Youngsters 'adopt' the homeless in prayer

Grade 4 students bring to God real prayer intentions from less fortunate adults

Children in Grades 1 and 4 at St. Francis de Sales School make 400 sandwiches to donate to a Downtown Eastside drop-in centre. Photo submitted.

Nine- and 10-year-olds are praying for the personal intentions of homeless and drug-addicted people in Vancouver's poorest neighbourhood. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Fight continues against increasing pressure to kill patients

Dr. Catherine Ferrier speaks on Parliament Hill in June at a demonstration against euthanasia. Euthanasia Prevention Coalition executive director Alex Schadenberg is in the background. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The ink was barely dry on the new assisted suicide and euthanasia law when euthanasia opponents had to fight against new challenges to expand the law's reach. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Fly-fishing priest experiences God's Love with each cast

Joy and happiness of others in holy orders attracted Korean immigrant

Father Lucio Choi was ordained May 14, 2016. Born in South Korea, he immigrated with his family to Calgary in 1999. Father Choi spoke to The B.C. Catholic about his experiences in a new country and his favourite hobbies. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Religious freedom waning in Canada, warns former ambassador

Former Ambassador of Religious Freedom Andrew Bennett will be pursuing a career in academia as well as serving as a senior fellow at Cardus. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The former Ambassador of Religious Freedom says Canadians should be concerned about how respect for religious freedom and conscience rights is waning in Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Redemptorists celebrate 150th anniversary

The order received an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from the Pope in 1866

Father Mark Miller, the Provincial of Canadian Redemptorists (in Mass vestments), prepares to bless a new grotto alongside pastor Father Babu Mathew, CSsR, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Vancouver. Lisa Luft / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

"Make her known to the whole world!" Pope Pius IX proclaimed 150 years ago, as he gave Father Nicholas Mauron, CSsR, Superior General of the Redemptorists, an icon of Mary. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Three Amigos Summit makes progress on climate commitments, say groups

A campaign sign at the house of a member of St. James Parish in Pulaski Township, Pa., expresses her sentiments on the importance of cleanliness. Clean Energy has been the subject of recent discussions in Ottawsa. CNS photo / Dennis Sadowski.

The North American Leaders' Summit in Ottawa June 29 produced progress on climate commitments, say groups concerned about climate change, but most argue more needs to be done. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Brazilian cardinal invites homeless to celebrate his birthday

Rio de Janeiro's cardinal spent 66th birthday with homeless people

Cardinal Orani Tempesta speaks with a homeless man on the cardinal's birthday June 22.  (Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Rio)

Cardinal Orani Tempesta spent his 66th birthday a little differently than most people. His celebratory companions were homeless people on the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

"The cardinal offered gifts, blankets, milk and coffee, and listened to their stories," the archdiocese news brief said. The cardinal was able to learn up close about the reality of those who live and sleep on the streets."

The cardinal set out to the downtown area around 11:00 p.m., after a previous birthday celebration June 22. The archdiocese mentioned the effort was inspired by the Jubilee Year of Mercy, as well as a refection of the fourth corporal work of mercy: to clothe the naked.

For more information on Cardinal Tempesta by Catholic News Agency, click here.

Vancouver to light candles for Baghdad

Bombs killed hundreds outside busy mall July 3

An Iraqi woman grieves at the scene of the blast July 3.

It's been called the the single deadliest attack since 2003. A suicide truck bomb ignited outside a busy shopping mall in Baghdad, sending out a wall of fire and killing at least 215 people. Another 175 were injured. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Deeply moved by the tragedy, a group of Vancouver residents are planning to hold a candlelight memorial on Thursday.

"We ask everyone to come together with their candles and flowers to support one another and to commemorate the innocent lives lost to the horrendous attack in Iraq as well as throughout the globe."

The event will begin outside the Vancouver Public Library at 7:30 p.m.

N.W.T. parish collects funds for Syrians

Small community raises $450 for refugees settling south of them

The small community of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Deline, N.W.T., gathers in the snow after Mass in April. Photo submitted.

The North may seem cold, but a small community there is sharing a lot of warmth with its southern neighbours. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Trinity Western decision sends troubling religious freedom message

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada president Bruce Clemenger with ARPA legal counsel Andre Schutten at the Supreme Court of Canada this year.

Religious freedom advocates are troubled by a June 19 Ontario Court of Appeal ruling allowing the infringement of Trinity Western University's (TWU) religious freedom. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Tragedy reveals legal loophole

Police trying to decide if they will lay a second murder charge

Candice Rochelle Bobb of Etobicoke, Ont.

The tragic death of a mother and son is shedding light on a missing piece of Canadian law, says a pro-life activist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Treaty plaque dedicated at Saskatoon cathedral

First Nations and Metis elders and leaders joined representatives of the parish and community during a celebration held to unveil a treaty plaque at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. Kiply Lukan Yaworski / Prairie Messenger (CCN).

A ceremony June 13 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon marked the installation of a treaty plaque acknowledging Treaty 6 territory and proclaiming the importance of treaties to all Canadians. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishop-to-be about to bid adieu

Mass and farewell celebration planned for July 31

A Vancouver priest is getting ready to say goodbye to his beloved archdiocese. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Editor's Note re: newspaper delivery
Canada Post Labour Dispute may affect us
Dear Subscriber,

There is potential for a Canada Post work stoppage beginning any time after July 2 (before we went to press). We have arranged for most of our newspapers to be delivered by a distribution service should a work stoppage occur. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Suicide bombers target Lebanese village

Predominantly Christian town attacked twice in one day

Lebanese women hold guns in front of journalists June 28 in
the village of Qaa, where the attacks took place. (Reuters)

People in the Lebanese village of Qaa are grieving after two separate suicide bomb attacks hit on the same day. Catholic News Service reached Melkite Catholic Archbishop Elias Rahal over the phone:

"We pray, we pray, we pray for the dead, for the injured... We are here for the families and for their children."

The first attack on June 27 killed five people, not including the bombers. The second attack hit near St. Elias Melkite Catholic Church as people were preparing for funerals for those killed in the first attack. About 30 people were injured in both incidents.

Read the full story here.

St. Mary's plans to build elementary school in high-rise

Unique project could include residential towers, new hall

This artist's rendering shows what the new school could look like. stmarysvancouver.ca.

Parish plans for the rebuilding of St. Mary's Elementary School on Joyce Street in Vancouver include plans that will make it the second school in Vancouver with residential units on top of the building. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Ottawa parish on a mission for refugees

Kholoud Al Dakhil with her son Stephane, who was born not long after they arrived in Canada. Stephane is the first Canadian citizen among them.

When an Ottawa parish brought a family of Syrian refugees to Canada in 2015, the experience put them on a mission to welcome more. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Protestors decry local police department's inaction

Residents call on mayor to see that arrests start being made under anti-prostitution Bill C-36

More than 100 people hold signs at Vancouver city hall June 14 to protest the lack of enforcement of Bill C-36. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Protestors and signs with bold slogans like "No Paid Rape" filled the front steps of Vancouver city hall June 14. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Disabled daughter gave life to family

Jeri and Chuck Marple tell the Every Life Matters session of their experience of living with their daughter Mary, who has cerebral palsy. Thandiwe Konguavi / Western Catholic Reporter / (CCN).

When Jeri and Chuck Marple's eighth child Mary was born at 22 weeks gestation, the choice of life or death was set before them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Talitha Koum Society receives $600,000

Group to buy a home for women, thanks to city of Coquitlam

Coquitlam mayor Richard Stewart.

A non-profit dedicated to freeing women from addiction is expanding, thanks to a new partnership with the City of Coquitlam. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Oriental Churches' aid agencies contribute $150 million to Iraq and Syria

Carl Hetu, the national director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) in Canada, reported Catholic aid agencies contributed $150 million in 2015 to help the people of Iraq and Syria. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop names new vicar general

Father Gary Franken to replace Father Joseph Nguyen Aug. 11

Father Gary Franken is stepping up to the task of being the right-hand man of Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Bishop reminds WYD pilgrims the cross brings happiness

Young Polish-Canadian pilgrims about to embark on the journey to Krakow, Poland, for World Youth Day 2016 show the crosses they were given by Bishop Matthew Ustrzycki. Jean Ko Din / The Catholic Register.

Always remember why you are there, Auxiliary Bishop-emeritus Matthew Ustrzycki of Hamilton told 600 young Polish-Canadians preparing to return to their ancestral homeland for World Youth Day this summer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Medal of Honor priest to be immortalized in documentary

Production underway for film about Vietnam War Hero Catholic chaplain

Father Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M., also known as The Grunt Padre, received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his bravery and service during the Vietnam War. (Photo Credit: Naval Historical Center Online / United States Navy)

An hour-long film is in production celebrating the life journey of Vietnam War Hero, Father Vincent R. Capodanno, Servant of God.

Father Capodanno was a Maryknoll missionary from Staten Island, New York, who served in the Navy Chaplain Corps. He met his end on a bloody hillside in Vietnam's Que Son Valley, where outnumbered U.S. Marines fought for their lives against North Vietnamese soldiers.

Despite suffering from more than two dozen bullet wounds, Father Capodanno continued to console and anoint dying and wounded soldiers, as well as moving them to safety. "He was carrying a wounded Marine," then-Private First Class Julio Rodriguez recalled to The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). "After he brought him to the relative safety of our perimeter, he continued to go back and forth giving Last Rites to dying men and brining in wounded marines. He made many trips, telling us to 'stay cool; don't panic.'"

Another Marine survivor, Keith K. Rounseville, told AMS Father Capodanno acted as if "there wasn't an enemy in sight," jumping over Rounseville's foxhole and aiding a wounded Marine while under enemy machine gun fire. He also comforted a wounded Marine, giving him aid and verbal encouragement.

The military chaplain was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Father Capodanno died at age 38 in 1967. For his sacrifice, the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild was created in 2013, to promote the possibility of canonization for Father Capodanno.

The documentary, which is jointly underwritten by the guild and Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), is being produced by filmmaker James C. Kelty.

Proceeds from the sale of DVDs will aid in the various expenses of the guild. "It is a major undertaking for us," told Guild Chairman George Phillips, USMC (Ret), to AMS. He explained the purpose of both the film and the guild was to "secure funds to pay for expenses associated with the Cause for canonization of Father Capodanno, and to spread the news" about the hero priest.

For more information, visit the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild here.

Adventurous priest celebrates Mass at 10,000 feet

Small team of climbers ascends Mt. Baker for stunning views and 'source and summit' of the faith

Father Bryan Duggan celebrates Mass on the summit of Mt. Baker using ice axes and a backpack as an altar. Michel Gloanec / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Ascending snow-covered Mt. Baker was a spiritual journey for three adventurers who recently scaled its glacier. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Holocaust survivor tells story of his lucky escape

Canadian Max Eisen shares his experience surviving Auschwitz and the Holocaust in his new memoir "By Chance Alone." Michael Swan / The Catholic Register.

When a gang of pretty high-school girls spot 87-year-old Max Eisen they all shout "Max!" and shuffle over for a hug and a chat with the man who showed them the inside of Auschwitz last summer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Refugees describe living one kilometre from enemy

Sayegh family's home was bombed three times before they fled and sought peace in Canada

The Sayegh family poses with volunteers from the Catholic Women's League during a welcome party in their first few days at Canadian Martyrs Parish. "Canada, from the first week, is looking very nice," Albert said. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

When Albert Sayegh fled Syria, he brought a piece of the war with him. A shred of shrapnel is embedded in his flesh on his left side. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Judicial review of Ontario physicians' college sought over forced referrals

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto and Larry Worthen, executive director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society, represented the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience before the joint Parliamentary Committee on Physician Assisted Dying earlier this year. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Members of the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience are taking the College of Physicians' and Surgeons of Ontario (CSPO) to court over its assisted suicide policy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Politician says free speech, religion are under attack

Former MP Stephen Woodworth launches initiative to expose 'abuses of power' in this country

Stephen Woodworth chats with participant Cristina Alarcon after his presentation. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

There's a silent war going on in Canada, and fundamental freedoms are at stake, said a former MP. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Despite euthanasia and assisted suicide legislation, the battle continues

Cardinal Thomas Collins during testimony before the joint Parliamentary Committee on Physician Assisted Dying in Ottawa where he appeared on behalf of the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal in Canada, but opponents vow to fight on a number of fronts in hopes, ultimately, of seeing Canadian society reverse its position. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Patrick's holds service for lost children

Parishioners light candles, sing, and pray at memorial service for the aborted

Candles glow in the church as participants grieve the loss of aborted children and pray for healing for their families. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Caption: Pro-life activist and memorial organizer Stephanie Gray (left) talks with Father Matthew To and speaker Elizabeth Sutcliffe. "This event provided closure," to several "heartbroken" participants, Gray said. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A memorial in Maple Ridge for aborted children had the gravity of a funeral. For full story
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Canada now officially a killer country at end of life as well as beginning of life
Euthanasia and assisted suicide passes final Senate hurdle

Demonstrators step into white garbage bags June 1 to represent the body bags that will result from euthanasia and assisted suicide. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Liberal government's euthanasia and assisted suicide Bill C-14 received Royal Assent and became law June 17. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth camp to strengthen teens' faith

Retreat aims for mercy

Erwin Fung, a consultant for youth ministry. BCC photo.

The sun will be shining, birds will be singing, and youth ministries will be providing a camp which gives youth a chance to reinforce their faith while enjoying summer activities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Government rejects Senate amendment opening eligibility for assisted suicide

Carla Qualtrough, the federal Minister of Sport and of Persons with Disabilities, tells advocates for the disabled and mentally ill the Liberal government is concerned about their protection in assisted suicide Bill C-14. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Liberal government has rejected a Senate amendment to its assisted suicide Bill C-14 that removes the requirement death be reasonably foreseeable. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

91-year-old musician is still an entertainer

Jazz singer Eve Duke used to perform with Duke Ellington

Eve Duke. (Photo)

When she was in her twenties, singer and pianist Eve Duke toured with legendary musician Duke Ellington.

He "was a big name in those days. He had one of the most famous orchestras."

Duke recorded three tracks with Ellington in 1950, including Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady, and Love You Madly. She says the lifestyle of a musician touring with one of the world's top bands was exciting.

Now Duke entertains residents at St. Vincent's: Langara and says she never retired. Find out more about her musical career here.