Monday, June 30, 2014

Catholic Voices co-founder looks for positive responses

Jack Valero wants ordinary lay people 'to clarify, not to battle,' when dealing with the media, public
Jack Valero (third from left) stands with the Baumann family June 10 in Vancouver. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.
Why was the Catholic Voices (CV) lay organization founded? This was the topic of conversation at the Crestwell Centre in Vancouver June 10. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

AP issues massive correction on Ireland child burial story
Irish abuse victim Marie Collins, left, who was assaulted as a 13-year-old by a hospital chaplain in her native Ireland, attends a 2012 vigil in Rome. She was nominated by Pope Francis to sit on the new Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in March. CNS photo / Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo.
The Associated Press has retracted key claims from its reports of an Irish Catholic home for unwed mothers supposedly burying hundreds of unbaptized infants in a septic tank. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Steubenville conference will be streamed live
Students from the Austrian program of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, cheer at a papal audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. CNS photo / Paul Haring.
Toronto's most anticipated Catholic youth conference this summer may be sold out, but teens without tickets can still get in on the action. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Math games brighten up lesson

Older students benefit from chance to acquire leadership skills
Grade 5 students at St. James Elementary play a Jeopardy-like game with mathematical equations. Photo submitted.
The Grade 5 class at St. James Elementary had a number of unusually young math teachers one afternoon in May. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Peace in Middle East can flourish again, Pope assures aid organizations
Pope Francis greets members of a committee which promotes exchange between Orthodox Churches and Oriental Orthodox Churches a few months ago. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters.
In an audience with aid organizations assisting Oriental churches, Pope Francis explained that peace is a gift from God, which can be regained by offering hope through our solidarity with those who suffer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Refugee Day event held in Saskatoon
Carrying signs proclaiming World Refugee Day and Refugees Make Canada Stronger, participants at a World Refugee Day event gather in the covered outdoor entrance of the Open Door Society office in downtown Saskatoon to escape steady rain. PM photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski
Carrying signs such as "Walking for a stronger Canada" and "My door is open to refugees," a multi-cultural gathering celebrated World Refugee Day June 20 in Saskatoon. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Summer events for youth include Searching in the Spirit

Teens and confirmands will have an opportunity to strengthen their faith
High school students participate in activities at Searching in the Spirit, a camp for the newly-confirmed. Erwin Fung / Special to The B.C. Catholic.
Days are warmer, school is out, and youth ministries are suggesting ways high school students can have fun while strengthening their faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

AP issues massive correction on Ireland child burial story
A mother plays with her 10-month-old son at a home for unwed mothers. CNS photo by Paul Haring.
The Associated Press has retracted key claims from its reports of an Irish Catholic home for unwed mothers supposedly burying hundreds of unbaptized infants in a septic tank. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

IMFC debunks myths on income splitting
Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty had people thinking the government might be rethinking its position on income splitting, shortly before his death April 10. It now appears the government will stand by its promise. CNS photo / Brendan McDermid, Reuters.
The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) has released a study June 25 debunking myths about income splitting as a way to provide tax relief for Canadian families. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Catholic Voices co-founder trains new recruits

Austen Ivereigh explains how faithful can talk to news media about assisted dying, abortion
Austen Ivereigh, co-founder of Catholic Voices, teaches new members to "re-frame" issues to get their message across. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.
Journalist and author Austen Ivereigh, co-founder of Catholic Voices, arrived in Vancouver in June. He was here to train young people to talk to the media, preparing for the launch of Catholic Voices in Canada later this year. He talked to The B.C. Catholic about the driving force behind the project, how to make the Church's teachings relevant, and an upcoming book on Pope Francis. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Being a Christian means belonging to the Church, Pope affirms
Pope Francis smiles as he arrives to lead his June 25 general audience in St. Peter's Square. CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters.
In his general audience address Pope Francis drew attention to how God formed the Church to unify humanity, emphasizing that no one is saved on their own, but rather through the help of others. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Quebec doctors face quandary as euthanasia bill comes into effect
An insurance agent looks over the church bells from a Catholic church in Illinois after a tornado ripped through the town in 2012. It's not always obvious what insurance plans will cover. CNS photo / Paul Newton, courtesy of The Southern Illinoisan.
Quebec physicians face moral and legal quandaries as their province prepares to implement its new euthanasia law contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Layman used soccer to unite Italian city

Bl. Alberto Marvelli saved many lives
Blessed Alberto Marvelli, depicted in a stained glass window in Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Vancouver. The Italian layman organized soccer matches with communists and fascists to encourage friendly dialogue in the 1930s and '40s. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.
As World Cup fever continues, one Vancouver parish has a unique tie-in to the beautiful game: a stained glass window with a soccer ball. At Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Vancouver, Blessed Alberto Marvelli, an Italian layman, is displayed wearing a shirt and tie, with a soccer ball at his feet. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope Francis stops car to bless young disabled woman
Pope Francis greets people as he visits Cassano allo Ionio, in Italy's Calabria region, June 21. At an outdoor Mass attended by 250,000 people in nearby Sibari, the Pope said "mafiosi" are not in communion with God and are excommunicated. The Calabria region is home of the 'Ndrangheta crime organization, known for drug trafficking. CNS photo / Paul Haring.
During his June 21 pastoral visit to the region of Calabria in southern Italy, Pope Francis stopped the car that was transporting him to see a young disabled woman and her family on the side of the road. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Northern Gateway Pipeline debate raises numerous questions
Brian Dijkema, work and economics program director of Cardus. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

When the Harper Conservative government approved the Northern Gateway pipeline June 17, it launched a debate likely to figure prominently in the 2015 election. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Graduating student battles brain cancer

Little Flower academy has done everything to accommodate the situation
Shawntel Escobar
There were tears of joy in the gym as well as cheers, as the Little Flower Academy community rallied behind a graduating student continuing her battle with brain cancer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

God's immeasurable love transforms lives, emphasizes Pope
Pope Francis waves as he leads the Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace in St. Peter's Square June 22. CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters.
In his Sunday Angelus Pope Francis stressed the limitless nature of God's love that transforms the heart and life of every Christian. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

P.E.I. priest involved in Canada's first auto accident
An 1867 Canadian steam car made by Henry Seth Taylor. Father Georges-Antoine Belcourt had a similar vehicle and unveiled it June 24, 1866, during a picnic. Photo from Canada's History Magazine, April-May 2011 issue.
It was on a damp and gloomy evening in the spring of 1866 that a large cargo ship slid quietly into Charlottetown harbour, capital of the British colony of Prince Edward Island. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Catholic Voices founder says we are called to act

Ivereigh praises Pope's social efforts in Argentina
Austen Ivereigh talks about the ways Pope Francis lives the Church's social teaching during a June 10 visit to St. Mary's Parish. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.
Catholic social teaching has been thrust to the fore, said a prominent "Catholic Voice." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Behind the scenes of a Spanish powerhouse FC
Pope Francis receives a gift from Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (left) and Argentine striker Lionel Messi at the Vatican Aug. 13, 2013. L'Osservatore Romano / Reuters / CNS.
Managers, coaches, and medical staff of FC Barcelona will be glued to their television sets this summer, and they will be praying no injuries befall Argentine striker Lionel Messi, whose new contract with "Barca" makes him the world's highest paid player. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Young Catholics prepare to defend the faith in the public square
Sarah Du Broy, Katherine Church, and Danielle Breffitt are members of Catholic Perspectives from Ottawa. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.
Three young Catholic women from Ottawa are among a group of young people 35 and under who are preparing to defend the faith, the Church, and the Pope in the public square. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Bar votes against Trinity Western University

Law Society of B.C. benchers asked to re-examine approval
Warren Smith
B.C. lawyers handed down their verdict June 10 on whether Trinity Western University should be allowed to have a law school. Of some 13,000 Law Society of B.C. members, 3,210 voted in favour of a motion to deny accreditation; 968 were opposed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Also newly posted:

The Church is a family formed by God, Pope says
Pope Francis kisses a sleeping baby as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square June 18. CNS photo / Paul Haring.
Pope Francis stressed the familial nature of the Church at his Wednesday general audience, emphasizing God's desire to form a people through fatherly love. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Chaplain dodged bullets to anoint dying soldiers
Major Father Hickey, North Shore Regiment chaplain (far right) poses with officers in March, 1945. He crawled under fire to reach dying Canadian soldiers on Juno beach. Photo from The North Shore Regiment, by Will R. Bird.
Seventy years ago, 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy as part of the largest amphibious assault in history. Their June 6, 1944, mission: to take and hold a booby trapped, landmine-strewn French coastline code-named "Juno Beach" at high tide in broad daylight. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Pope Francis to celebrate Asian Youth Day

Holy Father chooses South Korea for third apostolic trip abroad
This is the official logo of Pope Francis' visit to South Korea.
Catholics in South Korea looking forward to Asian Youth Day and the beatification of several saints now have another exciting event to look forward to: Pope Francis will visit August 13-18.

The theme of his trip is "Asian youth, wake up. The glory of the martyrs shines on you!"

Holy See Press Office just released the Pope's itinerary.

Thinking about the sacred with Roger Scruton

McGill lecture by Roger Scruton now available online via CBC Ideas


Charles Taylor (left), moderator Douglas Farrow, and Roger Scruton discuss philosophy at McGill University on April 13 as part of the conference called “Thinking the Sacred with Roger Scruton”. (Photo: C.S. Morrissey / The B.C. Catholic)

C.S. Morrissey reported for The B.C. Catholic in April on a philosophy and religion conference held at McGill University that was devoted to beauty and the sacred:

"Without sacred space for beauty, there can be no true love"

Paul Kennedy subsequently interviewed Roger Scruton for the CBC Ideas radio program and it is now possible to listen to this program online or to download the MP3 audio file of it.

Roger Scruton's opening lecture at the conference, "A Transcendental Argument for the Transcendental," is also now available online via CBC Ideas at their Scrutinizing Roger Scruton Web page.

Scruton's lecture is available in three parts: [Lecture — Part 1] [Lecture — Part 2] [Lecture — Part 3].

The conference also included performances of musical compositions by Scruton that are additionally available online: [Three Lorca Songs] [Boreas Blows Not] [The Minister].

Scruton is the author of over forty books, most recently The Soul of the World and the novel Notes from Underground.

National Aboriginal Day will be memorable

Native monument to be unveiled
Barbara Wyss.
A statue memorializing a dark moment in Canadian history will be on display as natives across the country enjoy a day dedicated to their culture. For full story  see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Christian faith critical for World Cup star Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey of the U.S. celebrates after scoring the first goal during the U.S.-Ghana World Cup match in Brazil June 16. The U.S. defeated Ghana 2-1 in its first game of the 2014 World Cup. CNS photo / Toru Hanai Reuters.
U.S. soccer fans went wild on Monday as team captain Clint Dempsey scored a goal during the first minute of the club's opening World Cup game against Ghana. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prostitution Bill C-36 passes second reading vote
After only five hours of debate, prostitution Bill C-36 passed a June 16 second reading vote 139-117 vote, with no support from the New Democratic, Liberal or Green parties. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

In London, legal-award winner revived faith at daily Mass

Robert Piasentin, general counsel for Sierra Systems, teaches PREP classes & coaches baseball
Robert Piasentin
All major corporations have armies of lawyers to negotiate million-dollar contracts, apply for patents, and give legal opinions. All of these hard-earned skills have earned a general counsel at Sierra Systems two major awards in the past two years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Britain clarifies abortion policies
Boys play in the alley of a slum in Mumbai. India census data show that among children under 6, there are 914 girls for every 1,000 boys. CNS photo / Danish Siddiqui, Reuters.
The British Department of Health has clarified its abortion regulations after confusion in recent years. A document dated May 2014 restates that fact that sex-selective abortion and pre-signing abortion consent forms are illegal in the U.K. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Abortion not in $3.5 billion plan
Boys wait in line at a kindergarten in Baokang, China. China has 18 million more men of marrying age than women, the result of abortion. CNS photo / Reuters.
The government has committed another $3.5 billion to improving infant and maternal health overseas, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper has insisted those funds will not support abortion. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Scripture, intellect, guided golfer to Catholicism

Kyle Neilson, archdiocesan director of evangelization, came to faith by asking tough questions
A few borrowed books over one Christmas break dramatically changed the way Kyle Neilson understood the Catholic faith. He was confirmed in 2002. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.
The Church's celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit has special significance for one Catholic convert. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Brazil's bishops give 'red card' to gov't, FIFA
Bishop Erwin Krautler, CPpS, of Xingu
As World Cup competition began June 12, and many infrastructure projects across the host country were still unfinished, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil issued a "red card" to all levels of government and to FIFA. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Foothills retreat centre trades accessibility for beauty
Sanctum Retreat House near Caroline provides an environment to restore one's spirit. Chris Miller / Western Catholic Reporter / CCN.
Spring tune-ups, regular maintenance. We maintain a multitude of things. We also maintain our minds and bodies. Exercise, diet, lifelong learning. But what about our spirit? For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Catholic film "Letter to a Priest" now released

Catholic film Letter to a Priest now available online for rental or purchase


Frank C. Turner starring in Letter to a Priest. (Photo: Clayton Richard Long)

In July 2013, Kier-Christer Junos reported for The B.C. Catholic on the local Catholic film, Letter to a Priest:

"Letter to a Priest encourages Catholics to 'talk in a candid way about the meaning of life'"

After having premiered last year with Pope Francis at World Youth Day, the movie is now available to buy or rent at <https://vimeo.com/ondemand/ltap>.

As of its official release date, June 13, 2014, it is possible to watch the movie online or download it.

Available with the film is a companion study guide designed especially for youth groups and parish discussions.

The movie features noted local artist and acclaimed actor Frank C. Turner, who also worked with Clint Eastwood on Unforgiven (1992).

Crossroads pro-lifers set off on three-month trek

Walkers use the rosary as a theme song as they strain towards Rockies, prairies, and Ottawa
The 2014 Crossroads group: Jean-Pierre Giguere (left), Christine Connell, Jessma Nash, Rachel Dennison, Ben Dennison, Colin Hay, and Lindsay Sierhuis, started their walk on Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver May 26. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.
A group of pro-life pilgrims are walking to Ottawa. On a journey to reject the culture of death, the young people gathered on Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver May 26. Before dipping their toes in the Pacific Ocean, they stopped for a chat with The B.C. Catholic. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Monaco tops Vatican City in friendly
Pope Francis holds a jersey of his favourite Argentine team, San Lorenzo, alongside players in December. Last month Monaco defeated Vatican City 2-0. "The Pope was not here in person, but he was surely here in spirit," the Vatican coach said. CNS / L'Osservatore Romano / Reuters.
In a friendly match that lacked fireworks, million-dollar salaries, and thousands of fans chanting, the Vatican City national soccer team lost to Monaco 2-0 in May. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Service honours homeless who died
A statue in a downtown park, unveiled 5 years ago, honours the homeless who have died. Lasha Morningstar / Western Catholic Reporter / (CCN).
Forty people died in Edmonton last year. What makes their deaths unique is that they died because they were without shelter. They were homeless, unprotected from the brutal winter, street violence, a place to be safe. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Faithful stand in solidarity with Chinese Catholics


250 gather at Shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan on World Day of Prayer for the Church in China
A statue of Our Lady of Sheshan leads the Marian procession around St. Francis Xavier Church and School during a full day of prayer for Chinese Catholics May 24. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.
A new shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan drew 250 Catholics from the Lower Mainland and Seattle to St. Francis Xavier Church in Vancouver to pray in solidarity with the faithful in China. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope: Fear of the Lord an alarm reminding us of what's right
Pope Francis greets the crowd during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican June 11. CNS photo / Paul Haring.
During his June 11 general audience Pope Francis spoke on the Holy Spirit's gift of Fear of the Lord, saying it does not mean we should be afraid of God, but rather serves as a reminder to do the right thing. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Pope St. John XXIII honoured at St. John XXIII Parish
Archbishop Richard Gagnon of Winnipeg (left) and Father Gerald Langevin, pastor of Winnipeg's St. John XXIII Parish, with a portrait of the new saint. James Buchok / Prairie Messenger / CCN.
The papacy of John XXIII lasted less than five years, but it became a turning point in the history of the Catholic Church. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

School board policy draws sharp criticism

Bullying should not be an excuse for bringing in propaganda, Catholic says
A concerned parent speaks at the Vancouver School Board consultation May 29. Many worried the confidentiality clause would allow teachers to keep parents in the dark if their child chose to identify as transgender. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.
Tension filled a crowded Vancouver School Board room as speakers bearing signs and rainbow-striped flags voiced their views of a draft policy for homosexual and possible transgender students. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope reveals an enduring passion for beautiful game
Vincenzo Montella (third from left), the coach of Serie A team Fiorentina, presents gifts to Pope Francis May 2. The Pontiff recalled his own childhood full of "joyful moments on Sundays spent together" with his family at a Buenos Aires stadium. CNS / L'Osservatore Romano / Reuters.
When players from 32 countries perform on the world's biggest stage in Brazil, one white zucchetto-capped fan might preach shorter homilies so he can watch the action. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Habs lose, archdiocese wins
An image of votive e-candles from the now defunct website set up for Montreal Canadiens fans to pray for their team. The archdiocese of Montreal raised $2,376. Archdiocese of Montreal.
While the Montreal Canadiens were cleaning out their lockers for the summer, the Archdiocese of Montreal's Internet campaign cleaned up. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Lawyers vote on future of Christian law school

The New Sexual McCarthyism and Trinity Western University
By Iain T. Benson
Robert Kuhn, TWU president and graduate of UBC law school.
Photo: Trinity Western University.
Every lawyer knows that how an issue is characterized will often determine how that argument will be received.

Under Senator McCarthy, the label “communist” was effective to blacken and slur one’s enemies, whether communist or not. Once branded as “communists”, the work was done. It is the same with those who brand disagreement with their theory of sexuality as “homophobic” and refuse to accept the legitimacy of any other viewpoint or allow it any space from which to argue.

Nuance and distinctions matter in moral debate unless you don’t want there to be a moral debate or don’t believe in diversity.

The Christians who wish to have a university community “rooted in the evangelical protestant tradition” and to have a law school working within that tradition have views about what is necessary to bind their community together. Others, who disagree with aspects of their Christian identity, would rather not risk any debate with them. They would prefer, like Senator McCarthy, to shut them down before they even open. This is an affront to equality, diversity and the principles of an open society.

The Community Covenant says, in essence, to non-married sexually active heterosexuals, bi-sexuals, homosexuals, polyamorists, to those who like pornography and those who would advocate extra- marital sex, drunkenness and divorce “you don’t have to agree with our religious moral views but if you come here please respect our religious beliefs and abide by our rules”. These provisions are not for everyone but then it is a private religious University, nobody is forced to go there. Shouldn’t freedom and equality demand diversity and respect for those with whom we disagree?

Not for the new sexual McCarthyites; they want their sexual views to be the only views and they don’t want to engage with disagreement much less accept it; they wish to stamp it out.

The logic of the attacks on religion is that differences should not exist or that if they do exist they should be marginalized and excluded from full participation alongside other communities. In particular they should not be allowed to have a law school whose graduates are treated with equality, respect and without discrimination because of their religious views. The new sexual McCarthyites seek to continue dominating the law.

Some cleverly mischaracterize the full context: consider this from a Dalhousie University law Professor who states that “On April 11, 2014, the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) accredited a law degree program from a university with a formal policy of exclusion on the basis of sexual orientation.”

The words “sexual orientation” and “homosexuality” are not mentioned in the Covenant and any fair evaluation of the Covenant would point out that unmarried heterosexuals are as precluded from “sexual intimacy” and married heterosexuals precluded from adulterous relationships. What is at issue is a community moral viewpoint - - one that it is legal to hold in Canada even if such a view offends others who believe differently. Holding a different moral belief on sexual conduct should not be viewed as an attack on “sexual orientation” or on “dignity”.

The Covenant spells out that “[The University] welcomes all students who qualify for admission, recognizing that not all affirm the theological views that are vital to the University’s Christian identity.

Students sign this covenant with the commitment to abide by the expectations contained within the Community Covenant…” (emphasis added).

A free and democratic society worth the name protects the rights of all citizens and their differing communities to live out and teach what they believe. It allows a variety of views on sexual morality and, within limits, allows the teaching and manifestation “without hindrance or reprisal” of a diversity of beliefs. Bigoted attacks on diversity, religious freedom and religious equality and the freedom of associations including religious associations show the presence and the power of the new sexual McCarthyism.

Iain Benson is a lawyer, writer, lecturer and consultant who publishes widely and consults internationally on constitutional law and human rights. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life at the University of Alberta.

©Iain T, Benson
(PhD, Extraordinary Prof of Law, University of the Free State, South Africa)
June 10th 2014

Archdiocese welcomes its newest deacon

Paul Goo entered the seminary after rediscovering Catholicism six years ago
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, shakes Deacon Paul Goo's hand after the ordination Mass May 30. The deacon will return to the Seminary of Christ the King for one more year of studies with the intention of becoming a priest. Photo submitted.
The archdiocese's newest deacon feels right at home after taking a leap toward the priesthood. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Patriarch invites Pope to Nicaea: report
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Pope Francis, Israeli President Shimon Peres, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople disembark from a van to attend an invocation for peace in the Vatican Gardens June 8. CNS photo / Paul Haring.
In a move 1,700 years in the making, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople has invited the Pope to meet in Nicaea, according to AsiaNews. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishops respond to Moncton shootings
Pope Benedict XVI presents a pallium to Arcbhishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau, Quebec, during a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican June 29, 2012. CNS photo / Giancarlo Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo.
The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic of Catholic Bishops has written to the Archbishop of Moncton to offer condolences after the shooting deaths of three Mounties June 4. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Film captures testimonies of former prostitutes

Movie pushes for an approach similar to Sweden's
Michelle and Jared Brock, directors and producers, tour their new documentary Red Light Green Light across North America. Photos submitted.
A documentary that sheds light on prostitution is touring across Canada as lawmakers come within six months of the deadline for writing new legislation. Red Light Green Light, filmed in 10 countries, shows various approaches toward selling sex or curbing it. Producers Jared and Michelle Brock make a clear plea for the so-called "Nordic Model." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Egyptian election gives hope to Christians, bishop says
Bishop Adel Zaki of Alexandria, Egypt's vicar for Latin-rite Catholics, is pictured at his residence in Cairo. CNS photo / James Martone.
Egypt's Roman Catholic bishop has welcomed the election of Abdel Fattah El Sisi as the country's new president. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Charismatic Renewal offers training in Trois-Rivieres
ICCRS formation director James Murphy (left) teaches with the president of the French Quebec sector of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Canada Henri Lemay providing translation. Photo courtesy Robert Du Broy (CCN).
The International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (ICCRS) held a leadership training course in Trois-Rivieres, Que., May 29 -- June 6 to renew and equip 160 participants. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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