"Cyberslums" need pastoral care, too

Italian priest urges ministries to reach out online

Turkish women use Twitter at a cafe in Istanbul. (CNS/EPA)

When Pope Francis urges people to reach out to the ghettos, that includes dark parts of the online world, Father Fortunato Di Noto tells a Vatican news conference.

"We have to make sure that these places of emotional destitution, these new digital peripheries that I would call 'digital slums,' can be made habitable," because places that lack all forms of compassion and human connection attract ravenous "vultures," he said.

His work has become a kind of online ministry, he said, that offers "real accompaniment on the Internet because there are many people who are in need because they 'live' in this place every day."

A former victim of cyberharassment also spoke at the news conference.

Dedicated educator marks his teaching jubilee

Alan Charlton, 79, has taught thousands during his 50-year career

Alan Charlton gives Notre Dame students insights during an English class. "I stumbled into teaching," he said, speaking of how it all began in 1961. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

One local educator has lived through flower power, preppies, and the millennial generation while teaching for half a century. But retirement doesn't sound heavenly to him. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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An ancient Christian culture might disappear

A Melkite priest walks beside St. George Melkite Catholic Church in Yaroun, Lebanon. He serves Melkite Catholic communities in southern Lebanon, where young people, Christian, and Muslim alike, are leaving to seek education and job opportunities elsewhere. CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec.

The East and West must cooperate to save ancient Christian cultures in the Middle East, to secure peace, and to protect humanity as a whole, an expert in Aramaic culture insists. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Before conversion, apologist loved stumping Catholics with Bible verses

Catholic Answers apologist and author Tim Staples speaks of how as a Protestant he used to love stumping Catholics with what he called "zingers" from the Bible. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Catholic apologist Tim Staples used to love stumping Catholics with Bible verses in the days he was a Pentecostal, until he met a Catholic who stumped him. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Mission to Seafarers fills vital role

Chaplains will bring Christmas gifts to sailors on their ships

Sailors grin after being given presents Dec. 24, 2012, in English Bay, during a Mission to Seafarers event. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Three wise men will bring presents to homesick sailors Dec. 24 in an annual event. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Family synod gets down to basics of marriage, Pope says

Col. Daniel Anrig, commander of the Swiss Guard, lower right, walks alongside the popemobile as Pope Francis arrives for his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Nov. 26. The Pope has ordered Col. Anrig to end his service Jan. 31. In an interview with the Argentinean newspaper "La Nacion," the Pope praised the qualities of Col. Anrig but said that a "renovation would be healthy." A replacement has not been appointed. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In his weekly general audience Pope Francis started a new catechesis on the family, and explained that discussion surrounding the topic in the synod of bishops is rooted in the fundamental truths of marriage. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canada's nuncio recalls childhood Nativity scene in Italy

Canada's Papal Nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi remembers, when he was 5, his Aunt Rosa giving him some "little statues to make the crib" or Nativity scene. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Olympian wins a seat on Richmond city council

Councillor Alexa Loo says the parable of the talents drives her to be involved in her community

Former Olympic snowboarder Alexa Loo was elected to Richmond city council. Her goal is to maintain her home town's status as Canada's healthiest city. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A former Olympic snowboarder is channelling her community spirit into her new role as a Richmond city councillor. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Huge crowds flock to see St. Francis Xavier's relics on his feast day

Pilgrims pray by and view the body of St. Francis Xavier during an exposition of the saint in December 2004 at the Se Cathedral in Goa, India. CNS photo / Anto Akkara.

On Dec. 3, the 462nd anniversary of his death, an estimated 200,000 people visited Se Cathedral in Old Goa to venerate the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the "Apostle to the Far East." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Senators introduce assisted suicide bill to fast-track debate

U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature and a former archbishop of St. Louis, speaks to a man during a May 4 pro-life demonstration in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Catholic politicians and judges who support laws in conflict with Church teaching on abortion, euthanasia, marriage, and related issues commit "sacrilege" and cause "grave scandal" if they receive Communion, the cardinal told an international conference of pro-life organizations. CNS photo / Katarzyna Artymiak.

Two senators introduced a euthanasia and assisted suicide bill Dec. 2 that may ensure debate on this controversial matter reaches the House of Commons before next year's federal election. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Homeless drop-in centre thanks volunteers

The Door is Open thanks 60 supporters before start of Christmas dinner rush

The Door is Open volunteers fill their plates in the dining hall where they regularly serve 400-500 meals to the homeless. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Longtime volunteers at a Downtown Eastside drop-in centre received a hearty thank-you for their work as they geared up to serve Christmas dinner Dec 25. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Author, cardinals spar over reports of conclave campaigning

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums is pictured in this March 9, 2013, file photo, as preparations began for the conclave that elected Pope Francis. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

The 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis is news again now that four cardinals have denied a new book's claim that they campaigned for Pope Francis to be elected, though the book's author has clarified the Pope himself was not a part of their supposed campaign. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Cardinal Collins addresses Parliamentarians on faith in times of crisis

MP Mark Adler and Cardinal Thomas Collins at the All-Party Interfaith National Prayer Breakfast in Centre Block's Parliamentary restaurant Dec. 2. Bernard Thibodeau / House of Commons photographer.

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto spoke to parliamentarians Dec. 2 on the importance of integrity and humility in public life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishop hails palliative care option

Justices to rule on Carter case

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrates Mass Nov. 29. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The Archbishop of Vancouver has asked Catholics to speak out about a credible alternative to physician-assisted suicide: palliative care. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Protect us! one archbishop pleads

Nigerian soldiers patrol the city of Jos, Nigeria, after elections in 2008. Rival ethnic and religious mobs burned homes, shops, mosques, and churches in Jos. At least 200 were killed. CNS photo / Akintunde Akinleye, Reuters.

As Nigeria's general elections draw near, the archbishop of the central city of Jos warned candidates not to put political agendas over people's safety and urged more rapid solutions to Boko Haram violence. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.
Christmas message from apostolic nuncio
To welcome and to share the abundance of God

We are just at the threshold of Christmas, a great event which - if we welcome it - is capable of changing our lives. A story by Tolstoy which I learned and owe to Pope Benedict XVI helps me to share the light and life that springs from Christmas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

ISIS militants keep their prisoners in churches

Places of prayer are becoming prisons in Mosul

ISIS fighters stand guard in Mosul in this file photo from June.
(Photo: Reuters / CNS)

Reports show ISIS is using some churches and monasteries as prisons. Rebwar Audish Basa, procurator of the Order of St. Anthony sant'Ormisada of the Chaldeans, is very worried.

"A possible military offensive for the liberation of Mosul could inevitably lead to consider churches as targets to hit, since they have become logistic bases of the jihadists."

Read the full article here.

To be Catholic or not to be?

Manuscript revives debate about Shakespeare's faith

The 233rd known surviving first folio was found near Calais, France.
Photo: Denis Charlet / Agence France-Presse.

A first-edition copy of William Shakespeare's plays was recently discovered in a library in France. The rare book has a connection to the Jesuits, refueling the debate over whether or not the bard was Catholic.

“People have been making vague arguments, but now for the first time we have a connection between the Jesuit college network and Shakespeare,” expert Eric Rasmussen said. “The links become a little more substantial when you have this paper trail.”

Find out more here.

High-tech scanner sought for Mount Saint Joseph Hospital

'Non-invasive diagnostic workhorse' getting a little elderly

Dr. Amie Padilla-Thornton, a radiologist, with the 10-year-old computed tomography scanner at Mount St. Joseph Hospital. The scanner is nicknamed "Delia II." Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

A physician once called one of B.C.'s oldest computed tomography (CT) scanners a "non-invasive diagnostic workhorse." Mount Saint Joseph Hospital is hoping to get a new workhorse and put its old one out to pasture. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Coming soon: the Vatican's report on U.S. women religious

Sister Mary Angela Highfield of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious works on her tablet Nov. 11 during the annual fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. CNS photo / Bob Roller.

The Vatican has confirmed it will release its report on the state of women religious in the United States later this month, following up on the apostolic visitation that concluded in January 2012. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB head suggests changes to synod process to Pope Francis

CCCB President Gatineau Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher. (File photo / CCN).

Gatineau Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher had a chance to offer Pope Francis suggestions on how to improve the synod process during an audience Nov. 15. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Christians not crucial to Rome's decline

Religion's dominance came as 'reaction to despotism': historian

A professor from the University of Chicago explained to an audience at UBC why the rise of Christianity was not a factor in the Roman Empire's downfall. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis prays for more fruitful dialogue after trip to Turkey

Pope Francis passes circus performers as he leaves his general audience in St. Peter's Square Dec. 3. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In his weekly general audience Pope Francis recalled the activities of his recent trip to Turkey, and prayed that the visit would lead to a more fruitful ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB will choose delegates for family synod by ballot process

The last CCCB plenary, in September. (CCN photo).

By the end of March 2015, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will choose four delegates and two alternates to attend the ordinary synod on the family in Rome Oct. 2015. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Shelter celebrates 55 years of serving the vulnerable

Catholic Charities Men's Hostel, first opened on a chilly November night, searches for a new home

Shelter Services director Scott Small runs the men's hostel, which receives about 2,000 guests every year, including up to 20 extra guests on freezing winter nights. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A downtown men's shelter is celebrating its 55th anniversary as it braces itself for a big move. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope confirms he will walk the streets of Philadelphia

Many have been planning to travel to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, but now one local family planning to make the trip is "ecstatic" after hearing that Pope Francis has announced he'll be joining them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

New bishop for Tanzania studied at Saint Paul University

Arusha Auxiliary Bishop-elect Prosper Lyimo, wearing a bishop's zuchetto for the first time, with Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, of Ottawa at a dinner celebrating the news of the bishop-elect's appointment. Photo courtesy Archbishop Prendergast / CCN.

The new auxiliary bishop-elect for the Archdiocese of Arusha in Tanzania studied canon law at Saint Paul University. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Lieutenant governor calls adoption a 'wonderful journey'

Judith Guichon and her husband raised four adoptees

Traditionally, a lieutenant governor receives the media spotlight for a speech from the throne, or during ceremonial functions. For B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon, a rancher from the Nicola Valley, a press conference to highlight November as Adoption Awareness month was a revelation of her past. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope opens Year for Consecrated Life with call to joyful witness

Dominican Sister Marie Bernadette Thompson, council coordinator for the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, discusses initiatives focused on bringing together men and women religious and families, particularly young adults, during a press conference. CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn.

At the opening of the Year for Consecrated Life, Pope Francis issued a challenge to consecrated men and women, inviting them to lives of courage, communion, and joy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Nuncio exhorts religious to build vocations culture

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi at the Pontifical Mass in Quebec City in September. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

As Pope Francis inaugurated the Year of Consecrated Life Nov. 30, Canada's Apostolic Nuncio exhorted religious to build a culture of vocations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Stewardship advocates shine spotlight on gratitude

Parishioners should give to the Church because they feel grateful, not guilty: Corinna Siy

Stewardship advocates call generosity "a way of life," and it's that notion of gratitude that drives them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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CWL honours fallen soldiers with Juno Beach plaque

Barbara Dowding, CWL national president, visited Juno Beach Centre Nov. 11 to view the league's plaque and participate in Remembrance Day. Photo submitted.

The Catholic Women's League has dedicated a plaque in memory of Canadian soldiers who gave their lives on D-Day on the very beach where they fell 70 years ago. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Retreat shows growing interest in priesthood

Francis Tesalona, Matthiew Gratton, and Luke Tamayo were among 15 men who attended a recent Come and See retreat at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton.  WCR photo, Ramon Gonzalez.

Luke Tamayo has been thinking about the priesthood for years. But before making a decision, the 28-year-old St. Albert architect wanted to meet other people who felt called to serve the Lord as priests.  For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Abortion debate attracts 130 students

Some participants report the discussion changed their minds

Pro-life supporters stand with signs along the street in front of a "Women's Surgery Centre" in Dallas in 2013. CNS photo / Larry Smith, EPA.

A large crowd of students turned up for a debate on abortion at Simon Fraser University last month. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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The Church isn't static, she's a pilgrim on a journey, Pope says

An usher holds a baby after Pope Francis kissed her as he left the general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Nov. 26. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis in his weekly general audience said that the Church on earth is on a pilgrimage to heaven guided by the Lord, who will lead us to the fullness of joy and truth at the end of time. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Work involving making or fixing things has a wider cultural significance

Matthew Crawford, author of Shop Class as Soulcraft, and Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, spoke at a public talk sponsored by Cardus's Hill Family Lecture Series in Ottawa Nov. 19. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Matthew Crawford, author of Shop Class as Soulcraft, says work involving making things or fixing things has a wider cultural significance in combating growing passivity and dependence. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Blogger 'sometimes forgets' her son has Down Syndrome

Mother sees him as sweet and determined Gabe

(Photo from Hand Me Downs)

A registered nurse who blogs as Mommy Chronicles writes she can easily forget her son has Down Syndrome.

"It’s easy to be distracted by his 2-year-old tantrums, his mischievous smile, and go-getter attitude. Gabe is kind-hearted but stubborn. He immediately runs to check on sister when she is having a dramatic, 'I’m 4 and the world is over,' meltdown."

When a stranger recently said, in a hushed voice, "I bet you wish you had known before he came out..." she gave a powerful response. Read her story here.

Be brothers and sisters for peace, Pope tells Europe

Pontiff laments various world conflicts that 'continue to fester'

Pope Francis shakes hands with Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament, while visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 25. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis said Tuesday that brotherhood and a spirit of mutual service are needed to overcome conflict, telling the Council of Europe that both the continent and Christianity have special roles to play in this work. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Three busy people log in for online conference to share ways to make room for Sunday rest


Sunday rest is a gift no modern busy person can refuse, according to professor and former pastor Mark Buchanan. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Ottawa's bishops comment on the recent extraordinary synod on the family

Ottawa Auxiliary Bishop Christian Riesbeck spoke on the recent synod on the family to the Ottawa Catholic Teacher's Guild Nov.19 and to The Family Conference at Dominican University College Nov. 21. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Ottawa's bishops stressed the recent extraordinary synod on the family is not about changing Church teachings. Both bishops spoke at The Family Conference at Dominican University College Nov. 20-22. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Trudeau's views labelled 'logically incoherent'

Hundreds sign letter questioning Liberal leader's understanding of Charter

Justin Trudeau speaks to media at the foyer of the House of Commons.
(Photo: Deborah Gyapong / CCN)

Ottawa writer Patricia Maloney is confused by Justin Trudeau's comments about the Charter and abortion. She and more than 230 people have signed an open letter calling him out on his views that, they say, don't make much sense.

"We the undersigned, are very concerned about your recent edict to exclude pro-life people from being candidates for the Liberal Party. We are also concerned that you say you are doing this because you are a strong believer in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We must confess, we find it impossible to reconcile the two."

Maloney hopes for a response from Trudeau. Read the letter in full here.

Tiny health clinic plans expansion

Space is tight in 'one-stop-shop' for breast cancer diagnosis

A tight-knit clinic at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital plans to renovate its small space to better serve women with breast cancer diagnoses. "That's the dilemma: when we have two surgeons here working together, then the diagnostic doctors are here, we are really running out of space," said Imelda Villeneuve, the nurse navigator at Providence Health Care Breast Centre. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Expert on the papacy navigates Evangelii Gaudium

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, delivers the keynote address at this year's University of Dallas Ministry Conference Oct. 24. Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic.

One of the most beloved images of Jesus occurs in the Book of Revelation. It depicts the Saviour standing outside knocking on the door, waiting to be let into one's heart. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CNEWA appears before Commons foreign affairs committee

Carl Hetu, national director of CNEWA Canada, in Ottawa Nov. 20.

Representatives from the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) testified on the plight of Middle East Christians before the House of Commons foreign affairs committee Nov. 20. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Troubled teen turned actor will tell harrowing story

Man Up! production shares testimonies based on the lives of four at-risk youths

Dzinh Nguyen (centre) lacked adult role models and became steeped in gang life by age 15. He found a more hopeful way to live through the Boys Club Network, co-founded by Jim Crescenzo (left) and Walter Mustapich. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Four unfiltered stories of at-risk boys who turned their lives around will hit the stage this week in a play put on by the Boys Club Network. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Christians, Muslims unite for justice over couple burned in kiln

A Pakistani Christian holds a placard as he shouts slogans during a protest rally in Lahore, Pakistan. CNS photo / Mohsin Raza, Reuters.

In the two weeks after a Christian couple were killed by a Muslim mob in Pakistan, local leaders from both religions came together repeatedly to call for justice in the matter, and an end to the misuse of blasphemy allegations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholic Muslim Forum offered practical way forward

Pope Benedict XVI offers a gift to a Muslim cleric as he visits the Blue Mosque in Istanbul in this Nov. 30, 2006, file photo. It was only the second time a Pope had entered a mosque. CNS photo / Patrick Hertzog, pool via Reuters.

The third Catholic Muslim Forum met in the Vatican Nov. 4-6, and offered some practical ways forward, said a Canadian Catholic delegate. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Musicians will dazzle St. Mary's Parish

Choirs to sing with 'one voice, one heart, one spirit'

The school gym at St. Mary's Parish will ring out with the sounds of the Psalm 98 Singers, Jojo Quimpo, and a surprise guest at two concerts Dec. 6.

Organizers are saying it's a great way to prepare for the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. Find out more and get tickets here.