Former abortion worker tells of conversion

Carol Everett walked away from the industry after falling to her knees in prayer at her clinic

Carol Everett (centre) chats with Advokate executive director Jared White (right) and Hope for Women's Elizabeth Sutcliffe after the Nov. 17 fundraiser. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A woman who managed two Texas abortion clinics and oversaw 35,000 abortions is now a vocal activist against the industry. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Michel MacDonald named new director of COLF

Caption: Michele Boulva.

The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) board has appointed Michel MacDonald the agency's new director. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Mission to Seafarers active at Christmas

Chaplains to bring gifts to sailors

Sailors smile after being given presents on Christmas eve in 2012 in English Bay during a Mission to Seafarers event. BCC File Photo.

In order to help sailors far from their families and loved ones, the Missions to Seafarers are asking for donations so they can buy Christmas presents. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Ottawa's new vocations director forms discernment group

Father Pierre Champoux, the new Ottawa archdiocese's vocations director, takes a selfie with the eight men who showed up for the first meeting of his Priest Discernment Group. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Archdiocese of Ottawa's new vocations director decided to form a discernment group and Father Pierre Champoux was delighted eight young men showed up for its first meeting. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Duo reflects on WYD performance

Their dance routine incorporated mercy and Canadian artists

Abby Zaporteza and Celine Diaz show their moves during the post-WYD event, No Greater Love, in Surrey. The pair were one of two youth performances from Canada at WYD 2016 in Krakow. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

A Tweet on Twitter led two local dancers to represent Canada before an international audience. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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CCO missionaries encourage students to respond to Christ

CCO co-founders Andre and Angele Regnier at the Founders' Dinner in Ottawa. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) missionaries not only share the gospel with university students, they invite them to respond to Jesus Christ. Thousands have. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Author underwent a spiritual experience

His new home inspired him to write several novels

Henry K. Ripplinger

Creative inspiration for writing can come from the strangest places. For Henry Ripplinger, that strange place was someone else's home. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Government presses ahead with homosexual agenda

MP Randy Boissonnault

The Trudeau government is pressing ahead with an aggressive LGBTQ2 equality agenda through new legislation and the appointment of Special Advisor to guide the process. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Walking club soothes the loneliness in grief

Volunteers and attendees offer understanding and support in small-group setting

Volunteers join people mourning lost loved ones for a walk along Kitsilano Beach to help them heal. The Vancouver Hospice Society hosts the walking club. Photo submitted.

A walking group is offering an active way to overcome grief. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Marrakech Climate change conference fails to address small farmers' needs

The recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (Nov 7-18) in Marrakech failed to address the needs of small farmers says a representative from the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Conference to focus on refugees

Day of reflection will link to Holy Family

Men and women in religious communities as well as laity will pause to reflect on welcoming refugees and immigrants as Advent draws near. "We remember that Joseph and Mary were refugees after the birth of Jesus," said Jean-Michel Bigou of the Canadian Religious Conference. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Transgender Bill C-16 on its way to the Senate

University of Toronto professor Jordan Peterson received the POGG Canada Canadian Values Award Nov. 19 in Ottawa. Shown here: POGG chairman Fred Litwin; Jordan Peterson; POGG president Edgar Simpson, and Harry Weldon, Founder of POGG. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Transgender Bill C-16 was sent to the Senate Nov. 18, despite an effort by one Conservative MP to have it reviewed in committee for its impact on freedom of expression. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Iraq Christians return to Nineveh

Kurdish Peshmerga fighters take back Bashiqa

Pershmerga fighters examine Al Tamera Syriac Catholic parish in Qaraqosh, Iraq after liberating the city from Islamic State. (Photo Credit: Father Roni Momika)

The Islamic State has controlled the city of Qaraqosh, Iraq, for two years. On Nov. 7, Reuters reported Kurdish Pershmerga fighters have taken back the city.

Christian liturgy has been celebrated in the Church of Mar Korkeis, marking the first time such religious activities were allowed since the town was seized in August 2014.

Refugees are eager to return to their homes, but Kurdish Peshmerga Brigadier General Mahram Yasin warned of leftover explosives and mines. "We want people to be patent and not to return here until we completely clear the area, as we want to ensure their safety," he told Reuters.

 For more information, view the Catholic News Agency article here.

Singing priest embraces God's mercy with music

Father Rob Galea performed at World Youth Day wrap-up event

Father Rob Galea speaks about his troubled history to youth at "No Greater Love," a post World Youth Day event in Surrey. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

An Australian priest who starred on the televised singing competition The X Factor shared his experiences of mercy with local youth. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Bishops endorse palliative care Bill C-277

An interfaith coalition including Canada's Catholic Bishops has endorsed Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu's palliative care Bill C-277, adding to the likelihood it will pass in the House of Commons. "We feel very strongly Canadians are behind this bill, and so far it looks like we have all-party support," Gladu said in an interview. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Local Catholics honoured by Vatican

Pope recognizes their service to the Church

Twenty-one men and women received recognition from the Vatican Nov. 13 in Holy Rosary Cathedral. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

Twenty-one people received papal awards for their work in spreading Christ's mercy to the community. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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'We are called to mission': Coolidge

Parishes are called to be places of lay formation, said Katherine Coolidge of the Catherine of Siena Institute. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Shrine draws thousands to Slovenia's Julian Alps

Brezje is an easy train ride from Venice, Italy

Mary Help of Christians Church, the largest pilgrimage church in Slovenia and national shrine of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana, is seen here in 2012. J.P. Sonnen writes the pilgrimage to this church "requires a firm will and some sacrifice." (Copyright) Johann Jaritz.

Many pilgrims are rediscovering the traditional walking pilgrimage on some truly outstanding routes which were almost forgotten. One outstanding shrine is in the Julian Alps, named after Julius Caesar, who founded the city at the foot of the mountains. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Conscience rights need not conflict with patient choice

Faye Sonier, executive director and legal counsel of Canadian Physicians for Life. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The legal 'right' to euthanasia need not conflict with conscience rights says a spokeswoman for Canadian Physicians for Life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Local woman volunteered with the Saint of Kolkata

Days began with prayers, ended with Adoration of the Eucharist

St. Teresa of Kolkata blesses the rosary of Sharon Rempel (centre) in the Mother House in Kolkata while Henrietta (right), a volunteer from New Zealand, looks on. Photo submitted.

I went to Kolkata to work as a volunteer at Shishu Bhavan, a Home for Children, run by the Missionaries of Charity, in 1990. I had written to Mother Teresa asking to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Religious freedom report notes rise in religiously motivated violence

Marie-Claude Lalonde, national director of Aid to the Church in Need Canada. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Aid to the Church in Need's biennial report on religious freedom calls religiously-motivated violence an emerging trend in religious persecution. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Students clean tombstones for service project

The children learn about the afterlife and about respect for the dead

Grade 7 students from Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School clean tombstones in Robinson Memorial Cemetery Nov. 7. The children learned about performing spiritual and corporal works of mercy in preparation for receiving the sacrament of confirmation. Photo submitted.

Every November, Grade 7 students from Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School clean tombstones, learning lessons on mortality. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Trump victory raises concerns about migrant and climate issues

Ryan Worms

Catholic aid agencies have concerns about U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's stand on climate change, on migrants and refugees, and on peace in the Middle East. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.

MIT hosts first 'Gold Mass' for Catholic scientists

Society of Catholic Scientists hold opening 'Gold Mass'

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (Photo Credit: Tsuji via Flickr) 

A recently formed group of American Catholic scientists held the first ever Gold Mass on the feast day of St. Albert the Great, patron saint of scientists.

The Mass was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) chapel Tuesday Nov. 15.

Although many individuals believe faith and science contradict, the Society of Catholic Scientists state that it exists to "witness to the harmony between the vocation of scientist and the life of faith."

The Gold Mass follows the tradition of Masses for other professions, such as White Masses for medical professionals, Red Masses for lawyers, and Blue Masses for police officer. It's name is derived from the hoods warn by graduates with a Ph.D. in science and St. Albert the Great's attempts at turning base metals into gold.

The article, written by Catholic News Agency, can be viewed here.

Vatican goes green, opens recycling centre

New collection system aims to reduce waste in Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica as seen from the Vatican Gardens. (Photo Credit: Lauren Cater/CNA)

A recently announced recycling network within Vatican City goes live today.

The State Governorate of Vatican City Events Coordination announced the central waste collection point Nov. 14, which adds onto of current recycling practices.

Inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laduato si', the leaders of the Vatican's State Governorate said they hope the small state "can in some way become a good example of a 'green' and non-polluting state."

The system used for many years in the Vatican featured recycling and different coloured bins for appropriate waste to be sorted. The new system features a central collection area, as well as additional areas for larger construction-type waste, such as metal, and for special hazardous and non-hazardous waste, such as electronics and certain liquids.

For more information, view the article on Catholic News Agency.

B.C. parent takes school district to court after children coerced to participate in Aboriginal 'cleansing ritual' and prayer

Port Alberni mother concerned over explicitly religious ritual

An aboriginal purification ritual known as "smudging"is performed at Tekakwitha Conference in Fargo, North Dakota.  (Photo Credit: CNS/Nancy Wiechec)

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms has filed a petition with the B.C. Supreme Court in Nanaimo to protect parental and conscience rights, and call for government neutrality in religious matters.

Candice Sevatius received a letter from her children's school of John Howitt Elementary in Port Alberni, explaining the children would be taking part in a religious 'cleansing ritual' performed by a "Nuu-chah-nulth Member". The letter described specific beliefs of the Nuu-chah-nulth, including how "everything is one, all is connected" and "everything has a spirit."

Sevatius arrived at the school the day after receiving the letter to learn more about the ritual, but found the ritual had already occurred, and her children had be coerced into the ritual on the grounds that it was "rude" not to participate.

"This case is profoundly important. This is by no means the only instance of government authorities brazenly challenging the constitutional rights of parents and the rule of law," stated Calgary lawyer and Justice Centre president John Carpay. "Prayer and religious ceremonies have been illegal in public schools in Canada for over 25 years. But it appears School District 70 is more preoccupied with political correctness than the law."

 The petition can be viewed here. For more information on the case background or court documents, click here.

Pro-lifer thanks God for mercy in troubling times

A priest noticed her tears and invited her to talk in another room

Diane Lebrun and her husband smile at home. She is grateful for God's mercy, as she survived a near-death experience and came back to her faith. Photo submitted.

A member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish is reflecting on her conversion as the Year of Mercy draws to a close. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Trump victory a rebuke of elites, Canadian observers say

Canadian observers see Donald Trump's U.S. election victory Nov. 8 as a repudiation of out-of-touch elites and their institutions, but not wholesale support for the Republican candidate. "I think most people voted against people rather than for people," said Ray Pennings. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Grade 7s take part in youth event

Group celebrates strength in Christian unity

Members of St. Matthew's Parish in Surrey arrive for Spirit Day. Derek Juneson / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The voices of more than 2,100 participants roared in unison through the Chandos Pattison Auditorium as Grade 7 students proclaimed their unity in the Lord. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Multi-faith gathering tackles poverty

Michael Fullan

Every armchair economist in the country wonders how a country so rich can have so many people who are poor. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Prison ministry aids both offenders and victims

Volunteers carry the services and allow for expansion, says program coordinator

Attendees at the 12th annual CCJS development day form circles to discuss potential changes and improvements to the various programs offered. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

After more than 30 years of existence, Catholic Charities Justice Services is still growing in local parishes. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Accurate euthanasia statistics will be hard to find, warns Schadenberg

Obtaining accurate euthanasia statistics in Canada will be almost impossible, leaving no way of assessing possible instances of abuse, warns Alex Schadenberg. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop's dinner raises funds for charity

More than $370,000 to benefit The Door Is Open, Catholic Charities Men's Hostel

Scott Small (left), manager of Catholic Charities Men's Hostel, stands with Paul Jarjabka, a volunteer at The Door Is Open and a former hostel guest. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Two downtown charities are getting a big financial boost, thanks to the recent Archbishop's Dinner. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Mercy must remain Church's focus after Jubilee ends: Cardinal Lacroix

Saint Paul University awarded Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix an honorary doctorate Nov. 4, recognizing his ministry of conveying the mercy of God. He is shown here with the Chancellor Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa and the Rector, Chantal Beauvais. Photo by Sylvain Marier, courtesy Saint Paul University.

Mercy is not merely a project for one year, but the way the Church continues to reveal the loving face of God in Jesus Christ says Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Talitha Koum foundress dies

Starr Peardon, former drug addict and ex-con, changed lives

Starr Peardon (centre) receives the Courage to Come Back Award in 2010. "She saved many lives," said friend Louise Gough. Photo submitted to BCC.

A shining light for drug-addicted and formerly incarcerated women has died. Starr Peardon, the foundress of the Talitha Koum Society, passed away early Oct. 20. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Transgender Bill C-16 quickly passes through Justice Committee

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

The Justice Committee passed transgender Bill C-16 back to the House of Commons Nov. 2 with no hearings or public consultation. That has some groups upset. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Ann's reaches out to high school after tragic stabbing

Students get help on parish grounds after violent attack

St. Ann's Parish offered space for counsellors to meet students after a violent attack at Abbotsford Senior Secondary Nov. 1. It also held a vigil for the 13-year-old victim who died in hospital. Graham Osborne / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The church across the street from Abbotsford Senior Secondary stepped in to help the community heal after a fatal stabbing at the school. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Educators decry pornography

The Edmonton Catholic School Board has decided to take a step toward keeping students away from pornography. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CWL past president reflects on the last two years

Barbara Dowding led massive women's organization through historic moment

Barbara Dowding, national past president of the Catholic Women's League, visits Juno Beach in Normandy on Remembrance Day in this 2014 file photo. BCC file photo.

Barbara Dowding is looking back on two years of steering one of the largest women's organizations in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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CCODP urges diplomatic discussions about Syria

Sebastien Beaulieu of Global Affairs Canada testifies at a Nov. 1 meeting of the House of Commons international human rights subcommittee. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The government must stress a peaceful solution to the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, Syria, said a spokeswoman for the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Deacon hopes new ministry turns devotees into disciples

Archdiocese of Vancouver launches program specifically for Catholics from the Philippines

Deacon Greg Barcelon talks about the new Filipino Ministry at an information session at All Saints Parish Oct. 16. Angelo Siglos / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The archdiocese has just launched its first-ever ministry for Filipino Catholics. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Cardus's Cabinet of Canadians announced

Ishaan Gardee, the executive director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims; former Religious Freedom Ambassador Andrew Bennett; and Catholic Christian Outreach president Jeff Lockert. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

On Nov. 1, former Ambassador of Religious Freedom Andrew Bennett presented Cardus's Cabinet of Canadians who will affirm faith's central role as the country marks its 150th anniversary. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vancouver College plans to replace half its campus

President hopes to raise $36 million for major redevelopment project and break ground in 2017

Archbishop Miller and others view the redevelopment model for the Vancouver College campus. Dave Fong / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

A 94-year-old Catholic boys' school is preparing for the next 100 years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Deliverance has nothing to do with scary demonic manifestations

Author and conference speaker Neal Lozano offers a safe and effective Catholic approach to deliverance that involves evangelization. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Deliverance is a good word that has too often been confused with a focus on the devil and scary demonic manifestations, Neal Lozano told the Unbound conference here Oct. 28-29. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

FInal Boston 'witch' a potential martyr

Last person hanged for witchcraft could be considered a Catholic martyr

Representation of the Salem witch trials, lithograph from 1892. (Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

An Irish immigrant to Boston was sentenced for witchcraft and wizardry during the final years of the witchcraft craze in 1688.

Ann Glover, an Irish Catholic, was enslaved along with her family by Englishman Oliver Cromwell during the occupation of Ireland. She was shipped with others to the island of Barbados, where they were sold as indentured servants.

She eventually moved with her daughter to Boston, where she worked as a housekeeper and nanny for John Goodwin.

Father Robert O'Grady, director of the Boston Catholic Directory for the Archdiocese of Boston, said that after working for the Goodwins for a few years, Ann Glover became sick, and the illness spread to four of the five Goodwin children. "She was, unsurprisingly, not well-educated, and in working with the family, apparently she got sick at some point and the kids for whom she was primarily responsible caught whatever it was," Father O'Grady told CNA.

She was accused of being a witch, and Reverend Cotton Mather, one of the main perpetrators of witch hysteria, brought her to the last witch trial in Boston. Because Ann refused to speak English, and only answered in native Irish Gaelic, she was asked to recite the Lord's prayer, the Our Father.

"But because it was kind of mixed in with Irish Gaelic (and Latin), it was then considered proof that she was possessed because she was mangling the Latin," Father O'Grady said.

The anti-Catholic sentiments of Mather led to Ann being hanged as a witch and an "Idolatrous Roman Catholick."
For more on Ann's story, read the CNA article here.

'Saint' Death condemned by Vatican

Santa Muerte fuelled by drug wars

A statue of Santa Muerte (Photo Credit: Toni Francois)

A skeletal female figure of death is exploding into popularity in Mexico, Central America, and some parts of the United States.

Yet despite her saintly name, Santa Muerte is not a recognized saint by the Roman Catholic Church. In 2013, Vatican officials condemned devotion to her, saying it was "the celebration of devastation and of hell."

"It's not every day that a folk saint is actually condemned at the highest levels of the Vatican," Andrew Chesnut, a Santa Muerte expert who has been studying the devotion for eight years, told CNA.

Santa Muerte is highly favoured by the criminal underworld, working class, and the marginalized of society. For more information about Santa Muerte's history and background, read CNA's article here.

Parish celebrates life of St. John Paul II

Archbishop Miller shares memories of Pope-saint on saint's feast day, Oct. 22

Andie Balbago performed during the feast day celebration of Pope St. John Paul II at All Saints Parish. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

Many gathered at All Saints Oct. 22 to celebrate the life of St. John Paul II and to listen to their bishop reminisce about the late Pope. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Ukrainian priest gratified at new English catechism

The new volume, distinct from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is a historic document, according to Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.