Sisters channel pro-life passion in religious life

Orphans in Mexico taught woman about dignity of human beings before she became Sister of Life

Sister Monica Marie Therese, SV, (right) poses with Sister Antoniana Maria Macapagal, SV, at St. Patrick's Church in Vancouver. Sister Therese professed her first vows last year. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Serving young children dying of AIDS in Mexico led one Coquitlam woman to don a habit and to vow to proclaim the sacredness of life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Vatican adviser: anti-Ebola effort needs international backup

Residents of the West Point neighborhood of Monrovia, Liberia, wait for food rations to be handed out Aug. 21 as part of the government's quarantine plan for the area to fight the spread of the Ebola virus. Church workers say hunger and panic are major problems in Liberia and Sierra Leone as neighbourhoods are sealed off or quarantined. CNS photo / Ahmed Jallanzo, EPA.

Though the Church and others are doing much to help Ebola victims, "extraordinary measures" are needed to halt the epidemic, a Vatican adviser on health issues has said. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB welcomes appointment of Dennis Savoie as Holy See Ambassador

Dutch Prince Jaime de Bourbon-Parme is sworn in as the Dutch Ambassador to the Holy See by King Willem-Alexander at Palace Noordeinde in The Hague, Netherlands. Canada has a new ambassador to the Holy See, But his swearing in is not expected to be so grand. CNS photo / Jeroen van der Meyde, pool via EPA.

The president of Canada's bishops' conference welcomed the naming of Dennis Savoie as Canada's new Ambassador to the Holy See. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Protestors denounce the persecution of Christians

Iraqi Canadian Muslim considers violence in Iraq a genocide; pleads for the safety of minorities

Syriac Orthodox priest Father George Yousif Al-Banna shouts slogans with a crowd of 60 gathered on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery July 26. The group was protesting the persecution of Iraqi Christians. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Muslims and Christians came together in Vancouver in July to protest the persecution of Christians in Iraq. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope sends letter of condolence to family of James Foley

U.S. journalist James Foley speaks at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Ill., after being released from imprisonment in Libya in 2011. Foley, a freelance war correspondent from New Hampshire and a Marquette University alu m, was killed at the hands of the Islamic State militant group. CNS photo / Tommy Giglio, Northwestern University via Reuters.

In a letter sent to the family of a U.S. journalist killed by ISIS, Pope Francis assured them of his closeness, and prayed for reconciliation and peace throughout the world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishop, imam and rabbi urge CPSO not to violate physicians' conscience rights

Cathy Cenzon-DeCarlo, an American registered nurse, said she was coerced for years into participating in abortion at the hospital where she worked, even though the hospital knew of her religious objections to abortion. CNS photo / Bob Roller.

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa, a Muslim imam, and a Jewish rabbi have written a joint intervention in favour of physicians' conscience rights. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

RCAV faithful to feature on 'Catholics Come Home'

CCH founder Tom Peterson's interview to premiere in B.C. Aug. 31

Tom Peterson, Catholics Come Home president. Photo credit: EWTN.com.

Looking for a local angle to Catholics Come Home (CCH)? Geraldine Campbell, a parishioner from St. Francis de Sales Parish in Burnaby, will soon feature on EWTN.

The CCH series will start on Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. Pacific and air again Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.

New president takes reins of CWL Canada

Barbara Dowding, archdiocesan vice chancellor, installed in Fredericton Aug. 13

Barbara Dowding, centre, stands beside Bishop William McGrattan and other CWL executives after being installed as national president in Fredericton Aug. 13. Photo submitted.

After almost 40 years of involvement with the Catholic Women's League, Barbara Dowding has reached the top. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope calls division the greatest sin of Christian communities

Pope Francis adjusts his mantle after it was blown by a gust of wind during his general audience in St. Peter's Square. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his weekly general audience Pope Francis spoke on the unity and holiness of the Church, stating that despite the fact we are sinners, we are called to live as a community centred on Christ. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic agencies make urgent appeal to help Iraqi Christians

Syriac Catholics demonstrate Aug. 16 on Parlilament Hill against persecution of Christians in the Middle East by ISIS. Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

Canadian Catholic charitable agencies have put out urgent appeals for assistance to help Iraqi Christians fleeing for their lives from Islamist extremists from the Islamic State (ISIS). For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope's soccer match draws close

Interfaith game to promote peace Sept. 1

Pope Francis receives the Copa Libertadores trophy from representatives of Argentine
soccer teamSan Lorenzo Aug. 20. (Photo: L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters / CNS)

An initiative of the Holy Father is bringing Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, and Shinto soccer jerseys under one stadium roof in support of the game and world peace.

The event is co-organized by Scholas Occurrentes, which focuses on improving education in poor areas, and funds raised will go toward Un'Alternativa di Vita, which benefits children in poverty.

Read more from Catholic News Agency.

Missed the Marian pilgrimage? Check Youtube!

Annual event brings 4,000 to Mission

Caption: Pilgrims reach out to touch a statue of the Blessed Virgin Aug. 16
(Photo credit: Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic)

If you couldn't attend the Marian pilgrimage a few weeks ago in Mission, the Archdiocese of Vancouver has posted a 12-minute recap on Youtube.

Click the link here.

Pro-life activist divulges pain of secret abortion

Elizabeth Sutcliffe felt she was on a treadmill and there was no one to help her press stop

Elizabeth Sutcliffe stands with her husband and their children, aged 8 and 11. Photo submitted.

A woman who regrets her past abortion is working to help women make a choice she wasn't encouraged to make. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Iraqi bishop warns West will suffer from Islamism

Chaldean Archbishop Emil Shimoun Nona of Mosul, Iraq, is pictured in an undated photo provided by Aid to the Church in Need. Archbishop Nona is the successor of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, who died in March 2008 after being taken hostage by kidnappers. CNS photo / courtesy of Aid to the Church in Need.

The Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul has warned that Christians around the world face suffering from Islamists as his diocese has, and decisions that challenge the underpinnings of Western political ideas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canada to take in more Iraqi and Iranian refugees

Displaced Christians wait for humanitarian aid July 20 at a church in the Iraqi town of Hamdaniya, east of Mosul. Chaldean Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona of Mosul said the Islamic State, which took control of Iraq's second-largest city in early June, is carrying out "religious cleansing." CNS photo / Reuters.

The crisis in Iraq and Syria is pushing Canada to accept more refugees. Canada will take another 5,000 Iraqis and Iranians from refugee camps in Turkey in coming months and years, said Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priest wins international teaching award

Father Alan Boisclair honoured for Theology of the Body ministry

The International Theology of the Body Congress's 2014 award went to Father Boisclair. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

An international congress has recognized a Vancouver priest's dedication to spreading an innovative catechesis. Father Alan Boisclair, a full-time teacher of Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body (TOB), received an award July 9 in Philadelphia. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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IVF mix-up shows danger of artificial reproduction, ethicist says

Erin Smith, 2, who was conceived in a petri dish through in vitro fertilization and adopted as an embryo, is pictured with her adoptive parents, Dawn and Tim Smith outside Holy Cross Church in Dover, Del., in 2007. The Catholic couple have had three children born through the adoption of leftover frozen embryos. CNS photo / Don Blake, The Dialog.

The accidental swapping of children conceived through IVF procedures before implantation, which recently occurred in Italy, points to the moral pitfalls surrounding artificial reproduction, some ethicists say. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Syriac Patriarch pleads for help to stop Christian genocide in Middle East

Archbishop Ignatius Joseph III Younan, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Syrians stopped in Ottawa Aug 3-4 as part of a North American tour to sound the alarm about the plight of Christians in the Middle East. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Lebanon-based Patriarch of the Syriac Catholic Church has been touring North America pleading for Western help to protect ancient Christian communities in the Middle East. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Signal Hill head to talk 'commodity culture'

Pro-life group features James Borkowski at end-of-summer event

The National Campus Life Network is hoping to attract a lively crowd as it invites the executive director of Signal Hill talk about the relationship between rape culture, porn, and abortion.

More about the event is found on NCLN's website and Facebook page.

Documentary sheds light on prostitution

Archdiocese schedules three screenings

A documentary on sex trafficking that was filmed in 10 countries and puts a spotlight on former prostitutes is coming back to Vancouver. The archdiocese's Office of Service and Justice is hosting three more showings:

• August 26 at St. Augustine's Parish, Vancouver at 7 p.m.
• August 27 at St. Luke's Parish, Maple Ridge at 7 p.m.
• September 15 at St. Joseph's Parish, Langley at 7 p.m.
  
  

For more about Red Light Green Light, check out The B.C. Catholic story here or the official website.

Cathedral's newest stained glass depicts six saints

Holy Spirit window in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican inspired rector to place dove in centre

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, blesses the Holy Spirit window at Holy Rosary Cathedral July 6. The stained glass replaced a cracked, clear window in the church's back corner. Photo submitted.

Stained glass panels dedicated to the Holy Spirit have replaced the last clear window at Holy Rosary Cathedral. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Papal visit to Korea focuses on theme of reconciliation

A woman prays with others in the rain outside Myongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, as Pope Francis celebrates a Mass for peace and for the reconciliation of North and South Korea inside Aug. 18. Many Catholic and non-Catholics braved the pouring rain to try to get a glimpse of the Pontiff at his last Mass before leaving South Korea. CNS photo / Simone Orendain.

Calls for peace and reconciliation dominated Pope Francis's historic apostolic visit to South Korea, which concluded as the Pope boarded a plane back to Rome Aug. 18. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

COLF urges Catholics to speak up for physicians' conscience rights

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez congratulates Sisters Pilar Vedoya, the superior; Angelica Ramos; and Victorina Hernandez; all members of the Sisters Servants of Mary, during the annual White Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles in 2013. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Mission Doctors Association co-sponsored the Mass to honour all physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. CNS photo / Victor Aleman, Vida Nueva.

The Canadian Organization for Life and Family (COLF) is urging Catholics to "speak up" as the Ontario's College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSO) reviews its policy on conscience rights. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Evangelization program aims to revitalize parishes

Project Timothy leaders to use Catholic Christian Outreach materials for 'spiritual multiplication'

Potential group leaders for Project Timothy, a grass-roots program, gather outside St. Mary's Church in Vancouver. Kyle Neilson, director of evangelization (far right) said groups of four to six will learn to spread the faith at parishes this fall. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The key to the Gospel-style leadership of Project Timothy is simplicity. The project "gives a simple, effective message," said Amber Zolc, a Catholic Christian Outreach leader at UBC. "You don't need a theological degree and a lot of training" to be a leader. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Prayer a stronghold in life, death, of Catholic American journalist

American journalist James Foley, who was kidnapped by gunmen in November 2012 in Idlib, Syria, is pictured in an undated photo. Foley, a freelance war correspondent from New Hampshire, and a Marquette University alumnus, was killed by the Islamic State militant group. CNS photo / Nicole Tung, courtesy GlobalPost via EPA.

Prayer not only served as a source of strength for Catholic journalist James Foley, who was allegedly killed by militant Islamic State forces, but is now a foundation for his family and community. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Majority of doctors continue to oppose euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide

Family members watch over a man the day before his death from natural causes. CNS photo / Nancy Phelan Wiechec.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) says the majority of its members continues to support its policies against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

High school students build houses in Manila

Trip amazes team members

The Holy Cross Regional High School mission team. Photos submitted.

The mission team from Holy Cross Regional High School travelled to Manila this year to build six homes for the poor. The communities of Avanai in Quezon City and Our Lady of Banneux Village in San Mateo benefited from the hard work of 33 students, six teachers, and Father Patrick Tepoorten, our spiritual guide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Memory, hope, witness are Korea trip's import, Pope reflects

Pope Francis places his hand on the head of a young man as he arrives to lead his weekly audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Aug. 20. CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters.

Pope Francis discussed his recent trip to South Korea in his general audience address Wednesday, saying its significance is found in the three words memory, hope, and witness. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB calls for prayer, political pressure, and financial help for Iraqi Christians

Syriac Catholics demonstrate Aug. 16 on Parlilament Hill against persecution of Christians in the Middle East by ISIS. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has called on Catholics to pray, to exert political pressure, and to give generously to help Iraqi Christians. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Carmelites to expand their reach to Prince George

Bishop Jensen praises the order during his first liturgical event in Vancouver since his installation

Bishop Stephen Jensen has celebrated his first liturgical event in Greater Vancouver since he took up his post as prelate of Prince George.

Bishop Stephen Jensen of Prince George greets the faithful after Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at St. Edmund's Church July 16. He has invited the Carmelites to establish their order in his diocese. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis visits Benedict XVI before trips, archbishop reveals

Pilgrims from Asia take part in the first meeting with Pope Benedict XVI during the 26th World Youth Day celebration in Madrid in 2011. Pope Francis benefits from Pope Benedict's experience by consulting him before each international trip. CNS photo / Emilio Naranjo, EPA.

Before any international trip Pope Francis visits Benedict XVI, a key Vatican archbishop revealed, noting the good relations between the two and how Pope Francis is carrying forward Benedict's vision. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Crossroads walkers finish pro-life walk across Canada in Ottawa

The Canadian team of Crossroads walkers in Ottawa Aug. 16. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Canada's pro-life Crossroads walkers finished their three-month trek across the country in Ottawa Aug. 16 with a small rally near Parliament Hill's Eternal Flame. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Science can lead to faith, says Oxford prof

Mathematician argues that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive

Trinity Western University Professor of Philosophy, Myron Penner (left), in Langley, British Columbia, on July 9 with British mathematician, philosopher of science, and Christian apologist John Lennox (right), Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. (Photo: Chris Morrissey)

Last month C.S. Morrissey wrote for The B.C. Catholic about the visit to British Columbia of Oxford mathematician John Lennox:

"Oxonian responds to Hawking: God's Not Dead "

Agnieszka Krawczynski also reported in detail on Lennox's public appearances during his visit to British Columbia in the July 28 issue.

Be sure to listen for the mention of Lennox during the debate within the movie God's Not Dead about the ideas of physicist Stephen Hawking.