Youth group looks for more members at Canadian Martyrs

God Leads Our Way (GLOW) brings teens in for Mass in Mandarin

Members of the group God Leads Our Way (GLOW) from Canadian Martyrs Parish went to Westminster Abbey in 2014. The Lord will "equip you with the courage to answer His call," said Joyce Lin (back row, sixth from right). Photo submitted to BCC.

Twenty years ago, the establishment of Canadian Martyrs Parish brought a new youth organization into the Archdiocese of Vancouver: GLOW. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Financial transparency serves Church's mission: official

Tommaso Di Ruzza, pictured in a 2009 photo, was named director of the Vatican's Financial Intelligence Authority Jan. 21. CNS photo / Emanuela De Meo, Catholic Press Photo.

In an exclusive interview with CNA, the director of the Vatican's financial watchdog stressed that the Holy See has pursued the goal of adopting international standards for financial transparency in accord with the Church's mission, and not to merely seek adherence to international standards. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Lay evangelist's service brings outpouring of healings

Lay evangelist Robert Canton holds up canes left behind by people healed at a May 24 healing service in Edmonton. Thandiwe Konguavi / Western Catholic Reporter (CCN).

When Robert Canton woke up on Pentecost Sunday this year, he was excited. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop recommits to First Nations reconciliation

Archbishop Miller repeats apology for Church's role in Residential Schools

Murray Sinclair speaks during the second day of closing events in Ottawa, June 1. (Photo Credits: Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

In response to the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission's event, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB issued an official response to reconcile with First Nations.

Archbishop Miller offered the Archdiocese's "sincere and heartfelt apology for the role that the Church played in the federal government's policy which involved forcibly separating children from their families and placing them in residential schools.

The full letter can be read here.

The Sacrament of Matrimony to be explored

Reclaiming the spirituality of married life

Fr. Tom Vandenberg. (Photo Credit: St Vincent De Paul Parish)

The spirituality of marriage will be rediscovered with the help of Father Thomas Vandenberg.

Father Thomas Vandenberg will be explaining the “importance of Matrimony to the life of the Church,” on June 20. The topics from his latest book “A Pearl of Great Price: The Surprising Sacrament of Matrimony,” will be in the presentation.

The intention of this talk is to help married couples discover the “unique spirituality of married couples,” says Father Vandenberg.

Father Vandenberg is a guest speaker for the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME), a group with the mission “to proclaim the value of Marriage and Holy Orders in the Church and in the World,” states Ernesto and Ana Ayala, a married couple.

Ernesto and Ana, the WWME Coordinators for BC and Alberta, believe that the Worldwide Marriage Encounter allows not just for happier marriages with spouses, but also for with God.

“We want to be the best husband and wife to each other that can be and when we do so God is between us,” Ernesto and Ana added. “Worldwide Marriage Encounter… is needed more than ever before in our Church."

Father Vandenberg’s presentation will also be transcribed into Spanish and projected for Spanish speaking participants.

The talk will be on June 20, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with application deadlines on June 13. WWME requests $40 per couple, or $25 per single person. WWME will provide lunch. Applications are submittable to Jose and Teresa at joseyteresa.zamora_emmvancouver@yahoo.ca or 604-882-1698.

Christians explore Byzantine approach to worship

Father Richard Soo, SJ, raised an Evangelical, found a deep connection with God in Eastern church

Father Richard Soo, SJ, sings as he incenses guests at Richmond Eastern Catholic Church to give them a taste of a Divine Liturgy May 24. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Chants and incense filled the air as Catholics and Protestants caught a sense of a Byzantine liturgy in Richmond May 24. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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For upcoming Sarajevo visit, Pope Francis makes peace his mission statement

Souvenirs with images of Pope Francis are seen June 5 at a vendor's stand in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Pope will visit June 6. CNS photo / Fehim Demir, EPA.

Pope Francis sent his greetings to the people of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a video message that emphasized the motto of his upcoming visit: "Peace be with you." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Edmonton builds home for aboriginal ceremonies

Allen Benson, head of Native Counselling Services of Alberta, says his organization has been charged with administering Kihciy Askiy, the future site for aboriginal ceremonies in southwest Edmonton. Thandiwe Konguavi / Western Catholic Reporter (CCN).

The sweat lodge ceremonies of aboriginal spirituality until now practised only on surrounding reserves will soon have a place within Edmonton's city limits. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

UBC academics study 13th century papal decree

Pope Innocent IV wrote text during conflict between papacy and a Holy Roman Emperor

UBC librarian Ingrid Parent talks with Archbishop Miller after the viewing May 21. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A document penned during a fiery clash between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century is being studied carefully at UBC. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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War is the mother of poverty, Pope Francis says

Pope Francis speaks during his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square. CNS photo / Alessandro Di Meo, EPA.

In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis lamented the suffering inflicted on families already struggling from poverty in countries torn by the "great predator" of war. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prayer service marks end of TRC process

Aboriginal drummer Lyndon Aginas of the Alexis Reserve (right) leads a prayer May 20 while Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie and others listen. Glen Argan / Western Catholic Reporter (CCN).

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is an invitation to us to overcome cultural divisions just as Jesus and the Canaanite woman did in their encounter in Matthew's Gospel, said Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Faithful act to aid Nepalese

Eight thousand killed in first earthquake

Dr. Gudrun Muller attends to a Nepalese child at a Malteser International field hospital. Tobias Kann / Malteser International.

The Archdiocese of Vancouver will send $425,000 in financial aid to survivors of two massive earthquakes rebuilding their shattered lives in Nepal. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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For Boko Haram victims and their babies, Catholics pledge full support

Displaced people who fled areas of conflict waged by Boko Haram militants carry food supplies on their heads as they walk away from a prayer service at St. Theresa's Cathedral in Yola, Nigeria. CNS photo / EPA.

Many escapees of the terrorist group Boko Haram include women and girls who are pregnant as a result of rape, and Nigeria's Catholics have been swift to show solidarity and support for the victims. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Pope asked to come to Canada and apologize

Archbishop Prendergast participates in a reconciliation action with native leaders and a places a statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha in the native-made Bentwood Box. "When she was Blessed Kateri, she was an example of holiness for aboriginal peoples, but now that the Church has declared her St. Kateri, she is a model for us all," he said. Photo by Robert Du Broy (CCN).

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) final report summary released June 2 called on the Pope to come to Canada and apologize within one year to Indian residential school survivors and their communities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Not expected to live, boy defies doctors' predictions

Father calls his son's birth a miracle, testifies to value of unborn

Mohsen Sithole holds his son, Ethan, at his home in Coquitlam. Doctors had predicted the boy would not survive to birth because of excess fluid in his brain. Photo submitted.

A father believes his son, who doctors said would not live long enough to be born, will continue to prove them wrong. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Ireland votes to change definition of marriage

A man opposed to same-sex marriage stands outside the Irish parliament in Dublin May 20. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said the church needs a "reality check" after Irish voters overwhelmingly supported same-sex marriage. CNS photo / Cathal McNaughton, Reuters.

The Christian message can't be shaken by a national vote, but Ireland's decision to legalize "same-sex marriage" is forcing Catholic leaders to rethink how they have been keeping the faith alive among the nation's young people. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCODP launches climate change prayer contest

Smog surrounds St. Paul's Cathedral in London April 2, 2014. CNS photo / Facundo Arrizabalaga, EPA.

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) has launched a prayer contest with first prize a trip to the Paris climate change conference in December. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

New priest enjoys 'happiest day of my life'

Father Paul Goo blesses hundreds in cathedral hall

Father Paul Goo is flanked by mother Anne (front row, third from left), sister Hansol, father Frank, and other family members. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

With a joyous grin, the Archdiocese of Vancouver's latest priest took a moment to ponder his first address to the faithful after being ordained. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Christian heritage site at risk of destruction

Ruins in Palmyra, Syria, seen May 19. It is nicknamed the "Bride of the Desert." Reuters / CNS.

Islamic State extremists captured Palmyra, a Syrian city dating from the first century, May 20. Academics and archaeologists are worried about the consequences. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Summer Institute organizers want parish renewal

Michael Hall of Catholic Christian Outreach poses with Michael Dopp, co-founder of Mission of the Redeemer Ministries at CCO headquarters in Ottawa, with pictures of CCO missionaries behind them. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Parish renewal is the key to the new evangelization, say organizers of the Summer Institute of New Evangelization (SINE), so this year it will provide speakers who have done it successfully. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ceremonies to mend broken bonds

Locals to tune into Truth and Reconciliation event

Truth and Reconciliation logo.

Despite what the proverb might say, without help, time does not heal all wounds. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) is working to fix the injustices experienced by native people in residential schools.

“Reconciliation is an ongoing individual and collective process, and will require commitment from all those affected including First Nations, Inuit and Métis former Indian Residential School (IRS) students, their families, communities, religious entities, former school employees, government and the people of Canada.”

The TRC holds its event to honor memories of the many families affected by the schools. The program, held in Ottawa, will include survivor experiences, traditional ceremonies, and cultural performances.

The event will be streamed live at SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts on June 2, at 8 a.m. in the Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema. More information is available here.

Holy fever sweeps church at night

Local event to hold church doors open for all

NightFever participants in Chicago. (Photo Credit: Michael O’Loughlin)

By lighting a candle, Catholic youth will open local church doors for anyone who seeks to enter.

“It all begins with a simple conversation and invitation,” says Christopher Pickup, team leader of the Catholic Christian Outreach at the UBC Campus. “We open wide the doors of the church to anyone with the desire to enter.”

“The goal of NightFever is to give people the opportunity to come to a place of encounter with Jesus Christ,” says Pickup. St. Patrick’s parish will host the event, where volunteers will invite passerbys to light a candle and bring it before the Blessed Sacrament. Their lit candles will be left to burn out as a symbol of the participants’ hopes and prayers, even after they leave. 

With wide open doors and an invitation to anyone, this could be the first time entering a church for some.

Pickup speaks on how NightFever encourages young people to share their own cause for faith with those outside. “At this time Pope Francis has challenged us as a Church to go out to the existential peripheries of our society and to bring the light of Christ to these places.”

NightFever started in Germany, after the 20th World Youth Day in Cologne. Its purpose of welcoming believers and non-believers alike to take some time to adore the Eucharist is a welcome period of prayer.

The NightFever will take place May 29. The main focus of the evening will be prayer and outreach.

Author to demystify sex ed

Educating families on how to enlighten their children

Katrina Zeno at the Indiana Catholic Women’s Conference. (Photo Credit: Mary Ann Garber)

An international speaker will enlighten parents and educators on how to teach children about sex in a virtuous manner.

Katrina Zeno will lead a workshop called “Giving The Talk and Walking the Walk” May 30. She will offer advice on how to promote the virtues of gift and sacrifice, instruct children of various ages, and weather the current “cultural storm” of sex education.

“Katrina has a solid foundation,” said Jody Garneau, the workshop coordinator at St. Anne’s, Abbotsford – where the talk will occur. She said Zeno’s teachings are influenced by her understanding of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body lectures.

“I wanted to bring in Katrina to support families in one of the most difficult and challenging topics they have to face,” Garneau said. “She has a gift for presenting material in a way that the average person can grasp.”

“This workshop is meant to be practical; not just a study session. (Zeno) emphasizes the beauty of the human person and the gift of our sexuality,” Garneau added, explaining Zeno’s teachings on how to weave the language of chastity and self-gift into home and family life.

This will be Zeno’s third visit to Vancouver. She has presented her seminars to women of the Archdiocese and seminarians at Christ the King.

The workshop will take place at St. Ann’s Parish May 30. Admission is by donation and Garneau requests that attendees bring their own lunch. Call 604-856-5602 or email adultfaith@stannsabbotsford.ca to register.

Touring Catholic crypts

Local historians to give tour of cemetery

Funeral of Charle Dohert. (Photo Credit: A Sense of History Research Services Inc.)

St. Peter’s Cemetery buries many mysteries. Historians Archie and Dale Miller work to unearth them all.

“Cemeteries around the world are fascinating microcosms of the communities they are located in,” says Dale. “Not only do they memorialize the individuals interred within their grounds, but they are also places of quiet reflection, prayer, and meditation.”

Dale notes the artistic designs in the New Westminster cemetery emulate an art gallery.

“Grave markers can provide a wealth of information about the history of the community and insight into changing symbols and values of the society represented,” she says, explaining the social value of the cemetery markers, landscape features, and layout.

Many individuals have untold stories, such as Sally Gribble, founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The importance of these forgotten individuals is something both Dale and Archie work to share, through their tours of the grounds.

Captain Owen Browne, a paddle steamer captain in the early 1900, is one such individual. After his death in 1948, “Aloha oe” was inscribed on his grave marker, mystifying friends and family. With the meaning “Farewell to Thee” and originating from the song written by Hawaiian Queen Lili’uokalani, Dale reveals Browne’s Hawaiian ethnicity on his mother’s side. While members of the community were aware of his Tahitian heritage, they were ignorant to his Hawaiian heritage.

These mysteries serve to encourage the pursuit of knowledge of loved ones. They are “a reminder to all of us to get to know our family and friends’ stories better while we have the chance,” says Dale.

Dale and her husband Archie will lead a tour at St. Peter's, located at 150 Richmond St., starting at 2 p.m. June 7 near the cemetery gate.

Thief breaks into The Door Is Open

Drop-in centre keeps its portal ajar

Sister Chita Torres greets guests at The Door Is Open. Despite break-ins, the centre continues to operate. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Two frozen turkeys, jars of peanut butter, and hundreds of cans of tuna have been stolen from The Door Is Open. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Oscar Romero beatified in El Salvador

Pilgrims gather for Archbishop Oscar Romero's beatification Mass in Divine Saviour of the World Square in San Salvador May 23. CNS photo / Oscar Rivera, EPA.

Archbishop Oscar Romero was beatified in El Salvador May 23, with Pope Francis declaring from the Vatican that the martyr's feast day will be March 24, the day "in which he was born into heaven." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Complications of abortion described

Doctor Deborah Zeni. Lukan Yaworski / Prairie Messenger.

Women frequently experience complications from abortion, some of which are serious and long-lasting, but are rarely told of these risks ahead of time, a doctor said. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Irish cast ballots in favour of same-sex unions

Referendum: 62.1 per cent of citizens vote 'Yes' in 42 of 43 constituencies

Celtic cross gravestones seen in Dublin. (Photo credit: Lonely Planet.)

A cardinal's eyes are not smiling after the May 23 referendum in Ireland, in which Irish voters legalized same-sex unions. The result will allow politicians to amend the Irish constitution.

“I was deeply saddened by the result,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.

“The Church must take account of this reality, but in the sense that it must strengthen its commitment to evangelisation. I think that you cannot just talk of a defeat for Christian principles, but of a defeat for humanity.”

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin told reporters:

“We [the Church] have to stop and have a reality check, not move into denial of the realities … I appreciate how gay and lesbian men and women feel on this day. That they feel this is something that is enriching the way they live. I think it is a social revolution.”

The prelate concluded:  

“I ask myself, most of these young people who voted 'yes' are products of our Catholic school system for 12 years. I’m saying there’s a big challenge there to see how we get across the message of the Church.”

Pro-lifer has four months left

Mary Wagner convicted in April, sentenced in May

Mary Wagner

A judge has ruled pro-life activist Mary Wagner will spend four more months behind bars. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Love requires work, not just attraction or feelings, Pope tells couples

Pope Francis accepts an official invitation to visit Montreal from Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 27. The Pope was invited to visit Montreal in 2017 for the city's 375th anniversary. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano, handout.

In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis said the process of engagement is essential for any couple on their way to marriage since it not only allows love to mature, but helps future spouses deepen in knowledge of one another. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ottawa churches to stage 'The Big Give' June 6

Kathy Blakely of Bethel Pentecostal in Ottawa has planned a big giveaway event.Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

On June 6, about 50 churches from a range of denominations will bless their city by giving away everything from fridges and baby cribs to haircuts and hamburgers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Massive cross being built in Karachi

Pakistan's Christian population to gaze at symbol that rises to heaven

A 140-foot tall cross is slowly going up next to a Christian cemetery in Pakistan.
(Photo credit: Tim Craig / The Washington Post.)

A businessman claims that God told him to build a fascinating project: a cross that will be higher than an average town's office buildings.

Parvez Henry Gill awoke with a start four years ago. "I said, 'I am going to build a big cross, higher than any in the world, in a Muslim country.'"

Actually, this cross will not be the tallest.  Regardless, Gill said, it will be a "symbol of God, and everyone who sees this will be worry-free."

For more, check our Tim Craig's article at The Washington Post's website.

Speakers share moving personal stories

Baby boy given very small chance of surviving after birth

Bishop Gary Gordon of Victoria addresses the crowd from the front steps of the legislature in Victoria May 14. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

An unborn boy who was given less than a 10 per cent chance of survival outside the womb is now a happy toddler. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Archbishop works to rebuild Syrian Church amid destruction

Syrian citizens clear streets in late April after shelling in Aleppo. CNS photo / Syrian Arab News Agency handout via Reuters.

A four-year civil war in Syria has left a mounting death toll and displaced millions of persons, but one bishop is staying to rebuild the Church in Aleppo, in the northwest corner of the country. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishops want in on assisted suicide consultation

Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, centre, and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, right, after a Mass in October 2014. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has written to the Justice Minister requesting the bishops be included in consultations regarding "assisted suicide" legislation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Show your love for Our Lady at Our Lady of Mercy

Parishioners will parade on high school track and recite the Rosary

The front of Our Lady of Mercy Church. (Photo Credit: Alistair Irving / Special to The B.C. Catholic).

A Marian procession will offer a Burnaby parish a wonderful opportunity to unite and show their love for the Blessed Mother.

“The procession is something that brings many families together,” added Father Nicolas Tumbelaka, the parish priest. During his own childhood in Indonesia, he happily participated in a similar procession.

“I want to give the same opportunity to the children” at Our Lady of Mercy, he says. “The procession shows love for the Blessed Mother, honour for her, and builds community.”

The procession will occur outside Our Lady of Mercy Church (7455 10th Ave., Burnaby) after the 11 a.m. Mass May 31.

The congregation will recite decades of the rosary in different languages while going around the track field at St. Thomas More Collegiate.

Father Tumbelaka hopes parishioners and those interested in attending will bring food for the potluck lunch. For more, phone the parish office at 604-522-5733.

Also at Our Lady of Mercy, the youth of the parish performed in a concert called “So Young, So Bright." Melanie Arinzol, a parish youth coordinator said the "Youth for Christ, the Core Choir, our young Indonesian youths, and many more” performed.

Classes offer chance for Christians to find hope

Sessions to help people experience Jesus in their relationships & sexuality 

Journey Canada's logo. (Photo credit: Journey Program Society Canada).

  
With all of its modern conveniences, society makes it harder to keep a strong relationship with God and yourself. Fortunately, there’s a class for that. Journey Canada is an organization with the goal of helping people find hope and live life through the experience of Jesus. The six sessions are:

Designed for people undergoing or wishing to undergo the process of healing, the program is a community-based ministry to help people find hope and live life through Jesus. It offers “hope, healing and wholeness to those in despair, crisis, and confusion.”

Journey 101 is a new program at the Richmond Pentecostal Church.  More information is available at journey101@journeycanada.org or 604-301-1470.