Moral theologian to talk religious freedom

Moira McQueen says doctors and universities deserve conscience-rights protection

Moira McQueen, who was appointed to the Vatican's International Theological Commission in 2014, meets Pope Francis. Photo submitted.

A Canadian bioethicist with a high-level task from the Vatican is going to come to Vancouver. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Mother Angelica still in 'delicate' condition

The nuns of Mother Angelica's monastery have thanked those who have prayed for the EWTN founder and have asked continued prayers for the 92-year-old nun. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Assisted-death recommendations 'dangerous' and 'completely unacceptable'

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould says it is too early to tell what will be in the legislation. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The conference of Catholic bishops and an array of other groups have condemned recommendations in a special parliamentary report on assisted-death tabled in the House of Commons Feb. 25. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sister Jo remembered as ideal example of consecrated life

Sibling of Archbishop Carney dedicated most of her life to Church, students

Sister Josephine Carney, SSA, embraces players at an Alumnae Field Hockey Game in 2012. Blaine Campbell / LFA Archives.

Sister Josephine Carney, the only surviving sibling of the late Archbishop James Carney, has died, just days after her 96th birthday. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope: wealth and power are good, but only when used to serve

A newly married couple hold rosaries in their hands as they leave Pope Francis' general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Feb. 24. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis cautioned that unless wealth and power are put at the service of society, especially the poor, they risk becoming instruments of corruption, private interests, and various forms of abuse. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Death committee recommendations go far beyond Carter

NDP MPs Charlie Angus, Murray Rankin, and Brigitte Sansoucy say they support the reports recommendations and are glad a recommendation for palliative care they fought for has been included. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The special Parliamentary committee on physician-assisted dying recommended Feb. 25 euthanasia for the mentally ill and opened the way for euthanasia of consenting minors. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Las Vegas priest talks business ethics

Prayer can help people make virtuous decisions: Father Oliva

Father Max Oliva, SJ (centre), meets business people Tina Francis (left) and Michael Meneer at a Feb. 12 event called "Can the Virtuous Succeed in the Marketplace?" Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A Jesuit from Las Vegas knows it can be hard to be virtuous in the marketplace, so he has created retreats for working people. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

What Pope Francis actually said about contraception

Despite a rush of headlines claiming Pope Francis is softening the Church's stand on contraception, a closer look at his recent remarks could suggest otherwise. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

There should be no conscience rights about assisted death: professor

Dalhousie University professor Jocelyn Downie has been on the forefront of a push for assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Physicians' conscience rights should not be able to veto or trump a patient's "right" to a medically-assisted death, said one of the foremost proponents of physician-assisted death. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Students learn importance of mercy and leadership

St. Helen's Elementary hosts second annual conference designed to form leaders of tomorrow

Nadia Piperni (back row, left) stands with St. Helen's students and fellow educators Erin Callaway (back row, centre) and Sarah Ruggier (back row, right). Piperni hopes other elementary schools will consider hosting the conference in the future. Diana Silva / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Mercy is a corporeal concept, rather than just a concept, Father Bryan Duggan told a conference of leadership groups from elementary schools. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis sees Our Lady of Guadalupe as he looks back at Mexico trip

Pope Francis said the visit to Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe was the "central point" of his spiritual pilgrimage to Mexico. He praised the witness of the Mexican faithful and suggested that Guadalupe is part of their "special inheritance" that launched the evangelization of the Americas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic agencies aiding Syrians hope for big rise in donations as deadline nears

This non-UNHCR refugee camp of Muslim Syrians in Lebanon is supported by a Melkite Catholic community. Photo courtesy CNEWA Canada.

Three Catholic charities which joined forces with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops last fall to raise urgently-needed funds for Syrian refugees hope many Catholics will give generously before Feb. 29. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop blesses 'thrones of mercy'

Prelate inaugurates new confessionals installed in St. Anthony of Padua Church

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, prepares to sprinkle holy water on new confessionals as Deacon Andrew Kung (left) and Father Justin Huang look on. Father Huang will hear confessions for 12 hours every first Saturday of the month during the Year of Mercy. Brandon Dy Tang / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

New confessionals in St. Anthony of Padua Church in Vancouver beautifully express the architectural and spiritual goals of the parish, according to its enthusiastic pastor, Father Justin Huang. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pop-singing nuns perform before Pope in Juarez

After taking the Internet by storm last fall with their hit "Confia en Dios," this group of singing sisters was invited to perform at Pope Francis's U.S.-Mexico border Mass in Juarez earlier this week. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Decision to compel party vote on assisted-dying bill now on hold

The joint committee on physician-assisted dying will table its report in the House of Commons Feb. 25. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Liberal government's decision to tell its member how they must vote on an upcoming assisted-dying bill has been put on hold, pending the report of a special parliamentary committee due Feb. 25. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

B.C. educators gather for first-ever provincial meet

Federation of Independent School Associations celebrates 50th anniversary on the occasion

Daniel Pink

Clapping echoed through the Vancouver Convention Centre as more than 5,100 educators gathered under one roof Feb. 4-5. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope Francis expresses grief at the Mexico-U.S. border

Rosa Maria Estala cries during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Feb. 17. CNS photo / David Maung.

At the Mexico-U.S. border town of Ciudad Juarez, Pope Francis told hundreds of thousands of people present to beg God for the "gift of tears" over the suffering of others, especially those suffering forced migration. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishops continue fight against transgender guidelines

Archbishop Richard Smith has joined others in expressing his frustration with the provincial government's new gender identity guidelines. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parish plans mercy retreat

Five-Day mission will help people prepare for Lent

Father William Casey, CPM

Individuals seeking to enrich their spirituality during the Jubilee Year of Mercy may find guidance at a five-day mission at Corpus Christi Church. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Resignation is from the devil, Pope warns Mexicans

People cheer along the parade route for Pope Francis in Morelia, Mexico, Feb. 16. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In the face of corruption, violence, and atrocities against the human person, resignation becomes the "devil's favourite weapon," Pope Francis told priests, religious, and seminarians on the fourth day of his journey to Mexico. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Religious Freedom Ambassador receives temporary extension

Religious Freedom Ambassador Andrew Bennett has received an extension of his contract with Global Affairs Canada to March 31. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

40 Days for Life begins their 2016 Spring campaign

Pro-lifers begin annual peace rally at hospital

A group of pro-life supporters stand outside The B.C. Women's Hospital at night. (Special submitted to The B.C. Catholic)

Several individuals gathered outside of The B.C. Women's Hospital to peacefully pray for the unborn during the 40 Days for Life campaign, Feb. 10, 2016.

"It’s about being able to educate people on more of a mindful and spiritual connection to not just the prolife movement, but the attitude of prayer," said Heather Sundae. "It's one way to show how prayer can support and promote constructive change, rather than act as just a passive activity."

The campaign started on Feb. 10, and will continue till March 20. For more information, or to sign up to pray on one of the dates, click here.

Local church praises God for calling new priests

About 230 parishioners turn up for the Archdiocese of Vancouver's first-ever Ordinandi Dinner

Father Larry Lynn (left), Deacon Lucio Choi, Father Davide Lanzani, and Deacon Mark McGuckin are thanked Feb. 4 for accepting a call to serve the archdiocese. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Hundreds gathered at St. Helen's Parish to thank God for providing four new priests. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Don't anesthetize the hope of your youth, Pope tells Mexicans

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to celebrate Mass with the indigenous community from Chiapas in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico, Feb. 15. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In today's throwaway culture, young people are being anesthetized against the desire for a better world, Pope Francis said, celebrating Mass in Mexico's Chiapas region. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.

Euthanasia poses problems for priests

Montreal Archbishop Christian Lepine. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

As legalized euthanasia becomes a reality in Canada, priests and hospital chaplains could face moral dilemmas when pastoral care comes up against Church teaching. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.

Conversion can happen when you least expect it

Catholic Charities Justice Services Prison Ministry active during Year of Mercy

Visiting the imprisoned is a corporal work of mercy. Gabrielle Hoffer writes that prison ministry volunteers "bring the love and compassion of Christ with them." Malcolm Grear Designers / CNS.

Our Lord's tender invitation to conversion is unending. Sometimes it is in our darkest moments that we actually stop to listen. We may hear it in reading His word, or experience Him through the influence and faith of others. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pope, patriarch meet in Cuba

Pope Francis introduces members of his delegation to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow after the leaders signed a joint declaration during a meeting at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana Feb. 12. At right is Cuban President Raul Castro. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In a historic first, Pope Francis met with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. The Feb. 12 meeting took place in Havana, Cuba, a stop added at the start of the Holy Father's Feb. 12-17 trip to Mexico. In addition to meeting privately, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill signed a joint declaration. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Centre eases refugees into Catholic schools

Karen Fabris says Edmonton Catholic Schools' One World ... One Centre has been providing a one-stop welcome for all newcomers to city schools since 2012. Thandiwe Konguavi / Western Catholic Reporter (CCN).

If any agency was prepared for a wave of Syrian refugee families to arrive in Canada, it is Edmonton Catholic Schools' One World ... One Centre. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Iraqi refugees land in Vancouver

St. Clare of Assisi welcomes second refugee family

Nahida Balkail (right), her husband Layth, and their three children receive a heartfelt welcome at the Vancouver airport.

After countless security checks, paperwork, and two sleepless nights en route to the other side of the world, five Iraqi refugees have landed in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Journalist with microcephaly slams abortion push in Brazil

Ana Carolina Caceres

Since the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas, one woman born with microcephaly, which is suspected to be linked to Zika, has said that what's needed for those with the condition is assistance, not abortion. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB president releases Lenten message on euthanasia

Bishop Douglas Crosby of Hamilton, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops urges Catholics to reflect over Lent on mitigating the impact of legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prison ministry director launches new campaign

Maureen Donegan hopes to have liaisons in most parishes in five years as this ministry grows

Maureen Donegan, the coordinator of Catholic Charities Justice Service, said the number of prison ministry volunteers has grown in the last 13 years from four to 200. Screenshot from an RCAV Prison Ministry video.

The number of Catholics visiting the imprisoned in the Lower Mainland has nearly doubled over the last year, so the prison ministry of the archdiocese is calling on parishes to take a bigger role in leading this corporal act of mercy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

A chat with Joseph Fiennes, star of historical thriller 'Risen'

The lead actor of "Risen," a film told through the eyes of a Roman soldier who is forced to confront the resurrection of Christ, calls it a story for believers and nonbelievers alike - notwithstanding its strong Christian themes. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canada asked to recognize ISIS genocide of Christians

Catholic Near East Welfare Association National Director Carl Hetu; Development and Peace executive director David Leduc; and Aid to the Church in Need Canada national director Marie-Claude Lalonde represent Catholic charities helping Christians in the Middle East. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Aid to the Church in Need has asked the Canadian government to join the EU Parliament in its Feb. 4 resolution recognizing ISIS/ISIL or Daesh persecution of Christians as genocide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Laity join in celebrating religious life

World Day for Consecrated Life ends year of the same name

Religious and lay people hold lighted candles as the religious renew their vows in Our Lady of Sorrows Church Feb. 2. Father Joseph Nguyen celebrated Mass for members of the 57 religious orders in Vancouver. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

Everyone should strive to imitate the humble lives of religious people, said Father Joseph Nguyen. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

If mercy doesn't reach your pockets, it's not real, Pope says

Pope Francis and a sombrero at his general audience. L'Osservatore Romano photo.

For Pope Francis, mercy isn't just spiritual, but is something that ought to be expressed in concrete acts of service and in sharing one's goods with the poor, which was a key tradition during Jubilee years throughout Scripture. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

NDP MP tables motion to establish right to palliative care

MP Murray Rankin (Victoria, B.C.) has tabled a motion calling for the establishment of a right to palliative care along with funding to make it universally accessible. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The lone NDP MP on the Parliamentary committee on physician-assisted dying tabled a motion Feb. 4 to establish a right to palliative care. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Langley residents speak up about assisted suicide

MPs Mark Warawa and John Aldag host public consultation that draws large crowd on short notice

Shelley Wepruk explains her concern about assisted suicide to two MPs and about 150 people at a public consultation. Her uncle died in 2013 after his wife and daughter refused to allow him to be fed through a tube. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A Langley resident gently held an arm around his elderly wife as he shared his concern about legalizing assisted suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Padre Pio's incorrupt body is in Rome

Pilgrims surround the incorrupt body of St. Padre Pio at a Catholic church in Rome. Pope Francis asked the Capuchins to take the relics of St. Padre Pio and St. Leopold Mandic to Rome for the Year of Mercy. Yara Nardi / CNS / Reuters

The incorrupt body of Padre Pio has arrived to Rome for the first time ever alongside that of another friar, St. Leopold Mandic, as a special initiative for the Jubilee of Mercy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Share Lent focuses on climate change

CCODP regional animator Anupama Ranawana asks people to help overcome the damage we cause the earth. Ramon Gonzalez / Western Catholic Reporter (CCN).

In his encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis writes of the throwaway culture that has propelled our common home into a climate crisis whose effects are felt primarily by the poor of the global south. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

David Daleiden refuses plea deal for probation

'What We Want is an Apology'

The man behind the videos exposing Planned Parenthood has no interest in a plea deal for probation for the bogus charges filed against him. Instead, he wants an apology from the district attorney behind the baseless charges.

Daleiden posted bail Feb. 5 in response to what his attorneys and pro-life groups explain are bogus charges related to his undercover investigation and exposure of the Planned Parenthood abortion business selling the body parts of aborted babies. Dozens of pro-life advocates turned out to support him.

A Texas grand jury indicted David Daleiden and another pro-life activist, Sandra Merritt, behind the videos. Instead of prosecuting Planned Parenthood for selling aborted baby parts, Daleiden was indicted for buying them.

More info here.

Prelate gives talk on spirituality

Bishop Hagemoen shares his vocation story

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Mackenzie - Fort Smith (centre) stands among a group of men who came to hear him speak at St. James's Parish. Joshua Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen shared the story of his journey to the priesthood Jan. 16 at St. James's Church in Abbotsford. The talk drew more than 150 men. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Year for Consecrated Life ends

Pope Francis celebrates Candlemas, or the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary, Feb. 2. Candles are traditionally blessed that day. Daniel Ibanez / CNA.

As Pope Francis said Mass on the feast of the Presentation, the day the Year for Consecrated Life concluded, he reminded religious men and women of their call to be "custodians of wonder" as they promote a culture of encounter with Christ. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Religious minorities in Middle East need priority as refugees: CNEWA

The Mar Elia Refugee Camp in Anwaka, Iraq, which shelters hundreds of families, is situated beside the Mar Elia Catholic Church. (CNA)

Carl Hetu, national director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada, said Christian and other religious minorities should get priority from Canada as refugees. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Linebacker says faith impacted his life

Superbowl player credits Catholic upbringing for his NFL career

Luke Kuechly returns an interception for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks Jan. 17. (Photo Credit: Bob Donnan / USA Today Sports)

The Middle linebacker of the Carolina Panthers, Luke Kuechly, found his faith and parents created a positive impact in his NFL career and his outlook on life.

"I went to a Catholic grade school, Jesuit high school, and a Jesuit college, and I think you just learn certain things growing up in that environment. Really, the biggest thing I learned from it is respect and to treat people correctly," he said after a Jan. 28 practice.

Kuechly graduated from St. Xavier High School, a Catholic boys school near his hometown of Evendale, Ohio, and Boston College. A three-time All America linebacker for Boston College, he was the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Though he doesn't have a special patron saint or special prayer, he does "say a couple prayers in the locker room before games, though."

Read the full article here.

Academic urges Catholics to engage with atheists

Philosopher Sam Rocha suggests meaningful dialogue between believers and non-believers

Philosophy professor Sam Rocha (right) speaks with attendees after his lecture at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Jan. 18. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A philosopher-musician has a unique insight into how people who believe in God can connect with those who don't. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Mercy and justice not mututally exclusive, Pope says

People take selfies as Pope Francis arrives for his general audience in St. Peter's Square Feb. 3. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

When God is described in the Bible as being both merciful and just, it can seem like an identity crisis, but Pope Francis said it's the opposite: rather than contradicting each other, the two actually go hand in hand. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishops ask chance to express the truth about 'assisted death'

Spanish Missionary of Charity Sister Paul supports a patient in 2009 at the House for the Dying in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In a message for the 2015 World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis said "quality of life" proponents who think the gravely ill lead lives not worth living are peddling a great lie. CNS photo / Paul Jeffrey.

The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked the Justice Minister for an invitation to appear before the physician-assisted dying committee. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Premier replies to archbishop

Prelate suggested provincial consultation was far too limited

Premier Christy Clark has responded to the Archbishop of Vancouver's concerns about assisted suicide and euthanasia. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Help Israel and Palestine seek peace, archbishop tells UN

The view over Jerusalem. CNA.

Peace was the focus of the Holy See's representative in a recent speech to the United Nations, where he renewed calls to support negotiations between Israel and Palestine and between the warring factions in Syria. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Second New Evangelization Summit gearing up

Worship at last year's New Evangelization Summit. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

When Michael Dopp and his team organized last year's New Evangelization Summit in Ottawa last year, he tried a conference model that had not been tried in Catholic circles before. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.