Catholics give generously to refugees

Archdiocese of Vancouver donates more than $380,000 for Syrians

A Syrian refugee stands next to a boy inside his tent at the Faydha refugee
camp in Lebanon in September. (Photo: Nabil Mounzer, EPA / CNS)

The stories of refugees fleeing violence and terrorism in Syria has touched the hearts of many people in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

George Pinto, a spokesperson for the archdiocesan finance office, said Dec. 18 they had received a total of $387,311.62 during a special collection for Syrian refugees.

The funds were divided up evenly between the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, Aid to the Church in Need, and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

The archdiocese has sponsored more than 3,000 refugees since 2007. Find out more about what it is doing for Syrians here.

Two new priests ordained in solemn, joyful rite

After Mass Fathers Lynn and Lanzani offered their first blessings to hundreds

Father Lynn (left) and Father Lanzani, one a career cinematographer, the other a son of missionaries, took different paths toward the same vocation of priesthood. Photos by Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Two very different men have stepped up to the altar in answer to the same call. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

In North Korea, Canadian pastor faces life imprisonment

Some of the pictures of North Korean parishes on display Nov. 24 inside Myongdong Cathedral in Seoul. As Catholic Churches around the world prepared to celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy, the Archdiocese of Seoul launched a prayer movement to remember the Catholic Church in North Korea. CNS photo / courtesy Archdiocese of Seoul.

North Korea has sentenced Hyeon Soo Lim, a Christian pastor and a Canadian citizen, to life in prison with hard labor, claiming he has committed crimes against the state. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

TRC final report closes legal phase

Truth and Reconciliation Commission commissioners Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and TRC chairman Justice Murray Sinclair Dec. 15 at the closing ceremony of the TRC. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The legal phase of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on Indian Residential Schools is now over, but a new reconciliation phase has begun say Catholics involved in the process. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter

Archdiocesan website created for Anglican-Catholics

(Photo credits: RCAV)

The archdiocese of Vancouver has created a webpage with information for Roman Catholics who were nurtured in the Anglican tradition. It can be found here. A general Q&A is also created on the page for interested individuals, and can be found here.

Archbishop ordains permanent deacons

Ceremony, the largest ordination ever held in Holy Rosary Cathedral, called historic

The archdiocese's first-ever class of permanent deacons is ordained in Holy Rosary Cathedral Dec. 8. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Holy Rosary Cathedral witnessed the largest ordination in its history, as 16 men became permanent deacons. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

How does God show mercy to us? Through the Church, Pope says

Pope Francis blows out the candle on a birthday cake presented by a young member of the Italian branch of Catholic Action during an audience with the group at the Vatican Dec. 17. The Pope celebrated his 79th birthday Dec. 17. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano, handout.

The Church is the "living sign" of God's love and mercy in the world, Pope Francis said during his Wednesday general audience. He reflected on the universality of communion as demonstrated by the global scale of the Jubilee of Mercy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

God's mercy is infinite but time of mercy limited says priest

Father Chris M. Alar, a priest of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, has recently been named director of the Association of Marian Helpers. He spoke at a conference in Ottawa Dec. 12. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

God's mercy is infinite but the time of mercy is limited, Father Chris M. Alar told The Time of Mercy Conference here Dec. 12. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop opens wide local holy door

Faithful fill Holy Rosary Cathedral for start of Year of Mercy

Hundreds gathered at Holy Rosary Cathedral at the dawn of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the opening of the holy door, in Latin porta sancta. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Euthanasia deaths increase by 10 per cent in Netherlands

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial May 27 in Ottawa, Ont., as part of a three-day state visit to Canada. The visit, the first for the royal couple, commemorates the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Netherlands, when Canadian soldiers helped drive out the Nazis at the end of World War II. CNS photo / Art Babych.

The number of Dutch people asking to die at the hands of doctors continues to rise. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Attorney General does not oppose Quebec's exemption from euthanasia extension

Government House Leader Dominic LeBlanc. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The attorney general does not oppose Quebec's seeking an exemption from the extension Ottawa seeks from the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) on the Carter decision on assisted suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ottawa Public Health suspends 900 Catholic school students over immunization records

Suspension of Catholic students due to immunization records

After reviewing outdated immunization records, Ottawa Public
Health presented suspensions up to 20 days. (Photo credit: CBC) 

More than 900 Catholic elementary students were suspended Dec. 16, 2015, unless records proving they have had up-to-date immunizations were provided to Ottawa Public Health. Read more here.

Climate of Change symposium video

Video detailing the Laudato Si conference released online

Climate of Change logo. 

On October 21, the Archdiocese of Vancouver hosted a symposium called "Climate of Change" at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre to discuss Pope Francis' recent Laudato Si encyclical.

Archbishop Miller and Mayor Gregor Robertson were the featured speakers at this sold-out event. They were joined by panelists Jay Ritchlin, Mary Fontaine, and Fr. Hrant Tahanian.

A full video of the event can be viewed here, or visit the webpage here.

Churches and charities hang on to tax exemption

A Langley city council motion to start collecting property tax fails after residents speak out

Locals tell city councillors about their concerns with lifting the tax exemption Nov. 23. Photo submitted.

A motion to make churches and charities in Langley City pay property tax has been quashed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Salt + Light features women on a mission

New feature follows efforts of Catholic Women's League members

www.saltandlighttv.org/womanonamission

Salt and Light is airing a new feature on the Catholic Women's League in Canada, titled Woman on a Mission.

"There's a lot that's said these days about what women can't do in the Church, and if we were to believe the mass media, we might be tempted to think that the Catholic Church is just another boys' club. But one organization invites us to see things in a different light."

It includes footage from the CWL's annual convention, when hundreds of ladies from across Canada gathered in Vancouver this summer. Producer Cheridan Sanders interviews many key people, including national president Barbara Dowding.

More information, including a T.V. broadcasting schedule, is available here.

New book to feature stunning icons

Pastor plans to release a guide to Blessed Sacrament Church art

This panel of icons in the newly renovated Blessed Sacrament Church is a reproduction of works by Kiko Arguello, a Spanish artist and founder of the Neocatechumenal Way. The panel stands behind the altar. Cindy Tsong / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The new, stunning, floor-to-ceiling panel of icons at a Vancouver church will soon be available to be explored and studied at home. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

A growing coalition agrees: Christians are genocide victims too

People gather in late April in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to protest the killing of more than 20 Ethiopian Christians by Islamic State militants in Libya. A group of 30 Christian leaders, including Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, has asked for a meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry in advance of the State Department's declaration of genocides taking place around the world. CNS photo / Solan Kolli, EPA.

Legal experts, religious leaders, and now an independent government commission are asking the U.S. State Department to include Christians among the victims of genocide perpetrated by ISIS. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ursuline celebrates 100th birthday

Sister Helen Hoffart, an Ursuline of Prelate, celebrated her 100th birthday Nov. 8 at St. Angela Merici Residence in Saskatoon. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop dedicates Chapel of the Annunciation

Archdiocesan employees can now celebrate Mass in a consecrated space with 'noble simplicity'

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, sprinkles holy water on chapel walls and guests at the dedication Mass Nov. 28. Right: A stained glass window of Christ Pantocrator, Ruler of All, decorates the back wall of the new chapel. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

The archdiocese's newest chapel has finally been dedicated. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Why a Jubilee of Mercy? Because the Church needs it, Pope Francis says

Pope Francis greets people in wheelchairs during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 9. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

The day after opening the Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis dedicated his general audience remarks to answering the question of why he called for a jubilee on the subject, saying the primary reason is simply because it's needed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Congress shows a relevant Church

Local couples share impression from World Meeting of Families

John Paul and Natalie Sonnen (left), and Veronica and Felipe Grossling attended the World Meeting of Families in September. "You could see the universal nature of the Church," Veronica said. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Tens of thousands of believers at the World Meeting of Families made a great impression on a local couple who travelled there. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

A growing coalition agrees: Christians are genocide victims too

People gather in late April in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to protest the killing of more than 20 Ethiopian Christians by Islamic State militants in Libya. A group of 30 Christian leaders, including Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, has asked for a meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry in advance of the State Department's declaration of genocides taking place around the world. CNS photo / Solan Kolli, EPA.

Legal experts, religious leaders, and now an independent government commission are asking the U.S. State Department to include Christians among the victims of genocide perpetrated by ISIS. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ambitious Liberal agenda faces challenges as new Parliament opens

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett, Status of Women Minister Patricia Hajdu, and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould announced the launch of an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women Dec. 8. They were joined by an Algonquin elder (far left) who led the announcement with a traditional prayer.

With the opening of the 42nd Parliament, the new Liberal government already faces challenges in meeting its ambitious promises, especially in paying for them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Year of Mercy opens with Holy Doors

Pope Francis unfastened the doors of St. Peter's Basilica 

Pope Francis prepares to open the door Dec. 8. An estimated 50,000 people turned up to the Renaissance plaza. Max Rossi / Reuters.

The Holy Doors were opened to commemorate the official beginning of the Jubilee of Mercy by Pope Francis. The opening of the doors has been a ritual in the Catholic Church since the 1500s. Read more here.

Special Catholic video series for jubilee celebration

A scene from from the promotional video for the Jubilee of Mercy. The video was released Nov. 13.

Ascension Press has prepared a four video series inspired by the Year of Mercy. Father Mike Schmitz, Father Josh Johnson, Father Matt Guckin, and Jeff Cavins will present on "unpacking the graces of the Year of Mercy." The promotional video and subscription list can be found here.

Cathedral to host jubilee celebration

Holy door for Year of Mercy to be opened Dec. 13

Pope Francis prays after walking through the Holy Door to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 8. In the background at left is retired Pope Benedict XVI, who walked through the Holy Door after Pope Francis. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano.

The doors of a cathedral in downtown Vancouver will be opened wide at the dawn of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

It's time to rediscover God's mercy, Pope says at Jubilee launch

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy at the Vatican Dec. 8. CNS photo / Maurizio Brambatti, EPA.

Pope Francis has officially commenced the Year of Mercy, calling those who pass through the newly-opened Holy Door to rediscover God's mercy and experience the mystery of His love. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Battle shaping up between Quebec and Ottawa on euthanasia

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

A jurisdictional battle between Quebec and the federal government over euthanasia and assisted suicide is heading for the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The Door is Open aims to give a sense of purpose

Volunteer says she is touched by the camaraderie she sees among the tight-knit community

Sister Chita Torres, Carm OL (left); Cheryl Giustra; and Sister Emily Duran, Carm OL; work on crafts at The Door is Open. Giustra has coordinated the craft program for women in the Downtown Eastside for the past 10 years. Photo submitted to BCC.

Cheryl Giustra did not imagine the lesson she was teaching her young children would be one she would learn more from. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Military action frees 900 captives of Boko Haram, Cameroon official says

#BringBackOurGirls campaigners in Abuja raise candles during a gathering Aug. 27, to mark the 500th day since more than 200 girls of the Government Secondary School were abducted by Boko Haram from their dormitory in Chibok, Nigeria. CNS photo / Afolabi Sotunde, Reuters.

Cameroon's government has said a multi-national military action has freed 900 hostages of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Alberta food bank scrambles to meet skyrocketing demand

Volunteers at Anawim Place scurry to get ready for the morning rush at the food depot. Thandiwe Konguavi / Western Catholic Reporter (CCN).

Anawim Place is not scheduled to open for another 30 minutes, but early on a chilly fall morning, the lineup in front already stretches past the entrance, slinking along the building. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Men's Hostel fills up quickly

Worker worries about running out of room

Frances Cabahug looks out at the weather during a visit to the JPII Pastoral Centre Nov. 13. One day earlier she had opened the extreme weather beds at the Catholic Charities Men's Hostel for the first time this season. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

 It's only the start of the extreme weather season, but one shelter is already filling up quickly. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Make the mercy jubilee a 'revolution of tenderness,' Pope urges

Pope Francis stands in front of the Holy Door in early April prior to the first vespers of Divine Mercy Sunday in St. Peter's Basilica. CNS photo / Andrea Solaro, Reuters pool.

In an interview by the official jubilee publication "Credere," the official website for the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis expresses his intention that the year be an occasion to encounter God's tenderness in a world rife with cruelty and atrocities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

New prelate for Whitehorse

Evan Boudreau / The Catholic Register / CCN. Bishop-designate Vila.

Growing up, Father Hector Vila never dreamed of visiting the Yukon, but now the Redemptoris Mater priest from Peru can't stop thinking about making his first trip to northern Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hospital seeks funds for new ultrasound

Doctor calls the portable tool 'essential to our care for patients'

Doctors Michael Sze (left) and David Agulnik demonstrate how a portable ultrasound works during a press conference. Tapestry Foundation hopes to raise funds to purchase one for Mount Saint Joseph Hospital. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A Vancouver hospital is asking the community to help it raise $800,000 for its emergency department. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Have you thought about being a missionary?

Wolfgang Georg Kimmig-Liebe of Germany is dressed as St. Nicholas as he stands among the crowd before Pope Francis arrives for his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square Dec. 2. CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters.

"To the youth: think about what you want to do with your life. It's the moment to think and to ask the Lord to make His will known to you." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Euthanasia opponents pleased with court injunction against Quebec law

Hugh Scher, legal counsel for the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, at the Supreme Court in 2014 the day the Court heard arguments in the Carter case on assisted suicide

Euthanasia opponents are pleased with a court injunction a Quebec doctor obtained Dec. 1 against the province's euthanasia law that was to go into effect Dec. 10. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Speakers tackle euthanasia from different angles

Panelist says assisted suicide opens paths to elder abuse, increases pressure on depressed teens

MP Mark Warawa (right) tells Langley residents how to voice their concerns on euthanasia and assisted suicide issues alongside panelists Natalie Sonnen, executive director of LifeCanada, and Doctor Williard Johnston. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A doctor, a politician, and an activist stepped up to the microphone to voice their views on end-of-life issues at a Langley forum. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope speaks to Central African Christians

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Barthelemy Boganda Stadium in Bangui, Central African Republic, Nov. 30. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During the final Mass of his first visit to Africa, Pope Francis called the Christians of the Central African Republic (CAR) to be missionaries in their nation, bringing renewal amid suffering, and hope for eternal life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Singing friar evangelizes

Franciscan Friar Alessandro Brustenghi brings his operatic talents to Alberta. Thandiwe Konguavi (CCN).

Brother Alessandro Brustenghi is an unlikely musical star. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archdiocese launches climate webpage

Landing page details events in parishes and communities

The Global Catholic Climate Movement encourages Catholics to renew their relationship with creation. catholicclimatemovement.global.

Since the release of Pope Francis's second encyclical, the Archdiocese of Vancouver has set up a new climate concern webpage to collect all things climatic. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope to Ugandan youth: you are a people of martyrs

The Vatican flag and a peace banner are seen as Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives for a meeting with young people at the Kololo airstrip in Kampala, Uganda Nov. 28. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

On his last day in Uganda, Pope Francis heard testimonies of suffering from young people and praised Ugandan's faith, which he said comes from the martyrs who have come before them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Chaplain General's Christmas meant preparing for possible death

Chaplain General Brigadier General Guy Chapdelaine at the Oct. 22 memorial for the terrorist attacks in Quebec and in Ottawa the previous year. He wears a red alb as the Queen's Honorary Chaplain. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

When Brigadier General Guy Chapdelaine, the Chaplain General of the armed forces, spent Christmas in Afghanistan in 2006, he planned ahead for his possible death. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.