Pope unites Church with global Holy Hour

Auxiliary Bishop Laurent Chu Van Minh of Hanoi, Vietnam, carries a monstrance during Eucharistic Adoration outside St. Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi June 2. CNS photo / Reuters.

Pope Francis led the world in simultaneous adoration of the Eucharist June 2. In some parts of the world, including Italy and Canada, the feast of Corpus Christi on the Thursday three days before had been transferred to Sunday, June 2. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Canada's only national Catholic television network is now broadcasting across North America for the first time, thanks to a relationship with Shaw Direct. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Parents overwhelmingly believe it is better for young children to be at home with a parent rather than in day care or all-day kindergarten, according to a new poll commissioned by an Ottawa think tank. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Walk to save lives

Abbotsford launches 24th Annual Walk for Life


Photo: walkforlife2013.ca

Join hundreds of walkers in Abbotsford Right to Life’s Walk for Life fundraiser June 8. The Abbotsford Right to Life organization has supported the pro-life movement for over 30 years, and with Walk for Life, they hope to raise money for their new pregnancy centre opening in the fall, located on George Ferguson highway in Abbotsford. 

The walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. Participants may run the 4k fun course or the 8k challenge course. For families and friends, there will be several activities starting at noon, including: free balloons, face painting, a bouncy castle, an inexpensive barbecue, and a picnic area. Alternatively, everyone is welcome to donate or sponsor a walker online if unable to run the course. Walkers can also extend the fundraiser to their family and friends through an online pledge form, from which donations are also accepted. Walkers who recruit more than $100 in pledge money will receive a free pro-life shirt, which they can wear during the event.

Director of Education and Development Jared White tells the community that “all people and all life are precious and valuable,” and for those who may be experiencing unintended pregnancy, “it (the Walk for Life) should send a message that we stand in solidarity with you, and will help you when you need it most.” While almost everyone participating in the Walk for Life is aware of the continuing problem of abortion – about 300 happening each day – White believes the fundraiser to be a celebration of life, a step towards seeking out solutions.  He adds, “When we come together as a community, we can strengthen families, save lives, and make a difference for women and children.”

The Walk for Life will be held on June 8 at Mill Lake Park, Bevan Avenue in Abbotsford. For more details, visit www.walkforlife2013.ca or call 604-852-4623.  To register, click here. The goal is to raise $75,000 by Aug. 1.  

Museum dedicated to Christianity

Terra Sancta Museum to open in 2015

Model of the Terra Sancta Museum. (PRWeb)

An article in PRWeb reports that the Terra Sancta Museum is set to open in the Old City of Jerusalem in 2015. It will be the first museum dedicated to the history and origins of Christianity. The museum is expected to be divided into three sections: archeological, multimedia, and historical. The third section is most important as it will help Christians have a better understanding of who they are and increase world awareness of the history of Christian presence in the Holy Land.

The Franciscan order of Friars Minor, the Franciscans who are the Custodians of the Holy Land, has been working for many years to lay the groundwork for a museum right in the heart of the Old City that will display the roots and substance of Christianity and its holy places.

Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land, is extremely pleased and excited about this new museum. He states that Christians have always been here in the Holy Land and are still here today, but their numbers are dwindling, and the Christian presence needs to be shown and better known.

More information is available here.

Fourth Mariapolis

TWU to host Focolare family retreat in July

Members of Focolare attend Mariapolis at Trinity Western University in 2009. People from all over western Canada participate in the annual event. BCC file photo.

The City of Mary is going to come to Trinity Western University. Known as Mariapolis, the annual family retreat of the Focolare Movement, offers spiritual growth in unique and engaging ways, and it's open to all. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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"Marriage is a way to show us how God loves us and how we can love God in return through our spouse." That's how Catholic authors Melissa Guzik of Edmonton and Jean MacKenzie of Truro, N.S., define marriage in their recently released book "To Know, Love, and Serve: A Path to Marital Fulfilment." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Pope Francis thanked the Missionaries of Charity for their work and described one of their houses inside the Vatican as "a beautiful reality" and "a school of charity." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope Francis to complete Benedict XVI's encyclical

Vatican: Pope emeritus will not contribute additional material

Pope Francis will finish his predecessor's encyclical on faith.
 (Stephen Driscoll / CNA)

Pope Francis has decided to complete an encyclical on faith begun by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, S.J., explained to the media May 24 that earlier reports were false: the pope emeritus would not continue to write the encyclical.

This move by the current pontiff is not without precedent.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), contained a large section that had been written during the final months of Blessed John Paul II’s pontificate.

Read the full article here.

Cardinal says populate, not immigrate

The Archbishop of Cologne suggests an alternative to Germany's waning numbers

Cardinal Joachim Meisner said that German women should have children to address Germany's "demographic crisis", in a story by The National Post. CNS file photo/Chaz Muth

In a story in The National Post, Cardinal Meisner criticized German Chancellor Angela Merkel for presenting immigration as the answer to Germany's lack of population. 

Cardinal Joachim Meisner compared Angela Merkel’s government’s family policies to Communist East Germany, where, he said, women who stayed at home were considered “demented.”

Germany, which has the lowest birth rate in Europe, is seeking more workers from crisis-hit countries, including Spain, to solve its shortage of skilled labour.

  For the full story, read here.

Police evacuate Notre Dame Cathedral after man commits suicide

Opponent of same-sex 'marriage' takes his life

Tourists wait in front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The cathedral was
evacuated after a man committed suicide inside May 21. (Photo: CNS/Vincent Kessler, Reuters)

A man in his 70s took his life near the main altar of Notre Dame Cathedral May 21, causing police to evacuate the building. The Catholic News Service reports:

Cathedral officials issued a statement late the afternoon of May 21 confirming that a man committed suicide by firearm as hundreds of people were inside the church.

France's BFMTV reported the man was writer and essayist Dominique Venner, who was identified as a conservative who was a staunch opponent of "same-sex marriage."

The news outlet said a suicide note was found next to his body.

For more of this story, click here.

St. Clare faces the footlights

Life of founder of the Poor Clares told on stage

St. Clare of Assisi is depicted in a modern painting by Stephen B. Whatley, an expressionist artist from London. This year is the 800th anniversary of her consecration. CNS / Stephen B. Whatley.

St. Clare of Assisi was a passionate person who gave generously to people in need and helped to launch the world's first peace movement that ended a 300-year war. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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We all have a desire to understand the role of beauty in our lives, philosopher Roger Scruton suggested in a lecture at Regent College in Vancouver on May 5. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


"It is the Church that brings us Christ" and reunites us to God, said Pope Francis as he began a new series of reflections. "Even today, some say, 'Christ yes, the Church no,' like those who say, 'I believe in God, but in priests, no.' They say, 'Christ: yes. Church: no.'" For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The fundamental things apply, as time goes by

Married couples mark golden anniversaries, give sage advice, and ballroom dance in Rosary Hall

Father Glenn Dion joins some of Canada's longest-married couples at Holy Rosary Cathedral May 12. From left: Isabel and Michael Tanaka (married 1965), unidentified couple, Mia and John Wong (1970), Aurora Santos (in pink shirt) and her husband Esmeraldo (not pictured, 1961), Margaretha (third from right) and Arie Smits (1968), and Andrea and Camilo Cruz (1963). Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Despite the high rates of divorce and separation in the Western world, over 400 years of wedded bliss was on display May 12 at Holy Rosary Cathedral as pastor Father Glenn Dion celebrated the 11 a.m. Mass. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site:
Conservative MP Bev Shipley's Motion 382 affirming religious freedom as a part of foreign policy unanimously passed the House of Commons April 24. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Pope Francis asked those gathered for the Pentecost Vigil Mass at the Vatican to chant Christ's name instead of his own, highlighting his role as Christ's vicar on earth. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Anti-abortion groups in U.S. fear they are being targeted by the IRS

Congressman: "Please detail the content of your prayers"

Pro-life supporters demonstrate in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Some pro-lifers think the IRS is showing its displeasure with them. CNS file photo / Bob Roller.

During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, May 17, Aaron Schock, a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois questioned Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Steven Miller about the targeting of anti-abortion groups. He asked Miller about the appropriateness of the statements.

"Their question specifically asked, from the IRS to the Coalition for Life of Iowa, 'Please detail the content of the members of your organization's prayers,'" Schock declared.

"Would that be an appropriate question," Schock asked, "the content of your prayers?"

Miller refused to answer, stating that he was unsure if answering would violate IRS code 6103.

"Speaking outside of this case, which I don't know anything about, it would surprise me that that question was asked," Miller replied when Schock again asked Miller for his opinion on the appropriateness of the statement.

Full story here.

Christians in the Arab world: a guide

As Islamists come to power across much of the Middle East, Christians are facing growing persecution

Egyptian Christians sit on the wall of the Coptic cathedral in Cairo April 8. (AP Photo / Amr Nabil)

An article by The Week staff reports an alarming decrease of Christian population in the Middle East, dropping by more than 20 per cent in 2000. After the Iraq War in 2003, uprisings led by Islamic extremists and democrats threatened the lives of many Christians in Egypt, Syria, and Libya. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended that the State Department list Egypt and Iraq as severe religious freedom violators.

How many Christians live in the Middle East?

Between 10 million and 12 million. The Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity and home to some of its oldest communities, but the Christian population has dropped dramatically over time, especially over the last decade.

When Christianity was founded 2,000 years ago, it spread rapidly across the Roman Empire, into Egypt and westward. Mohammed began the Arab Muslim conquests in the 7th century, spreading Islam across the region, but he allowed Christians to continue practising their religion.

Christians remained a majority in parts of Iraq until the 14th century, when raids by Central Asian warlord Tamerlane decimated the community. The 20th century saw another precipitous drop, because of low birthrates and emigration among Christians. In 1900 Christians made up 25 per cent of the population of the Middle East; by 2000 they were less than 5 per cent. And then came the Iraq War.

Full story can be viewed on The Week's website.
  

Birthright Vancouver Walk/Run fundraiser

Walk/Run to support pregnant women in need

2012 Birthright Walk/Run fundraiser (Birthright Vancouver photo).

Birthright is an organization that "helps any woman who feels distressed by an unplanned pregnancy." More information is available here.

June 1, the Vancouver branch will hold a Walk/Run fundraiser to support services for pregnant women in need. Participants can register as a team or individually by emailing Birthright Vancouver at birthrightvancouver@gmail.com. Walkers and runners will meet at 10 a.m. outside Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 4925 Cambie St.

Birthright encourages each participant to set a personal goal of at least $250 of donations. In total, Birthright hopes to reach $50,000.

The funds will go towards maintaining the Birthright office, advertising costs, and material resources needed for their service.

More information is available here.

Doing the Christian thing

Canada continues to help Iraqi refugees




Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, chats with Christopher Mahon, executive assistant to Minister Jason Kenney, after Mahon's presentation May 16 at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre. (Agnieszka Krawczynski/The B.C. Catholic)

Agnieszka Krawczynski reports about the help the Church is giving to sponsor thousands of Iraqi refugees to begin new lives in Canada.

Canada remains firm in its resolution to help thousands of Iraqi refugees resettle in this country, according to Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism. The Catholic Church has significantly helped this effort.

Kenney was scheduled to visit the John Paul II Pastoral Centre May 16 to discuss his recent trip to Iraq and developments in Canada's resettlement efforts, but was unwell that day. Executive Assistant Christopher Mahon spoke in his stead.

In 2009, Canada pledged to resettle 20,000 refugees over five years, Mahon stated. But conflict in Syria has "hindered our ability to process some of these cases," with numbers only reaching 13,000 so far.

For full story, visit The B.C. Catholic website. 

French priest refuses to renounce Freemasonry

A Catholic parish priest at an elite French ski resort has been stripped of his Church functions

Father Pascal Vesin is seen outside his church in Megeve on Friday (BBC News photo)

The Vatican continues to stand against Freemasonry in an article in BBC News about a French priest who was relieved from his parish duties for being an active member of the Grand Orient de France lodge in Megeve. While the penalty is not final, Father Vesin sparked his own controversy after saying that he favours marriage for some priests and refusing to condemn same-sex marriage.

Father Pascal Vesin was ordered by his bishop to cease his work in the Alpine resort of Megeve, the parish said.

Bishop Yves Boivineau had warned Father Vesin about his "active membership" in the Grand Orient de France lodge.

Freemasonry has been condemned as anti-Christian and anti-clerical by various Popes through history.

For full story, see the BBC News website.

Late basketball star lives on through award

Students receive Tessa Beauchamp memorial scholarships

High school students Dalton Anderson (left) from St. Patrick's, Olivia Johnson from Immaculata, and Delani Buchan from Holy Cross receive $500 scholarships from the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation Jan. 19. All three exemplified Tessa's core values of hard work, community service, and dedication to extra-curricular activities. (Photo: Linda Buchan / Special to The B.C. Catholic)

In honour of Tessa Beauchamp's legacy, a story by Alistair Burns talks about students who were granted Tessa Beauchamp memorial scholarships for their hard work, passion, and involvement in sports and the community.

Dalton Anderson has been elected student prime minister of his high school, and he has been the captain of his school's basketball team, but the Grade 12 student at St. Patrick's Secondary School in Vancouver is most proud of being awarded a Tessa Beauchamp memorial scholarship Jan. 19.  

"I felt really honoured to receive this award, because so many people held Tessa in such high regard," said Anderson. He spoke to The B.C. Catholic shortly before tip-off at a basketball practice.  

"I have the same kind of values that I've read about Tessa: hard-working, passionate, not only about sports but also extra-curricular activities."

 For full story, see the B.C. Catholic website.

Pontiff helped addict recover

Pope Francis aided young man in struggle against drugs

A recovering drug helps out at a drug rehabilitation centre in Guaratingueta, Brazil. CNS photo / Rickey Rogers, Reuters.

According to an Argentine priest, Pope Francis when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires helped save a young mailman from the abyss of drug addiction and became his spiritual father. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the web include the following:
A different perspective on a new book is now on display at Regent College. Friedrich G. Peter's new art exhibition mixes painting with computer graphics to create a new series based on Gospel narratives. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


The Vatican has been quick to embrace the social networks but the Edmonton diocese has been cautious. It is on Facebook and Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton has a blog. Soon a Twitter account may be opened. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Church needs to listen to youth: archbishop

Spread the Gospel with joy

Teens from around the Archdiocese of Vancouver attend Youth Day 2011 at Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School. Archbishop Miller told the students that the church needs youthful zeal and generosity when he spoke at this year's event. (Photo: Derek Juneson / Special to The B.C. Catholic)

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, addressed teens at this year's youth rally, saying their enthusiasm is vital to the life of the Church:

How wonderful - and how full of hope - it is to be with you, this great gathering of youth from the Archdiocese of Vancouver: to see, and even to hear, your enthusiasm for making the Gospel known and loved by all, and your desire to find a purpose for your life that goes beyond the superficial.

I also want to tell you how much the Church respects you and needs to listen to you! And not just in the future, but now! We need the joy of your faith, the zeal of your idealism, and the spirit of your generosity, so that we, too, can always be young.

For more of the archbishop's homily, see The B.C. Catholic website.

Survivors describe grief in 'Aftermath of Murder'

Video series captures stories of loss due to homicide and it gives back to those still suffering

Christopher Ducharme, founder of B.C. Victims of Homicide, and Jo-Ann Turner-Crean, past president of the B.C. Bereavement Helpline, say they recognized the need to provide support for people coping with the death of a loved one. Photo contributed to BCC.

Cristina Pastia didn't know the goodbye she exchanged with her parents before they left on a vacation to Romania four years ago would be the last time she saw them alive. The day she was to pick up her parents at the airport, Pastia learned they had died. Police who found their bodies in a hotel believed it to be a murder-suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:
A new study on income-splitting shows how different family types can achieve tax fairness, so that families with the same income, whether made by one or two earners, will pay the same amount of tax. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

A Houston doctor is under investigation on charges that he performed illegal late-term abortions after former employees alleged that several babies were born alive and then killed in gruesome ways. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Paul's singles to celebrate 35th anniversary

Club invites adults for a dinner and dance

A couple dances the tango in St. Peter's Square three days after the election of Pope Francis,  March 16.
(Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic)

The St. Paul's Catholic Singles Club will celebrate their 35th anniversary with a dinner and dance May 25. Couples will join for a joyous evening in the Sunrise Community Hall (1950 Windermere Street) in Vancouver.

The non profit organization was founded in 1978 for those 38 and older, and eligible for marriage in the Church. With a live singing performance by Patrizia Coletta, the doors open at six p.m. 

Tickets are $35.

For more information, go to the St. Paul's website.

Where enemies come together

Pope says those who disagree meet doing good works

A nun walks near the Basilica of St. Francis in the early morning in Assisi, Italy. Pope Francis will visit the birthplace of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, on the saint's feast day, Oct. 4. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Every human person, despite his or her beliefs can do good, and a sharing in good works is the prime place for encounter among those who disagree, Pope Francis said at his Mass today. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

It's not every day that a retired vice-admiral is feted. However, one of this year's inductees into the Vancouver College Hall of Honour should present a sterling example of leadership to current Grade 12 students. Vice-Admiral (Ret.) Nigel Brodeur will be present at a tribute dinner May 25. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The Atlantic Episcopal Assembly has issued a letter to parishioners in the Atlantic Provinces expressing concern over federal Employment Insurance (EI) reforms. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.