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.

Pope Francis invited to Downtown Eastside

Interfaith group signed and mailed letter

Volunteers hand out sandwiches to Downtown Eastside residents. Pope Francis has received
an invitation to visit the area. (Photo: Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic)

Members of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and native communities have co-written a letter asking Pope Francis to visit Vancouver's poorest neighbourhood.

"Vancouver is one of the world's most beautiful cities with much wealth - yet its urban core has large, growing numbers of people who are homeless and who have mental disabilities," writes the Feb. 19 letter.

"Your presence and message will bring a spotlight internationally to those concerns."

They have not yet received a response from the Vatican. Read the full letter here.

Korean nuns encourage converts to Catholicism

Sister Theresa Kim says she fell in love with God at first sight, then discerned His will over three years

Caption: Sisters Theresa Kim (left), Agnes Park, and Maria Park of St. Paul de Chartes, in St. Andrew Kim Church in Surrey. The three religious teach anywhere from 60 to 100 people in catechism classes, guide a large youth group, and train altar servers. "God is guiding us into His plan," declared Sister Agnes Park. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

A trio of grey-clad nuns from a French order has imparted divine wisdom to their 60 catechism students: a desire to delve into Catholicism 101. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Patrick: the saint who knew what it was like to be a slave

This stained-glass window depicting St. Patrick is in the chapel at the pastoral centre of the Diocese of Rochester, N.Y. CNS photo / Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier.

Many know that St. Patrick, bishop and missionary to Ireland, was once a slave, but few know of his heartfelt plea on behalf of girls and boys abducted into slavery. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Niqab debate ignites Ottawa and divides Catholic opinion

Iain Benson made arguments before the Supreme Court in a religious liberty case involving Catholic parents. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

A debate over the niqab, a face-veil worn by some Muslim women, which was ignited in Ottawa the week of March 9, has prompted some differences of opinion among Catholics and Muslims. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Voices on tour

Trip aims to shed light on assisted suicide

Caption: Peter Nation, head of Catholic Voices Canada. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A non-profit educational group has embarked on a tour to help ordinary lay people speak their minds about physician-assisted suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

'Smear campaign' pushes Knights out of St. Patrick's Day parade

Students from St. Ann Catholic School celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Fair Lawn, N.J., a few days early: March 13. CNS photo / Octavio Duran.

The Massachusetts Knights of Columbus withdrew from the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston on Sunday, saying that their motives for participating in the parade, which this year included a gay activist group, have been misrepresented. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prayer helped nun overcome obstacles to consecrated life

Sister Lorraine Desjardins, SCO, General Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, stands in the foyer of the congregation's motherhouse in Ottawa next to a mural depicting its history. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

When Sister Lorraine Desjardins, SCO was growing up in Kapuskasing, Ontario, she yearned to enter religious life but faced one major obstacle: her parents opposed the move. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Knights uphold Marian devotion in B.C, Yukon

State deputy says this year's focus is the Immaculate Conception

Four identical reproductions of a Marian painting that bear the Pope's apostolic blessing are touring across B.C. and the Yukon, from parish to parish. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Don't kill the disabled!

Pope Francis greets a disabled person during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican March 4. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) See POPE-AUDIENCE March 4, 2015.

A physician-assisted suicide bill in Maryland preys on those who are vulnerable or disabled, and promotes suicide as an acceptable solution to life's problems, said critics testifying before the state's lawmakers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sister Helen Prejean delivers Nash Lecture

Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ. Frank Flegel / Prairie Messenger (CCN).

Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, did not experience poverty as a child or young adult but she now spends most of her time living and working among the poor in New Orleans and as a spiritual advisor to inmates on death row. It was in this latter capacity that she came to Regina, March 5, as this year's Nash Lecturer, named after the first president of Campion College, University of Regina, Rev. Peter Nash, SJ. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Social activist urges support for starved farmers

Father Edwin Gariguez launches campaign to provide land, teach sustainable farming practices

Father Edwin Gariguez of Caritas Philippines launches a Share Lent campaign, called Sow Much Love To Give, at St. Patrick's Parish hall Feb. 18. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A priest who was once on the Philippine military's hit list as an anti-mining activist has turned a spotlight to another social justice project. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Archbishop Romero to be beatified May 23

Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador is seen in an undated photo working in an improvised radio studio in Salvadoran capital. CNS photo / Octavio Duran.

May 23 will be the beatification date for El Salvador's Archbishop Oscar Romero, an outspoken advocate for the poor and repressed who was martyred in 1980 while celebrating Mass. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Somerville urges politicians to show 'backbone'

Palliative care physician Dr. Harvey Chochinov says people's will to live is associated with the level of physical pain they are experiencing. Also shown are panel moderator Conservative MP Stella Ambler and McGill University ethicist Margaret Somerville.

Speaking on a euthanasia panel March 7, Margaret Somerville urged Parliament to set up a Royal Commission to investigate the implications of the recent Supreme Court's Carter decision. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

B.C. Court of Appeal rules in right-to-eat case

Family may now appeal to the Supreme Court

Dr. Williard Johnston.

The B.C. Court of Appeal has ruled that a care home in Abbotsford must continue spoon-feeding 83-year-old Margot Bentley. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope Francis carries his late grandma's words with him every day

Pope Francis listens to a woman while greeting the disabled during his general audience. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis said Wednesday that the elderly play a key role in the lives of youth, and revealed that he still keeps the letter his grandmother wrote him for his ordination in his daily prayer book. For http://www.bccatholic.ca/component/content/article/1-latest-news/4869-pope-francis-carries-his-late-grandmas-words-with-him-every-day see The B.C. Catholic website.

Assyrians fear the end is coming in the Mideast

Archbishop Mar Emmanuel Yosip of the Assyrian Church of the East in Canada said some historians call his a "martyred Church." Michael Swan / Catholic Register.

Some 300 Assyrian Christians were kidnapped by ISIS as it swept up Syria's Al Khabour River in late February, quickly taking village after village. Assyrian-Canadians are living a recurring bad dream. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Musicians make a joyful noise at local conference

A Guy and a Girl perform at Vancouver Convention Centre, hope to record music by the summer

Kathleen Dunn (on keyboard) and Jesse LeBlanc (on guitar) sing with musical guests at the One Conference Feb. 14. The pair, members of St. Joseph's Parish in Langley, usually perform under the name A Guy and a Girl. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

It's an internal joy that drives musicians Jesse LeBlanc and Kathleen Dunn to perform upbeat, folk-inspired tunes. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Are kids just as well off with same-sex parents? Maybe not, studies say

A woman holds a sign in support of traditional marriage in late June 2014 on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington. CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn.

The idea that children raised in same-sex households fare as well as children of married opposite-sex couples may not withstand scrutiny, according to a recent collection of studies. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Massimo Faggioli discusses Vatican II

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Philippines, a talk on the final document of Vatican II, released nearly 50 years ago, in December 1965. CNS photo / Ed Pfueller, The Catholic University of America.

The Second Vatican Council is an event that has more in common with a liturgy rather than with "a printing machine of documents," says Church historian Massimo Faggioli. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ministry coordinator carries on her sister's legacy

Paulina Weslowski strives to reach out to 500 temporary farm workers in Langley Township

Paulina Weslowski (front row, left) poses with farm workers and friends at a Christmas dinner for migrants. She took up the ministry at St. Joseph's Church in Langley in 2012 after her sister Grace Rees, who pioneered the program, died of cancer. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

The migrant ministry coordinator at St. Joseph's Church in Langley says she does it all for her sister. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Anti-Christian harassment a global problem

An Israeli man inspects a Greek Orthodox seminary in Jerusalem in February after a fire damaged the facility and anti-Christian graffiti was found at the scene of what Israeli police said could be a hate crime. CNS photo / Ammar Awad, Reuters.

Christian groups lead the world in a sobering statistic: they suffer harassment in more countries than any other religious group. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Lenten fast calls us to serve others

Suheir Saliba, left, who is Catholic, eats cheese products to break the Lenten fast with her husband's Greek Orthodox family on Easter in Jifna, West Bank, in April. Christian families in the Holy Land often have members of several different religious de nominations. CNS photo / Debbie Hill.

Fasting is an essential part of Lent. To many, fasting means giving up some delicious treat. Maybe it is chocolate. Wine before dinner. Something we find yummy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Students brainstorm for a kinder world

Like the Amazing Spider-Man, 120 youth learn that effective leadership requires responsible actions

Pupils from 14 Catholic schools gather in the St. Helen's Elementary gym during the first Student Council and Leadership Conference. "Give student leaders boldness to defend the weak and hurting," they prayed. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

A dynamic duo of educators at St. Helen's Elementary School saw their initiative become reality when 120 pupils gathered to learn how to be faithful stewards. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Alabama Supreme Court orders halt on 'gay marriage' licences

People wave banners as they demonstrate against France's planned legalization of same-sex marriage in Paris in 2013. Heads of Catholic bishops' conferences in France and Spain warned that the promotion of gay marriage could threaten social peace. CNS photo / Benoit Tessier, Reuters.

The Alabama Supreme Court on Tuesday night halted the illegal distribution of marriage licences to people of the same sex, setting up a potential constitutional conflict with a federal judge who imposed "gay marriage" on the state. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholics line up for Day of Confessions

Pope Benedict XVI sits in a temporary confessional as he offers the sacrament of reconciliation at World Youth Day in Madrid in 2011. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters.

Doors of the Edmonton Archdiocese's Catholic churches opened all day Feb. 24, some even into the evening, to invite people in to partake of the sacrament of reconciliation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

UBC buys 770-year-old papal document

Academics study decree which was issued at First Council of Lyons in 1245

History professor Richard Pollard studies a papal bull that was issued by Pope Innocent IV and 13 cardinals in Lyons in 1245. He points out a small cross that the Pope drew himself nearly 800 years ago. The parchment is now stored in a vault at the university. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

It may be the oldest existing papal document in Canada. UBC recently acquired a 770-year old papal bull signed and sealed by Pope Innocent IV. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Benedict's resignation remembered; Pope became a pilgrim

Pope Francis greets retired Pope Benedict XVI at the start of a consistory at which Pope Francis created 20 new cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Feb. 14. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Two years after his historic resignation from the papacy, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's presence continues to be felt by those around him as he keeps his promise to remain in quiet and prayerful service to the Church and the world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Tories quash Liberal attempt to fast-track euthanasia law

U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature and a former archbishop of St. Louis, speaks to a man during a pro-life demonstration in St. Peter's Square. Catholic politicians and judges who support laws in conflict with Church teaching on abortion, euthanasia, marriage, and related issues commit "sacrilege" and cause "grave scandal" if they receive Communion, the cardinal told an international conference of pro-life organizations. CNS photo / Katarzyna Artymiak.

Conservative MPs quashed a potentially caucus-dividing Liberal motion to fast-track legislation on "physician assisted suicide" Feb. 24 by a vote of 146-132. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ukrainian Catholics welcome new priest to Prince George

Father Iurii Tychenok wants to set up a catechetical school, plans to listen carefully to his flock of 70

Seminarian Mykhailo Ozorovych (left), Maria Tychenok, her husband Father Iurii Tychenok, and their sons Yuriy and Sviatoslav, in Prince George Jan. 2. Photo submitted.

After six months without a resident priest, Prince George's Ukrainian Catholics welcomed a new pastor at the airport with traditional gifts of salt and bread. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope slams culture of waste

A Vatican policeman helps a young girl who strayed into a restricted area during Pope Francis' general audience in St. Peter's Square March 4. Also in the picture is a Swiss Guard. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In his general audience Pope Francis condemned modern society for silently disposing of the elderly, saying that a civilization which views them only as burdensome is 'perverse' and ill. For full story  see The B.C. Catholic website.

French pro-lifer headlines COLF seminar

A nun and other pro-life activists demonstrate in front the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, in 2009. CNS photo / Vincent Kessler, Reuters.

An organizer of recent massive pro-family and pro-life demonstrations in France will headline the Catholic Organization for Life and Family's (COLF) annual seminar March 19-20. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

College invites aspiring schoolteachers

Superintendent Doug Lauson says new BA program 'fills a void'

Douglas Pham, a student at Corpus Christi College, was one of the first to apply for the new program, designed for students who want to teach in Catholic schools. It will begin in September at St. Mark's College. St. Mark's College / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

St. Mark's College is offering a new program for students who want to become teachers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Also newly posted:

Largest pro-life event in Canada announces its theme

The 2014 National March for Life drew over 20,000 people. File photo (CCN).

Campaign Life Coalition has announced "Let Life Win" is the theme of the 2015 National March for Life May 14 in Ottawa. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Armenian saint made Doctor of the Church: Pope

In the 10th century, St. Gregory of Narek took holy orders at 25 years old

St. Gregory of Narek wrote many prayers that the Armenian Church still uses.
(Photo credit: Vatican handout) 

Pope Francis has named an Armenian saint the 36th Doctor of the Church. St. Gregory of Narek "is widely revered as one of the greatest figures of medieval Armenian religious thought and literature," according to Vatican Radio.

Bishop opens beatification cause for Chiara Lubich

Focolare members continue to promote ecumenical and interfaith dialogue as their foundress did

Chiara Lubich.

A local advocate for interfaith dialogue was thrilled to find out her role model and mentor might be beatified. Marjeta Bobnar, the archdiocesan coordinator for ecumenical and interfaith relations, had eyes glued to the screen when a ceremony launched Chiara Lubich's beatification cause Jan. 27. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Energetic priest jigs north of 60

Priest hails late Catholic artist

In 1994 Father John Tritschler used a snowmobile to drag logs near the small town of Colville Lake, N.W.T. The priest was helping a Catholic artist repair a dock. Courtesy of Father John Tritschler.

A priest who became an Internet sensation around the Arctic Circle has flown back to the Northwest Territories a month before retirement. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Catholic authorities optimistic about new sex ed curriculum

Youth leaders lead a presentation on abstinence and the theology of the body during a Catholic youth fest at St. Anthony's High School in South Huntington, N.Y., in this 2007 file photo. Young teens given an abstinence-only message are significantly more likely to delay having sex than those who receive a "complete" sex education. CNS photo / Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic.

Several pro-family groups have expressed dismay over Ontario's new sex education curriculum released Feb. 23, but Catholic authorities remain optimistic Catholic teaching is protected. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.