Canadians skated for redemption at 1968 Olympics

Roger Bourbonnais played for a way of life during Cold War

Roger Bourbonnais, Canadian captain, accepts the 1967 Centennial Tournament trophy from Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson in Winnipeg after a rare victory over the Soviets. Photo submitted / The B.C. Catholic.

Four years after the Canadian men's national team was robbed of a bronze medal in hockey at the 1964 Olympics, players sought redemption. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Women conceived in rape seek to inspire others in choosing life

During Italy's fourth annual March for Life, two women shared testimonies of being conceived in rape, and expressed hope that they can offer light to women who are pregnant through similar circumstances. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Papal document a gift to the Church

Sister Teresita Kambeitz, OSU. Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski / Prairie Messenger / CCN.

The words and spirit of Pope Francis were explored during three sessions held in the Diocese of Saskatoon in Lent 2014. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-lifers to rally once again in Victoria

March for Life comprised 2,000 pro-lifers last year

Thousands of Canadians will take to the streets May 8 in a cross-country effort to show their opposition to the lack of laws against abortion. This will be the sixth year pro-lifers in B.C. have marched to the legislature in Victoria. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Italy's March for Life draws global participation

Tens of thousands of pro-life demonstrators took part in the third annual national March for Life in Rome in 2013. CNS photo / Robert Duncan.

The fourth annual March for Life held in Rome May 4 drew attendees from across Italy, Europe, and the United States. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CWL wants to butt out flavoured tobacco for children

An original tobacco barn is seen near the reconstruction of a 1667 brick chapel in St. Mary's City, Md., in the Chesapeake Bay region. In those days tobacco was just tobacco, but now it is sometimes flavoured, which appeals to children. CNS photo / Bob Roller.

The popularity of flavoured tobacco is increasing the risk of youth developing a dangerous and lasting addiction to tobacco products. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nuncio hails new saints

Archbishop Bonazzi urges embrace of St. John XXIII's spirit of kindness

Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada, in Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum April 27. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Nine thousand Catholics streamed into Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum April 27 to mark an iconic event in the Church's history: two Popes canonized on the same day. Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, said Mass during the celebration of the canonization of Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. John Paul II, and first- and second-class relics were present. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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U.S. urged to act before South Sudan violence becomes genocide

In their trademark blue helmets and wearing face masks to ward off disease, UN soldiers patrol a camp for internally displaced families at a UN base in Juba, South Sudan. The camp holds Nuer families who took refuge there in December 2013 after a political dispute within the country's ruling party quickly fractured the young nation along ethnic and tribal lines. CNS photo / Paul Jeffrey.

Describing reports of atrocities coming out of South Sudan, U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.) called Wednesday for immediate action to prevent a massive genocide in the country. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pledge to resettle refugees from Syria not being fulfilled

Debris is seen inside a badly damaged church in the Monastery of Mar Sarkis in the ancient Christian town of Maaloula, Syria, April 14, after soldiers loyal to Syria's President Bashar Assad took control of it from rebel fighters. CNS photo / Khaled al-Hariri, Reuters.

There's little chance Canada will fulfill a pledge to resettle 1,300 Syrian refugees before the end of 2014, said the director of the Office of Refugees in the Archdiocese of Toronto. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Christian Outreach enters online business contest

Group has sold 33,000 items since August

Jeff Graham.

It may not be Amazon.com, but Catholic Christian Outreach's (CCO) e-commerce website has sold 33,000 items since August. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Holy Spirit's gift of understanding enlightens minds, Pope says

Floribeth Mora Diaz and her husband, Edwin, leave Pope Francis's general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 30. Mora Diaz's cure from an aneurysm in 2011 was the second miracle in the sainthood cause of St. John Paul II, whose banner hangs in the background. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis explained that the Holy Spirit's gift of understanding allows Christians to obtain "intimacy with God" and helps them understand things "as God understands them." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canadian pilgrims have diverse reasons for pilgrimage to Rome

Kevin Malcolm and his father Jim at St. Patrick's Church in Rome for the canonizations. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

When Kevin Malcolm, 45, of Toronto went through a bout with cancer, he made a vow "to himself and to God" that if he recovered he would make a pilgrimage to the Vatican and to Rome. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Native and Asian women speak against prostitution

Activists argue sex work thrives on inequality & belongs on the spectrum of violence against women

Cherry Smiley, co-founder of Indigenous Women Against the Sex Industry, speaks on a panel alongside Jaclyn Chang, Summer-Rain Bentham, and Trisha Baptie after viewing the documentary Buying Sex at the Vancouver Public Library April 15. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.Cherry Smiley, co-founder of Indigenous Women Against the Sex Industry, speaks on a panel alongside Jaclyn Chang, Summer-Rain Bentham, and Trisha Baptie after viewing the documentary Buying Sex at the Vancouver Public Library April 15. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

While government officials formulate new laws regarding prostitution, minority groups are speaking out against legalization, calling it inherently oppressive and racist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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JPII statue finds home in largest poor neighbourhood in Chile

A statue of Blessed John Paul II casts a shadow as people pray on the ninth anniversary of his death April 2 in Wadowice, the birthplace of the Polish Pope. CNS photo / Kacper Pempel, Reuters.

A statue of Pope St. John Paul II donated by the University of San Sebastian in Chile has been moved to the Puente Alto neighbourhood, five years after authorities refused to install it in a prominent area in the Chilean capital. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Veterans Affairs Minister leads Canadian delegation to Rome

Veterans' Affairs Minister Julian Fantino and his wife Liviana in Rome at Cardinal Collins's titular church, St. Patrick's, April 25, for a Mass with Canadian pilgrims. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Veteran Affairs Minister Julian Fantino led a small Canadian delegation to the Vatican April 27 for the canonizations of Popes John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hard work goes into high-tech marvel

Priest who loved children spent countless hours turning blueprints into reality

Construction of the final portion of Notre Dame Regional High School is expected to be complete next January. Andrew McCracken / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The new Notre Dame Regional Secondary School is now in its final phase of construction. The school is being built on the sweat and tears of dedicated priests and their parishioners. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Masses of Thanksgiving offered in Rome for new Pope saints

Tapestry portraits of Sts. John Paul II and John XXIII are seen during their canonization Mass at the Vatican April 27. CNS photo / Giampiero Sposito, Reuters.

The day after the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XIII, Church officials presided over two Masses of Thanksgiving, drawing attention to the saints' enormous contributions to the Church and to society. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Cardinal Lacroix draws inspiration for evangelization from new Pope saints

Canadian tour guide raises flag to gather group together. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec sees inspiration for evangelization in the two newly canonized saints: Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. John Paul II. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

UVic prof to argue for freedoms

Her talk will be based on her book: Free to believe: Rethinking Freedom of Conscience and Religion in Canada

Pope John Paul II talks with Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev during a historic 1989 meeting at the Vatican. In the meeting the two expressed broad agreement on the need for greater religious freedom in the Soviet Union. CNS photo / Arturo Mari.

From the proposed Quebec Charter of Values to the Trinity Western University law school, why do challenges to religious freedom matter? For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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New saints lauded for pioneering dialogue on women

A large crowd is seen in and around St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass for Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II at the Vatican April 27. CNS photo / Massimo Sestini, Italian National Police via Catholic Press Photo.

The newly-canonized John Paul II and John XXIII have drawn praise for sparking discussion within the Church on modern women and paving the way for what Pope Francis is addressing now. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Cardinal Collins muses on extraordinary Popes of recent times

Cardinal Thomas Cardinal Collins and a group of pilgrims from Toronto sing O Canada after Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Rome April 25. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto mused on the blessing of the extraordinary Popes the Catholic Church has had in Popes John XXIII and John Paul II and other recent Popes. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Some aborted babies burned to generate electricity

Health Ministry washes its hands of disposal of fetal tissue in Oregon waste-to-energy plant

Rachel's Garden at the Gardens of Gethsemani in south Surrey provides a place to pray for and remember children who have died before birth. BCC file photo.

The remains of British Columbia's aborted and miscarried children are ending up in an Oregon waste-to-power plant, likely mixed with everyday trash, incinerated to provide electricity to the people of Marion County. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Resurrection pours 'fresh hope' on the world, Pope reflects

A nun holds an image of Jesus carved onto wood as Pope Francis leads his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 23. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his general audience Wednesday, Pope Francis emphasized the certainty of Christ's presence in the world today, noting that His Resurrection invites us to reject sin and open ourselves to joy and hope. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Divine Mercy Rosary DVD released on Divine Mercy Sunday

Angelina and Dennis Girard with their Divine Mercy Rosary DVD and poster. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Dennis Girard has come a long way since he blocked a Marian grotto with a big white cross on the property of the Christian retreat centre he ran in the early 2000s. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vancouver Sun holds Q & A with Archbishop Miller

Prelate dishes on favourite food, music, & Easter

Archbishop Miller pictured outside Holy Rosary Cathedral. (Photo credit: Jason Payne / PNG)

The Vancouver Sun spoke to Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, for the April 19 issue. The prelate gave answers on Jesus, Mary, death, and love.

Question: Does anything bother you about Metro Vancouver? 

Answer: How about the old complaint about too much rain and darkness in the winter? 

Question: Since it is Easter, can you tell us about what the suffering and death of Jesus Christ means to you? 

Answer: Easter itself is about life. The feast of risen life, of new life; the feast of hope and of triumph. Good Friday, a necessary prelude, is full of tragedy. It is not Christ’s suffering per se that is salvific; it is that he paid the price of ultimate faithfulness to his mission. Suffering was the cost. Certainly it reminds me that evil was — and is — a reality in our world. But, even more important, is the fact that love is stronger than death, that evil has been overcome, though we shall not fully realize that until the world as we know it has passed away. 

Read the entire interview here.

Mobile billboard hits Vancouver streets

Project includes images of abortion victims

A former ambulance is covered with images of abortion victims as part of a
campaign by the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform. (Photo submitted)

The Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform posted images of living and aborted unborn children on a former ambulance as part of a controversial public awareness campaign. Executive director Stephanie Gray explained:

"We aim to prick the conscience of the public so that in seeing the humanity of the pre-born, and the inhumane nature of abortion, people will reject a procedure that dismembers and decapitates the youngest amongst us."

The ambulance is touring streets in the Lower Mainland.

Artists paint for a good cause at L'Arche's annual event

Burnaby mayor dons painter's smock at fundraiser for people with developmental disabilities

Sponsor Peter Chung receives a painting created by Wayne Streifel, Caroline Short, Alex Richmond, and Ilonka Klein at L'Arche's The Art of Being Together fundraiser April 3. Agnieszka Krawczynski / BCC.

Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan has taken up painting. The first-time artist put brush to canvas to help L'Arche Greater Vancouver raise money at their fifth annual The Art of Being Together fundraising event. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Holy See emphasizes family's role in poverty eradication

A statue is pictured in the foreground as workers from a government demolition crew dismantle shanties in Manila, Philippines, in January. Pope Francis chose the theme, "He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich," for this year's Lenten message. CNS photo / Romeo Ranoco, Reuters.

Praising the U.N.'s plan to eradicate poverty, the Holy See's observer to the body emphasized the importance of the family in encouraging development and in fighting poverty. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-life, pro-family protestors arrested at University of Regina

Anti-gay activist William Whatcott walks during a break in hearings at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa in 2011. Whatcott was charged with promoting hate after distributing flyers in Saskatchewan condemning homosexual activity. CNS photo / Chris Wattie, Reuters.

The Christian community is being marginalized, warns a lawyer who will represent two pro-life, pro-family protestors arrested April 14 at the University of Regina. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hockey talent passed on NHL to don Roman collar

Father David Bauer, CSB, created 'ecumenical councils of friendship' through years of coaching

Bob Hindmarch, the Canadian national team's general manager (left) and Father David Bauer examine Soviet skate-sharpening methods. If a Canadian player blasphemed, Hindmarch remembered, Father Bauer would quip: "I'll do the praying: you just play hockey." UBC Athletics Archives.

As the Stanley Cup playoffs loom, only one Canadian team, the Montreal Canadiens, seems to be poised to skate in the post-season. Many Canuck fans will have to be content with Team Canada's hockey victory in Sochi a month and a half ago. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis: kiss the crucifix, kiss the wounds of Jesus

A woman holds a British flag with the words "Team GB" as Pope Francis leads his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 16. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In his general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the meaning of suffering and evil, explaining that it is a mystery which finds its answer in the passion and death of Jesus, Who endured it for each of us. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Euthanasia battle revives in Quebec despite election

This is the cover of "Hippocratic, Religious and Secular Medical Ethics: The Points of Conflict" by Robert M. Veatch. Many commentators say this sort of guide is being totally ignored by modern medicine. CNS.

Forces opposed to euthanasia in Quebec have expressed disappointment newly-elected Premier Philippe Couillard intends to press ahead with euthanasia legislation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Mozilla CEO resigns after uproar over donation

Brendan Eich gave $1,000 in support of traditional marriage

Brendan Eich in 2012. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Co-founder and CEO of Mozilla Brendan Eich resigned in early April after he received serious pressure over a donation he made in 2008 to California's Proposition 8.

A report from Zenit, a news agency in Rome, says Catholics should be worried.

After fewer than two weeks as the company’s head, Eich was forced to resign over Silicon Valley furor regarding a $1,000 donation he made back in 2008 to California’s Proposition 8 law, which defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. To repeat, he was fired for holding unpopular— now socially forbidden—views.

Many news outlets are critical. A lot are supportive. Catholics should be up in arms, for at stake here is the freedom to work in a public capacity and hold orthodox views at the same time.

The Mozilla press centre released an FAQ about Eich's resignation.

Local priest gave homily in private papal chapel

Preaching at Mass with Pope John Paul II was 'one of the greatest experiences' of monsignor's life

Msgr. Pedro Lopez-Gallo kneels to kiss the ring of Pope John Paul II. The monsignor was speechless after the Pope asked him to give the homily in the papal chapel. Photo submitted.

When the Vicar of Christ is present, he is usually the one doing the preaching, so when Msgr. Pedro Lopez-Gallo was asked to give the homily in Pope John Paul II's private chapel in 1990, he was speechless. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Blossoming religious order in France has global impact

Buddhist women sing a religious hymn during a ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. An order of nuns founded in France has a special attraction for the people of the Asian country. CNS photo / Kim Hong-Ji, Reuters.

A missionary order founded in the middle Ages in France is sending a burgeoning number of vocations from Asia and especially South Korea to evangelize countries throughout the world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Tributes pour in for former Finance Minister Jim Flaherty

Tributes poured in for former Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, who died suddenly at the age of 64 on April 10, only three weeks after he had resigned his cabinet portfolio. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Salt & Light interviews Canadian apostolic nuncio

Father Thomas Rosica, CSB, sits down with Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi

Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada, was recently interviewed.
(Photo credit: Salt & Light TV)

Father Thomas Rosica, CEO of Salt and Light TV, spoke to Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, who was appointed apostolic nuncio – the papal representative to this country – earlier this year.

Watch the 30-minute interview on Salt and Light's Witness program here.

Students collect 50 jackets for third annual drive at St. Paul's Hospital

Many will be warmer and drier on wet or cold days in the coming months

Brandon Biln, one of the coordinators of volunteer resources at St. Paul's Hospital, poses at the hospital's clothing depot with children from St. Augustine's Elementary. Photo submitted.

The students and families of St. Augustine's Elementary School in Vancouver recently worked together on their third annual jacket drive, led by the Grade 6 class. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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'I can't leave my people:' Priest killed in Syria hailed as martyr

Dutch Jesuit Father Frans van der Lugt sits with Sheik Abu Harith al-Khalidi, who is in charge of negotiations for civilians inside the besieged area of Homs, Syria, at the residence of the Jesuit fathers Jan. 29. CNS photo / Yazan Homsy, Reuters.

Days after Dutch priest Father Frans van der Lugt was murdered in Syria, a close young friend recalled his saintly life, noting both his personal holiness and extraordinary advances in Christian-Muslim relations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Senate Speaker recalls encounters with Popes John XXIII and John Paul II

A mosaic on the wall of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome shows Blessed John XXIII, who convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962. It was there that Pope John announced he was going to call an ecumenical council. CNS photo / ANSA, EPA.

Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella has had many opportunities as a senator, academic, and former seminarian in Rome to meet both Popes John XXII and John Paul II, to be canonized on April 27. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Two schools stand against hunger

More than a symbolic gesture of harmony: over $1,100 raised

St. Thomas Aquinas and Notre Dame student bands teamed up to raise funds for Catholic Charities' The Door Is Open March 12. Admission by donation brought in over $1,100. Photo submitted.

Playing music to fight hunger: this was the purpose of a band concert at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School March 12. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Greatest fruit of WYD has been vocations, organizer says

A pilgrim from New York waves a poster to welcome Pope John Paul II to World Youth Day in Toronto July 25, 2002. The Polish Pontiff inaugurated World Youth Day 30 years ago. CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec.

At a recent gathering discussing preparations for World Youth Day in Krakow, a coordinator for the event emphasized how each year many youths receive the courage to answer their vocational call. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope John XXIII remembered chiefly for calling the Second Vatican Council

A tapestry bearing the likeness of Blessed John XXIII hangs from the facade of St. Peter's Basilica during his beatification ceremony at the Vatican in this Sept. 3, 2000, file photo. CNS photo / Filippo Monteforte, EPA.

Though Pope John XXIII was known as a simple, saintly man, he will be chiefly remembered for calling the Second Vatican Council, says Saint Paul University theologian Catherine Clifford. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

University professor steals pro-life sign

She faces charges of theft, vandalism, and battery

Dr. Mireille Miller-Young and two students walk off
with a sign from an abortion protest March 4.

Dr. Mireille Miller-Young, University of California Santa Barbara professor, is facing charges after stealing a pro-life group's sign and taking it to her office to destroy it. A video shows her shoving one of the protestors as she and two students take the sign from members of Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust.

Steve Weatherbe at theChristians.com calls it a surprise that the associate professor of feminist studies was charged. Her appearance in court was scheduled April 4.

Bake sale promotes tradition, church

Ukrainians to share Easter goodies

These sweet loaves are one of many of the treats for sale at Ukrainian churches this season. Photo submitted.

For Ukrainian Catholics, Easter is all about family, tradition, and church. That's why four parishes in the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster are holding bake sales again this spring. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope responds to Venezuelan peace talks invitation

Anti-government protesters pray during a rally against violence in Caracas, Venezuela, March 5. Bishops in Caracas urged both the government and protestors to resist violence amid a deepening standoff in Venezuela that has further polarized the country and left church charities struggling. CNS photo / Tomas Bravo, Reuters.

Answering an invitation from Venezuela's foreign affairs minister to participate in the country's peace talks, Pope Francis sent a letter to all parties involved, encouraging them to foster open dialogue. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Former Prime Minister Mulroney recalls Pope John Paul II

South African President Nelson Mandela assists Pope John Paul II at the Johannesburg International Airport in 1995 at the start of the pope's first official visit to the country. Mandela, who led the struggle to replace the country's apartheid regime wit h a multiracial democracy, died Dec. 5 at age 95 at his home in Johannesburg. CNS photo / Patrick De Noirmont, Reuters.

Brian Mulroney was elected prime minister only days before Pope John Paul II made his first historic visit to Canada in 1984, and he remembers his encounters with him well. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Freedom loosens the bonds of sin

Four hundred youth receive sacrament of reconciliation before Easter

Erin Labao, a member of St. Joseph the Worker's youth ministry team, performs during Freedom. The annual event for diocesan youth centres on the importance of confession. Peter Vetter / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

When hundreds of young people gather on a Friday night, one might predict big entertainment or a party involved. But when 400 youth and young adults met up March 14, their joy was boosted by something else: the sacrament of reconciliation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Our lives should have the flavour of the Gospel, Pope observes

Pope Francis kisses a cross during his weekly audience at the Vatican April 9. The cross is made from wooden boards recovered from the wreckage of boats carrying migrants from northern Africa to Lampedusa, Italy's southernmost island. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters.

During his general audience April 5 Pope Francis began a new catechesis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, drawing specific attention to wisdom and noting that it illuminates our actions and draws us closer to God. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

John Paul II Day decreed in Ontario

A large image of Blessed John Paul II is seen as a woman places a candle during a prayer vigil at Pilsudski Square in Warsaw, Poland, April 2. The vigil marked the ninth anniversary of the Polish Pope's death. CNS photo / Bartlomiej Zborowski, EPA.

Ontario will make celebration of the life of Pope John Paul II on annual event after the passing of legislation naming a day in his honour. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.