Topics to include the Second Vatican Council and the worldwide economic crisis
Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, the episcopal delegate for Anglicanorum Coetibus in Canada, will give a report on progress of the country at the annual
plenary meeting of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Sept. 24-28.
Photo courtesy of archdiocese of Toronto.
The B.C. Catholic has a story by CCN's Deborah Gyapong about the upcoming plenary meeting of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Among the highlights of this year's agenda is the visit of Archeparch Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych (Ukraine), the major archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who will offer a reflection Sept. 25 after having presided at the worldwide Ukrainian Catholic Church Synod of Bishops in Winnipeg Sept. 9-16.
The new ordinary for the U.S. Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, will also attend. The Ordinariate was erected in January 2012 to provide a home for people from the Anglican tradition who wish to become Catholic while maintaining aspects of Anglican liturgy and patrimony under the Holy Father's 2008 apostolic constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus.
Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, the episcopal delegate for Anglicanorum Coetibus in Canada, will give a report on progress here. Groups in Canada have been joining the Church. These "Anglican Use" groups will eventually become part of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.
What exactly does the personhood legislation call for?
Stephen Woodworth addresses the National March for Life in May 2010.
Twelve days remain until Stephen Woodworth's Motion 312 is voted on by the House of Commons. The motion requests that a parliamentary committee be set up to investigate the 400-year-old definition of a human being. The definition is the basis of Section 223(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, which states a human being does not receive any legal protection until the moment of complete birth.
Opponents of the motion say this a back-door ploy by the Conservative government to reopen the issue of abortion and possibly outlaw it. However, that isn't the case according to Woodworth. He recently told The B.C. Catholic that the motion is about human rights, and is about studying the issue of personhood.
The following is a 35-minute video presentation by Woodworth that clearly explains Motion 312 in more detail:
Pope Benedict arrives in Lebanon as 'pilgrim of peace'
This Catholic News Agency story tells of Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in the Middle East as he begins a three-day apostolic visit to Lebanon.
"Dear friends, I have come to Lebanon as a pilgrim of peace, as a friend of God and as a friend of men. Christ says, 'Salami o-tikum,' 'My peace I give to you,'" said the Pope at the official welcoming ceremony at Beirut's Rafik Hariri Airport Sept. 14. The Pope has travelled to the Middle East to sign his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation for the Middle entitled "Ecclesia in Medio Oriente" which, he said, is "addressed to everyone" as "a roadmap for the years to come."
Almost 1,000 Catholic educators gather for Faith Development Day 2012 at St. Matthew's Parish
Sister Anne Bryant Smollin, CSJ, of Albany, N.Y., speaks at the Catholic Independent
Schools' Faith Development Day at St. Matthew's Parish Aug. 30. She told the educators in
attendance how they can use joy, humour, and laughter to deal with the stresses of their daily life and their vocation as educators. Special to The B.C. Catholic.
The year's first official professional development day for the 49 schools of the archdiocese began with the celebration of Mass by the archbishop, with Father Augustine Obiwumma, pastor of St. Matthew's Parish, and several other priests of the archdiocese concelebrating.
In his opening address Archbishop Miller began the day by unveiling two archdiocesan initiatives to celebrate the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. The Year of Faith will begin around the world Oct. 11, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the second Vatican Council, and end Nov. 25, 2013, the Feast of Christ the King.
Vatican expresses hope that, despite tragedy, the international community will continue its commitment to peace in the Middle East
Vatican City
The B.C. Catholic has a story from Catholic News Agencyabout the Vatican's views on the violent attack in Libya by Muslim extremists that resulted in the death of a U.S. diplomat and three other Americans:
The Vatican voiced its “firmest possible condemnation” of the fatal attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, which killed four Americans, including the ambassador to the country.
“Nothing, in fact, can justify the activity of terrorist organizations and homicidal violence,” read the statement issued by Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, Sept. 13.
“Along with our sadness, mourning, and prayers for the victims, we again express the hope that, despite this latest tragedy, the international community may discover the most favourable ways to continue its commitment in favour of peace in Libya and the entire Middle East.”
Institute of Marriage and Family Canada says government-sponsored programs may hinder child's development
A girl eagerly raises her hand in class. Sxc.hu.
The B.C. Catholic has a story by CCN's Deborah Gyapong about early learning programs and how those programs may actually be to a child's detriment:
The Ottawa-based Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) warns government-sponsored early learning programs may harm the integrity of developing children.
In an Aug. 30 article, IMFC research and communications manager Andrea Mrozek quotes Canadian developmental psychologist Gordon Neufeld of The Neufeld Institute who says socialization is more than being able to get along with others; it means being true to oneself.
Neufeld describes a teacher who is unable to disagree publicly with other teachers, giving her the appearance of being “nice” and “getting along with others” when it is fear of conflict motivating her. She may pass that fear on to her students, but the lack of ability to diplomatically disagree with others does not indicate maturity, he says.
Former Komen executive reveals Planned Parenthood backlash in new book
This Catholic News Agency story tells about Karen Handel's new book, which tells of "aggressive" and "partisan" attacks from Planned Parenthood on Komen for the Cure after the breast-cancer charity announced a cut in grant funding to Planned Parenthood.
Handel told CNA that when Komen for the Cure announced Feb. 1 that it had decided to restructure funds to Planned Parenthood, the charity "was trying to make a common sense business decision."
In a Sept. 7 interview, Handel outlined her new book Planned Bullyhood: The Truth about the Funding Battle with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which was released Sept. 11 by Howard Books.
Planned Parenthood has been the subject of a federal investigation since last year. The investigation was launched after the pro-life group Americans United for Life issued a report indicating financial irregularities and involvement in assisting those involved in sex-trafficking and prostitution.
Bishops recall 'Way of St. James' as chance to trust in God
Here is a Catholic News Agency story about members of the Catholic clergy from around the United States who hiked 100 miles of an ancient pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, this summer.
"El Camino de Santiago," or "The Way of St. James," is an ancient pilgrimage consisting of a network of trails all leading to the tomb of the saint in Santiago, Spain.
The requirement to be a certified pilgrim of the Camino states that walkers must complete 100 kilometres of the journey.
Conservative MP says his motion is a 21st-century piece of legislation that looks at human rights
Stephen Woodworth
The fate of MP Stephen Woodworth's personhood Motion 312 will be voted on in less than a month. The B.C. Catholic recently caught up with the pro-life MP to discuss the motion and how it has been misinterpreted by political peers and the public:
Conservative MP Stephen Woodworth says he's not trying to be revolutionary with Motion 312, just responsible. While many politicians from both the left and right have accused Woodworth of trying to open up the abortion debate with the motion, Woodworth says it's not a tool to criminalize abortion but a 21st-century piece of legislation that investigates human rights.
"We can't pick and choose who a human being is," Woodworth told The B.C. Catholic. "There have been wars fought over these principles. If we don't have honest laws how can we have faith in our system of governance?"
Motion 312 requests that a parliamentary committee be set up to investigate the 400-year-old definition of a human being. The motion will be voted on in the House of Commons Sept. 26. Section 223(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada states a human being does not receive any legal protection until the moment of complete birth.
Organizations' support for controversial issues may have gone too far, says Catholic Civil Rights League
Protesters organized by the Canadian Auto Workers Union show their displeasure
with the New Abortion Caravan earlier this summer. Special to The B.C. Catholic.
The B.C. Catholic has a story by CCN's Deborah Gyapong about the growing concerns that unions are using workers' money to fund contentious political action campaigns:
The days may be numbered for union support of contentious political causes, something the Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) has been working towards for a long time.
While the League has been concerned about union support for so-called same-sex marriage and other issues in opposition to Catholic teaching, the tipping point for political change may be the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s (PSAC) recent support for separatist candidates in the Sept. 4 Quebec provincial election .
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, who is parliamentary secretary to the transport minister, promised to urge his cabinet colleagues to bring in legislation that would allow employees to opt out of paying union dues.
Vatican hopes Apple partnership will spread Pope's message
Father Giuseppe Costa, CSB
Here is a Catholic News Agency story about the Vatican teaming up with Apple to develop new hi-tech methods for communicating the works of Pope Benedict XVI to the world.
"It represents an enormous step on the international stage because, as you know, Internet goes beyond space and time," said Father Giuseppe Costa, the director of the Vatican's publishing house, Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
In recent months the Pontiff has used his weekly address to explore the theme of prayer in the story of salvation. His latest volume, "Prayer in the New Testament," is already available in print form. The new eBook format will be accompanied by illustrations from the Vatican's art collections.
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk tours the province of B.C.
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (right), Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB,
and Bishop Peter Stasiuk of Australia and New Zealand share a laugh at the
blessing of the new Bishop Jerome Chimy Eparchial Centre in New Westminster Aug. 31. Nathan Rumohr / The B.C. Catholic.
Last weekend was big one for Ukrainian Catholics in B.C. with the visit of their leader Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk:
He came to see his people and his people responded. The Eparchy of New Westminster was abuzz Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 with the visit of their shepherd, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. The eparchy celebrated with a moleben (a prayer service), the blessing of a newly christened eparchial house, and Divine Liturgies (Mass) in Vancouver and Kelowna.
Before the man known to the Ukrainian faithful as His Beatitude settled into his official functions, he sat down with The B.C. Catholic for an exclusive interview.
CCCB among parties acknowledged for the release of Pakistani girl accused of blasphemy
The B.C. Catholic has a story by CCN's Deborah Gyapong about a letter from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops that was seen as one of the interventions that led to the release of a Down's Syndrome Pakistani girl accused of burning the Quran:
Some news reports indicate the girl may have been framed by an extremist religious leader.
“She just came out on bail,” said Bhatti, who is the brother of Shahbaz Bhatti, the assassinated former minorities minister and first Christian in the Pakistan government’s cabinet. “Her case is not finished yet, and we’re not sure how long it will go.”
In the meantime, the girl and her family continue to need protection from extremists who have threatened to burn the family alive and threatened the girl's 1500-member Christian community. Most of those Chrisitians have gone into hiding.
“I would like to thank the Canadian Catholic bishops’ conference for intervening in this issue,” Bhatti said.
Pope calls on lay Africans to evangelize their continent
Yaounde cathedral
Here is a Catholic News Agency story about Pope Benedict XVI calling on lay Catholics to evangelize Africa, which he called the "continent of hope."
"In this transformation of the whole society, which is so urgent for Africa today, the lay faithful have an irreplaceable role," the Pope said in a Sept. 5 message to the Pan-African Congress of Catholic Laity.
The Pan-African Congress of Catholic Laity is taking place Sept. 4-9 in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon. Organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, it brings together Africans from all walks of life, along with the continent's bishops, to "reflect on various challenges and share experiences."
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, cuts a cake in honour of outgoing VanSpec director
Sister BethAnn Dillon, DSMP (left), and her replacement, Sister Kathy Stark, DSMP.
Nathan Rumohr / The B.C. Catholic.
Friends, colleagues, and The B.C. Catholic were in attendance to say goodbye to former VanSpec director Sister BethAnn Dillon:
Sister Dillon has been named vocation directress for her order, the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence, in Chicago.
"This evening the Lord gathers us as His people at this Eucharist to give Him thanks and praise for what He has accomplished at VanSpec," Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, said during his homily, "especially for the ministry of Sister BethAnn Dillon and the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence."
Archbishop Miller said VanSpec has been an enormous blessing for the archdiocese and thanked Sister Dillon for her hard work improving the program.
Bishop Gregory Bitman to assist Archbishop Richard Smith
Edmonton’s Auxiliary Bishop Gregory Bittman blesses the congregation in St. Joseph’s Basilica at the end of his ordination Mass Sept. 3. Ramon Gonzalez / CCN.
In a spirit of joy and thanksgiving, Catholics from across the Edmonton Archdiocese gathered at St. Joseph’s Basilica Sept. 3 to witness the ordination of Father Gregory Bittman as auxiliary bishop.
Nearly 1,500 people, including the apostolic nuncio to Canada, a cardinal, the primate of the Church in Canada, a total of 23 bishops, 138 priests, and 18 deacons, attended the ceremony. Bishop Bittman’s mother, two brothers, and many other members of his family also attended.
Speaking to the Bittman family, Archbishop Richard Smith said, “I know it’s a very proud day for all of you and I assure you that everyone here this evening shares your joy.”
While President Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Party's nomination
for the 2012 presidency, a Charlotte parish will be holding a prayer vigil. The
vigil’s organizers hope the prayer event will help advance “thoughtful reflection”
among everyone, including politicians, reporters, and protesters at
the Democratic National Convention.
The B.C. Catholic has a Catholic News Agency story about the Diocese of Charlotte holding a special prayer vigil with Eucharistic adoration during the Democratic National Convention:
“The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is pleased to offer a gift to our nation, and that is over 80 hours of Eucharistic adoration and prayer for our country,” Bishop Peter J. Jugis said in his homily for the vigil’s Sept. 4 Mass.
“We are keeping our attention and our hearts fixed on Jesus,” he said.
The vigil began the morning of Monday, Sept. 3, and will run through 9 p.m. Sept. 6.
Poor Clare nuns' reclusive life of prayer reveals true riches
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrates with the Poor Clares in Mission:
Sisters Claire Marie, (left), Agnes Marie, Roberta Marie, Laura Maria, Marie-Celine,
Sophia Maria, and (not in photo) Marie Therese, Christine, and Mary Francis.
OSBs Fr. Mark, Frater Leo join in. Nathan Rumohr / The B.C. Catholic.
Not many groups can commemorate an 800th anniversary, but the archdiocese's Poor Clares have been doing that for the past year. On Aug. 12 they honoured their order's founding as Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrated Mass at the Poor Clare monastery in Mission, recognizing their beginnings in 1212.
"The contemplative life demonstrated by the Poor Clares is a constant reminder that God gives full meaning and joy to human lives," said the archbishop.
"Following in the steps of their beloved foundress, the Poor Clares have sought the Lord and brought to realization that experience of God Who tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good," Archbishop Miller said during his homily.
Under sunny prairie skies and surrounded by lush fields, hundreds of youth and their families filled the hillside at the historic Our Lady of Mount Carmel shrine Aug. 18 for Rock the Mount, an annual celebration of Catholic faith featuring music, talks, and prayer.
Beginning as a followup to World Youth Day in Toronto in the summer of 2002, Rock the Mount Catholic youth rally once again brought together many groups, ministries, and individuals to lead the free youth-centred event.
Music was provided by the Alberta band FX of Grace, as well as by the Saskatchewan-based FacetoFace Ministries evangelization team.
For Pope Benedict in Lebanon, the pastoral is political
A boy hangs out near his home in the Dbayeh Palestinian refugee camp, an all-Christian enclave outside Beirut, Lebanon.
This Catholic News Service story reflects on Pope Benedict XVI's trip to Lebanon Sept. 14-16. Assuming spillover from the civil war in neighbouring Syria doesn't force a last-minute cancellation of the trip, it says, his purpose will be above all pastoral; and, as usual for papal trips, most of his remarks will focus on the spiritual.
Yet as the Syrian conflict exemplifies, the concerns of Christians in the Middle East are in many respects inseparable from politics; and however diplomatically the Pope may word his statements, some will inevitably touch on the region's political struggles and tensions.
Pope Benedict's primary reason for visiting Lebanon is to deliver his document of reflections on the 2010 special Synod of Bishops, which was dedicated to Christians in the Middle East. At that gathering, bishops spoke out on a range of issues that included the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, dialogue with Islam and Judaism, and the emigration of Christians driven by persecution, military conflict, and economic hardship.
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