Two religious groups say goodbye to Lower Mainland

Archdiocese thanks sisters for 160 combined years of missionary & retreat work

Sister Cecilia Hong, MIC, (left), Sister Zenaide Correia, MIC, Sister Marie-Paule Sanfacon, MIC, Sister Monica Kaufer, RC, Sister Monette Ouellette, MIC, Sister Pam Falkowski, RC, and Sister Sylvia Dupuis, MIC, cut a cake as part of farewell celebrations in Rosary Hall Jan. 12. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

After 160 combined years of service to Vancouver, two religious congregations are packing up and moving to serve other cities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Also recently posted:


Bishop sees movement away from 'culture of death' in Europe

People wave trademark pink, bluem and white flags during a protest march called "La Manif pour Tous" (Demonstration for All) against France's legalization of same-sex marriage in Paris in May 2013. CNS photo / Stephane Mahe, Reuters.

A series of recent pro-life and pro-marriage events show that Europe is reacting against the "culture of death," said Bishop Juan Antonio Reig Pla of Alcala de Henares in Spain. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Funds sought to aid pregnant women in conflict zones

Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, greets attendees at an international conference on women's health care and the dignity of motherhood sponsored by MaterCare International at the Vatican in 2011. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

MaterCare International has issued a code blue alert for pregnant women in conflict zones around the world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

'Superpope' artist acclaims Pope Francis as a true hero

Picture will not last long because of the way it was made

A man walks past a large drawing of Pope Francis depicting him as a superhero on a wall near the Vatican Jan. 29. The Argentine pope is shown taking off into the air with his right fist clenched in a classic Superman style. CNS photo / Robert Duncan.

Artist Mauro Pallotta revealed that his viral depiction of Pope Francis as a superhero was done to portray how the Pontiff uses his papal authority "for the good." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Federal government sues Catholic entities involved in residential schools

Grouard-McLennan Archbishop Gerard Pettipas shown on Parliament Hill in 2008, the day of Prime Minister Harper's historic apology for Indian residential schools. CCN photo.

The federal government is suing Catholic entities involved in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement for over $1.5 million in contested funds. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vancouver high school to add new wing

After years of waiting, the second phase of Notre Dame Regional Secondary School's campus upgrade is beginning. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Trinity Western to open faith-based law school

Sixty students expected to enter the 'paper chase' in 2016; fundraising for new building not announced

Robert Kuhn, TWU president and graduate of UBC law school, stated, "There is room in this pluralistic country for an excellent legal education provided in a Christian context." Trinity Western University.

Trinity Western University, an evangelical institution, received permission one month ago from the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education to set up a law school. This came two days after the university won preliminary approval from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Opus Dei bishop's beatification set for Madrid

Bishop Alvaro del Portillo is pictured in an undated photo. CNS photo / courtesy of Opus Dei Information Office.

Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, the second leader of Opus Dei, will be beatified in his birthplace of Madrid on Sept. 27, the Vatican has announced. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Gathering of faiths held at St. Michael's

Panellists taking part in the annual gathering of the three faiths governing St. Michael's Retreat House included, from the left, Evangelical Lutheran Bishop for Saskatchewan Cindy Halmarson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle Rob Hardwick, Friar Dennis Vavrek and Brett Salkeld. Frank Flegel / Prairie Messenger.

Ecumenism and the growth of Christian Churches co-operating and working together has accelerated in the past 50 years, according to panellists taking part in the annual gathering of the three faiths governing St. Michael's Retreat House. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Faithful donate $9 million in aid

Local Catholics give $1.1 million for typhoon relief efforts

Typhoon Haiyan survivors decorate a Christmas tree amid the rubble of destroyed houses in Tacloban, Philippines, Dec. 17. Canadian Catholics raised millions of dollars to support ongoing relief efforts. Erik De Castro / Reuters / CNS.

Parishes across the country have raised more than $9 million for relief efforts in the Philippines, since an estimated 6,000-plus people died and millions were displaced as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Also newly posted:


Pope advances eight causes for canonization

Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, addresses Pope Francis during a canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in this May 12, 2013, file photo. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Catholic Press Photo.

During a Monday meeting with the head of the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the "heroic virtue" of eight Servants of God, which now allows their public veneration. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Flu, despite innoculation, can hit hard

Yes, she did get her flu shot. She does each and every year. Her three children too, but Kathleen Nguyen, sacrament education co-ordinator for the Edmonton Archdiocese, was burning the candle at both ends of the day before Christmas break. On Dec. 16 she noticed she was tired, faint, fuzzy headed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The cost of sainthood

Congregation for Saints' Causes announces plan to contain fees

People visit the tomb of Blessed John XXIII in St. Peter's
Basilica at the Vatican. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)

Plenty of historical, theological, and medical research is involved the Church's thorough process of investigating someone's life and declaring them a saint. Ever wonder how much that costs?

Having a holy son or daughter formally recognized as a saint by the universal church could easily cost a quarter of a million dollars. But experts say the church isn't selling halos; it's compensating professionals doing serious research, so that a pope can solemnly declare his certainty a person is in heaven.

U.S. Catholic officials traditionally have used $250,000 as a benchmark for the cost of a cause from the initial investigation on a diocesan level to a canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"The costs are relatively low compared to what similar services would cost in the real world," Father Marc Lindeijer, SJ, said.

Where does this money go, anyway? Read the full article here.

New emblem connects prelate's past and future

Symbols point out Bishop Hagemoen's legacy in Vancouver

The official Coat of Arms of Bishop Mark Hagemoen

The new bishop of Mackenzie - Fort Smith has a coat of arms that joins his legacy as a priest with his new post as shepherd in the Canadian north. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope: receive God's gifts with a generous heart

Pope Francis greets people as rain falls during his general audience in St. Peter's Square Jan. 22. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis dedicated his general audience today to the topic of Christian unity, emphasizing that although divisions can be painful, we ought to be grateful for the gifts given to other denominations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic family urges national strategy for dementia

Recent family picture showing Matt and Lisa Dineen and their children Justin, 13, Rebecca,11 and Peter, 9. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Two years ago Matt Dineen did not realize something physical was terribly wrong with his wife, then 42; he thought his marriage was on the rocks. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth are a big priority for prelate

Bishop made a mark in youth ministry

Msgr. Mark Hagemoen (centre) snowshoes with students from Corpus Christi College on one of the North Shore mountains. Photo submitted.

The former head of Corpus Christi and St. Mark's Colleges, now the director of a far larger body, the diocese of Mackenzie - Fort Smith, plans to continue reaching young people in his new role. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope Francis tweets support, prays for U.S. pro-life march

In 2013 Pope Benedict XVI tweeted, "I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life." CNS photo / Vatican.

Pope Francis sent a tweet offering support for the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., praying that all human life would be valued. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

National March for Life to concentrate on abortion drug

Last year's March for Life drew about 20,000 people. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) has chosen "RU-4Life" as the theme for the National March for Life May 8 to combat abortion drug RU-484 now being tested in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Award recipient came from devout Catholic family

Angus Reid came back to B.C. after some time in Winnipeg

Angus Reid was one of five recipients of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice after the Mass at the close of the Year of Faith Nov. 24 at Holy Rosary Cathedral. The cross is the highest honour the Pope gives lay people. Reid spoke to The B.C. Catholic about faith in the workplace and why faith-based leadership matters. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Also newly posted:


Papal visit to Holy Land to focus on ecumenism with Orthodox

Christian churches are seen near Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where tradition holds Jesus was baptized. Pope Francis will make his first trip to the Holy Land as Pontiff May 24-26. He will visit Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. CNS photo / Tom Tracy.

Pope Francis's pilgrimage to the Holy Land in May will centre on an encounter with Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Eastern Orthodox Archbishop of Constantinople, and their discussions on ecumenism. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ice storm strengthens parish unity

A church is seen through icy tree limbs after a powerful wintry storm wreaked havoc on trees and utility lines, leaving many people without electricity for days. CNS photo / Jay Nies.

Midway through January a number of Toronto area churches were still cleaning up from the ice storm that had swept across the region just days before Christmas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hagemoen family recalls bishop's younger years

Young Mark showed adventurous, competitive spirit when hiking, playing basketball, skiing

Bishop Mark Hagemoen's parents Myra (left) and Eric Hagemoen, brother Dan Hagemoen (second from right) and aunt Mary Hagemoen (right) attend his ordination in Yellowknife. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen acquired his reputation as a tireless hiker, a competitive athlete, and a leader before he was called to the priesthood, his family said as they reflected on his childhood. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Fidelity urged amid Seattle school's 'gay marriage' controversy

Eastside Catholic High School students display signs during a rally in support of the school's former vice principal, Mark Zmuda, outside the Archdiocese of Seattle chancery building Dec. 20. CNS photo / David Ryder, Reuters.

Controversy over a Seattle-area Catholic school's treatment of employees who contract so-called "same-sex marriages" is being described as a chance for the school to explain Church teaching and defend the faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Conservative MP prepares to advance Nordic model

Mercy Sister Anne Fleming leads a prayer for victims of human trafficking on Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Detroit a year ago. CNS photo / Jim West.

Conservative MP Joy Smith says she hopes to convince her colleagues on both sides of the aisle the so-called Nordic model is the best way to replace Canada's prostitution laws. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prelates reveal how a priest becomes a bishop

After a long, confidential selection process, Pope Francis chose Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Father Mark Hagemoen (in purple) sings with a group of priests during Mass before his episcopal ordination Dec. 15. The apostolic nuncio, the Holy See, and various bishops examined the clergyman's qualities before he was appointed a bishop. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

While celebrating the installation of a brother bishop, some prelates paused to explain the behind-the-scenes of the selection process and why they think Bishop Hagemoen is a good fit for the job. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Hundreds of churches will be shutting their doors in the Netherlands, report says

A deacon blesses a dog at Sacred Heart Church in Schiedam, Netherlands, Oct. 4. With many church buildings being shut, blessings like this may have to go outdoors. CNS photo / Jerry Lampen, Reuters.

Hundreds of Catholic churches in the Netherlands will likely fall into disuse by 2018, according to a recent report by a group aimed at protecting Dutch religious heritage buildings. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. John Cathedral plans to spend $10 million

A tourist takes a photograph in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem after UNESCO declared the church an endangered World Heritage sites to expedite funding for repairs. Unfortunately there is no UNESCU funding for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, which is old by Canadian standards, but only a fraction of the age of the Church of the Nativity. CNS photo / Ammar Awad, Reuters.

In Saint John, N.B., restoring the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is as much about preserving the local heritage as it is about saving a church. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

450 years after his birth, Galileo still remembered

'He was a devout Catholic' – Vatican astronomer

A painting of Galileo Galilei, who died in 1642.

Galileo Galilei was an Italian scientist who publicly defended his belief that the solar system was heliocentric – that the earth revolved around the sun.

He was eventually tried by the Holy Office of the Catholic Church and the case is a landmark for science vs. religion.

Brother Guy Consolmagno, the Coordinator for Public Relations of the Vatican Observatory, recently told Vatican Radio:

“When Pope Urban VIII criticized Galileo, it wasn’t from the point of view of being a Pope, but from the point of view of being a professional philosopher, who had studied the stuff as much as Galileo had!”

Yet, Galileo was:

"A devout Catholic. He obeyed what the Church asked him to do. Even though in retrospect we can look back and realize what the Church asked was unreasonable, he did it. His two daughters were both nuns; he never married their mom, but that’s a different issue!”

Read the full article here.

Pope invokes words of Great War's Vicar of Christ

Benedict XV held up as positive example to Holy See diplomats

Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922) tried numerous peace offensives during the First World War. 

Pope Francis greeted over 180 diplomats accredited to the Holy See Jan. 13. His remarks were mainly on war-torn areas, including South Sudan and Syria; the Pontiff also used the words of another Holy Father from a century ago:

"Everywhere, the way to resolve open questions must be that of diplomacy and dialogue. This is the royal road already indicated with utter clarity by Pope Benedict XV when he urged the leaders of the European nations to make 'the moral force of law' prevail over the 'material force of arms' in order to end that 'needless carnage' which was the First World War, whose centenary occurs this year.

What is needed is courage 'to go beyond the surface of the conflict' and to consider others in their deepest dignity, so that unity will prevail over conflict and it will be 'possible to build communion amid disagreement.'"

Vatican Radio interviews Bishop Hagemoen

Natives possess a 'tremendous depth of spirituality'

(Photo credit: Vincent L. Chan / BCC Archives)

After his episcopal ordination as the bishop of Mackenzie–Fort Smith, Vatican Radio spoke to Canada's newest prelate. The bishop pointed out that:

"The north is a place of tremendous blessing...but it is also a place where one needs to be aware that the quiet and emptiness of the north…is holy and, in a good sense, wonderfully terrible.

You hear God’s voice and you confront yourself in a whole new, profound way. If you will, the silence shouts out at you. So, I’m looking forward to…that experience and to the next path of growth and holiness that the Lord calls not only myself but the diocese that I’m called to serve there.”

Listen to the full interview here.

Maltese Catholic schools face inconvenient truth

Islander institutions now receive electricity through solar panels

Elementary students from St. Monica's school in Malta plant trees. (Photo credit: St. Monica's School.)

According to Vatican Radio, 13 Catholic schools in Malta are now powered by the sun.
Photovoltaic panels have been installed to reduce carbon emissions by a total of 512 tonnes per year.

Over a period of 18 months, more than 1,500 photovoltaic (solar) panels were installed on the roofs of 12 schools and intelligent lighting systems, which include light controllers and motion detectors, were installed in three schools. 

A statement on the website of the Maltese bishops indicates that the Maltese Islands are almost entirely dependent on non-renewable energy sources for electricity. The goal of the Green Energy Schools Project was to reduce the schools’ dependency on such sources and to become more economically and environmentally sustainable. A third goal was to act as a catalyst and to move other institutions to follow suit. 

Read the full article here.

Three Notre Dame students receive prestigious honour

Justin DeSiena, Dominic Ferreira, and Stefano Toffoletto kayak their way to Duke of Edinburgh awards

Notre Dame Secondary students Justin DeSiena, Dominic Ferreira, and Stefano Toffoletto pose alongside their kayaks. Photo submitted.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which exist to inspire youth development, require participants to show achievement in four categories: service, applied skills, athletics, and outdoor adventures. The fourth area presents a difficulty: the adventure must be undertaken under the sponsorship of a qualified supervisor. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Study finds contraceptives boost breast cancer risk

U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius strongly support contraceptive use, despite studies indicating it leads to higher rates of breast cancer. CNS photo / Larry Downing, Reuters.

A study by doctors in India suggests that women who regularly use oral contraceptives face a risk of developing beast cancer almost 10 times as high as other women. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canada gets key role in Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Pope Benedict XVI leads an ecumenical evening prayer service at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome Jan. 25. The service concluded the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

When Bishop Don Bolen of Regina suggested St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verse 13, as the starting point for this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, not everybody on the Canadian writing team jumped on board. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Rebuilding homes, rebuilding lives

ANCOP Canada helps victims of typhoon Haiyan in Central Philippines

A survivor of Typhoon Haiyan decorates a Christmas tree placed along a street in Tacloban, Philippines, Dec. 20. Typhoon Haiyan reduced almost everything in its path to rubble when it swept ashore in the central Philippines Nov. 8, killing more than 6,000 people and displacing more than 4 million. CNS photo / Romeo Ranoco, Reuters.

When the television showed the devastation left by super typhoon Haiyan when it hit the central Philippines Nov. 8, my heart went out to my countrymen. I also feared for our friends who had left Manila to start a business in Tacloban, Leyte, the area most badly hit. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:


Drastic increase in murders of religious, missionaries in 2013

Salvadorans gather at a candlelight service to commemorate the anniversary of the 1989 killing of six Jesuits, their housekeeper, and her daughter during El Salvador's civil war. Now 2013 has proved also to be a bad year for violence. CNS photo / Luis Galdamez, Reuters.

The Church throughout the world has experienced increased violence in the past year, according to a recent global report on the murders of priests, religious, and lay faithful. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


King's separates from London diocese

Two women from London, Ont., hold an image of Mary as they attend a religious event. The Catholic college in their diocese is now legally separate from the diocese, but some seats on its board of directors will still be occupied by clergy. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

King's University College at London, Ontario's, Western University is walking into its 60th anniversary as a newly incorporated institution separate from the diocese of London. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Building trust a key to evangelization, says CCO's vice president

U.S. study shows only 30 per cent of Catholics still practising as adults

CCO Vice President Brett Powell speaks on the importance of building trust. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Building trust is a key to evangelizing in a post-modern society where the Christian message is no longer trusted says Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) vice president Brett Powell. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also posted recently:


South Sudanese Christians call for end to violence

People walk past razor wire Jan. 7 at Tomping camp, where thousands of displaced people who fled their homes are sheltered by the United Nations near Juba, South Sudan. A bishop from South Sudan says the recent violence in the country is the result of a power struggle within the ruling party. CNS photo / James Akena, Reuters.

Christian leaders in South Sudan have responded to new violence with a call for peace and reconciliation, urging their countrymen to reject efforts to sow division along ethnic lines. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope changes the rules for 'monsignor' title

Limitations might combat the temptation to careerism

Pope Francis walks in procession followed by Msgr. Peter
B. Wells at St. Peter's Basilica. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

Now, diocesan priests hoping to be honoured with the title of Monsignor have to wait until they are at least 65, thanks to a change in the rules by Pope Francis.

Of the three grades of monsignor -- apostolic protonotary, honorary prelate of His Holiness and chaplain of His Holiness -- only the last will be available to diocesan priests who meet the new age requirement.

Archbishop Vigano's letter did not give a reason for the change, but Pope Francis has often warned clergy against the temptations of careerism and personal ambition.

Of course, the change is not retroactive. Current Monsignors under 65 will stay Monsignors.

Read the full story from Catholic News Service.

Pope confirms Canucks

Cardinal Ouellet has already held his position for over a year

Brazilian Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro (left) shakes hands with Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, after giving a presentation at a gathering of bishops and church leaders at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City Nov. 16. The leaders from the Americas met Nov. 16-19 to discuss the new evangelization in the Americas. CNS photo / David Maung.

The Holy Father confirmed Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the former Archbishop of Quebec, as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops Dec. 16. Then, three days later, Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, the former Archbishop of Montreal, was appointed to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope prays for upcoming Synod of Bishops

A child holds a flag with an image of Pope Francis as he leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 29, the feast of the Holy Family. CNS photo / Max Rossi, Reuters.

In his Angelus address given on the feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis prayed especially for the approaching Synod of Bishops which will discuss pastoral challenges to the family. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The death of Christ is the source of life says Archbishop Lacroix

Quebec Archbishop Gerald Lacroix speaks at CCO Rise Up 2013 in Ottawa Dec. 30. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Quebec Archbishop Gerald Cyprien Lacroix revealed to young Catholic missionaries Dec. 30 how the death of Jesus Christ is not only interesting but necessary to salvation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prelates hail apostolic nuncio as 'friend to all' citizens

Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi to assume new duties; no date yet for installation in Ottawa

A new prelate familiar with Canada will represent the Holy See in the country. Pope Francis selected Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi as the new apostolic nuncio Dec. 18; the role of nuncio is equal to that of ambassador. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Confession hugely popular at CCO Rise Up

After the second talk by Sister Miriam Heidland, SOLT, keynote speaker at CCO Rise Up 2013, hundreds lined up to go to confession.

Talks by a young nun prompted hundreds of young people to line up for confession Dec. 29 at Catholic Christian Outreach's (CCO) 25th anniversary CCO Rise Up conference. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope urges faithful to remember 'glorious hope' of Baptism

Pope Francis holds a personalized jersey given by a person in the crowd as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square Jan. 8. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the importance of the Sacrament of Baptism, stressing that it is a gift which incorporates us into the body of Christ and impels us to evangelize. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Baby Jesus statue stolen from North Van church

RCMP look for clues at St. Pius X Parish

(Parishioner Kevin Smith and his daughter Charlotte gaze at the empty manger outside St. Pius X Church
Photo credit: Mike Wakefield, North Shore News.)

Unfortunately a New Year's Grinch has caused consternation at a North Van parish. At St. Pius X Parish, the manger that used to hold a baby Jesus statue is now empty.

“Our (RCMP) members, along with 15 others from the parish, searched the surrounding wooded areas with negative results. We’re certainly advising our members to be on the lookout for it,” said Cpl. Richard De Jong, North Vancouver RCMP spokesman. “We’re hoping someone, out of good conscience, returns it to its rightful manger.”

Read the full article here.

Two religious groups to leave B.C.

MIC members opened Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in 1946

Sister Eva Marie Caselton (left), Mother Fletcher, and Sister Monica Kaufer, pictured in September 1967 in Vancouver. Sister Kaufer had just arrived from Seattle. BCC file photo.

Declining numbers and rising needs in other cities have two religious congregations saying goodbye to Vancouver after many decades of service. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.



Also newly posted:

2013 Year in review from Ottawa

Langley MP Mark Warawa, whose gendercide Motion 408 was deemed not votable, greets the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

As 2013 began, Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence was already weeks into her hunger strike and Idle No More protests had sprung up across Canada. Though the meeting she demanded between the Prime Minister Stephen Harper and First Nations leaders took place Jan. 11, other leaders boycotted it as about 1,000 protestors gathered on Parliament Hill. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope Francis announces pilgrimage to Holy Land

Rabbi Michael Melchior watches as Pope John Paul II prays at Judiasm's holiest site, the Western Wall, in Jerusalem in March 2000. Pope Francis will visit the Holy Land May 24-26. CNS photo / Arturo Mari.

Pope Francis has announced that he will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this in May to mark a key moment in Catholic and Orthodox Christian relations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.