Victor over death to console marginalized: Pope

Vicar of Christ gives Urbi et Orbi message at Easter

Catholics hold umbrellas to ward off the rain in St. Peter's Square April 5.
Photo credit: AFP.

Below are excerpts from the English translation of the Pope's Urbi et Orbi (to the City and to the World) message from Easter Sunday, April 5.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Jesus Christ is risen! Love has triumphed over hatred, life has conquered death, light has dispelled the darkness!

To enter into the mystery, we need to “bend down,” to abase ourselves. Only those who abase themselves understand the glorification of Jesus and are able to follow him on his way. The world proposes that we put ourselves forward at all costs, that we compete, that we prevail.

But Christians, by the grace of Christ, dead and risen, are the seeds of another humanity, in which we seek to live in service to one another, not to be arrogant, but rather respectful and ready to help. This is not weakness, but true strength! 

We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence.

May constant prayer rise up from all people of goodwill for those who lost their lives – I think in particular of the young people who were killed last Thursday at Garissa University College in Kenya – for all who have been kidnapped, and for those forced to abandon their homes and their dear ones.


May the marginalized, the imprisoned, the poor and the migrants who are so often rejected, maltreated and discarded, the sick and the suffering, children, especially those who are victims of violence; all who today are in mourning, and all men and women of goodwill, hear the consoling voice of the Lord Jesus: “Peace to you!” (Lk. 24:36).

For the entire message, go to Vatican Radio.

Essay contest gives Grade 5 students a lesson in giving

One learner won $5,000 in an essay contest for her local Habitat for Humanity

Ashley Sankaran-Wee (front row, left) presents a $5,000 cheque to Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver Feb. 12. The funds were part of her award as runner-up in an essay contest. Photo submitted.

Two young sisters are giving a noteworthy boost to families in need. Ashley and Caitlin Sankaran-Wee have contributed $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity in the past four years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis brings down hammer: 'Don't mess with children'

Pope Francis arrives to give his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square April 8. CNS photo / Tony Gentile, Reuters.

Pope Francis said April 8 that children are never a mistake, and called adults out for building faulty systems that leave children exploited and abandoned, rather than treated as the blessings they are. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

MP quits caucus to defend views on evolution

Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney at the 2014 National March for Life. / The Catholic Register.

MP James Lunney quit the Conservative Caucus March 31 to sit as an independent. Lunney says he wants to better defend the religious freedom of Christians facing mounting attacks and ridicule in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Popes and profs reconcile evolutionary science with faith

Popes and profs reconcile evolutionary science with faith

Trinity Western University biology professor Dennis Venema writes about a current controversy:

As population genetics information and its implications for interpreting Genesis have become more widely known among evangelical Christians, some apologetically-minded organizations and scholars have attempted to cast doubt on these lines of evidence.

Catholic Pacific College philosophy professor C.S. Morrissey has recommended the Thomistic approach to the theory of evolution that unites faith and reason:

As Fr. Nicanor Austriaco likes to observe, the explanatory framework of the theory of evolution is to modern biology what the doctrine of the Trinity is to Christian theology: i.e., one simply cannot rationally practice the discipline without adopting it.

The Thomistic approach sees no need for the miracles (i.e., God acting as a "magician") that creationism postulates on the level of secondary causality (i.e., God acting as a "demiurge," or craftsman, who alters the natural operations of secondary causality).

Rather, Thomism precisely distinguishes God's action as the primary causality that allows autonomous natural events like biological evolution to occur, as Pope Francis explained recently in remarks also reported by Morrissey:

“He created beings and he let them develop according to the internal laws with which He endowed each one, that they might develop, and reach their fullness. He gave autonomy to the beings of the universe at the same time in which He assured them of his continual presence, giving life to every reality. And thus Creation has been progressing for centuries and centuries, millennia and millennia, until becoming as we know it today, precisely because God is not a demiurge or a magician, but the Creator who gives life to all beings.”

Morrissey's columns appeared in The B.C. Catholic as "Dominicans reconcile evolution with Catholic faith" and "Media misses memo: Church not fundamentalist".

Retreat centre opens exhibit on Easter mystery

The display features a photographic replica of the Shroud of Turin

An exhibit in Surrey is bringing part of the Easter story to life. A photographic replica of the Shroud of Turin, the linen believed to be Jesus' burial cloth, is on display at Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre.

The exhibit also includes presentations by Father Andrew Dalton, LC, from Rome, and local experts Phillip Weibe and Father John Horgan. It runs April 8-13.

St. Helen's pupils knit to spread kindness

Students make scarves, toques, and socks for the homeless

The St. Helen's Knitting Club gathers on Ash Wednesday with ashes in place. Bethany Borkowski (second from left) and Sarah Ruggier (third from left), guide students Alessia Giammaria, Maria Didak, Carmen Ballan, Neely Quan, and Isabella Nolletti. Nadia Piperni / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Encouragement from a teacher does not usually lead to an idea for a knitting club! For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis to inmates: 'I too need to be washed by the Lord'

Pope Francis, as Cardinal of Buenos Aires, Argentina, washes and kisses the feet of residents of a shelter for drug users during Holy Thursday Mass in 2008 at a church in a poor neighbourhood of the city. CNS photo / Enrique Garcia Medina, Reuters.

Pope Francis on Holy Thursday told inmates of a Rome prison that God's love is personal and endless, emphasizing that he too needs forgiveness and purification. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priest finds end-of-life spiritual preparation lacking

Moral theology professor Father Kevin Belgrave speaks about end-of-life preparation in Toronto. Father Kevin Belgrave / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Priests need to preach the Church's teachings on end-of-life issues more frequently to better spiritually prepare parishioners for the inevitable, Father Kevin Belgrave believes. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop Miller to celebrate annual Red Mass

Legal Guild will then host a dinner at Hyatt Regency

Gwendoline Allison

Prostitution is violence, said Catholic lawyer Gwendoline Allison, who is to be this year's keynote speaker at the dinner after the Red Mass. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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These nuns provide 'death with dignity,' and it's not assisted suicide

Sisters Carol Ferrucci, left, Maria Goretti Hung, and Margaret Regina Halloran prepare to distribute cake during a birthday party for centenarians at the Little Sisters of the Poor's Queen of Peace Residence in the Queens borough of New York. Eight residents celebrating 100 or more years in 2015 were honoured at the event. CNS photo / Gregory A. Shemitz.

As states around the country consider legalizing physician-assisted suicide, "death with dignity" looks markedly different for patients under the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Winnipeggers show support for urban reserve

David Balzer of Canadian Mennonite University (left); treaty relations commissioner James Wilson; Leah Gazan, president of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg; and Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson. James Buchok, Prairie Messenger.

Within sight of Winnipeg's shiny new Ikea store lie dozens of abandoned buildings on acres of desolate land that First Nations say they are ready and able to transform into a neighbourhood with green space, retail shops and commercial property. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Popes and Thomists reconcile evolution with Catholic faith

Popes and Thomists reconcile evolution with Catholic faith

C.S. Morrissey writes about the Thomistic approach to the theory of evolution that unites faith and reason:

As Fr. Nicanor Austriaco likes to observe, the explanatory framework of the theory of evolution is to modern biology what the doctrine of the Trinity is to Christian theology: i.e., one simply cannot rationally practice the discipline without adopting it.

The Thomistic approach sees no need for the miracles (i.e., God acting as a "magician") that creationism postulates on the level of secondary causality (i.e., God acting as a "demiurge," or craftsman, who alters the natural operations of secondary causality).

Rather, Thomism precisely distinguishes God's action as the primary causality that allows autonomous natural events like biological evolution to occur, as Pope Francis explained recently in remarks also reported by Morrissey:

“He created beings and he let them develop according to the internal laws with which He endowed each one, that they might develop, and reach their fullness. He gave autonomy to the beings of the universe at the same time in which He assured them of his continual presence, giving life to every reality. And thus Creation has been progressing for centuries and centuries, millennia and millennia, until becoming as we know it today, precisely because God is not a demiurge or a magician, but the Creator who gives life to all beings.”

The columns appeared in The B.C. Catholic as "Dominicans reconcile evolution with Catholic faith" and "Media misses memo: Church not fundamentalist".

Leaders debate roles of religion and secularism

Speakers of various faiths, including atheism, discuss freedom to worship during Our Whole Society event

Panelists Alia Hogben (left), Doug Todd, and Paul Marshall take questions from the audience during an interfaith conference at UBC Robson Square March 24. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

In a time when terrorist groups behead innocents in the name of Islam, members of religious groups in Vancouver met to discuss how Canada's vast religious landscape can exist in harmony. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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The blood of martyrs sustains the Church: Pontiff

Young men take a selfie with Pope Francis as he leaves his general audience in St. Peter's Square April 1. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis, in his general audience address for Holy Week, said that the Christian martyrs of today, by the shedding of their blood, join with Christ in serving the Church through their witness. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Act for peace in Syria, says petition

Syrian refugee children at the Mrajeeb Al Fhood refugee camp in Jordan form the word "Syria" during an event to commemorate four years of the Syrian conflict, March 15. CNS photo / Muhammad Hamed, Reuters.

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace launched a petition March 30, urging the Prime Minister to "act for peace in Syria." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Wildlife filmmaker manoeuvres rocky road of industry

Local Catholic directors reveal behind-the-scenes challenges in their moviemaking pursuits

Filmmaker John Banovich captures moose in B.C.'s northern Rocky Mountains. Ivo Vidak / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

 

Focusing a camera on grizzly bears while camping in a tiny trailer in B.C.'s north makes filmmaker John Banovich feel closer to God. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Lack of murder charge 'A travesty of justice' after baby cut out of mother

Newborn baby Juwanda sleeps after in a hospital nursery. Juwanda is just two months older than Aurora, recently murdered. CNS photo / Lucas Jackson, Reuters.

The archbishop of Denver lamented the law's failure to protect all human life after it was announced that no murder charge would be filed in connection with a baby who died after being cut out of her mother's womb. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic father of three worried about fate of dementia bill

Matt Dineen and his wife Lisa and their three children in a family portrait. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

A Catholic father of three whose wife suffers from an unusual form of dementia, has expressed dismay the Conservatives are backing away from supporting a national dementia strategy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Dominican sister teaches that truth is a Person

Sister Gabriella Yi first considered religious life while seeking graduate studies in natural medicine

Sister Gabriella Yi, OP, leads a conversation during a Catholic Spirituality class in the small library at Catholic Pacific College. She said before joining the Order of Preachers, she had never considered becoming a teacher. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

When God hands out vocations, He also delivers enough grace to follow through with them, according to Sister Gabriella Yi, OP. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Jews are leaving Europe; it's worse than you might think

Pope Benedict XVI exchanges gifts after a meeting with members of the Jewish congregation at the Reichstag, which houses the German parliament, in Berlin in 2011. The Pope spoke about the need to continue remembering the horror of the Shoah, the importance of continuing Catholic-Jewish dialogue, and the need for all believers in God to work together to bring moral values to society. CNS photo / Catholic Press Photos.

It may not be 1941, but Hitler's dream of a "Jew-free Europe" is taking shape, and it's time for the world to take notice, say human rights advocates. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Survey of religious Canadians says majority accept abortion on demand and euthanasia

Catholic parishioners gather for Sunday Mass in this 2010 file photo. According to results of a new survey, fewer Canadians embrace religion. CNS photo.

A new Angus Reid Institute survey released March 25 shows even religious believers embrace euthanasia, abortion on demand and "same-sex marriage" by solid majorities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Migrant ministry consoles hospitalized farmers

Volunteers at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish help farm workers access sacraments and doctors

Connie Fabian (left) and another volunteer fold donated clothing for migrant farm workers. She is part of a group that also serves them meals, transports them to Mass, and helps translate in emergency rooms. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Volunteers in farm worker ministry responded beyond the call of duty when they met a Guatemalan man with a severe eye infection. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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German prelate breaks rank with Cardinal Marx, insists on fidelity to Rome

Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes arrives for a meeting in the synod hall at the Vatican March 11, 2013. He has opposed recent comments by Cardinal Reinhard Marx and insisted on fidelity to Rome. Paul Haring / CNS.

A German cardinal has publicly opposed the words of two other German bishops who have suggested that the Church in the country can form its own policies without direction from Rome. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Trauma of abortion discovered lurking in eating disorders group

Rachel's Vineyard founder Theresa Burke at the annual COLF seminar March 20. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The founder of Rachel's Vineyard, the world's largest post-abortion ministry, discovered her calling while leading an eating disorders support group. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Benedictine brother navigated planes during WWII

Brother John Dunne, who took poverty seriously, dead at 94

Brother John Dunne, OSB. Photo submitted to BCC.

A humble, unassuming monk who navigated bomber planes during World War II before entering the monastery died March 2. Brother John Dunne, OSB, was 94. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Vatican invites 150 homeless for dinner

A homeless woman sits with her belongings as she waits for a friend leaving the Vatican after a March 26 visit. While enjoying a private visit to the Sistine Chapel, homeless people were surprised by a visit from Pope Francis. CNS photo / Max Rossi, Reuters.

In addition to food, umbrellas, sleeping bags, showers, and haircuts, the Vatican is now offering Rome's homeless the gift of beauty. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Protecting human ecology an imperative, says French pro-life activist

Tugdual Derville, a leader in France's Alliance VITA, spoke on building a human ecology at the annual COLF Seminar. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Protecting human ecology is an imperative every bit as important as protecting the natural environment a pro-life activist from France told a conference here March 20. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Three B.C. bishops reveal tips, training for the pulpit

New Vatican-approved directory directs clergy to specifically suit their homilies to parishioners

Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea gives a homily in Haiti. In February the prelate announced a new Homiletic Directory which would guide priests to preach more effectively. Paul Jeffrey / CNS.

Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea began a public debate on homiletics Feb. 10 with the release of the new Homiletic Directory, a comprehensive guide for clergy on preparing and writing their homilies. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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'We need prayers, not gossip,' Pontiff states

Rain falls as Pope Francis arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square March 25. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his weekly general audience Pope Francis spoke about the gift and call of the Christian family, and urged attendees to pray for the intentions of the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the family. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Victory for religious freedom welcomed

Catholic parent John Zucchi and Loyola High School principal Paul Donovan both welcomed the Supreme Court's decision as a victory for religious freedom

The Supreme Court of Canada's 4-3 Loyola decision March 19 has been hailed as a victory for religious freedom. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop Miller hosts Basilian Coach's Corner

During intermissions, couples receive valuable insights on how to renew their wedded bliss

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, holds up the winning ticket for a prize from Holy Family Catholic Gift and Book Store. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The night after the NHL trade deadline expired, 40 couples gathered for a date night with an archbishop, the Canucks, and the San Jose Sharks at Jimy Mac's Neighbourhood Pub. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.



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Reginald Dwight possibly not very happy with some fellow homosexuals

Blessed Louis and Marie Zelie Guerin Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, are pictured in a combination photo created from images provided by the Sanctuary of Lisieux in France. They and their children are an outstanding example of family. Pope Francis is expected to canonize the couple during the world Synod of Bishops on the family in October. CNS photo / courtesy of Sanctuary of Lisieux.

The designers behind luxury Italian fashion label Dolce & Gabbana triggered a barrage of controversy after expressing support for traditional marriage and families last weekend in an interview with the Italian magazine Panorama. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Jean Vanier, 86, awarded Templeton prize for his compassionate work

The international community has recognized Jean Vanier's unceasing efforts to provide care for the disabled and handicapped. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope announces jubilee Year of Mercy

Period to start on feast of Immaculate Conception

Pope Francis goes to confession during a Lenten penance service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 13. Stefano Spaziani, pool / CNS.

The Pope's surprise announcement of a jubilee Year of Mercy has Catholics weighing in on the significance of the move, which some say can be boiled down to this: Francis wants us to know how much God loves us. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

#No2Trudeau campaign decries Liberal leader's abortion stand 

Campaign Life Coalition's Alissa Golob speaks to the Vancouver audience during a nation-wide tour that will run until May 12. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A new grassroots political movement called #No2Trudeau is targeting Liberal leader Justin Trudeau six months before the federal election. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Alan Charlton reflects on his discovery of Catholicism six decades ago during 20 km seawall walk
Now 80, Alan Charlton, a teacher at Notre Dame for 50 years, shows no hint of slowing down. On his birthday, he laced up for a 20-km stroll. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

King Richard III to be re-buried after 500 years

Archbishop of Westminster will celebrate Requiem Mass

King Richard III's coffin is on display at Leicester Cathedral in England.

A skeleton found under a car park in Leicester, England, in 2012 is about to receive a royal burial.

Archeologists at the University of Leicester confirmed the remains belong to King Richard III, who died in battle in 1485.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster will celebrate a Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul tonight.

"There is a prayer that Richard wrote himself, so he was clearly a man who had his own prayer book and who prayed," he told Vatican Radio.

Is it really King Richard III? At least one writer isn't convinced.

Philosophers lay out boundaries of free speech

Professors say Charlie Hebdo magazine producers do not pass free speech test

Philosophy professors Grant Havers (left) and Chris Morrissey agree that freedom of speech should have limits, at a presentation at TWU March 4. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Today's perception of freedom of speech is a far cry from what its promoters meant in the 17th century, according to Trinity Western University professor Grant Havers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Ukrainian eparch encourages priests

Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, gives the homily during a Divine Liturgy for Ukrainian expatriates at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome Feb. 19. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In a tumultuous time for his homeland, B.C.'s Ukrainian eparch continues to urge both priests and laity to cling to the Good News whatever the cost. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Oblates feel heartbroken to leave Yukon
The religious order that brought Catholicism to much of Canada is facing tough questions about its future. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Notre Dame teacher's 80th birthday trek goes viral

Alan Charlton reflects on his discovery of Catholicism six decades ago during 20 km walk Caption: Alan Charlton, a teacher at Notre Dame for 50 years, waves to the crowd March 3. "Even the kids are tolerating a geriatric in the classroom," he joked. His solitary 20-km stroll raised $35,000 for a new bus. Courtesy of Notre Dame Flickr.
Now 80, a teacher at a Vancouver secondary school shows no hint of slowing down. On his birthday, he laced up for a 20-km stroll. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope announces jubilee Year of Mercy

Pope Francis goes to confession during a Lenten penance service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 13. Stefano Spaziani, pool / CNS.

The Pope's surprise announcement of a jubilee Year of Mercy has Catholics weighing in on the significance of the move, which some say can be boiled down to this: Francis wants us to know how much God loves us. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

#No2Trudeau campaign decries Liberal leader's abortion stand

Campaign Life Coalition's Alissa Golob speaks to the Vancouver audience during a nation-wide tour that will run until May 12. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A new grassroots political movement called #No2Trudeau is targeting Liberal leader Justin Trudeau six months before the federal election. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop crashes on concrete for homeless

St. Mary's parishioners snooze on cardboard, raise more than $2,600 for the poor

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, blesses participants before they head outside March 6. Parishioners, including members of St. Mary's street ministry, the Legion of Mary, and youth ministry, tucked into sleeping bags in the church's parking lot. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

The Archbishop of Vancouver and a group of St. Mary's parishioners braved a night outdoors to show solidarity with the homeless. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Hindu priest breaks into tears after elderly nun raped in India

A student tapes her mouth shut during a March 16 candlelight vigil for an elderly nun who was raped in Ranaghat, India. CNS photo / Piyal Adhikary, EPA.

After the "heinous" rape of an elderly nun in the Indian state of West Bengal over the weekend, protestors have rallied in opposition to violence against women, with one Hindu priest tearfully voicing sorrow for the vicious act. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

NDP MP calls on House to support national dementia strategy

Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County executive director Kathy Wright joins NDP MP Claude Gravelle at a news conference March 12 prior to the debate on his Bill C-356 calling for a national dementia strategy. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

NDP MP Claude Gravelle hopes the House of Commons will support his private member's Bill C-356 to create a national strategy to combat dementia. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Teachers take a course on poverty

Drop-in centre gives volunteers a practical look at social justice

Cloverdale Catholic School teachers dish out bowls of soup at The Door is Open in the Downtown Eastside Jan. 23. School groups volunteer each month. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A Downtown Eastside drop-in centre is offering lessons in social justice. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

A society that doesn't want children is 'sad and grey,' Pope says

Pope Francis walks past flag twirlers as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis said children are a joy-filled gift for the Church and the world, and he cautioned that a society that has rejected and run out of children lacks life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Conservatives press ahead with controversial bill

Albanian girls hold portraits of a 17-year-old girl who was killed in 2012 with her grandfather in what was called a "blood feud." Blood feuds stem from a traditional Albanian code that sanctions murder to restore a family's honour after a member experien ces an affront, injustice or killing. CNS photo / Armando Babani, EPA.

The Conservative government is pressing ahead with its controversial Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act, Bill S-7, voting March 12 to limit the time for debate. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.