of Mackenzie - Fort Smith has a coat of arms that joins his legacy as a priest with his new post as shepherd in the Canadian north. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope: receive God's gifts with a generous heart

Pope Francis greets people as rain falls during his general audience in St. Peter's Square Jan. 22. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis dedicated his general audience today to the topic of Christian unity, emphasizing that although divisions can be painful, we ought to be grateful for the gifts given to other denominations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic family urges national strategy for dementia

Recent family picture showing Matt and Lisa Dineen and their children Justin, 13, Rebecca,11 and Peter, 9. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Two years ago Matt Dineen did not realize something physical was terribly wrong with his wife, then 42; he thought his marriage was on the rocks. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth are a big priority for prelate

Bishop made a mark in youth ministry

Msgr. Mark Hagemoen (centre) snowshoes with students from Corpus Christi College on one of the North Shore mountains. Photo submitted.

The former head of Corpus Christi and St. Mark's Colleges, now the director of a far larger body, the diocese of Mackenzie - Fort Smith, plans to continue reaching young people in his new role. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis tweets support, prays for U.S. pro-life march

In 2013 Pope Benedict XVI tweeted, "I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life." CNS photo / Vatican.

Pope Francis sent a tweet offering support for the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., praying that all human life would be valued. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

National March for Life to concentrate on abortion drug

Last year's March for Life drew about 20,000 people. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) has chosen "RU-4Life" as the theme for the National March for Life May 8 to combat abortion drug RU-484 now being tested in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Award recipient came from devout Catholic family

Angus Reid came back to B.C. after some time in Winnipeg

Angus Reid was one of five recipients of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice after the Mass at the close of the Year of Faith Nov. 24 at Holy Rosary Cathedral. The cross is the highest honour the Pope gives lay people. Reid spoke to The B.C. Catholic about faith in the workplace and why faith-based leadership matters. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Papal visit to Holy Land to focus on ecumenism with Orthodox

Christian churches are seen near Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where tradition holds Jesus was baptized. Pope Francis will make his first trip to the Holy Land as Pontiff May 24-26. He will visit Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. CNS photo / Tom Tracy.

Pope Francis's pilgrimage to the Holy Land in May will centre on an encounter with Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Eastern Orthodox Archbishop of Constantinople, and their discussions on ecumenism. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ice storm strengthens parish unity

A church is seen through icy tree limbs after a powerful wintry storm wreaked havoc on trees and utility lines, leaving many people without electricity for days. CNS photo / Jay Nies.

Midway through January a number of Toronto area churches were still cleaning up from the ice storm that had swept across the region just days before Christmas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.