St. Clare of Assisi holds its annual pet blessing

Father Scott has been blessing animals at St. Clare's since 1999

People gather in St. Clare of Assisi Church in Coquitlam to celebrate the feast of St. Francis and World Animal Day on Oct. 4. The church was filled with the sounds of the pets and their owners. Joshua Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

A symphony of barks, yips, and meows from 100-plus dogs and cats rose at an otherwise quiet Coquitlam church Oct. 4. A lone gecko remained silent. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Would German bishops side with Henry VIII or Thomas More? bishop asks

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver addresses a Living the Catholic Faith Conference in Denver in 2013. CNS photo / Daniel Petty, Denver Catholic Register.

If divorced-and-remarried Catholics should receive Communion, as Cardinal Walter Kasper and many of the German bishops suggest, does that mean St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher died for nothing? For The B.C. Catholic website. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Blind priest shares testimony of healing in his parents' marriage

Father Tim Devine, Companions of the Cross, spoke of overcoming obstacles to one's vocation, whether to the priesthood or to marriage, at the Sanctifying Families Conference. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

After Father Tim Devine realized his blindness might not be an obstacle to the priesthood, he faced three major challenges before entering seminary with the Companions of the Cross. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Cemetery director asks faithful to pray for the dead

Urns will be accepted for burial in communal plot for free

Nuns pray in the Verano cemetery in Rome on All Souls Day in 2009. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Catholic Cemeteries staff are asking the faithful to pray with them this November. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Marriage doesn't take away your freedom: quite the opposite, Pope says

Banners of newly canonized saints hang from the facade of St. Peter's Basilica as Pope Francis leaves after giving a general audience in St. Peter's Square Oct. 21. From left the banners show St. Vincenzo Grossi, founder of the Institute of the Daughters of the Oratory; Sts. Louis and Marie Zelie Guerin Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux; and St. Maria of the Immaculate Conception, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis Wednesday said that contrary to modern notions, fidelity in marriage does not rob us of personal freedom but instead is a fundamental attribute of all human relationships based on love. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Conference honours newly canonized saints Zelie and Louis Martin

Rita and Gerard McCarthy of the Marriages for Mary apostolate were keynote speakers at the Sanctifying Families conference in Ottawa Oct. 16-17. It focused on the example of the new saints Zelie and Louis Martin. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

On the eve of Zelie and Louis Martin's canonization Oct. 18, Ottawa parents, some already devoted to the new saints, took part in a conference on sanctifying families Oct. 16-17. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Dominican sisters rebuild after flood hits

They are still boiling their water and unable to drive across bridge one month later

A Dominican nun looks at a portion of their flooded property Sept. 20. Photo submitted.

The sisters at Queen of Peace Monastery are still struggling to rebuild after a tropical storm hit their property a month ago. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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For German bishops, mercy comes at a price, critics charge

German Cardinal Walter Kasper gestures as he leaves a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 6. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

As opposition continues to proposals by the German bishops at the Synod on the Family, the German bishops themselves have faced heightened criticism in recent years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Massive Liberal victory bad for life issues

Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau arrives at the venue for the Maclean's National Leaders debate in Toronto Aug. 6. CNS photo / Mark Blinch, Reuters.

The massive Liberal victory Oct. 19 raises fears among social conservatives of Belgium-style euthanasia, expanded access to abortion, and danger to conscience rights. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parishioners learn how they can help refugees

Church members may sponsor a refugee family from Iraq, Syria, or Africa through the archdiocese

Evelyn Vollet (right) speaks with a researcher from the University of British Columbia about what the Archdiocese of Vancouver is doing to help refugees. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

While waves of refugees continue to reach the shores of Europe, members of local parishes are gathering to find out what they can do to bring some here. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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'It's truly a miracle,' says kidnapped priest

French soldiers secure St. Joseph Cathedral after an attack by Seleka rebel fighters in the Central African Republic July 27. CNS photo / Tanya Bindra, EPA.

A Syrian priest who was captured by Islamic State militants in May thought he would die for his faith. Now he credits the Virgin Mary and the help of a Muslim friend for his escape. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Scripture's truth must overcome secular culture

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, right, leaves a session of the Synod of Bishops on the Family at the Vatican Oct. 9. He is leading one of the discussion groups. Paul Haring / CNS.

The Church must uphold "the objective truths of sacred Scripture" in the face of a secular culture that poses a grave challenge to the Christian view of family, Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto told the Synod of Bishops meeting in the Vatican. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The archbishop, the mayor, and Laudato Si'

We're looking forward to this symposium next Wednesday featuring Archbishop Miller, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, and a panel of speakers from First Nations, environmental and charitable  organizations.  The event at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre is full but will be recorded for viewing at a later date. http://rcav.org/laudato-si-symposium

Independent schools continue to thrive

Enrolment up 35 per cent; public schools down 13 per cent

Peter Froese, the executive director of the Federation of Independent School Associations, says independent schools are steadily growing despite the fact that people are having fewer children. Since 1998, B.C. independent schools have grown by 35 per cent, while public school enrolment has dropped by 13 per cent. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

More and more B.C. children are attending independent schools, despite the fact that there are actually fewer school-age children now than there were 16 years ago. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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New policy forces Missionaries of Charity to end adoption services in India

A member of the Missionaries of Charity holds orphan children in 2007 at a centre in Kolkata, India. The Missionaries of Charity will close their adoption centres in India, citing new regulations that would allow nontraditional families to adopt children, reported ucanews.com. CNS photo / Anto Akkara.

Orphanages in India run by the Missionaries of Charity have decided to close their doors in light of new adoption guidelines that the sisters say violate their ideological and religious views. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishop Barron keynote speaker at World Meeting of Families

Bishop Robert Baron. CCN photo / Blake Sittler / Prairie Messenger.

Newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles chose Living as the Image of God as the topic of the first keynote speech at the World Meeting of Families. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Homeless to receive handmade coats

Toques, scarves, toiletries, also given away free

Volunteer Donna Sali sports a finished coat. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Dozens more homeless people will stay warm and dry this winter thanks to a dedicated group of sewers at Star of the Sea Parish. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis asks forgiveness for scandals in the Church

Pope Francis greets Chilean miners during his general audience in St. Peter's Square. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis opened this Wednesday's general audience by apologizing for unspecified scandals that have recently arisen at the Vatican. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sisters Legacy monument unveiled

Sisters who contributed to the growth of Saskatchewan in education and health care are honoured as the Sisters Legacy Monument is unveiled in Wascana Park, Regina. Frank Flegel, Prairie Messenger.

The sisters who contributed to the growth of Saskatchewan in education and health services were honoured Oct. 1 as the Sisters Legacy Monument was unveiled in Wascana Park. "They came here as pioneers well before Saskatchewan was created, started schools, provided health care, opened hospitals enduring hardships we can only imagine," said a variety of speakers at the official unveiling. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parish rejoices in new elementary school

Parishioners, teachers, and students prayed for the project every day for 15 years

Students, Father Andrew Stendzina, OMI, and building committee chairman Vic Vela guide Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, as he blesses the new St. Augustine's school Oct. 4. Classes had begun there one week earlier. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

"Let the little children come to me," read the Archbishop of Vancouver during a celebration at the start of a new era for St. Augustine's Parish. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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'Flawed, inadequate': bishops skewer synod's working document

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, right, leaves a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 9. CNS / Paul Haring.

A controversial working document for the Vatican's synod on the family took a hard hit from numerous bishops who've called the text overly negative, unclear, and possibly inaccurate in its translations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priest speaks to Spiritual Motherhood of Priests on sanctification

Father Simon-Felix Michalski said a crucifix is not a piece of art, but should be taken off the wall to be meditated upon. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The key to sanctification is docility to the Holy Spirit, a deep desire for holiness and cooperation with sanctifying grace, a Dominican priest told a conference here Oct. 3. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parishioners praise bishop 25 years after his death

Archbishop James Francis Carney was known as a fighter for Church teaching, Catholic schools

Catholics gather in Holy Rosary Cathedral to pray during the 25th anniversary memorial Mass for the late Archbishop James Francis Carney Oct 1. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Those who knew Archbishop James Francis Carney still remember him as a caring man with a strong voice for Church teaching and Catholic education. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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African bishops throw swift punch at 'ideological colonization'

African bishops leave a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 9. CNS / Paul Haring.

Heavy criticism of the West imposing secular values on Africa in exchange for aid emerged as a theme from the continent's bishops, as the Vatican's synod on the family kicks off its first week. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Living with Dignity group hires new executive director

Aubert Martin, executive director of Living with Dignity, has a background in both theatre and international development. Photo courtesy Living with Dignity.

The grassroots Quebec anti-euthanasia group Living with Dignity has hired a new executive director with a unique background that combines overseas development and theatre. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Speaker praises Pope Francis as a great reformer

The Holy Father makes the Church accessible through his emphasis on mercy, says Peter Nation

Peter Nation, the coordinator of Catholic Voices Canada, calls Pope Francis a reformer during a talk at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre Sept. 25. "Our Holy Father has not changed a single item of doctrine. He has just made his presentation of the face of the Church so gripping," he explained. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Our prisoner-visiting, leper-kissing, world-travelling Pope Francis will be going down in history as a reformer, according to a Catholic Voices Canada coordinator. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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God's dream for creation? The union of a man and woman, Pope says

Pope Francis arrives for the morning session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 6. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis formally opened the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family Oct. 4, telling participants that the union of a man and a woman is the foundation of God's plan for the family, and a solution to the many forms of loneliness in today's world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Queenship of Mary sisters evangelize with popcorn

The Queenship of Mary sisters and other volunteers hand out popcorn at the Metcalfe Fair, as part of booth sponsored by St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

As Thanksgiving approaches, many communities host agricultural fairs to showcase everything from the best potatoes to the best heifers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Event offers rediscovery of Real Presence

Talk planned to help everyone enter personal relationship with Jesus

A monstrance holds Jesus in the Eucharist in an new adoration chapel. CNS photo / Olivia Obineme, Catholic Review.

With an International Eucharistic Congress planned for late January in the Philippines, the archdiocese is offering locals a chance to rediscover the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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What saves us from loneliness? Family! Pope Francis says

Pope Francis poses with clergy and women religious during his general audience in St. Peter's Square Oct. 7. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Family rescues us from indifference and loneliness and teaches us the essentials of life, Pope Francis said. As the family of God, the Church has the same role and must evaluate how to live this. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Psychologist hopes synod on family will address importance of fathers

Clinical Psychologist Ray Guarendi signs books and speaks with parents after giving a talk in Ottawa Oct. 2. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

A popular American psychologist and author said he hopes the bishops attending the synod on the family Oct. 4-25 in Rome will address the importance of strong fathers in the family. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, who is the principal patron of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and for whom Holy Rosary Cathedral is named.

The feast, formerly known as Our Lady of Victory, has been celebrated for centuries on Oct. 7. Tradition holds that St. Dominic (d. 1221) devised the rosary as we know it after being moved by a vision of our Blessed Mother.

Holy Rosary Cathedral parish began in 1885 when the Right Reverend Louis d’Herbomez, OMI, vicar apostolic of the mainland of British Columbia, appointed Father Patrick Fay as the first pastor. The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1899 and the church doors were officially opened on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 1900.

In 1916, under Archbishop Timothy Casey, D.D., the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was declared a cathedral. Read more about the cathedral's history on its website.

High-tech high school receives blessing

Prelate pays visit to new home of Notre Dame Regional Secondary

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, blesses the hallways of the new Notre Dame Regional Secondary School Sept. 28. The new eco-friendly structure has room for 800 students. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

It's been called high-tech, state of the art, and the best high school in the region. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis lauds Archbishop Chaput's 'great love for the family'

Pope Francis arrives to lead his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sept. 30. CNS photo / Max Rossi, Reuters.

Pope Francis reviewed his recent trip to Cuba and the United States during his general audience on Wednesday, calling the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia the "culmination" of his apostolic visit. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Expert concerned Putin's Syria intervention takes eye off Ukraine

University of Alberta historian Frank Sysyn, an expert on Ukraine, (centre) with faculty of the Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University: Father Peter Galadza (left) and Brian Butcher. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Russian President Vladimir Putin's intervention in Syria raises concerns the crisis in Ukraine will be ignored, a Canadian historian told a seminar here Sept. 30. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Film star lends voice to Missio app

Liam Neeson narrates new video for Pontifical Mission Societies project

Liam Neeson stars in a scene from the movie "Non-Stop" released last year. (Photo: Universal / CNS)

Taken series hero Liam Neeson is the voice behind a new video for Missio.

"Missio enables real change on the global level by supporting projects that help solve the world's largest problems, like hunger," he says.

Pope Francis and the Pontifical Mission Societies released the mobile app in 2013 as a tool to help people get involved in social justice projects around the world, directly from their phones.

Apparently Neeson had a particular set of skills they wanted to use. Learn more here or on the Missio site.

Shooter asked students if they were Christian

Nine killed and nine wounded at community college in Roseburg, Oregon

Umpqua Community College alumna Donice Smith (left) is embraced after learning
one of her formerteachers was killed Oct. 1. (Photo: Steve Dipaola / Reuters / CNS)

News organizations have learned that the gunman who started shooting students at Umpqua Community College Oct. 1 first asked them if they were Christian. Those who answered "yes" were shot in the head; those who gave a different answer were shot elsewhere.

"I am saddened beyond words," Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland said to worshippers gathered at St. Joseph Church in Roseburg.

"We are one body in Christ, and when even one member suffers, we all suffer with them. My heard is indeed very heavy with sorry as I grieve with all of you."

Nine people were killed and nine more wounded before the shooter died in an exchange of gunfire with police. Read the full article here.

Bloodied relic speaks of an attack, but also of a solid faith

tues sep6

St. John Paul II was shot just after attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan

The shirt Pope John Paul II wore May 13, 1981, the day he was shot, is now framed and in the care of the Daughters of Charity of the Province of Rome. J.P. Sonnen / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

There are many little known relics, treasures of our Catholic heritage, to be found in hidden parts of the world. Prizes such as the sword of Godfrey of Bouillon, kept in the Latin sacristy at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem or the red damask cope with a bullet hole in it from a failed assassination attempt on the life of St. Charles Borromeo, kept in the Ambrosian treasury in Milan. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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I can forgive an abuser, but understand those who can't: Pope

Pope Francis listens as he takes questions from journalists aboard his flight from Philadelphia to Rome Sept. 27. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

In his wide-ranging press briefing en route from the United States to Rome, Pope Francis spoke on the difficult subject of forgiving priests who have molested minors, saying that the strength to forgive, and to be forgiven, can only come from God. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sulpicians reinvigorate Edmonton seminary

Father Shayne Craig stands in front of the icon of the feast of the Presentation of Our Lady in the Temple, a gift to St. Joseph Seminary from the Sulpician Fathers. Ramon Gonzalez / Western Catholic Reporter (CCN).

The Sulpician Fathers are the cream of the cream in seminary formation. They run seminaries in several countries and are known for forming well-rounded priests. Many of their pupils and professors have gone on to become bishops and cardinals. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Art guild begins guest speaker series

Religious icons can be used for prayer

St. Luke, Patron of Artists. A sacred icon painted
by a member of the guild in 2005.
(Photo credit: Frank C. Turner)

For one guild of artists, learning to pray is synonymous with learning their craft.

“We will give insights into the 2,000 year art form, how it has evolved to create new forms of sacred art today, and how it can be used in our prayers,” said Christine Lim. The Epiphany Sacred Arts Guild (ESAG) begins its Guest Speaker Series, with the first presentation will be by Kathy Sievers, an iconographer from Oregon.

“She will be coming to talk about contemporary icons,” said Lim, a student of iconography herself. “As well, she will address the relevance they have in our lives today as well as how to use them to pray.”

There will be a time for questions afterwards, where Sievers will answer questions about her art or how to improve their own, said Lim. “People can display their own art, and explain why they are working on it,” Lim added.

“This allows for them to receive advice from other artists, or get help with any trouble they have with their works.” Lim noted the guild’s purpose as a “non-profit society for people who practice creating sacred arts according to the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church.”

“We believe our art must be fed through prayer, contemplation, and a full sacramental life,” she said.

The presentation will be at St. Jude’s Parish, Vancouver Oct. 10, from 12-3 p.m.

More information is available by contacting Steve Knight at s_knight50@hotmail.com or here.

Urban missionaries want Catholics back

Legion of Mary spreads the Good News in door-to-door campaign

A long road filled with various hazards awaits most missionaries, and the Legion of Mary has found this to be true. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope: Communion for divorced, remarried isn't the only synod issue

Pope Francis speaks with journalists aboard his flight from Philadelphia to Rome Sept. 27. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Pope Francis told journalists on board his flight to Rome that giving Communion to divorced and remarried Catholics is a "simplistic" solution to the issue, and stressed that there are also other problems that need to be discussed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Philip Neri holds refugee fundraiser

Syrian refugees Maral and Kevork Kasarjian, who arrived in Saskatoon Sept. 17 with their five children, were special guests at a St. Philip Neri Parish Refugee Committee fundraiser held Sept. 24 in Saskatoon. They are among three families arriving this fall, sponsored by the parish. Kiply Lukan Yaworski / Prairie Messenger (CCN).

The large crowd at a St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee fund-raising dinner Sept. 24 roared with delight when the winner of the evening's 50-50 draw was announced. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Religious festival attracts many

Orders hold vocations fair

Sister Mary Jacinta Li, left, speaks to a participant at the first vocations fair in the archdiocese. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

Many gathered for the first vocations fair of the Archdiocese of Vancouver Sept. 20. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis visits Philadelphia inmates

Pope Francis blesses inmate Ron Cianci during a visit to the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia Sept. 27. CNS photo / Todd Heisler, pool.

During his visit to a Philadelphia correctional facility this morning, Pope Francis said every person is marked and bruised by life, but Jesus washes away our sins and invites us to live a full life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB writes to Prime Minister on Israeli security wall

Retired Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer of San Angelo, Texas, stands in front of the Israeli separation wall near Jerusalem. CNS photo / Debbie Hill.

The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has written the prime minister asking him to use his influence on Israel to prevent an unjust route for its security wall. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Langley parish opens part two of its three-phase plan

New parish centre blessed by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, Sept. 20

Father Edwin Kulling, pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, and Archbishop Miller say a prayer before blessing the new building. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Teachers and students at St. Nicholas Parish are holding religious education classes in a new space this week. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Help youth be brave in opting for marriage and family, Pope tells bishops

Pope Francis blesses a baby from the popemobile in Philadelphia Sept. 27. CNS photo / Alex Brandon, pool.

Pope Francis told bishops Sunday that a widespread consumerism and desire to follow new fads has rendered youth fearful of commitments, and said that as pastors they must encourage youth to be brave in going against the tide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB signs on to interfaith declaration on climate change and poverty reduction

A Roma boy sits in the back yard of a house in Gyongyospata, Hungary. Pope Francis has said focusing on poverty and sacrificing for the poor are the heart of the Gospel, not signs of communism. CNS photo / Zoltan Balogh, EPA.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has signed an inter-faith declaration seeking action on climate change, poverty reduction and justice for aboriginal peoples. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.