Many religions value the Holy Land

Interfaith group bonds over shared affection for Israel

Rani Theeparajah, a member of St. Ann's Anglican Parish, touches the Western Wall during a trip to the Holy Land this Easter season. Theeparajah met with other Christians and Jews to talk about their shared interest in the Holy Land May 15. Photo submitted to The B.C. Catholic.

As Pope Francis prepared for his historical trip to Israel May 24-26, a local group of Jews and Christians bonded over their shared interest in the Holy Land. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Death sentence for Christian in Sudan draws global criticism

Sister Joana Mai Hla Kyi, a nurse and member of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, demonstrates prenatal massage therapy to two apprentices in Riimenze, South Sudan, in this Nov. 17, 2010, file photo. CNS file photo / Paul Jeffrey.

A pregnant woman who was raised a Christian has been sentenced to execution by a Sudanese court that contends she has apostatized from Islam, drawing worldwide condemnation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nuncio says God is present in Vancouver

Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada, pictured in the John Paul II Pastoral Centre. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

In January, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi arrived in Ottawa to take up his duties as the Vatican's nuncio, or ambassador, to this country. The prelate has decades of diplomatic experience as a nuncio to many states, including Haiti, Cuba, and the Baltic States. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, addresses his flock

Pastoral Letter on a Grave Social Issue
May 23, 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters:
I am writing to you, the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, about a serious threat to the moral fabric of Canadian society: the possible decriminalization of sexual exploitation through prostitution by its buyers and profiteers. This Pastoral Letter examines what we can do as a community and a nation to answer the needs of girls, youth, and women who are prostituted.
For full letter see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Teenage girl recounts terror, violence of Boko Haram attack

A man carries a victim of a bomb attack in the market district in Jos, Nigeria, May 20. Back-to-back bombings killed at least 118 people and wounded 45 in the crowded business district of the central Nigerian city. CNS photo / Reuters.

A teenage girl whose family members were murdered by members of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is sharing her story in hopes that it will spur action against the Nigerian terrorist organization. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vandals desecrate Ottawa Catholic church and steal tabernacle

Pastor Father Francis Scott hopes the theft of the Tabernacle at St. Martin de Porres can become a teaching moment for the precious nature of the Eucharist. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Vandals broke into St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Ottawa's Bell's Corners district May 15, stole the tabernacle, and desecrated the altar with a satanic symbol. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Recent Christian movies captivate audiences

Brother John O'Brien, SJ, views film through Ignatian lens

Jesuit scholastic John O'Brien. Agnieszka Krawczynski / BCC.

A sudden burst of Christian-themed movies has hit theatres in the last three months. "Son of God," "Heaven is for Real," "God's not Dead," and "Noah" are currently placed in the 20 top-grossing movies of 2014. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gift of knowledge attunes us to vision of God, Pope says

A woman from Kenya holds an image of Pope Francis as the Pope arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square May 21. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the Holy Spirit's gift of knowledge, explaining that it enlightens our human perspective and helps us to see God in the whole of creation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Justin Trudeau dismisses Cardinal Collins's letter

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has dismissed an open letter from Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins, instead asserting a Charter "right" to abortion which legal experts say does not exist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Enderby faithful pray for 700 residents affected by mudslide

Beaver dam enlarged by the formation of ice burst

St. Ann's Church, Enderby. Diocese of Kamloops photo.

When a landslide cut off 700 residents of the B.C. Interior city of Enderby May 2, parishioners reacted with prayer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Catholic religious in South Sudan plead for peace

Jesuit Father Michael Schultheis distributes Communion during Mass in a camp for internally displaced families in a UN base in Juba, South Sudan. CNS photo / Paul Jeffrey.

The Catholic religious congregations of South Sudan have urged their countrymen to reject violence, calling on the country's leaders to honour the terms of a recent peace agreement. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholics in public life must adhere to Catholic teachings, Ottawa archbishop teaches

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast at the Prolife Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral May 8 in conjunction with the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Catholics in public life must take positions coherent with the Catholic faith, said Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, and that includes not only what they believe but how they vote. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Professor argues for a profound rethinking of conscience rights

Mary Anne Waldron offers three solutions for legal quagmires

Doctor Jim Lane introduces Mary Anne Waldron. Alistair Burns / BCC.

An argument in favour of changing how citizens approach freedom of conscience and religion was presented May 2. Mary Anne Waldron, a professor of law at the University of Victoria, spoke to an audience of 80 in Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall in Vancouver. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Catholic bishops voice hope for India's new government

Supporters celebrate the election results in Calcutta, India, May 16. CNS photo / Piyal Adhikary, EPA.

Catholic bishops in India have said they have nothing to fear from the country's new government following the landside success of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


MP Lizon's Pope John Paul II Day no longer stalled in Senate

Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon's private member's Bill C-266 is now headed for third reading in the Senate after being stalled for a year. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon's Bill C-266 to designate April 2 Pope John Paul II day finally passed through a Senate committee May 12 and is expected to come to a vote in the fall. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholicism came naturally to former Anglican minister

Father Shier reached out to Father William Ashley to find out procedure

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, ordains Father Michael Shier in Holy Rosary Cathedral March 15. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

For one former Anglican minister, the journey to the Catholic priesthood was a long one. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Calls for late-term abortion ban mark Gosnell anniversary

Dr. Kermit Barron Gosnell is pictured in an undated mug shot from the Philadelphia Police Department. Gosnell is on trial in Philadelphia and has been charged with murder and other offences related to illegal, late-term abortions. CNS photo / Handout from Philadelphia Police Department.

The May 13 anniversary of the murder convictions of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell brought renewed calls for a federal ban on late-term abortions. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCODP continues to press for mining ombudsman

"Our campaign will continue," CCODP director of in-Canada programs Josianne Gauthier told a crowd of several hundred supporters on the steps in front of Centre Block. "We are not going away. We have to keep this issue on the agenda." Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) dropped 80,000 postcards off on Parliament Hill May 14, demanding an ombudsman for the mining industry. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nun came home to the Church

Sister Glenys Symons urges parents to support a child's vocation

Sister Glenys Symons demonstrates her signing. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

One local nun warns parents mustn't deter their children from pursuing religious life. "I would say to parents: do not stop your child who feels a vocational call," Sister Glenys Symons, ESEH, explained. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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EWTN honoured as religious TV station of the year

This edition of the National Catholic Register shows a photo of Pope Benedict XVI on the front page. Eternal World Television Network announced Jan. 19, 2011, that it had acquired the newspaper. The paper's first national edition appeared in 1927. It has been operated by the Legionaries of Christ since 1995. CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec.

EWTN Global Catholic Network and its news show EWTN News Nightly have won two Gabriel Awards in recognition of their uplifting work, including one for religious television station of the year. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Liberals and NDP promote pro-abortion agendas to reopen debate

NDP MP Niki Ashton introduced Motion 510 the same day thousands rallied on Parliament Hill for the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Though the Harper government has vowed not to reopen the abortion debate, the Liberals and the New Democrats have re-ignited the issue by promoting pro-abortion agendas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Knights join CWL to push for control of prostitution

Organization will support resolutions on 'criminalizing purchase of sexual services'

Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi shares a laugh with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, and state deputy Edward Shawchuk (far right). "I really feel at home," the nuncio said during the convention. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The Knights of Columbus were joined at their convention by the Catholic Women's League April 26 in announcing a campaign to push for control of prostitution by criminal law and to increase awareness of the issues. This news came during the 103rd state convention of the B.C. and Yukon Knights in Richmond. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gift of fortitude not just for 'extraordinary circumstances': Pope

Rescuers carrying a dead miner pause for people looking for their relatives after a mine explosion near Soma, Turkey, May 14. More than 225 people died in the explosion. Pope Francis said during his weekly general audience May 14 that his prayers were with those killed in the disaster. CNS photo / Togla Bozoglu, EPA.

During his weekly general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the gift of fortitude, explaining that it helps us to remain faithful not only with the big things, but also in our daily activities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

IMFC looks at impact of abortion on relationships and mental health

IMFC executive director Andrea Mrozek. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) has released a study that examines the secondary effects of abortion on relationships, families, and mental health. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hearts burn with Gospel joy

Youth Day offers engaging talks, praise, and worship

Some 450 students and youth leaders raise their hands in affirmation. Derek Juneson / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Youth Day, held at Archbishop Carney Secondary School May 3, lived up to its theme: "Our hearts burning within" taken from St. Luke's account of two disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Religious leaders can help counter Boko Haram, U.S. bishops say

A woman holds a sign during a May 5 protest in Lagos, Nigeria, to demand the release of abducted high school girls. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the abduction of 276 schoolgirls during a raid in the village of Chibok in April. CNS photo / Antunde Akinleye, Reuters.

Denouncing the "heinous" kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria, the U.S. bishops have urged their government to partner with both Christians and Muslims in the country to counter Boko Haram. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Eliminate the crisis, not the pregnancy, says Bishop Riesbeck

Auxiliary Bishop Christian Bishop Riesbeck of Ottawa delivered the homily at the pro-life Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in conjunction with the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

When Ottawa's new auxiliary bishop, Christian Riesbeck, became the pastor of a parish in Houston, Tex., he soon faced a difficult pastoral challenge: the pregnancy of a young lady. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

US Supreme Court says prayer does not violate constitution

5 to 4 ruling upholds prayer at city council meetings

Father Peter Enyan-Boadu, pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Greece, N.Y., prays at the beginning of
a Greece Town Board meeting May 5 at the Greece Town Hall. (Sam Oldenburg / Catholic Courier / CNS)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled May 5 that starting a meeting with prayer does not violate the constitution. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that it doesn't amount to government officials endorsing a certain religion.

"Legislative prayer has become part of our heritage and tradition, part of our expressive idiom, similar to the Pledge of Allegiance, inaugural prayer, or the recitation of ‘God save the United States and this honorable Court’ at the opening of this Court’s sessions,” Kennedy wrote.

He said there was no evidence that Greece town council members “allocated benefits and burdens based on participation in the prayer.”

Read more from the Washington Post here.

Archdiocese opens Redemptoris Mater seminary

Six Neocatechumenal Way members come to Vancouver for education and formation opportunities

Father Joseph Nguyen, vocations director of the Archdiocese of Vancouver (left) and Father Vittorio Scomparin pose at Domus Galilaeae, a Neocatechumenal Way centre in Israel, in April. Photo submitted.

At the Archbishop's Dinner in October, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, announced his intention of setting up a new seminary in Vancouver. His dream is now reality: Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) Seminary has been temporarily established in Blessed Sacrament Parish with six seminarians. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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New film illuminates Catholic view on same-sex attraction

A woman opposed to same-sex marriage holds a placard outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in February. CNS photo / Russell Cheyne, Reuters.

Catholics with same-sex attraction talk about their personal struggles and the comfort they find in Church teaching in a new documentary that shows Christian love as the "third way" in controversies about homosexuality. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Former abortion provider reveals money-making motivation behind industry

Carol Everett, a former abortion provider in Texas, is founder of the Heidi Group, a network of that helps pregnant women make life affirming choices. Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

Carol Everett operated four abortion clinics in Texas from 1977-1983 until an encounter with Jesus Christ turned her into a pro-life advocate. "I sold abortions," Everett told the annual Rose Dinner May 8 following the National March for Life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Knights draw attention to this year's successes

State Deputy Edward Shawchuk aims for more pro-life work in coming year

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (left) stands with Edward Shawchuk and Bishop Ken Nowakowski of the Eparchy of New Westminster. Shawchuk received the Benemerenti Medal in 2012 for his "exceptional service to the Church." BCC file photo.

For 18 years, the B.C. and Yukon Knights of Columbus have held the record for being the most generous givers in the whole order. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Nigerian cardinal urges action to free kidnapped girls

Women holding signs take part in a May 5 protest in Lagos, Nigeria, to demand the release of abducted high school girls. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the abduction of 276 schoolgirls during a raid in the village of Chibok in April. CNS photo / Akintunde Akinleye, Reuters.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja has called for "concrete action" to save the hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, saying his country is "ashamed" by its failure to find them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope Francis sends greetings to participants in National March for Life

Cardinal Lacroix reads the Pope's message to the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Pope Francis sent greetings to the thousands of prolife marchers who participated in the National March for Life here May 8. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Breakfast Club feeds less fortunate in church hall

Anglicans and Catholics unite to serve the needy

Carole Neilson of Holy Trinity Cathedral and Erin O'Hara from St. Peter's Parish serve eggs, hash browns, and toast. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Catholics and Anglicans in Greater Vancouver have recently made ecumenical strides with their initiative Meet Your Relatives, but some of their parishes have been cooperating for years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Critic says UN risks credibility with Catholic torture charges

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican observer at UN agencies in Geneva, said the Holy See signed the anti-torture convention for its territory, Vatican City State, not the entire Catholic Church, which it does not own. He is pictured in Rome in a 2012 file photo. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Insinuations at a UN committee hearing that Catholic teaching against abortion may violate an international anti-torture convention has raised questions about the impartiality of the body. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Abortion crusader spent 10 years behind bars

Standing outside the Back Porch, Linda Gibbons looked harmless enough. A 64-year-old grandmother, diminutive in stature, she was bundled up in her winter jacket, and also wore a scarf and mitts. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Irish Jesuit snapped iconic photographs of doomed liner

Francis Browne, soon to be a priest, sailed on RMS Titanic

Browne's last photo was of the Titanic leaving Cobh (Queenstown), Ireland, April 12. He had been left behind.

Last month mariners remembered a solemn date that evokes a grim reminder of the cruelty of the sea. In the wee hours of April 15, 1912, the "unsinkable" RMS Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis: gift of counsel illuminates the will of God

A Swiss Guard is seen as Pope Francis arrives for his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 7. Thirty young men were sworn in as new Swiss Guards May 6. CNS photo / Tony Gentile, Reuters.

During his Wednesday general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the Holy Spirit's gift of counsel, explaining that through it we learn to be docile to the Lord rather than attached to our own ideas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sri Lankan immigrant wins social justice award

Catholic Social Services will honour Oblate Father Brian Jayawardhana with its Msgr. Bill Irwin Award of Excellence at the agency's annual meeting in June. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canadians skated for redemption at 1968 Olympics

Roger Bourbonnais played for a way of life during Cold War

Roger Bourbonnais, Canadian captain, accepts the 1967 Centennial Tournament trophy from Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson in Winnipeg after a rare victory over the Soviets. Photo submitted / The B.C. Catholic.

Four years after the Canadian men's national team was robbed of a bronze medal in hockey at the 1964 Olympics, players sought redemption. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Women conceived in rape seek to inspire others in choosing life

During Italy's fourth annual March for Life, two women shared testimonies of being conceived in rape, and expressed hope that they can offer light to women who are pregnant through similar circumstances. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Papal document a gift to the Church

Sister Teresita Kambeitz, OSU. Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski / Prairie Messenger / CCN.

The words and spirit of Pope Francis were explored during three sessions held in the Diocese of Saskatoon in Lent 2014. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-lifers to rally once again in Victoria

March for Life comprised 2,000 pro-lifers last year

Thousands of Canadians will take to the streets May 8 in a cross-country effort to show their opposition to the lack of laws against abortion. This will be the sixth year pro-lifers in B.C. have marched to the legislature in Victoria. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Italy's March for Life draws global participation

Tens of thousands of pro-life demonstrators took part in the third annual national March for Life in Rome in 2013. CNS photo / Robert Duncan.

The fourth annual March for Life held in Rome May 4 drew attendees from across Italy, Europe, and the United States. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CWL wants to butt out flavoured tobacco for children

An original tobacco barn is seen near the reconstruction of a 1667 brick chapel in St. Mary's City, Md., in the Chesapeake Bay region. In those days tobacco was just tobacco, but now it is sometimes flavoured, which appeals to children. CNS photo / Bob Roller.

The popularity of flavoured tobacco is increasing the risk of youth developing a dangerous and lasting addiction to tobacco products. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nuncio hails new saints

Archbishop Bonazzi urges embrace of St. John XXIII's spirit of kindness

Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada, in Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum April 27. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Nine thousand Catholics streamed into Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum April 27 to mark an iconic event in the Church's history: two Popes canonized on the same day. Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, said Mass during the celebration of the canonization of Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. John Paul II, and first- and second-class relics were present. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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U.S. urged to act before South Sudan violence becomes genocide

In their trademark blue helmets and wearing face masks to ward off disease, UN soldiers patrol a camp for internally displaced families at a UN base in Juba, South Sudan. The camp holds Nuer families who took refuge there in December 2013 after a political dispute within the country's ruling party quickly fractured the young nation along ethnic and tribal lines. CNS photo / Paul Jeffrey.

Describing reports of atrocities coming out of South Sudan, U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.) called Wednesday for immediate action to prevent a massive genocide in the country. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pledge to resettle refugees from Syria not being fulfilled

Debris is seen inside a badly damaged church in the Monastery of Mar Sarkis in the ancient Christian town of Maaloula, Syria, April 14, after soldiers loyal to Syria's President Bashar Assad took control of it from rebel fighters. CNS photo / Khaled al-Hariri, Reuters.

There's little chance Canada will fulfill a pledge to resettle 1,300 Syrian refugees before the end of 2014, said the director of the Office of Refugees in the Archdiocese of Toronto. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Christian Outreach enters online business contest

Group has sold 33,000 items since August

Jeff Graham.

It may not be Amazon.com, but Catholic Christian Outreach's (CCO) e-commerce website has sold 33,000 items since August. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Holy Spirit's gift of understanding enlightens minds, Pope says

Floribeth Mora Diaz and her husband, Edwin, leave Pope Francis's general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 30. Mora Diaz's cure from an aneurysm in 2011 was the second miracle in the sainthood cause of St. John Paul II, whose banner hangs in the background. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis explained that the Holy Spirit's gift of understanding allows Christians to obtain "intimacy with God" and helps them understand things "as God understands them." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canadian pilgrims have diverse reasons for pilgrimage to Rome

Kevin Malcolm and his father Jim at St. Patrick's Church in Rome for the canonizations. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

When Kevin Malcolm, 45, of Toronto went through a bout with cancer, he made a vow "to himself and to God" that if he recovered he would make a pilgrimage to the Vatican and to Rome. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.