Signal Hill launches new media campaign

Abortion survivor reveals story of her birth day

Melissa Ohden, who was aborted and survived, speaks at the Focus on Life gala May 26. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Local pro-life media group Signal Hill unveiled a new media promotion at the Focus on Life fundraiser May 26. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Prayer with Abbas, Peres, opening 'road to peace': Vatican

Pope Francis walks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during an arrival ceremony at the presidential palace in Bethlehem, West Bank, May 25. Pope Francis has put a twist on the interreligious prayer gathering by inviting two political leaders, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, "to come to the Vatican to pray together with me for peace." CNS photo / Paul Haring.

The Vatican has released the details for Sunday's prayer between Pope Francis and the Israeli and Palestinian presidents, stating that although peace will not be immediate, it's a starting point. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Saguenay Mayor writes book explaining why he fights for prayer

Saguenay Mayor Jean Tremblay was in Ottawa recently speaking about his new book, "Croire ca change tout." Deborah Gyapong / (CCN)

The Saguenay, Que., mayor who has been fighting in court to protect the right to pray before council meetings has written a book explaining his deep Catholic faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

New instrument has 990 pipes

Organist to team up with St. Patrick's choir

A seminarian plays the organ before joining his fellow seminarians for adoration of the Eucharist at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, N.Y. CNS photo.

When a 990-pipe organ was installed in St. Patrick's Church in Vancouver in September, the pastor saw an opportunity for a concert series. Now Father James Hughes is making that dream come true. A musical celebration called "990 Pipes" will take place June 14. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gift of piety fosters fraternal solidarity, Pope observes

Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square June 4. CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters.

"In our continuing catechesis on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, we now turn to the gift of piety." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Marian Congress focuses on Mary's relationship to the Trinitarian Guod

Knights of Columbus lead a Marian procession carrying a statue of Our Lady of Fatima provided for the occasion by Ottawa's Senhor Santo Cristo Portuguese Parish. Three children from the parish dressed as the visionaries. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

More than 500 Catholics gathered for a Marian Congress May 31, the Feast of the Visitation, that included a procession through the streets of Ottawa. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. James Parish moves Masses from school to new church

Parishioners have been anticipating this day for almost 21 years; parish established in 1993

Parishioners stand in the form of a cross outside their new church. Pastor Father George Edattukaran said they still want a parish centre, a hall, and a rectory. Photo submitted.

St. James Parish, founded July 28, 1993, celebrated Mass for the first time in its own parish church May 11. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Philadelphia archdiocese files suit against HHS mandate

A reader scrolls through a document on human rights and religious liberty during a news conference at the National Press Club in 2013 pressing religious leaders to urge the U.S. government to "expand conscience protections" in its Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate. CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its affiliated entities filed a lawsuit June 2 challenging federal mandates that require employers to provide or to help provide contraceptive services through their health insurance. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Religious freedom ambassador visits Vatican City

Andrew Bennett, the Ambassador for Religious Freedom, with an icon of Blessed Vasyl Velichkovsky he keeps on his desk in Ottawa. CCN.

The Ambassador for Religious Freedom visited the Vatican May 17-20 to promote stronger ties between the federal government and the Holy See. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Birthright Vancouver hosts walk/run in the sun

Event will benefit pregnancy centre

Participants in Birthright Vancouver's Walk/Run raise funds for the centre's office and advertising costs in 2013. The pregnancy centre hopes to raise $50,000 this year from walkers and joggers in Queen Elizabeth Park. Photo submitted.

A swarm of walkers and joggers dressed in outrageous hats plan to descend on Queen Elizabeth Park to raise funds for women with crisis pregnancies. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Liberation theology 'archaic,' says prominent Mexican bishop

Pope Benedict XVI greets Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes of Tlalnepantla, Mexico, at the Vatican in 2011, shortly after he was elected president of CELAM, the Latin American bishops council. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Catholic Press Photos.

While in Rome last week, the president of the Latin American Bishops' Council said at a news conference that the Church in the region has fortunately moved beyond liberation theology. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishops press for release of condemned Sudanese Christian woman

Bishop Francois Lapierre of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, gestures during a press conference at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' headquarters in Washington in 2010. CNS photo / Bob Roller.

The conference of Catholic bishops is pressing both the Canadian and Sudanese governments for the release of a Christian woman condemned to death for apostasy from Islam. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Theatre night coming up at St. Clare of Assisi

Parish to put on a play about its patron saint

Pope Francis prays in front of the tomb of St. Clare inside the basilica in her name in Assisi, Italy, in October 2013. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters.

St. Clare of Assisi will receive a night in the spotlight at the local parish named in her honour. A play and a presentation on her life and times in the 13th century will take place at St. Clare of Assisi Parish June 13. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Remember suffering Syrians, CRS leader implores

Syrian children from Aleppo play in a shanty near Gaziantep, Turkey, May 25. According to UN agencies, more than 40 per cent of Syria's pre-war population of 22.4 million has been displaced by the conflict. CNS photo / Sedat Suna, EPA.

As agencies meet at the Vatican to discuss the Syria crisis, the head of Catholic Relief Services said that the Church cannot forget those who suffer and must advocate for peace as well as provide aid. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

House of Commons adopts national palliative care strategy motion

A Dominican postulant prays in the chapel at Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, N.Y. The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne staff a nursing home that provides palliative care to people with incurable cancer who are in financial need. CNS photo / Gregory A. Shemitz.

The Catholic bishops, the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF), and other groups are welcoming the passage of a motion to bring in a national palliative care strategy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

IT masterminds team up to develop golf app

Pat Cash and Joe Galat promote four-step improvement process

Pat Cash

Older golfers who sandblast their drives over the fairway, and plonk! into the water hazards now have an app on their side. Pat Cash, past chairman of the Archdiocese of Vancouver's information technology (IT) committee, and Joseph Galat, a teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School, have released the RAFT app. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Filipinos from Holy Land voice excitement about Pope's visit

A priest reads Scripture with Filipino foreign workers in Israel before the start of Mass in Nazareth, Israel. CNS photo / Debbie Hill.

A small community of Filipinos in Israel have expressed their joy that Pope Francis will travel to their country next January, stating they hope his presence will bring peace and restore divisions. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Campaign Life expresses hopes for Maternal Health Summit

Leaders of the Group of Eight nations gather at the table with African outreach leaders at the global economic summit in Huntsville, Ontario, in June 2010. Catholic aid agencies said the summit was weak on maternal and child health care and financial support to meet UN development goals. Host Prime Minister Harper is the first at the table facing the camera on the left side. CNS photo / Jason Reed, Reuters.

Campaign Life Coalition hopes Prime Minister Harper's international summit May 28-30 in Toronto is "successful and life-affirming in its results," says CLC's Ottawa lobbyist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth Day encourages teens to embrace their faith

Speaker Jackie Francois Angel urges young people to ask tough questions of Catholic Church

This year's Youth Day welcomed keynote speaker Chris Padgett, from Steubenville, Ohio, and musical guest Jackie Francois Angel, from Orange County, Calif., to Vancouver for the first time. B.C. Catholic writer Elizabeth Krump sat down with them to discuss their charisms and how they live their faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis says Holy Land visit aided Christian unity

Pope Francis at his Wednesday audience said his pilgrimage to the Holy Land had fed the desire for Christian unity, and he encouraged Catholics to pray that God may help "heal the wounds" that divide the faithful. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Quebec Premier under fire for violating free vote promise on euthanasia

People cheer at the Quebec Liberal leader Philippe Couillard's provincial election headquarters in St. Felicien, Que., April 7, after winning the election with a majority. CNS photo / Mathieu Belanger, Reuters.

On May 22, Premier Philippe Couillard and the leaders of the other three parties announced there was unanimous consent to bring euthanasia Bill 52 back to the legislative assembly at the stage it had been at prior to the last election. The Belgium-style euthanasia bill had been on the verge of a vote that would make it law. It could be passed by early June. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ukrainian Catholics rejoice together

New Westminster eparchy to mark 40th anniversary

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (left) poses with Edward Shawchuk and Eparch Ken Nowakowski of New Westminster on the occasion of Shawchuk receiving the Benemerenti Medal for his "exceptional service to the Church." Photo submitted to the BCC.

Ukrainian Catholics will flock to Vancouver June 21 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Eparchy of New Westminster. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Scott Hahn explores power of saints, angels, in modern life

Scott Hahn, a professor of theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and the author of numerous Catholic books, in a 2010 photo. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Noted Catholic convert and author Dr. Scott Hahn published a new book May 27 exploring the biblical roots and modern-day interventions of the angels and saints. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Quebec Euthanasia Bill 52 could pass in early June

Quebec's Liberal Premier-elect Philippe Couillard smiles during a news conference at the legislative assembly in Quebec City April 8 after winning a majority. CNS photo / Mathieu Belanger, Reuters.

Quebec's legislative assembly is on track to vote in Belgium-style euthanasia early in June, putting the province on a collision course with the federal government. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ecumenical efforts continue, thanks to positive response

Anglicans and Catholics show enthusiasm about building relationships

The Rev. Richard Leggett and Christophe Potworowski met at the Anglican Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Westminster for prayer and dialogue March 23. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Local talks between Anglicans and Catholics will continue, thanks to the success of the Meet Your Relatives series. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Canonization of two Popes witnessed by Vancouver clergy

Fathers Alessandro Lovato, Rodney Nootebos, Pablo Santa Maria, and John Horgan. Father Santa Maria exclaimed, "What a great joy to see Pope Emeritus Benedict!" Photo submitted to The B.C. Catholic.

On April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday, 1 million people gathered in Rome to witness the canonization of Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. John Paul II. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

'Saint of Dawson' to be commemorated

A famous Yukon priest will be immortalized in bronze this summer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Many religions value the Holy Land

Interfaith group bonds over shared affection for Israel

Rani Theeparajah, a member of St. Ann's Anglican Parish, touches the Western Wall during a trip to the Holy Land this Easter season. Theeparajah met with other Christians and Jews to talk about their shared interest in the Holy Land May 15. Photo submitted to The B.C. Catholic.

As Pope Francis prepared for his historical trip to Israel May 24-26, a local group of Jews and Christians bonded over their shared interest in the Holy Land. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Death sentence for Christian in Sudan draws global criticism

Sister Joana Mai Hla Kyi, a nurse and member of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, demonstrates prenatal massage therapy to two apprentices in Riimenze, South Sudan, in this Nov. 17, 2010, file photo. CNS file photo / Paul Jeffrey.

A pregnant woman who was raised a Christian has been sentenced to execution by a Sudanese court that contends she has apostatized from Islam, drawing worldwide condemnation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nuncio says God is present in Vancouver

Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada, pictured in the John Paul II Pastoral Centre. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

In January, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi arrived in Ottawa to take up his duties as the Vatican's nuncio, or ambassador, to this country. The prelate has decades of diplomatic experience as a nuncio to many states, including Haiti, Cuba, and the Baltic States. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, addresses his flock

Pastoral Letter on a Grave Social Issue
May 23, 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters:
I am writing to you, the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, about a serious threat to the moral fabric of Canadian society: the possible decriminalization of sexual exploitation through prostitution by its buyers and profiteers. This Pastoral Letter examines what we can do as a community and a nation to answer the needs of girls, youth, and women who are prostituted.
For full letter see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Teenage girl recounts terror, violence of Boko Haram attack

A man carries a victim of a bomb attack in the market district in Jos, Nigeria, May 20. Back-to-back bombings killed at least 118 people and wounded 45 in the crowded business district of the central Nigerian city. CNS photo / Reuters.

A teenage girl whose family members were murdered by members of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is sharing her story in hopes that it will spur action against the Nigerian terrorist organization. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vandals desecrate Ottawa Catholic church and steal tabernacle

Pastor Father Francis Scott hopes the theft of the Tabernacle at St. Martin de Porres can become a teaching moment for the precious nature of the Eucharist. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Vandals broke into St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Ottawa's Bell's Corners district May 15, stole the tabernacle, and desecrated the altar with a satanic symbol. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Recent Christian movies captivate audiences

Brother John O'Brien, SJ, views film through Ignatian lens

Jesuit scholastic John O'Brien. Agnieszka Krawczynski / BCC.

A sudden burst of Christian-themed movies has hit theatres in the last three months. "Son of God," "Heaven is for Real," "God's not Dead," and "Noah" are currently placed in the 20 top-grossing movies of 2014. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gift of knowledge attunes us to vision of God, Pope says

A woman from Kenya holds an image of Pope Francis as the Pope arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square May 21. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the Holy Spirit's gift of knowledge, explaining that it enlightens our human perspective and helps us to see God in the whole of creation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Justin Trudeau dismisses Cardinal Collins's letter

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has dismissed an open letter from Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins, instead asserting a Charter "right" to abortion which legal experts say does not exist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Enderby faithful pray for 700 residents affected by mudslide

Beaver dam enlarged by the formation of ice burst

St. Ann's Church, Enderby. Diocese of Kamloops photo.

When a landslide cut off 700 residents of the B.C. Interior city of Enderby May 2, parishioners reacted with prayer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Catholic religious in South Sudan plead for peace

Jesuit Father Michael Schultheis distributes Communion during Mass in a camp for internally displaced families in a UN base in Juba, South Sudan. CNS photo / Paul Jeffrey.

The Catholic religious congregations of South Sudan have urged their countrymen to reject violence, calling on the country's leaders to honour the terms of a recent peace agreement. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholics in public life must adhere to Catholic teachings, Ottawa archbishop teaches

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast at the Prolife Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral May 8 in conjunction with the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Catholics in public life must take positions coherent with the Catholic faith, said Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, and that includes not only what they believe but how they vote. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Professor argues for a profound rethinking of conscience rights

Mary Anne Waldron offers three solutions for legal quagmires

Doctor Jim Lane introduces Mary Anne Waldron. Alistair Burns / BCC.

An argument in favour of changing how citizens approach freedom of conscience and religion was presented May 2. Mary Anne Waldron, a professor of law at the University of Victoria, spoke to an audience of 80 in Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall in Vancouver. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Catholic bishops voice hope for India's new government

Supporters celebrate the election results in Calcutta, India, May 16. CNS photo / Piyal Adhikary, EPA.

Catholic bishops in India have said they have nothing to fear from the country's new government following the landside success of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


MP Lizon's Pope John Paul II Day no longer stalled in Senate

Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon's private member's Bill C-266 is now headed for third reading in the Senate after being stalled for a year. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon's Bill C-266 to designate April 2 Pope John Paul II day finally passed through a Senate committee May 12 and is expected to come to a vote in the fall. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholicism came naturally to former Anglican minister

Father Shier reached out to Father William Ashley to find out procedure

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, ordains Father Michael Shier in Holy Rosary Cathedral March 15. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

For one former Anglican minister, the journey to the Catholic priesthood was a long one. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Calls for late-term abortion ban mark Gosnell anniversary

Dr. Kermit Barron Gosnell is pictured in an undated mug shot from the Philadelphia Police Department. Gosnell is on trial in Philadelphia and has been charged with murder and other offences related to illegal, late-term abortions. CNS photo / Handout from Philadelphia Police Department.

The May 13 anniversary of the murder convictions of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell brought renewed calls for a federal ban on late-term abortions. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCODP continues to press for mining ombudsman

"Our campaign will continue," CCODP director of in-Canada programs Josianne Gauthier told a crowd of several hundred supporters on the steps in front of Centre Block. "We are not going away. We have to keep this issue on the agenda." Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) dropped 80,000 postcards off on Parliament Hill May 14, demanding an ombudsman for the mining industry. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nun came home to the Church

Sister Glenys Symons urges parents to support a child's vocation

Sister Glenys Symons demonstrates her signing. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

One local nun warns parents mustn't deter their children from pursuing religious life. "I would say to parents: do not stop your child who feels a vocational call," Sister Glenys Symons, ESEH, explained. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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EWTN honoured as religious TV station of the year

This edition of the National Catholic Register shows a photo of Pope Benedict XVI on the front page. Eternal World Television Network announced Jan. 19, 2011, that it had acquired the newspaper. The paper's first national edition appeared in 1927. It has been operated by the Legionaries of Christ since 1995. CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec.

EWTN Global Catholic Network and its news show EWTN News Nightly have won two Gabriel Awards in recognition of their uplifting work, including one for religious television station of the year. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Liberals and NDP promote pro-abortion agendas to reopen debate

NDP MP Niki Ashton introduced Motion 510 the same day thousands rallied on Parliament Hill for the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Though the Harper government has vowed not to reopen the abortion debate, the Liberals and the New Democrats have re-ignited the issue by promoting pro-abortion agendas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Knights join CWL to push for control of prostitution

Organization will support resolutions on 'criminalizing purchase of sexual services'

Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi shares a laugh with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, and state deputy Edward Shawchuk (far right). "I really feel at home," the nuncio said during the convention. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The Knights of Columbus were joined at their convention by the Catholic Women's League April 26 in announcing a campaign to push for control of prostitution by criminal law and to increase awareness of the issues. This news came during the 103rd state convention of the B.C. and Yukon Knights in Richmond. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gift of fortitude not just for 'extraordinary circumstances': Pope

Rescuers carrying a dead miner pause for people looking for their relatives after a mine explosion near Soma, Turkey, May 14. More than 225 people died in the explosion. Pope Francis said during his weekly general audience May 14 that his prayers were with those killed in the disaster. CNS photo / Togla Bozoglu, EPA.

During his weekly general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the gift of fortitude, explaining that it helps us to remain faithful not only with the big things, but also in our daily activities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

IMFC looks at impact of abortion on relationships and mental health

IMFC executive director Andrea Mrozek. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) has released a study that examines the secondary effects of abortion on relationships, families, and mental health. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.