Bishop-to-be about to bid adieu

Mass and farewell celebration planned for July 31

A Vancouver priest is getting ready to say goodbye to his beloved archdiocese. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Editor's Note re: newspaper delivery
Canada Post Labour Dispute may affect us
Dear Subscriber,

There is potential for a Canada Post work stoppage beginning any time after July 2 (before we went to press). We have arranged for most of our newspapers to be delivered by a distribution service should a work stoppage occur. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Suicide bombers target Lebanese village

Predominantly Christian town attacked twice in one day

Lebanese women hold guns in front of journalists June 28 in
the village of Qaa, where the attacks took place. (Reuters)

People in the Lebanese village of Qaa are grieving after two separate suicide bomb attacks hit on the same day. Catholic News Service reached Melkite Catholic Archbishop Elias Rahal over the phone:

"We pray, we pray, we pray for the dead, for the injured... We are here for the families and for their children."

The first attack on June 27 killed five people, not including the bombers. The second attack hit near St. Elias Melkite Catholic Church as people were preparing for funerals for those killed in the first attack. About 30 people were injured in both incidents.

Read the full story here.

St. Mary's plans to build elementary school in high-rise

Unique project could include residential towers, new hall

This artist's rendering shows what the new school could look like. stmarysvancouver.ca.

Parish plans for the rebuilding of St. Mary's Elementary School on Joyce Street in Vancouver include plans that will make it the second school in Vancouver with residential units on top of the building. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Ottawa parish on a mission for refugees

Kholoud Al Dakhil with her son Stephane, who was born not long after they arrived in Canada. Stephane is the first Canadian citizen among them.

When an Ottawa parish brought a family of Syrian refugees to Canada in 2015, the experience put them on a mission to welcome more. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Protestors decry local police department's inaction

Residents call on mayor to see that arrests start being made under anti-prostitution Bill C-36

More than 100 people hold signs at Vancouver city hall June 14 to protest the lack of enforcement of Bill C-36. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Protestors and signs with bold slogans like "No Paid Rape" filled the front steps of Vancouver city hall June 14. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Disabled daughter gave life to family

Jeri and Chuck Marple tell the Every Life Matters session of their experience of living with their daughter Mary, who has cerebral palsy. Thandiwe Konguavi / Western Catholic Reporter / (CCN).

When Jeri and Chuck Marple's eighth child Mary was born at 22 weeks gestation, the choice of life or death was set before them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Talitha Koum Society receives $600,000

Group to buy a home for women, thanks to city of Coquitlam

Coquitlam mayor Richard Stewart.

A non-profit dedicated to freeing women from addiction is expanding, thanks to a new partnership with the City of Coquitlam. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Oriental Churches' aid agencies contribute $150 million to Iraq and Syria

Carl Hetu, the national director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) in Canada, reported Catholic aid agencies contributed $150 million in 2015 to help the people of Iraq and Syria. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop names new vicar general

Father Gary Franken to replace Father Joseph Nguyen Aug. 11

Father Gary Franken is stepping up to the task of being the right-hand man of Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Bishop reminds WYD pilgrims the cross brings happiness

Young Polish-Canadian pilgrims about to embark on the journey to Krakow, Poland, for World Youth Day 2016 show the crosses they were given by Bishop Matthew Ustrzycki. Jean Ko Din / The Catholic Register.

Always remember why you are there, Auxiliary Bishop-emeritus Matthew Ustrzycki of Hamilton told 600 young Polish-Canadians preparing to return to their ancestral homeland for World Youth Day this summer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Medal of Honor priest to be immortalized in documentary

Production underway for film about Vietnam War Hero Catholic chaplain

Father Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M., also known as The Grunt Padre, received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his bravery and service during the Vietnam War. (Photo Credit: Naval Historical Center Online / United States Navy)

An hour-long film is in production celebrating the life journey of Vietnam War Hero, Father Vincent R. Capodanno, Servant of God.

Father Capodanno was a Maryknoll missionary from Staten Island, New York, who served in the Navy Chaplain Corps. He met his end on a bloody hillside in Vietnam's Que Son Valley, where outnumbered U.S. Marines fought for their lives against North Vietnamese soldiers.

Despite suffering from more than two dozen bullet wounds, Father Capodanno continued to console and anoint dying and wounded soldiers, as well as moving them to safety. "He was carrying a wounded Marine," then-Private First Class Julio Rodriguez recalled to The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). "After he brought him to the relative safety of our perimeter, he continued to go back and forth giving Last Rites to dying men and brining in wounded marines. He made many trips, telling us to 'stay cool; don't panic.'"

Another Marine survivor, Keith K. Rounseville, told AMS Father Capodanno acted as if "there wasn't an enemy in sight," jumping over Rounseville's foxhole and aiding a wounded Marine while under enemy machine gun fire. He also comforted a wounded Marine, giving him aid and verbal encouragement.

The military chaplain was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Father Capodanno died at age 38 in 1967. For his sacrifice, the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild was created in 2013, to promote the possibility of canonization for Father Capodanno.

The documentary, which is jointly underwritten by the guild and Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), is being produced by filmmaker James C. Kelty.

Proceeds from the sale of DVDs will aid in the various expenses of the guild. "It is a major undertaking for us," told Guild Chairman George Phillips, USMC (Ret), to AMS. He explained the purpose of both the film and the guild was to "secure funds to pay for expenses associated with the Cause for canonization of Father Capodanno, and to spread the news" about the hero priest.

For more information, visit the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild here.

Adventurous priest celebrates Mass at 10,000 feet

Small team of climbers ascends Mt. Baker for stunning views and 'source and summit' of the faith

Father Bryan Duggan celebrates Mass on the summit of Mt. Baker using ice axes and a backpack as an altar. Michel Gloanec / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Ascending snow-covered Mt. Baker was a spiritual journey for three adventurers who recently scaled its glacier. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Holocaust survivor tells story of his lucky escape

Canadian Max Eisen shares his experience surviving Auschwitz and the Holocaust in his new memoir "By Chance Alone." Michael Swan / The Catholic Register.

When a gang of pretty high-school girls spot 87-year-old Max Eisen they all shout "Max!" and shuffle over for a hug and a chat with the man who showed them the inside of Auschwitz last summer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Refugees describe living one kilometre from enemy

Sayegh family's home was bombed three times before they fled and sought peace in Canada

The Sayegh family poses with volunteers from the Catholic Women's League during a welcome party in their first few days at Canadian Martyrs Parish. "Canada, from the first week, is looking very nice," Albert said. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

When Albert Sayegh fled Syria, he brought a piece of the war with him. A shred of shrapnel is embedded in his flesh on his left side. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Judicial review of Ontario physicians' college sought over forced referrals

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto and Larry Worthen, executive director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society, represented the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience before the joint Parliamentary Committee on Physician Assisted Dying earlier this year. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Members of the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience are taking the College of Physicians' and Surgeons of Ontario (CSPO) to court over its assisted suicide policy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Politician says free speech, religion are under attack

Former MP Stephen Woodworth launches initiative to expose 'abuses of power' in this country

Stephen Woodworth chats with participant Cristina Alarcon after his presentation. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

There's a silent war going on in Canada, and fundamental freedoms are at stake, said a former MP. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Despite euthanasia and assisted suicide legislation, the battle continues

Cardinal Thomas Collins during testimony before the joint Parliamentary Committee on Physician Assisted Dying in Ottawa where he appeared on behalf of the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal in Canada, but opponents vow to fight on a number of fronts in hopes, ultimately, of seeing Canadian society reverse its position. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Patrick's holds service for lost children

Parishioners light candles, sing, and pray at memorial service for the aborted

Candles glow in the church as participants grieve the loss of aborted children and pray for healing for their families. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Caption: Pro-life activist and memorial organizer Stephanie Gray (left) talks with Father Matthew To and speaker Elizabeth Sutcliffe. "This event provided closure," to several "heartbroken" participants, Gray said. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A memorial in Maple Ridge for aborted children had the gravity of a funeral. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Canada now officially a killer country at end of life as well as beginning of life
Euthanasia and assisted suicide passes final Senate hurdle

Demonstrators step into white garbage bags June 1 to represent the body bags that will result from euthanasia and assisted suicide. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Liberal government's euthanasia and assisted suicide Bill C-14 received Royal Assent and became law June 17. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth camp to strengthen teens' faith

Retreat aims for mercy

Erwin Fung, a consultant for youth ministry. BCC photo.

The sun will be shining, birds will be singing, and youth ministries will be providing a camp which gives youth a chance to reinforce their faith while enjoying summer activities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Government rejects Senate amendment opening eligibility for assisted suicide

Carla Qualtrough, the federal Minister of Sport and of Persons with Disabilities, tells advocates for the disabled and mentally ill the Liberal government is concerned about their protection in assisted suicide Bill C-14. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Liberal government has rejected a Senate amendment to its assisted suicide Bill C-14 that removes the requirement death be reasonably foreseeable. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

91-year-old musician is still an entertainer

Jazz singer Eve Duke used to perform with Duke Ellington

Eve Duke. (Photo)

When she was in her twenties, singer and pianist Eve Duke toured with legendary musician Duke Ellington.

He "was a big name in those days. He had one of the most famous orchestras."

Duke recorded three tracks with Ellington in 1950, including Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady, and Love You Madly. She says the lifestyle of a musician touring with one of the world's top bands was exciting.

Now Duke entertains residents at St. Vincent's: Langara and says she never retired. Find out more about her musical career here.

Policeman continues to serve society as a deacon

Deacon Dan Ritchie found similarities between being on the force and being an ordained minister

Deacon Dan Ritchie displays his CN Police uniform. He works as an inspector for the force. Dan Ritchie / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Deacon Dan Ritchie was devastated by a fellow officer's suicide 18 years ago, but it led him towards becoming a permanent deacon. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Orlando shootings cause massive political divide

Robert Hall, a Calgary man, was killed in the Philippines by a terrorist group linked to Islamic State after an $8 million ransom demand was not met.

The Orlando massacre June 12 in a nightclub frequented by homosexuals by a man claiming allegiance to ISIS detonated a political explosion not only in the United States, but also in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Faraway family members rally around dying mother

Painful experience taught daughter Daisy Chan about suffering, mercy, and the power of prayer

May Chan (centre) gets together with family in this undated photo. "Faith carries you through," said daughter Daisy Chan, who spent countless hours by her bedside. "The Divine Mercy Chaplet says: 'Jesus, I trust in You.' It has been my motto." Photo submitted.

Her mother's battle with cancer taught one Surrey resident the immense value of her faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Interfaith representatives call for national palliative-care strategy

Valleyfield Bishop Noel Simard joins representatives of the Evangelical Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths June 14 to call for a national palliative-care strategy. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Representatives of the Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, and Muslim faiths issued a call June 14 for a well-funded, high-quality, national palliative-care strategy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

ACLU lawyer blames Christians for Orlando shooting

American Civil Liberties Union attorney says Christians caused deadliest mass shooting in U.S.

A girl places flowers at a vigil after the June 12, 2016, mass shooting at a gay night club in Orlando. (Photo Credit: Spencer Platt / Getty Images News)

Early Sunday morning, 29-year-old Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 at a gay night club in Orlando, the highest death toll of any mass shooting in the United States' history.

According to FBI director James Comey, Mateen had "strong indications of radicalization." He had pledged allegiance to ISIS in a 911 call inside the nightclub, said authorities.

 After the shooting, ACLU attorney Chase Strangio had some choice words directed to those who offered "thoughts and prayers" for the victims and their families.

"You know what is gross - your thought and prayers and Islamophobia after you created this anti-queer climate," he tweeted. "The Christian Right has introduced 200 anti-LGBT bills in the last sex months and people blaming Islam for this. No."

However, leading Christians from organizations rejected the claim, stressing that while they disagree with gay marriage, they promote the dignity of every human life, no matter the sexual orientation.

Matthew Franck, director of the William E. and Carol G. Simon Center on Religion and the Constitution at the Witherspoon Institute, told Catholic News Agency that upholding Christian teaching on marriage is not equivalent to violence.

"Christians who have resisted the redefinition of marriage, and who now want to be free to live what their faith teaches them is the truth about marriage, do not hate anyone, and legislation to protect their freedom is not 'anti-LGBT' except in the minds of the intolerant enforcers of coerced conformity," he told CNA.

For the rest of the news story, visit CNA here.

Syrian family waited four years to escape war area

Local parish community gathered resources to grant moral and material support for refugees

Nadin (left), Natali, Elias, Naya, and Rima Sabe Dayekh arrive at the Vancouver Airport in February. Rudolf Kischer / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

As the Syrian city of Aleppo was torn by conflict, Elias Dayekh knew he had to move his family to relative safety in Jordan. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Euthanasia opponents disappointed as Senate suggests amendments to Bill C-14

Conservative Senator Claude Carignan's amendment that would have required a judicial authorization for any assisted death of those not near end of life was defeated. Deborah Gyapong (CCN)

Euthanasia opponents who hoped the Senate might promote tighter safeguards and add conscience protection in Bill C-14 are disappointed and concerned. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Faithful priest celebrates 50 years of priesthood

'LORD' is an acronym for Listening, Offering, Receiving, and 'Disciple-ing'

Deacon Rennie Nahanee, Father John Tritschler, and Deacon Nahanee's wife Emma pray before dinner at Father Tritschler's 50th anniversary of ordination. Angel Chua / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The Feast of Corpus Christi was ideal for celebrating Father John Tritschler's 50th anniversary of ordination, said Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Photo exhibit chronicles Eucharistic miracles

An exhibit travelling through parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto (seen here at St. Patrick's Church in Markham, Ont.) gives information about Eucharistic miracles that have taken place around the world. Jim O'Leary / Catholic Register / CCN.

The Holy Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. This is the great mystery upon which the Catholic Church is built. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Ann's Church being repaired after blaze

Woman began yelling in the middle Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Ann's is under repair after fire charred the sacristy and smoke damaged the church and rectory. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis: Want to celebrate well? Drink wine!

In an in-depth look at Jesus's first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana, Pope Francis pointed to several key moments in the scene that illuminate our understanding of Christ. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Senate amends Bill C-14 to make assisted suicide more accessible

Senator Serge Joyal

A majority of members of the upper chamber, concerned assisted suicide Bill C-14 is unconstitutional, voted June 9 to get rid of the requirement death must be reasonably foreseeable. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priest discusses his past in Philippines

Redemptoris Mater seminarian grew up in a missionary family

Father Davide Lanzani is the assistant pastor of St. Patrick's Parish in Vancouver. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

Father Davide Lanzani was ordained Dec. 4, 2015, the first Redemptoris Mater seminarian to be ordained. He spoke to The B.C. Catholic about growing up in a missionary family, and about later living in the world's most atheistic country. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Battle over meaning of human dignity underlies euthanasia debate

American Catholic philosopher and author Peter Kreeft spoke in Ottawa at a conference organized by the Canadian Federation of Catholic Physicians' Societies. Deborah Gyapong (CCN)

A battle over the meaning of human dignity underlies the euthanasia debate, American philosopher and author Peter Kreeft told a conference organized by Catholic doctors June 4. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Trinity Western University in court again

Christian post-secondary institution continues struggle to open a law school

Trinity Western University.

Trinity Western University was in the B.C. Court of Appeal last week and is in Ontario appeal courts this week. President Bob Kuhn wrote a statement to friends and supporters:

"This is a vital time for the future of Trinity Western University, and for the future of our freedom. Within the next 10 days, Courts of Appeal in both B.C. and Ontario will be hearing the case for TWU's proposed School of Law."

The university has been criticized for asking students to abide by a Community Covenant during their studies, which, among other things, requires students to abstain from sex outside marriage between a man and a woman.

"This journey and these challenges are about more than a law school - they're about freedom. We're profoundly privileged to live in a country where our freedom to believe in Jesus Christ, to express that belief, and to form a community defined by biblical principles, is protected by the Charter. We pray that the courts will honour and protect this freedom."

TWU entered the B.C. Court of Appeal after the B.C. Supreme Court ruled in its favour in December.

Critics have said the Community Covenant discriminates against LGBT people.

To find out the latest developments in the law school saga, see TWU's Twitter feed or Blog. You can also read more about their law school here.

Catholic professionals bring beliefs in briefcase

Speakers at After Hours event urge young adults to follow their consciences in their workplaces

Panelists Brett Powell (left), Christian Dy, and Cristina Alarcon chat before the downtown event. "I can't leave my faith at the door, because I'm one person. I'm the same person when I'm at home, at Mass, on the job," said Alarcon. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A local Catholic pharmacist is not afraid to stand up for her beliefs in her workplace. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Euthanasia Bill C-14 passes second reading in Senate

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and Health Minister Jane Philpott at a news conference regarding Bill C-14. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Euthanasia and assisted suicide Bill C-14 passed second reading in the Senate June 3 and was sent to the Senate's legal and constitutional affairs committee. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vancouver parish takes development concerns to city

Parishioners worry about location of a proposed SkyTrain station

Holy Name of Jesus Church. (Photo by Graham Osborne)

Members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish are about To meet Vancouver city planners to discuss the future of the neighbourhood.

On the agenda is Phase 3 of the city’s Cambie Corridor project. That plan includes various housing, transit, and other development projects along a 19-kilometre stretch of Cambie Street.

“We have to be responsible stewards of the property that was purchased for the use of the parish for its mission,” said Father Stanley Galvon.

More than 300 parishioners have signed a petition outlining their concerns about Phase 3. Those concerns include a proposed SkyTrain station at 33rd Avenue, the intersection where their church stands. Find out more here.

Stone-throwing attack on Catholics in Israel shows a 'culture of contempt'

Gravel assault reveals rocky relationship between faiths

Catholic migrant workers from the Philippines attend Mass outside the Community of St. Therese Lisieux chapel in Rehovot, Israel. (Photo credit: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem)

An attack on Catholics attending Mass in the Israeli city of Rehovot by Jewish youth last month has created a rebuttal by Church authorities.

"It is sad that people in prayer, for [the] most part, women working in Rehovot Jewish homes, were the victims of a hail of stones," said Bishop William Hanna Shomali, an auxiliary bishop of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The Mass attendees were in the courtyard of a small chapel of the Community of St. Therese of Lisieux May 28 when the attack occurred, reported Catholic News Agency. The Catholic community of Rehovot, located 30 miles northwest of Jerusalem, is mainly composed of migrant workers from Africa, India, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, as well as university students.

The group of Jewish boys hurled stones at the congregation, hitting a few "although again thank the Lord no one was seriously hurt," the Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew-speaking Catholics reported.

The bishop noted certain Israeli circles held a "culture of contempt for others," and called for the need to "find solutions to cure society of radicalism and intolerance."

For the full story, see Catholic News Agency here.

Salt and Light CEO talks faith and entertainment

Father Thomas Rosica discusses the influence of TV during Vancouver fundraiser for new projects

Father Thomas Rosica thanks volunteers after Taste and See, the second Salt and Light fundraiser in Vancouver. It was held at the Italian Cultural Centre May 28. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

An English media spokesman for the Vatican and the head of the biggest Canadian Catholic TV network recently greeted hundreds of local fans. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Algonquin women leaders address CPJ annual general meeting

Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation near Maniwaki, Quebec gave a keynote address at CPJ's AGM June 2. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Two Algonquin women stressed the importance of forging a path of reconciliation with First Nations people in the lead at the annual general meeting of Citizens for Public Justice June 2. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vancouver counts a record number of homeless

Annual survey reveals 1,847 people live on the streets or in shelters

Scott Small, director of Shelter Services for Catholic Charities,
holds open a door to a downtown Men's Hostel.

This year's homeless count has found there is a record number of people without permanent homes in Vancouver.

There are 1,847 people, or 0.31 per cent of the city's population, living on the streets or in shelters. That's the highest number recorded since the annual count began in 2005. Find out more here.

Interested in what the Archdiocese of Vancouver does to help people who have no home? Start here. Also see The B.C. Catholic newspaper, which recently published articles about Downtown Eastside ministries Agape and Good Shepherd.

Archdiocese hosts youth celebration

WYD preparatory event unites young Catholics

Father Thomas Rosica, CSB, presents his experiences connected with World Youth Day to more than 300 youth at St. Patrick's Parish in Vancouver. Father Rosica was appointed by the CCCB to be the national coordinator of the event. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

Young adults enjoying a taste of the World Youth Day experience heard from their archbishop and a media priest. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Several hundred protest against euthanasia as Bill C-14 goes to Senate

Demonstrators step into white garbage bags June 1 to represent the body bags that will result from euthanasia and assisted suicide. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

On June 1, the day after the Liberal-dominated House of Commons sent assisted suicide Bill C-14 to the Senate, hundreds of people protested against euthanasia on Parliament Hill. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Praying today?

LifeCanada promotes prayer and fasting for politicians

Photo courtesy of LifeCanada.

There are only days left before the Supreme Court's deadline for laws that will govern assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada. That's why pro-life organization LifeCanada is calling on Canadian citizens to pray and fast today.

"In the face of such seismic changes, we ask that you consider offering one day to pray and fast for Canada's legislators, that as this darkness descends upon our country, they may somehow see the light."

More information about the organization is available here or by emailing info@lifecanada.org.

The group has also recently released a report that compiles the results of three polls and finds most Canadians want strong restrictions on assisted dying.