Different flocks to share pews

Annual eight-day event will bring together followers of Christ

Religious leaders meet with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, after a Mass celebrating the ministry of Pope Francis in April 2013. People from many faiths will come together Jan. 18-25 for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. BCC File Photo.

A Catholic convert's crusade of prayer is expected to bring together church groups across the Lower Mainland for a week in January. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Cardinal wowed by vocation surge at Rome's American seminary

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, arrives in procession for the dedication of the new building at the Pontifical North American College in Rome Jan. 6. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, voiced enthusiasm at seeing the high number of American seminarians studying in Rome, calling it a sign that vocations are on the rise. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Students reach out with knitting project

Grade 7 students from St. Luke Catholic School in Saskatoon tie scarves they made as part of a class project to a tree near Saskatoon Friendship Inn, for anyone who might need some extra warmth. Photo by Colleen Doepker.

Grade 7 students from St. Luke School in Saskatoon recently expanded a classroom knitting project to include those in need in the city's core neighbourhood. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth raise awareness for vocations with new play

Performance's script centres on the value of World Youth Days and Pope John Paul II's legacy

The cast of One Voice, One Heart, One Spirit perform at St. Mary's Parish in Vancouver Dec. 6. A total of 600 audience members attended two performances. Photo submitted.

Seven friends became inspired to live their vocations as priests, religious, and spouses after World Youth Day in the Philippines. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Haitian amputees to lace up soccer cleats on Rome sports field

Wilfrid Macena, an amputee who is a member of the Tarantulas soccer team in Haiti, speaks alongside his teammates during a press conference at the Knights of Columbus 129th annual convention in Denver Aug. 1. CNS photo / courtesy Knights of Columbus.

Five years after the island of Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake, three young amputees will have the opportunity to play soccer in Rome through the help of the Knights of Columbus. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sister honoured for work leading women's shelter

Domestic violence happens in too many homes, says someone who deals with this tragedy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Manila prelate prepares for papal visit

Cardinal Luis Tagle reflects on Pope Francis

Cardinal Luis Tagle of Manila. (Photo credit: Catholicmedianetwork.org)

The Church's top prelate in the Philippines is excited about Pope Francis coming to town. In an wide-ranging interview with Vatican Radio, Cardinal Luis Tagle remembers his first glimpse of a Pontiff in person:

Vatican Radio: It’s 45 years since the visit of Paul VI and it’s 20 years since that of John Paul II. Back in 1970 there was a young man of 13 years old craning his head over the crowd trying to catch a glimpse of the Man in White. What do you remember about that visit of Paul VI?

Cardinal Tagle: The Philippines was just recovering from a typhoon
at that time and my memories are still vivid of trees that had been denuded,
no leaves at all, streets that were cleaned up hastily for the coming of the 
Pope, roads that had been paved again, etc… 

So just like this visit of Pope Francis, the Philippines had been 
recently ravaged by a typhoon. And the people were enthusiastic. 
They received Paul VI like a Grace from Heaven. And Paul VI made sure 
that he went to the poor also: he visited the poor families in the district 
of Tondo in Manila, known for being one of the poorest sections of 
the metropolitan area. And they still remember that visit. 

When I went to the parish for a feast-day, the parish priest and the leaders 
pointed out to me where the house Paul VI visited used to stand. 

When the Pope visits, memories and images and the effects of that 
visit are still there after 45 years.

Surrey Six murders challenged a mother's faith

Eileen Mohan, whose 22-year-old son was killed in a gang hit, begged God for a miracle

Eileen Mohan had a close relationship with her 22-year-old son Christopher, who was killed across the hall from their Surrey apartment in 2007. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A mother's faith was shaken to the core after her son was shot dead in 2007 in B.C.'s worst gang murder case. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope hails motherhood as 'antidote to individualism'

Pope Francis blesses a woman as he meets Auschwitz concentration camp survivors during his his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Jan. 7. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via EPA.

During his Jan. 7 general audience, held in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis lamented that mothers are often under-appreciated. He said they are key players in countering an individualistic, self-centred society. Forfull story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Clowns visit Pope Francis

Holy Father calls performers 'creators of beauty'

Members of the Golden Circus perform during Pope Francis' general audience in
Paul VI hall at the Vatican Jan. 7 (Photo: Paul Haring / CNS)

Performers from the Golden Circus gave a show at Paul VI hall this morning during Pope Francis' general audience. The pope praised the performers' efforts.

"To think is the language of the mind; to love is the language of the heart; to do is the language of the hands. And all these three languages unite to make the harmony of the person. And there is beauty there... So often we forget beauty! Humanity thinks, feels, does but today it has great need of beauty."

A performer entertains Pope Francis at the Holy Father's general audience Jan. 7.
(Photo: Paul Haring / CNS)

Read a translation of his full address here.

Parish to learn about stewarding God's gifts

Conference to be held, aptly, at Good Shepherd Church

Julie Kenny

An upcoming conference will teach parishes to take their pulse and see how well they are doing when it comes to stewardship. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Frenzy foments over Francis's flight

Motorists drive by posters of Pope Francis in Manila, Philippines, Jan. 6. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines Jan. 15-19. CNS photo / Francis R. Malasig, EPA.

A priest on the papal flight for Pope Francis's upcoming visit to the Philippines said the country is anxiously awaiting the Pontiff and is anticipating his paternal closeness with those who suffer. For

full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Cathedral recognized for its stained glass windows

Sarah Hall's Lux Gloria stained glass windows are seen at twilight at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. Photo by Sarah Hall Studios.

Canadian artist Sarah Hall recently received an award for her design of the solar stained glass in the spire of the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Farm workers find community in the Church

Fifth annual dinner welcomes labourers living far from their home and loved ones

About 150 farm workers enjoy a turkey dinner at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Dec. 20. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Voices singing Feliz Navidad filled Our Lady of Sorrows Parish hall as hardworking farmers enjoyed a Christmas meal Dec. 20. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Possible site of Jesus's trial uncovered in the Holy Land

Pontius Pilate introduces Jesus in this statue at the base of the Holy Stairs in Rome. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Archeologists believe they may have discovered the place where Jesus's trial before Pontius Pilate took place in Jerusalem. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vanessa's Law may help block abortion drug, says Campaign Life Coalition

Rebekah Chaveste, who had successful RU-486 reversal after taking the pill at a Planned Parenthood clinic in San Francisco, plays with her son, Zechariah. CNS photo / courtesy Rebekah Chaveste.

A national newspaper has reported the decision on whether to approve an abortion drug could come by mid-January. Pro-lifers hope the answer will be "no." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Would-be assassin lays flowers on Pope John Paul II's tomb

Holy Father forgave gunman 31 years ago

Pope John Paul II shakes hands with Mehmet Ali Agca in a Rome prison Dec. 27, 1983.
(Photo: L'Osservatore Romano via EPA / CNS)

Turkish assassin Mehmet Ali Agca placed white roses on the tomb of St. John Paul II Dec. 27, marking the anniversary of a significant event.

Agca shot Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square in 1981. The pope, who had been severely wounded in the attack, forgave Agca for the attempt on his life Dec. 27, 1983, 31 years ago. His papacy lasted until his death in 2005.

After laying the flowers this winter, Agca allegedly told security forces: "I felt the need to make this gesture." Read more here.

Former prisoner hailed as pro-life hero in Poland

Mary Wagner made headlines in some of the country's biggest Catholic papers.

Mary Wagner visits the historic BHP Hall in Gdansk Oct. 6. Welcomed as a celebrity, the pro-life activist gave 50 talks in packed venues, on radio, and on television. Photo submitted.

A soft-spoken activist from Vancouver Island has become a pro-life celebrity with thousands of fans in Poland. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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In Zimbabwe, poverty is the Church's biggest enemy

Zimbabwean women collect food aid from a distribution point in Mutawatawa, Nov. 25. Zimbabwe is more politically polarized now than it was before this year's general elections, the country's bishops said. CNS photo / Philimon Bulawayo, Reuters.

Father Felix Tachiona Mukaro is disappointed in his country's politicians, as many Zimbabweans are, saying they are more concerned with power than the peoples' poverty. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Saskatchewan farm boy advocated for Brazilian street kids

Connie Gerwing stood at the front during her book launch Dec. 12 at the Dickensfield Long Term Care Centre. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Minister for Advanced Education disappoints TWU

Amrik Virk revokes his approval for a school of law

Bruno De Vita

Two weeks before Christmas, a provincial minister's decision has put lumps of coal in the stockings of faculty and potential law students at Trinity Western University (TWU). For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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You are not 'lords of the manor'

Pope Francis gives speech during an audience to exchange Christmas greetings with members of the Roman Curia in Clementine Hall at the Vatican Dec. 22. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis issued a strong message to members of the curia this week, warning them against careerism and urging them to live the reality of the priesthood - as servants. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

L'Arche pageant is an Advent favourite

John Sparks plays St. Joseph, Sally Wharry plays Mary, Gabriel Mitchell is Jesus and Marilyn Mitchell is Jesus's grandmother. Ramon Gonzalez / WCR (CCN).

There were kings and angels and shepherds. Mary arrived on a donkey this year and there were spotlights on the different characters. Jeffery Fidelak was a king and arrived at the manger with a huge cardboard camel and a wide smile. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Campaign against prostitution continues

Committee celebrates success of Bill C-36 and announces plan of action

Barbara Dowding (left), national president of the Catholic Women's League, and fellow CWL members Barb Renaud and Angelina Stiglich gather with other Bill C-36 supporters to talk about ways to continue to work against prostitution and human trafficking. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Bill C-36 has passed, but its advocates say the debate over prostitution in this country is far from over. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Churches shelter locals from Typhoon Hagupit

People take shelter inside a Catholic church in Tacloban, Philippines, after evacuating their homes Dec. 5 because of Typhoon Hagupit. Rowel Montes, Reuters / CNS.

Chapels built after last year's Typhoon Haiyan sheltered and saved lives when another massive storm lashed out in the Philippines this month. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Schools face debates over homosexuality

Men carry signs in Kampala, Uganda, in February as they celebrate a new anti-homosexuality law. Uganda's Catholic bishops reaffirmed their opposition to homosexuality, but reserved judgment on the bill, which imposes harsh punishment for homosexual acts. CNS photo / Edward Echwalu, Reuters.

Two debates over Catholic education and the wishes of homosexual students have simultaneously flared up at different ends of the country. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hockey legends mourn larger-than-life Canucks coach

Pat Quinn, who once wanted to wear Roman collar, guided Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2002

He led the Canucks heartbreakingly close to the Stanley Cup, helped the "Russian Rocket," Pavel Bure, take off in Vancouver, and oversaw Team Canada's first Olympic gold medal victory in 50 years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Manila declares five-day holiday for Pope Francis's upcoming visit

A man sells necklaces with pictures of Pope Francis on them outside a Manila cathedral. Pope Francis is scheduled to celebrate Mass in the cathedral during his Jan. 15-19 trip to the Philippines. CNS photo / Ritchie B. Tongo, EPA.

In an executive order, the mayor of Manila has declared a five-day non-working holiday for Pope Francis's Jan. 15-19 visit, something the national government is considering. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Spending time with family and friends makes Christmas special

A priest is joined by students, families, and staff as he blesses donated Christmas gifts during an annual Mass that celebrates Christmas and brings together all the gifts collected in a school. After Mass the students deliver the gifts to needy families. CNS photo / Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier.

A new Angus Reid survey shows 94 per cent of Canadians, regardless of background, say spending time with family and friends is "what makes Christmas special." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope prays for conversion of terrorists

Pontiff cites recent standoff in Sydney, execution of schoolchildren in Pakistan

During a happier occasion, Pope Francis says hello to Koreans in August 2014.  Photo credit: Wikipedia.

Pope Francis has asked thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square to pray for suffering families to be comforted at Christmastime.

He also told the faithful to petition the Lord to "convert the hearts of the violent who do not hold back even before children."

For more, click on the link to Zenit.

Religious freedom is 'of concern' in Canada

Report says situation is getting worse, globally

Pilgrims carry an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12.
(Photo: Karen Callaway, Catholic New World / CNS)

Aid to the Church in Need recently released a report on global religious freedom between 2012-2014. The document rates Canada's situation as "of concern" and states:

"In the period under review, global religious freedom entered a period of serious decline."

Find out what the ACN says about any country here.

The document does have at least one critic. David Seljak, chairman of the religious studies department at St. Jerome's University College calls the study "an interesting hodge-podge." Read more on The B.C. Catholic website.

Rome Sweet Home transforms history scholar's faith

St. Francis of Assisi parishioner credits Scott & Kimberly Hahn book for challenging him to convert

When Roland Carelse-Borzel (right) googled the archdiocesan RCIA program, he met Kyle Neilson and found the two had come to the Church in similar ways. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A Pentecostal history scholar fell headlong into denominational no-man's-land when a spiritual memoir pulled the foundation of his faith out from under his feet. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Mary and Joseph exemplify mission, vocation of family life

Pope Francis drinks mate, the traditional Argentine herbal tea, while greeting Legionaries of Christ seminarians during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 17. The mate was presented by one of the seminarians. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis spoke Dec. 17 about Jesus' choice to be born into a family, saying that it shows the importance of the vocation, which Mary and Joseph epitomized through their everyday holiness. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Grade 6 students plan 'social justice' project

Conservative legislators applaud Deputy Henri Guaino after he spoke against the same-sex marriage draft law at the National Assembly in Paris in January 2013. France's National Assembly was examining a bill to legalize gay marriage and give gay couples adoption rights. CNS photo / Charles Platiau, Reuters.

Two Grade 6 students at a Catholic elementary school now have the go-ahead to do a social justice project on how a Catholic high school equity group manages gay rights. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope welcomes Canadian ambassador

Dennis Savoie presents credentials

Dennis Savoie, the Canadian ambassador to the Holy See, met Pope Francis Dec. 15. (Photo credit: The Canadian Embassy to the Holy See)

The Canuck representative to the Vatican has kissed the ring of Pope Francis. The two met Dec. 15.

"It was a very humbling experience," said the longtime Knight of Columbus. "I met a man [the Pope] who is very, very simple, very personable, makes you feel at ease right away."

For more, check out the link to Vatican Radio.

Knights present Pope with unique gift

Silver rose given on feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Msgr. Eduardo Chavez presents a silver rose to the Holy Father Dec. 12.

Every year, the Knights of Columbus pass five silver roses from Canada to Mexico on a massive relay in honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This year, Pope Francis accepted one of those roses after the long pilgrimage ended.

Was it the same one? A silver rose came through B.C. in 2013. It was here for three weeks, stopping in small towns and going as far north as Fort Saint John.

Monsignor Jerry Desmond (left) and Grand Knight Devon O'Toole admire
a silver rose as it makes a stop in Kamloops July 14, 2013. BCC file photo.

Along with the rose, the Knights of Columbus gave the pope $1.6 million for his charities on Dec. 12. Follow the links to learn more.

Happy Birthday, Pope Francis!

Seminarians surprise 78-year-old with cake

Pope Francis blows out candles in St. Peter's Square Dec. 17.
Photo: ANSA / L'Osservatore Romano

Pilgrims wished the Holy Father a happy birthday as he rode through St. Peter's Square for his weekly general audience today. He received a cake and a sip of mate tea, a drink that is popular in Argentina, as he moved through the crowds.

Pope's Sri Lanka visit will go ahead as planned

Schedule unchanged despite calls for the trip to be postponed

Pope Francis presents gifts to members of a delegation from Sri Lanka during a private audience
at the Vatican Oct. 3. He will visit the country Jan. 13-15. (Photo: Paul Haring / CNS)

Pope Francis's visit to Sri Lanka Jan. 13-15 will come on the heels of a presidential election. Some Catholic priests and organizations have asked the pontiff to change his schedule so as not to get mixed up in politics, but the trip is going ahead as planned.

"There is no change in the schedule of papal visit events," Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, national director of Catholic social communications in Sri Lanka, told NCR.

He said leading candidates have assured Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo and Catholic bishops in the south Asian country that "there would be no trouble" after the Jan. 8 polls and that "a peaceful atmosphere would prevail for the visit of the Holy Father."

Apparently, some candidates have even used edited photos of Pope Francis in their campaign posters.

Parishioners raise funds to restore Our Lady icon

Father Richard Luberti, CSsR, welcomes back 'old friend' originally put in Point Grey church in 1948

Since 1948, an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has provided a focal point for prayers and intercessions at a Point Grey parish. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Charity feeds Liberian children despite Ebola crisis

Mary's Meals volunteers prepare food as part of the charity's emergency response work in Liberia. Photo submitted.

An international aid organization is providing food to 80,000 schoolchildren in Liberia while the Ebola virus continues to take a toll on that country. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Montreal brings Rebuilt team to Canada

In the presence of Archbishop Christian Lepine of Montreal (right), Bishop Thomas Dowd congratulates Paul Donovan, former Loyola High School principal. Donovan received a bishop's award for his role in defending religious liberty in Canada. Photo: J. Cooper (CCN).

Do you want to rebuild your parish? Then get ready to "step out of your comfort zone" and focus your energy on disciple-making, the pastoral team from a Maryland parish told 600 faithful at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral Nov. 13. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.