Faithful celebrate reformer

St. Teresa of Avila is the patron saint of Spain

Several actors in a play depicting St. Teresa of Avila's life receive applause from an enthusiastic crowd at St. Edmund's Parish in North Vancouver Oct. 17. Joshua Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

A lively celebration that included 150 of the faithful was held in St. Edmund's Gym to celebrate the fifth centenary of the birth of a saint and mystic. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Final synod document strongly backs Church teaching, beauty of family life

Pilgrims reach out for Communion as Pope Francis celebrates Mass Jan. 18 in Manila, Philippines. CNS photo / Francis Maalasig, EPA.

With a two-thirds majority vote, the more than 200 bishops gathered for the Vatican's synod on the family supported Church teaching on hot-button issues such as homosexuality and communion for divorced and remarried persons. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Liberal victory signals shifts at home and abroad

Prime Minister designate Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper took part in ceremonies Oct. 22 to honour those who died in terrorist attacks in Canada in October 2014. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Liberal victory signals some important shifts both at home and on the world stage, say experts. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sister with 'amazing memory' looks over the years

Her brother died of cancer Sept. 16, 1990

Sister Josephine Carney, sister of the late Archbishop James Francis Carney, at her home in Victoria. BCC file photo.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, of Vancouver recently celebrated a memorial Mass for one of his predecessors, Archbishop James Francis Carney. Now, 25 years after his death, Archbishop Carney is remembered as a strong voice for Church teaching and as the prelate who welcomed Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II to B.C. soil. He died of cancer Sept. 16, 1990. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Prayer is the treasure of all religions, says Pope

Pope Francis smiles as he greets prelates during his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square. CNS photo / Stefano Rellandini, Reuters.

Pope Francis remarked on Wednesday's anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religion by saying the world looks to religious believers for their ability to pray. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB and COLF publish interventions on euthanasia consultations

CCCB President Bishop Douglas Crosby of Hamilton. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Canadian Organization for Life and Family have released their submissions to a federal consultation on euthanasia and assisted suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Carmelites inaugurate new monastery

St. Teresa of Avila's 500th birthday marks the start of new era for the community

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, donor Helen Chua Tiampo, and Fathers Rudolf D'Souza, OCD, and Archibald Gonsalves, OCD, rejoice after cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of Little Flower Monastery in Deroche, on the east side of Mission, Oct. 15. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

As Carmelites around the world celebrated the 500th anniversary of St. Teresa of Avila's birth, local members had even more reason to rejoice. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis grieves loss of life in Afghanistan-Pakistan quake

Rescue workers in Peshawar, Pakistan, carry a man injured during an earthquake centred in Afghanistan Oct. 26. CNS photo / Fayaz Aziz, Reuters.

After a massive earthquake rocked Pakistan and Afghanistan Oct. 26 killing hundreds, Pope Francis voiced his sorrow and solidarity for victims and their families, assuring them of his prayers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ottawa prelate invites faithful to participate in Year of Mercy

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, of Ottawa is pictured during an interview in Turin, Italy, in April 2010. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Ottawa's archbishop will invite the faithful to perform corporal and spiritual works of mercy during the Jubilee Year of Mercy commencing Dec. 8. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Former VanSpec director passes away in Illinois

Sister Gehringer served Vancouver for 15 years

Sister Gehringer gives a talk in 2003. BCC Archives.

A nun who loved children and had a heart for those with special needs has died. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Walk alongside your people, Pope Francis tells bishops at synod's close

Cardinals Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal of Trivandrum, India, major archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Thomas Collins of Toronto; and Mario Poli of Buenos Aires, Argentina; participate in the Mass at the close of the Synod of Bishops on the Family. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis Sunday officially brought the Synod on the Family to a close after Mass in St. Peter's, warning against a "spirituality of illusion," and reminding pastors of their duty to accompany the faithful and be bearers of God's mercy especially in times of suffering and conflict. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-life club sues university

A pro-life club that has faced vandalism, online attacks, and mob censorship is taking the University of Alberta to court. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Interreligious Dialogue coming up

Archdiocese to host interfaith gathering

A mosaic in a basilica in Rome shows St. John XXIII, who convened Vatican II in 1962. Now an interfaith event will discuss one of that council's documents. ANSA, EPA / CNS.

Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and Catholics will mingle at an upcoming conference geared at bringing about understanding and cooperation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Cardinal Pell: Catholic means universal, not continental

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto and Australian Cardinal George Pell, prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy, talk after an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Oct. 17. CNS photo/Paul Haring.

In a wide-ranging interview, Australia's leading prelate affirmed his alliance with Pope Francis, and also stressed that, in a universal church, doctrine does not change from one country to the next. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Twenty-nine Quebec residences say no to euthanasia

A sick girl lies in her hospital bed. The young may expect true healing, but the elderly cannot be quite so sure. CNS photo / Eric Thayer, Reuters.

Quebec may legalize euthanasia, but 29 palliative care residences have announced they are not on board. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Knights continue to add to their ranks

Membership grew for 43rd consecutive year, says Carl Anderson

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, looks on as Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson speaks during a symposium on Blessed Junipero Serra at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

With memberships growing for the 43rd consecutive year, the Knights of Columbus have once again added councils around the world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Archbishop Chaput: in Philly and in synod, support for Francis is obvious

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia arrives for the opening session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 5. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In an Oct. 19 interview, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia said that despite an implied assertion in America Magazine over the weekend, no synod father is an "opponent" of Pope Francis. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

COLF 20th anniversary letter to families focuses on conscience

Michele Boulva, director of the Catholic Organization for Life and Family with Valleyfield Bishop Noel Simard, former president of the COLF board and one of the CCCB delegates to the synod.

The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) marked its 20th anniversary with a reflection on the formation of conscience, entitled, "Parents, will your children be happy?" For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Clare of Assisi holds its annual pet blessing

Father Scott has been blessing animals at St. Clare's since 1999

People gather in St. Clare of Assisi Church in Coquitlam to celebrate the feast of St. Francis and World Animal Day on Oct. 4. The church was filled with the sounds of the pets and their owners. Joshua Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

A symphony of barks, yips, and meows from 100-plus dogs and cats rose at an otherwise quiet Coquitlam church Oct. 4. A lone gecko remained silent. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Would German bishops side with Henry VIII or Thomas More? bishop asks

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver addresses a Living the Catholic Faith Conference in Denver in 2013. CNS photo / Daniel Petty, Denver Catholic Register.

If divorced-and-remarried Catholics should receive Communion, as Cardinal Walter Kasper and many of the German bishops suggest, does that mean St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher died for nothing? For The B.C. Catholic website. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Blind priest shares testimony of healing in his parents' marriage

Father Tim Devine, Companions of the Cross, spoke of overcoming obstacles to one's vocation, whether to the priesthood or to marriage, at the Sanctifying Families Conference. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

After Father Tim Devine realized his blindness might not be an obstacle to the priesthood, he faced three major challenges before entering seminary with the Companions of the Cross. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Cemetery director asks faithful to pray for the dead

Urns will be accepted for burial in communal plot for free

Nuns pray in the Verano cemetery in Rome on All Souls Day in 2009. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Catholic Cemeteries staff are asking the faithful to pray with them this November. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Marriage doesn't take away your freedom: quite the opposite, Pope says

Banners of newly canonized saints hang from the facade of St. Peter's Basilica as Pope Francis leaves after giving a general audience in St. Peter's Square Oct. 21. From left the banners show St. Vincenzo Grossi, founder of the Institute of the Daughters of the Oratory; Sts. Louis and Marie Zelie Guerin Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux; and St. Maria of the Immaculate Conception, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis Wednesday said that contrary to modern notions, fidelity in marriage does not rob us of personal freedom but instead is a fundamental attribute of all human relationships based on love. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Conference honours newly canonized saints Zelie and Louis Martin

Rita and Gerard McCarthy of the Marriages for Mary apostolate were keynote speakers at the Sanctifying Families conference in Ottawa Oct. 16-17. It focused on the example of the new saints Zelie and Louis Martin. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

On the eve of Zelie and Louis Martin's canonization Oct. 18, Ottawa parents, some already devoted to the new saints, took part in a conference on sanctifying families Oct. 16-17. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Dominican sisters rebuild after flood hits

They are still boiling their water and unable to drive across bridge one month later

A Dominican nun looks at a portion of their flooded property Sept. 20. Photo submitted.

The sisters at Queen of Peace Monastery are still struggling to rebuild after a tropical storm hit their property a month ago. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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For German bishops, mercy comes at a price, critics charge

German Cardinal Walter Kasper gestures as he leaves a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 6. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

As opposition continues to proposals by the German bishops at the Synod on the Family, the German bishops themselves have faced heightened criticism in recent years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Massive Liberal victory bad for life issues

Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau arrives at the venue for the Maclean's National Leaders debate in Toronto Aug. 6. CNS photo / Mark Blinch, Reuters.

The massive Liberal victory Oct. 19 raises fears among social conservatives of Belgium-style euthanasia, expanded access to abortion, and danger to conscience rights. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parishioners learn how they can help refugees

Church members may sponsor a refugee family from Iraq, Syria, or Africa through the archdiocese

Evelyn Vollet (right) speaks with a researcher from the University of British Columbia about what the Archdiocese of Vancouver is doing to help refugees. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

While waves of refugees continue to reach the shores of Europe, members of local parishes are gathering to find out what they can do to bring some here. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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'It's truly a miracle,' says kidnapped priest

French soldiers secure St. Joseph Cathedral after an attack by Seleka rebel fighters in the Central African Republic July 27. CNS photo / Tanya Bindra, EPA.

A Syrian priest who was captured by Islamic State militants in May thought he would die for his faith. Now he credits the Virgin Mary and the help of a Muslim friend for his escape. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Scripture's truth must overcome secular culture

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, right, leaves a session of the Synod of Bishops on the Family at the Vatican Oct. 9. He is leading one of the discussion groups. Paul Haring / CNS.

The Church must uphold "the objective truths of sacred Scripture" in the face of a secular culture that poses a grave challenge to the Christian view of family, Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto told the Synod of Bishops meeting in the Vatican. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The archbishop, the mayor, and Laudato Si'

We're looking forward to this symposium next Wednesday featuring Archbishop Miller, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, and a panel of speakers from First Nations, environmental and charitable  organizations.  The event at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre is full but will be recorded for viewing at a later date. http://rcav.org/laudato-si-symposium

Independent schools continue to thrive

Enrolment up 35 per cent; public schools down 13 per cent

Peter Froese, the executive director of the Federation of Independent School Associations, says independent schools are steadily growing despite the fact that people are having fewer children. Since 1998, B.C. independent schools have grown by 35 per cent, while public school enrolment has dropped by 13 per cent. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

More and more B.C. children are attending independent schools, despite the fact that there are actually fewer school-age children now than there were 16 years ago. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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New policy forces Missionaries of Charity to end adoption services in India

A member of the Missionaries of Charity holds orphan children in 2007 at a centre in Kolkata, India. The Missionaries of Charity will close their adoption centres in India, citing new regulations that would allow nontraditional families to adopt children, reported ucanews.com. CNS photo / Anto Akkara.

Orphanages in India run by the Missionaries of Charity have decided to close their doors in light of new adoption guidelines that the sisters say violate their ideological and religious views. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishop Barron keynote speaker at World Meeting of Families

Bishop Robert Baron. CCN photo / Blake Sittler / Prairie Messenger.

Newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles chose Living as the Image of God as the topic of the first keynote speech at the World Meeting of Families. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Homeless to receive handmade coats

Toques, scarves, toiletries, also given away free

Volunteer Donna Sali sports a finished coat. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Dozens more homeless people will stay warm and dry this winter thanks to a dedicated group of sewers at Star of the Sea Parish. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis asks forgiveness for scandals in the Church

Pope Francis greets Chilean miners during his general audience in St. Peter's Square. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis opened this Wednesday's general audience by apologizing for unspecified scandals that have recently arisen at the Vatican. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sisters Legacy monument unveiled

Sisters who contributed to the growth of Saskatchewan in education and health care are honoured as the Sisters Legacy Monument is unveiled in Wascana Park, Regina. Frank Flegel, Prairie Messenger.

The sisters who contributed to the growth of Saskatchewan in education and health services were honoured Oct. 1 as the Sisters Legacy Monument was unveiled in Wascana Park. "They came here as pioneers well before Saskatchewan was created, started schools, provided health care, opened hospitals enduring hardships we can only imagine," said a variety of speakers at the official unveiling. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parish rejoices in new elementary school

Parishioners, teachers, and students prayed for the project every day for 15 years

Students, Father Andrew Stendzina, OMI, and building committee chairman Vic Vela guide Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, as he blesses the new St. Augustine's school Oct. 4. Classes had begun there one week earlier. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

"Let the little children come to me," read the Archbishop of Vancouver during a celebration at the start of a new era for St. Augustine's Parish. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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'Flawed, inadequate': bishops skewer synod's working document

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, right, leaves a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 9. CNS / Paul Haring.

A controversial working document for the Vatican's synod on the family took a hard hit from numerous bishops who've called the text overly negative, unclear, and possibly inaccurate in its translations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priest speaks to Spiritual Motherhood of Priests on sanctification

Father Simon-Felix Michalski said a crucifix is not a piece of art, but should be taken off the wall to be meditated upon. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The key to sanctification is docility to the Holy Spirit, a deep desire for holiness and cooperation with sanctifying grace, a Dominican priest told a conference here Oct. 3. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parishioners praise bishop 25 years after his death

Archbishop James Francis Carney was known as a fighter for Church teaching, Catholic schools

Catholics gather in Holy Rosary Cathedral to pray during the 25th anniversary memorial Mass for the late Archbishop James Francis Carney Oct 1. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Those who knew Archbishop James Francis Carney still remember him as a caring man with a strong voice for Church teaching and Catholic education. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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African bishops throw swift punch at 'ideological colonization'

African bishops leave a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 9. CNS / Paul Haring.

Heavy criticism of the West imposing secular values on Africa in exchange for aid emerged as a theme from the continent's bishops, as the Vatican's synod on the family kicks off its first week. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Living with Dignity group hires new executive director

Aubert Martin, executive director of Living with Dignity, has a background in both theatre and international development. Photo courtesy Living with Dignity.

The grassroots Quebec anti-euthanasia group Living with Dignity has hired a new executive director with a unique background that combines overseas development and theatre. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Speaker praises Pope Francis as a great reformer

The Holy Father makes the Church accessible through his emphasis on mercy, says Peter Nation

Peter Nation, the coordinator of Catholic Voices Canada, calls Pope Francis a reformer during a talk at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre Sept. 25. "Our Holy Father has not changed a single item of doctrine. He has just made his presentation of the face of the Church so gripping," he explained. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Our prisoner-visiting, leper-kissing, world-travelling Pope Francis will be going down in history as a reformer, according to a Catholic Voices Canada coordinator. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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God's dream for creation? The union of a man and woman, Pope says

Pope Francis arrives for the morning session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 6. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis formally opened the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family Oct. 4, telling participants that the union of a man and a woman is the foundation of God's plan for the family, and a solution to the many forms of loneliness in today's world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Queenship of Mary sisters evangelize with popcorn

The Queenship of Mary sisters and other volunteers hand out popcorn at the Metcalfe Fair, as part of booth sponsored by St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

As Thanksgiving approaches, many communities host agricultural fairs to showcase everything from the best potatoes to the best heifers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Event offers rediscovery of Real Presence

Talk planned to help everyone enter personal relationship with Jesus

A monstrance holds Jesus in the Eucharist in an new adoration chapel. CNS photo / Olivia Obineme, Catholic Review.

With an International Eucharistic Congress planned for late January in the Philippines, the archdiocese is offering locals a chance to rediscover the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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What saves us from loneliness? Family! Pope Francis says

Pope Francis poses with clergy and women religious during his general audience in St. Peter's Square Oct. 7. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Family rescues us from indifference and loneliness and teaches us the essentials of life, Pope Francis said. As the family of God, the Church has the same role and must evaluate how to live this. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Psychologist hopes synod on family will address importance of fathers

Clinical Psychologist Ray Guarendi signs books and speaks with parents after giving a talk in Ottawa Oct. 2. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

A popular American psychologist and author said he hopes the bishops attending the synod on the family Oct. 4-25 in Rome will address the importance of strong fathers in the family. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, who is the principal patron of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and for whom Holy Rosary Cathedral is named.

The feast, formerly known as Our Lady of Victory, has been celebrated for centuries on Oct. 7. Tradition holds that St. Dominic (d. 1221) devised the rosary as we know it after being moved by a vision of our Blessed Mother.

Holy Rosary Cathedral parish began in 1885 when the Right Reverend Louis d’Herbomez, OMI, vicar apostolic of the mainland of British Columbia, appointed Father Patrick Fay as the first pastor. The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1899 and the church doors were officially opened on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 1900.

In 1916, under Archbishop Timothy Casey, D.D., the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was declared a cathedral. Read more about the cathedral's history on its website.