'Wave of prayer' to cross the planet Dec. 10

Pope Francis joins launch of Caritas Internationalis campaign

Parishioners sort through food for needy families during Thanksgiving in Chicago Nov. 27. (Photo: CNS/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World)

A day of prayer and action against hunger around the world, organized by Caritas Internationalis, is coming Dec. 10. The Catholic News Service writes:

Nearly 1 billion people, or about one in eight, experienced chronic hunger or undernourishment during 2010-2012, according to the Caritas website.

Caritas is urging Catholics to take a few moments at noon to join the world in praying against hunger as well as engage in long-term action through raising awareness, advocacy, charitable work, or other efforts supporting food security.

Pope Francis will offer his blessing in a short video which will be released one day before the campaign launch.

Read the full article here.

Fighting saints win first AA provincial championship

St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary celebrates soccer victory

The Fighting Saints' Camilo Trujillo (left) competes against Okanagan
Mission Huskies' Noah Van Demark on Nov. 20. Photo: Province website.

North Vancouver's Fighting Saints came out on top at B.C. provincial championships on Nov. 18-20. The Province reports:

Over a season in which they thrived on fighting chances, St. Thomas Aquinas' aptly-named Fighting Saints won their ultimate battle Wednesday, completing a true rags-to-riches run to top the field at the B.C. senior boys Double A soccer championships.

"We came from fourth place in our own league and we made his journey and it's been a Cinderella story for all of us, it's so crazy," said player Daniel Morello.

Read the full article here.

Stewardship Office looks to future

Leadership team meets regularly and works with an advisory board

Canada geese fly over a lake at sunrise near Clark Fork, Idaho, Oct. 27. Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., speaking at an interfaith festival in Louisville, Ky., called for for good stewardship to protect God's gift of air. CNS photo / Matt Mills McKnight, Reuters.

The Priorities and Goals introduced on Pentecost Sunday by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, established three essential priorities for the archdiocese: Growing a Culture of Vocation, Evangelizing the Family, and Stewarding God's Gifts. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

The 'seed of eternity' has been planted in our hearts, Pope says

Pope Francis passes a crucifix as he walks down steps during his general audience in St. Peter's Square Dec. 4. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the resurrection of the body, explaining that we are "imprinted" with eternal life, which we are able to experience even now through the sacraments. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Modern states' push for equality poses challenges to Catholics: Father de Souza

Foreign workers from the Philipines pray during Mass on the International Day of Faith Nov. 17 near the end of the Year of Faith. Five days later a conference at Dominican University College marking the close of the Year of Faith heard an address by Father Raymond de Souza. CNS photo / Debbie Hill.

The modern liberal state's drive for equality and growing aggressive secularism poses challenges for the Catholic Church and individual Catholics, said Father Raymond de Souza. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Russians are coming, Russians are coming!

Pope–Putin summit comes during 'general warming of relations'

Russian President Vladimir Putin was 50 minutes late for his meeting with Pope Francis.

The Economist has published a frank look at current relations between the Vatican and Russia. The Vicar of Christ and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Nov. 25.

Over the Middle East, the convergence between the Kremlin and the Vatican is more substantial. In September, as Russia was about to convene a G20 summit, Pope Francis wrote to Mr. Putin appealing for an end to the carnage in Syria: "It is regrettable that from the very beginning one-sided interests have prevailed and hindered the search for a solution that would have avoided the senseless massacre..." Of course, that statement can be interpreted many ways; there may be a hint of rebuke for Russia's "one-sided" support for the Assad regime. But the Russian-brokered deal over chemical weapons will certainly have prompted sighs of relief in the Vatican.

Read the full article here.

Scots, Russians, Cypriots mark St. Andrew's feast

Since 1320, Apostle venerated as protector of the Highlands and Lowlands

St. Andrew's feast day was on Nov. 30th.

The Economist has published a recap of the various activities around the globe that were held to honour St. Andrew:

The diagonal white cross of St. Andrew was flying defiantly in Edinburgh...Alex Salmond, head of the Scottish Nationalists, used the national holiday to stir patriotic feeling ahead of next year's independence ballot.

St. Andrew's Cross (Saltire Cross) is Scotland's national flag.

Even Salmond's reaction to the Glasgow helicopter crash mentioned the saint; the politician said it was a good moment to take pride in Scotland's resilience.

Read the entire article here.

Pope Francis recalls past work as bouncer

As a young man, the future pope held odd jobs

Pope Francis administers the sacrament of confirmation during Mass at the
Parish of San Cirillo Alessandrino in Rome Dec. 1. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

He swept floors, he worked in a chemistry lab, and now, Pope Francis has revealed that he was once a bouncer.

No longer kicking troublemakers out of clubs, he has discovered the secret to bringing people back, this time, into the church, according to the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Dec. 2.

The Pope spent four hours at a parish visit of the church of San Cirillo Alessandrino in a working-class neighbourhood on the outskirts of Rome Dec. 1. He chatted informally with a large number of parishioners before and after celebrating Mass.

Read more from the Catholic News Service.

Collection for 'Moving Forward Together Campaign'

'An important initiative in support of our First Nations brothers and sisters': Archbishop Miller

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

After the success of the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission meetings, the relationship between native and non-native people is continuing to heal. Now a new collection, part of the "Moving Forward Together Campaign," will go to fund programs and initiatives coordinated by the Office of First Nations Ministry for natives in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Holy Father urges 'feminine genius' in Church while affirming male priesthood

A copy of the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium ("The Joy of the Gospel") by Pope Francis is seen during a news conference at the Vatican Nov. 26. Alessandro Bianchi / Reuters / CNS.

In his first apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis calls for a broader application of the "feminine genius" in Church life, while reaffirming Catholic teaching on male priesthood. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Civil Rights League seeks leave to intervene in Loyola case

The Catholic Civil Rights League has joined the Association of Catholic Parents of Quebec and other groups in seeking leave to appeal in the Loyola case. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Seafarers will receive support this Christmas

An opportunity presents itself to brighten the lives of sailors this December

The Port of Vancouver's Mission to Seafarers delivered gifts by water taxi last year to sailors away from home during the Christmas season. This year, donations are requested to purchase gifts.
Photo: Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The Mission to Seafarers organization is collecting donations to buy presents for seamen away from home this Christmas.

Many ship workers will find themselves away from home and at the Port of Vancouver this Christmas. Life on the sea is difficult, as being away from their families can take a large emotional toll on the sailors.

The gifts help provide comfort for the workers.

Workers come from all corners of the globe, from countries such as Panama, Egypt, Greece, Norway, Egypt, Malta, China, Singapore, and the Philippines, to name a few.

The Mission to Seafarers also provides support for seaman through the Flying Angels Club. With a location on Waterfront Road, and another at Robert's Bank, the Flying Angels Clubs provide homesick seafarers with spiritual support.

Alistair Burns's story on last year's gift distribution can be found on The B.C. Catholic website.

More information on The Mission to Seafarers is available on their website.

Deacon Nick Meisl about to take the next step

Ordination coming up just before feast of the Immaculate Conception

Newly ordained deacon Nicholas Meisl assists Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, during the ordination Mass in Holy Rosary Cathedral May 10. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Just seven months after becoming a deacon, Nicholas Meisl is entering the priesthood. Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, will ordain him at Holy Rosary Cathedral Dec. 7. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Evangelii Gaudium says Church's teaching on abortion unchangeable

In Evangelii Gaudium, "The Joy of the Gospel," Pope Francis explains that the Church can never change its teaching on abortion, which is part of a broader understanding of human dignity. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Holy Rosary inspection proceeds

Cathedral expected to benefit from restorative work

Technical specialists swing high. John Sherstobitoff / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

John Cooke (right) from John G. Cooke & Associates Ltd. and an assistant came to inspect Holy Rosary Cathedral Nov. 17. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pontiff issues his first apostolic exhortation

A copy of the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium ("The Joy of the Gospel") by Pope Francis. CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters.

In his first apostolic exhortation, "The Joy of the Gospel," Pope Francis urged the Christian faithful to begin "a new chapter of evangelization," marked by the joy that is "constantly born anew" with Christ. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Study finds R-rated movies harmful to faith

Research claims the films lower Mass attendance

Pilgrims crowd Copacabana beach as Pope Francis celebrates the closing Mass of World Youth Day July 28 in Rio de Janeiro. During the service the pope commissioned an estimated 3 million people in attendance to become missionaries without borders. CNS photo / Paulo Whitaker, Reuters.

A new study has shown that movies, one of the most influential forms of media, influence viewers' perception of the importance of faith. Baylor University recently found that young people of faith who began viewing R-rated movies with explicitly adult material began to attend church less often than their comrades. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Fundraiser to benefit youth formation

Participants smile and wave at Spirit Day. Derek Juneson / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Second collections cover many worthwhile causes. The Nov. 30 / Dec. 1 collection will go to help youth in the archdiocese. Clay Imoo, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry hopes parishioners donate generously. He said the funds will help provide formation and training, as well as helping fund parishes with active youth ministry programs. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB president welcomed to archdiocese

Quebec evangelization must bring people back to Jesus, not just to Mass

Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher with Sister Clarita, Sister Pablita, Frances Cabahug, Scott Small, and Julia Ruggier at the Archbishop's Dinner. Photo by Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Among the 800 guests at the Archbishop's Dinner Oct. 30 was the new president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau spoke to The B.C. Catholic on the current situation in Quebec. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Google exhumes Roman catacombs

A fresco is pictured inside the catacomb of Priscilla in Rome Nov. 19. The catacomb, used for Christian burials from the late 2nd century through the 4th century, reopened to the public after years of restoration. Users of Google Maps now can see virtually through the underground corridors of the catacombs. Max Rossi / CNS.

The Internet's largest search engine has created a digital map of two large catacombs in Rome, hoping to reveal the historical sites' beauty and motivate viewers to learn more about them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Doctor protested abortion on the streets of Vancouver

Brian Frazer was the first physician to protest at Vancouver's first abortion clinic

Twenty-five years ago this November, Dr. Brian Frazer became the first doctor to take his opposition to abortion to the streets of Vancouver. He stood outside Everywoman's Health Centre with a homemade picket sign stating "doctors against abortion" when Vancouver's first abortion clinic opened on Victoria Drive near 44th Avenue. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Pontiff kisses, blesses, severely disfigured man

Pope Francis embraces Vinicio Riva, 53, during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Nov. 6. Riva, who is afflicted with neurofibromatosis, said receiving the Vicar of Christ's embrace was like being in paradise. Claudio Peri / EPA / CNS.

Continuing his efforts to promote a "culture of encounter" with the disabled, Pope Francis again embraced a severely disfigured man after his Nov. 20 weekly audience in St. Peter's Square. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hundreds open the door in faith

Fundraiser provides $220,000 for food, clothing, support services

Archbishop Miller with members of St. Andrew Kim Parish. Photo by Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The 2nd Annual Archbishop's Dinner raised $220,000 for The Door Is Open, after an anonymous benefactor generously matched the first $50,000 of donations to the drop-in ministry located in the heart of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

World Council of Churches gathers

Thousands of Christians from 345 churches and denominations flocked to Busan, South Korea, for the 10th assembly of the World Council of Churches. The ecumenical event involved daily worship, meetings, and multi-denominational discussion. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

High River flood continues to affect faithful after 5 months

Over five months ago, the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history, the now infamous flood, hit Alberta. Since June some of the 13,000 residents of High River, Alta., have been rebuilding their homes and lives in a spirit of thanksgiving. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archdiocese to hold special collection Nov. 24

Philippines struck by the worst disaster in their history

Residents pray inside a damaged Catholic church Nov. 10 after Typhoon Haiyan battered Tacloban, Philippines. The Category 5 storm, one of the strongest in history, made landfall Nov. 8 with sustained winds of 250 kilometres per hour. Romeo Ranoco / Reuters / CNS.

The official death toll from Typhoon Haiyan's destructive swath through the Philippines stood at 2,500 lives Nov. 14. With 11 million people from the 7,000-island nation affected, aid from numerous countries is being rushed to homeless refugees from flattened cities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Church is 'depository' of God's forgiveness, Pope says

In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis spoke about the power Jesus gave the apostles to forgive sins in His name, stating that priest's should exercise this ministry with "humility." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

NDP MLA asks for expansion of 'bubble zones'

An NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly has moved to expand the so-called "bubble zone" around abortion clinics. Maurine Karagianis, the MLA for Esquimalt - Royal Roads, wants to enlarge the no-protest range from 50 to 60 metres, after complaints were made to West Shore RCMP detachment about a prayer vigil in Greater Victoria. She has written to Terry Lake, the provincial health minister. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Lions QB takes life's challenges in stride

Travis Lulay leaps into end zone on faith, Popes, and how to be a role model

(Caption: B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay tries to avoid Saskatchewan Roughrider Weldon Brown (#35) during the 2013 Western semi-final in Regina. The Lions lost 29-25, while the Riders have advanced to the Grey Cup vs. Hamilton. Photo credit: B.C. Lions.)

B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay spoke to The B.C. Catholic about growing up in a family faithful to the Church; also about his favourite Pope, professional pressure, and how men should act in life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Concluding the Year of Faith

The Year of Faith will come to a close after a Mass said by Pope Francis on the Feast of Christ the King, Nov. 24. The year began with a Mass said by Pope Benedict XVI Oct. 11, 2012. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Montreal school seeks exemption for ethics program

The principle underlying the Ethics and Religious Culture program required for all Quebec schools is the same one propelling the province's ban on certain religious symbols through the Charter of Religious Freedoms, a Montreal high school principal said. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Lt. Col. Doherty: a man of faith, a man of strength

Before his full life in psychiatric medicine, he enlisted in the Army Medical Corps

Poppies growing wild in a field, made famous by the poem, "In Flanders' Fields." Peter Nobes writes that Charles, Elwena, and their two sons all await resurrection in a beautiful place. Photo submitted.

St. Peter's Cemetery has some graves with a simple cross, others unmarked. One of the most striking, marked "DOHERTY," has the inscription, "Erected in memory of / Lieut Col Charles E. Doherty C.A.M.C. Medical Superintendent / Provincial Mental Hospitals 1905 - 1920 / By His Fellow Workers / Aged 48 years." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

French movement to protect marriage is welcoming of all

A French movement dedicated to the understanding of marriage as an institution between a man and a woman has assembled a large coalition that respects all persons, regardless of political affiliation or sexuality. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Kateri commemorated in the Battlefords

The Diocese of Prince Albert and Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish in North Battleford celebrated the first anniversary of the canonization of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, affectionately known as the Lily of the Mohawks, Sept. 22. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Blessed John XXIII aided soldiers in 'world of agony'

He was the spiritual director of the Bergamo seminary by war's end

Father Angelo Roncalli (left) who eventually became Pope John XXIII, poses in his military chaplain's uniform with his brothers Zaverio and Giuseppe during the First World War. United Press International.

A future Pontiff served with his fellow Italians in the First World War. Angelo Roncalli, elected to the papacy as Pope John XXIII, was born near Bergamo in 1881 and ordained in 1904. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pope thanks boy for entrusting him to guardian angel

A 16-year-old Argentine boy who suffers from chronic encephalopathy, a brain disorder, was moved by a letter from Pope Francis responding to a note he had sent the Pontiff a few days earlier. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Young men spend weekend pondering priesthood

Adrien Rondeau, 17, has been thinking of the priesthood on and off since childhood. As a matter of fact, the Cold Lake youth took his Grades 8 and 9 at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C., in pursuit of his dream. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Remembering Men of Faith

Great War's Vicar of Christ called for an equitable peace

Pope Benedict XV

Amid the casualties, rolling artillery barrages, and mustard gas attacks suffered by millions of men during the First World War, one man adamantly stood for a cessation of hostilities: Pope Benedict XV. Only made a cardinal in May 1914 by Pope Pius X, Benedict began his reign Sept. 3, 1914, a month into the fighting. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pope Francis most popular name online, survey says

A new global survey has revealed that Pope Francis has topped the list of names most mentioned on the Internet so far this year, with his twitter account also receiving a high ranking on a list of most mentioned words. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Abortion increases risk of mental illness

Priscilla Coleman strongly believes that having an abortion can lead to developing a mental illness. "Overall we know pretty systematically that women who have an abortion compared to birth are at an increased risk for various mental health problems," Coleman said. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Thousands gather in Nazareth for Year of Faith event

Jerusalem patriarch urges continued efforts for peace

Nuns receive communion during the Mass for the closing of the Year of Faith
in Nazareth Nov. 17. (Photo: Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic)

The Year of Faith is almost at an end. Today in Nazareth, over 6,000 pilgrims, locals, religious people, and journalists celebrated Mass with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem days before the final ceremony in Rome Nov. 24.

“This is the end of the Year of Faith; I hope it is not the end of our faith,” joked Archbishop Fouad Twal of Jerusalem at a press conference after the event.

“From this day, we have to start with more peace, more good work, and more collaboration for the peace of everybody.”

Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Europeans, and others worshipped side by side as the Mass was celebrated in a mix of Arabic, English, Hebrew, and Latin. Religious people in every colour of habit or cassock seemed to be in attendance, along with faithful of every age.

Pope Francis wrote a letter to those gathered in the Holy Land for the occasion, and it was read before Mass. “May your experience of the sacred sites be an occasion for encountering Jesus Christ and deepening your love for Him and for His Church,” he wrote.

“Though the Year of Faith is drawing to a close, I pray that your desire to know Jesus may grow and your love for him deepen.”

Archbishop Fouad Twal, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, gives a homily
in Arabic. (Photo: Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic)