Rose Prince Pilgrimage to take place in Lejac

 

All are invited to honour the memory of Rose Prince July 5-7

 

Pilgrims will have the chance to sing, learn, and pray for peace and healing together at the Rose Prince Lejac Pilgrimage.  Aboriginal and non-aborginal communities are invited to join the ceremony.   
The three-day event will include meals, the Stations of the Cross, confessions, a candle procession, a healing Mass with guest speaker Sister Kateri Michell, SSA, and a Mass said by Bishop Stephen Jensen.

The pilgrimage is expected to be a spiritual and life-changing experience. First Nations Ministry Coordinator Rennie Nahanee said, “Some people take dirt from the grave, hoping a miracle will happen.”
He added that the ceremony can allow for admitting and repenting of sins, which can “bring people to a new way of life.”

The Rose Prince Pilgrimage will take place July 5-7, west of Prince George, between Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof.

For more information and volunteer opportunities, click here.

 

Walkers gather at Crossroads

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Pro-life walkers aim to establish a Culture of Life

2012 Crossroads team with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre (BCC file photo).

The 2013 Crossroads pro-life walk is coming up fast. On Sunday a team of pro-life supporters will gather in Vancouver, B.C., to begin the walk for life across Canada. As the group travels across the country, they will educate youth about the pro-life movement while they stand up for all human life from conception to natural death. See the full schedule here.

Walkers are expected to face challenges physically, emotionally, and spiritually as they establish a Culture of Life and make people aware of the value of every life. 

Read more about Crossroads here. 

2010 Crossroads team walks to a hospital in Sault Ste Marie to protest abortion (Photo: Michael Mendonca). See Michael Mendonca's blogspot.

2010 Crossroads team prays at St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal (Photo: Michael Mendonca).

Talitha Koum Society turns 13

Whitehorse bishop attends transition house milestone

Bishop Gary Gordon of Whitehorse addresses the gathering at Talitha Koum's
anniversary celebration May 11 at St. Mary's in Vancouver. (Photo: Dkostynuik)

The Talitha Koum Society celebrated its 13th birthday with a well-attended anniversary dinner fundraiser at St. Mary's in Vancouver May 11. Bishop Gary Gordon of Whitehorse gave a blessing and invited those present to live deep gospel values.

The transition house helps women who suffer from addiction and who may have been in trouble with the law. Two women shared their stories and experience of Talitha Koum at the event.

Kimmie Jensen, executive director, holds a microphone for Nadine
while she tells of her journey to Talitha Koum. (Photo: Dkostynuik)

For more information on the society, go to their website here.

Saint may have to wait

Relations with China affect timing of Matteo Ricci cause

A statue of Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci stands outside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Beijing in this 2007 photo. CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec.

Approval for the beatification of the Italian Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci, who ministered in China 500 years ago, depends to some degree on the Vatican's relations with China. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Alissa Golob, 26, the national youth coordinator for Campaign Life Coalition (CLC), got involved in pro-life activism the old-fashioned way: through "snail mail." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The Knights of Columbus are known for their pro-life initiatives, and the youngest council of knights in B.C. is contributing to the movement on a local campus. Every week, a group of knights and university students gather for a pro-life rosary at Redeemer Pacific College. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ukrainian prelates gather for working group

Bishop Ken Nowakowski of New West leads 'vibrant parish' renewal

Bishop Ken Nowakowski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster leads a Divine Liturgy in Lviv, Ukraine May 14.
(Photo submitted.)

Bishop Ken Nowakowski, the Eparch of New Westminster, led multiple sessions of the Working Group for the Strategic Development of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Brukhovitsi, Ukraine, May 13 and 14.

The prelate was assisted by Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, the Secretary General of the Synod of Ukrainian Bishops, along with clergy and laity from Europe, and the Americas.

Bishop Nowakowski and other members of the Working Group.
(Photo submitted.)

The working group has the responsibility to assist the Ukrainian Bishops in implementing a plan put forth by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (head of the Ukrainian Church) in his pastoral letter: The Vibrant Parish: The Place to Encounter the Living Christ.

The Eparch of New West pictured alongside dozens of his fellow clergymen.
(Photo submitted.)

The working group examined the progress so far and brought up new documents to help priests with pastoral planning and administration.

Pontificate in Blessed Virgin's hands

Pope Francis and his work consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima

Pilgrims attend a candlelight vigil at the Marian shrine of Fatima in central Portugal. CNS photo / Rafael Marchante, Reuters.

At the Holy Father's personal request, Cardinal Jose Polycarp, the Patriarch of Lisbon, consecrated the pontificate of Pope Francis to Our Lady of Fatima on her feast day. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Teachers should not make a god out of providing tests constantly for their pupils, but rather guide their students to discover their faith. Dr. David Wells, the Director of the Vicariate for Formation in the Diocese of Plymouth, England, gave this message at an education conference in Whitehorse April 25-27. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

David Bereit, founder and national director of 40 Days for Life, shared some tips with pro-life high school students on how to convert abortion workers to the pro-life cause. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pupils score funds for Brazilian soccer club

St. Thomas Aquinas students kick-start donations of training gear, equipment to Sao Paolo

Luke Harris (left), Kiara Machry, Lucas Wagorn, Amy Crawford, Brooke Marklund, and Matthew Callaghan, all Grade 8 students at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary who helped contribute, hold up soccer jerseys that will be donated to a group in Sao Paolo, Brazil, called the Soccer Club. Special to The B.C. Catholic.

A local Grade 8 group, 13-14 years old, has undertaken to deliver brand new soccer equipment to a group in Sao Paolo, Brazil, called the Soccer Club. The local teenagers, from St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary in North Vancouver, are led by Lucas Wagorn. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

As he looked ahead to Pentecost, coming May 19, Pope Francis spoke about the Holy Spirit's role in guiding Christians to know Jesus, Who is the Truth, in an age of relativism. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

One of the most powerful forms of social justice is adoption, because it unleashes purpose, love, and mercy, says Ryan Bomberger, co-founder of the Radiance Foundation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-life cause continues to advance

Director optimistic about outcomes of Motion 408

Conservative MP Mark Warawa speaks at the March for Life in Ottawa this year. His
motion against sex-selective abortion was deemed non-votable in March. (Photo: CCN)

Motion 408, Mark Warawa's non-binding motion against sex-selective abortion, was struck down by a House of Commons sub-committee in March. The MP decided to introduce a new bill rather than appeal the decision.

But Mark Penninga, the executive director of the Association for Reformed Political Action, does not see this as a loss for the pro-life movement.

Our immediate reaction may be disappointment. What good did all of our petitions and letters do if the motion never even came to a vote, let alone passed? But step back, look at the facts, and be encouraged. Motion 408 has had a momentous impact on advancing pre-born human rights in this nation.

Penninga gives six effects of the motion that, he believes, should leave supporters optimistic. Read the full blog post on weneedalaw.ca here.

Cardinal Collins warns against gambling

'False Eden' promised through addiction

(Caption: Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto processes out of the papal conclave's opening Mass in St. Peter's Basilica March 12.

Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic)

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto recently spoke to Vatican Radio about society's growing dependence on gambling. He said gambling itself is not inherently evil; however, the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the problems that can arise from widespread addiction to blackjack and other games of chance.

“First of all, it can lead to injustice,” he says. “There are numerous issues where people gamble away the grocery money and cause distress in their families.”

Listen to the interview here.

The prelate has also released a pastoral letter on Gambling, Gaming, and Casinos for the Archdiocese of Toronto. The full text of that letter is available on the Archdiocese of Toronto website.

Read the pastoral letter here.

One-child policy causes reign of terror

Horror of female gendercide driven home during National March for Life

Reggie Littlejohn speaks at the May 9 Rose Dinner. Deborah Gyapong / Canadian Catholic News.

Deborah Gyapong of Canadian Catholic News reports that participants in this year's National March for Life May 9 came away equipped with a new awareness of the horrors of female "gendercide." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pro-life speaker, broadcaster, and best-selling author Michael Coren will speak May 18 at a Ridge Meadows Pro-Life Society dinner meeting on his perspective of the debate. Abortion, euthanasia, and family are among the topics he will cover. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

When news of the guilty verdict of first degree murder for abortionist Kermit Gosnell broke, pro-life leaders welcomed his conviction, while calling for a closer look at the abortion industry as a whole. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Surprise! I'm really here!

Popemobile trip surprises March for Life participants

Pope Francis waves from the popemobile at the end of a canonization Mass. The same day, he appeared in his popemobile at the March for Life. CNS photo / Tony Gentile, Reuters.

Pro-lifers who had just finished the third annual Italian March for Life on Sunday were surprised to see Pope Francis coming toward them in the popemobile. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priests and laity have come to study for centuries at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, nicknamed the "Angelicum." Theology professor Father Robert Christian, OP, puts the university's motto, caritas veritatis, or "the charity of truth," into action. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

This year's National March for Life in Ottawa May 9, which drew the largest crowd ever, framed abortion as a human rights issue damaging especially to women and girls. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

No to the wall

U.S. bishops oppose re-routing of Israeli-Palestine separator

Christian leaders pray in front of the Israeli separation wall near Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, West Bank, in 2010. CNS photo / Debbie Hill.

The U.S. bishops have criticized an Israeli plan to re-route a separation wall through the Cremisan Valley in the West Bank, claiming such a move would harm both Christian families and religious orders. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Other new stories on the BCC website include:

A unique relationship between the Squamish tribe and St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School has materialized in an invaluable piece of artwork. The unveiling and traditional brushing ceremony of the carving were held April 23. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Anyone who has ever attended an organ recital knows that no good concert is complete without stilettos. At least, that's according to hot and humorous duo "Organized Crime," whose Betty and Veronica good looks, costumed antics, and serious musical chops are turning the organ world on its head. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Satisfy all desires

God's living water does just that, Pope proclaims

Pope Francis exchanges skull caps with a young girl after arriving for his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 8. CNS photo / Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo.

The Holy Spirit is the "living water" that fulfills our lives because He tells us "we are loved by God," Pope Francis proclaimed. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


"Fight Like Soldiers, Die Like Children" is a documentary about children forced either to fight as soldiers or to become sex slaves and "bush wives" during conflicts in places such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Chaplains at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) scrambled into action for the airport's largest-ever emergency exercise April 17. A multi-faith contingent consisting of a Roman-collared clergyman, a Jewish rabbi, Muslim volunteers, and the Salvation Army gathered for a preparation summit before a simulated airplane crash. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Seminarian to be ordained to diaconate

All invited to celebrate with Nicholas Meisl May 10

Nicholas Meisl chats with Sister Mary Jacinta, OP, on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 21.
Meisl was instituted in the ministry of acolyte that day. (Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic)

Seminarian Nicholas Meisl will be ordained to the diaconate May 10. All are cordially invited.

"My vocation is the greatest gift that God, in His love for me, has given. It is a radical call to imitate Jesus, love Him with my whole heart and spend my life serving His people," Meisl has said.

Meisl, 32, calls St. Peter's in New Westminster his home parish. He has studied at Simon Fraser University (for an engineering degree), the Seminary of Christ the King, and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, more commonly known as the "Angelicum," in Rome.

His ordination takes place at Holy Rosary Cathedral at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, will celebrate.

Recognizing 25 years

Missionaries of Charity mark 25th anniversary of their arrival in Vancouver

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the arrival of the Missionaries of Charity in Vancouver April 27. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Agnieszka Krawczynski of The B.C. Catholic newspaper reports that it has been 25 years since Mother Teresa and seven sisters arrived in Vancouver carrying cardboard boxes and spreading support for life and the poor. Four of them stayed in this city to create a long-lasting impact.

"We owe a great deal to the Missionaries of Charity," stated Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, at the anniversary celebration April 27. He praised their remarkable efforts in the Downtown Eastside.

"The wounds of Jesus are still present in His people, and those wounds need to be taken care of," he said, thanking the Missionaries of Charity for tending to the injuries of homelessness, hunger, and imprisonment here for a quarter of a century.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Who needs fetal stem cells?

Doctor calls stem cell surgery on toddler revolutionary

Kyoto University Professor Shinya Yamanaka of Japan in April 2009 and John Gurdon of Britain in London Oct. 8, 2012. The two shared the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for the discovery that adult cells can be reprogrammed back into stem-cells which can turn into any kind of tissue and may one day repair damaged organs. CNS photo / Kyodo and Suzanne Plunkett, handout via Reuters.

The doctor who helped transplant a windpipe grown from a child's own stem cells said the procedure supports Catholic moral teaching while at the same time helping to "revolutionize medicine." Catholic News Agency has a story:

On April 9, Hannah Warren, age 2 and a half, underwent an intensive nine-hour surgery to install an artificial windpipe grown from her own bone marrow to correct a birth defect that left her unable to breathe, eat, swallow, or speak on her own.

Rather than using "life-destroying stem cells" Dr. Mark Holterman of Children's Hospital of Illinois, part of OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, said the experimental procedure upholds the hospital's mission of providing for the sick with the "greatest care and love" while also respecting Church teaching on the sanctity of human life.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

To kill or not to kill has become a question

Opponents of euthanasia step up campaign in advance of May 18 March

A crucifix is carried in procession across the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City during the Eucharistic Congress in 2008. There will be a march of a different kind in the city May 18. CNS photo / Mathieu Belanger, Reuters.

Opponents of euthanasia have launched the "Killing is not Care" media campaign in Quebec in advance of a May 18 March on Quebec City. Deborah Gyapong of Canadian Catholic News reports:

The campaign includes a professionally produced television spot in English and French that shows ill patients in hospital with captions that read: "The most vulnerable need our protection," "Only 30 per cent of patients have access to palliative care," "Medical aid in dying is killing," and "Killing is not care."

"Together, Living with Dignity and the Physicians' Alliance for Total Refusal of Euthanasia seek to build awareness around the risks inherent in legalizing physician-assisted death," said a May 5 news release from the Physicians' Alliance. "The Quebec government is working on a bill to legalize 'medical aid in dying' which really amounts to nothing else but euthanasia."

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

So-called 'Hipster Jesus' ads beckon in Brooklyn

New York City diocese's campaign to show Church's 'cooler side'

The Diocese of Brooklyn commissioned the "Original Hipster" ad, a tongue in cheek reference to Christ's radical message.
(Photo credit: Diocese of Brooklyn) 

The Diocese of Brooklyn's new advertising blitz to bring the faithful back to the pews has caused a stir in the New York City borough. Newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal and Great Britain's The Daily Mail have reported on the so-called "Hipster Jesus" campaign.

"Jesus, like hipsters, stood against mainstream culture,” said Monsignor Kieran Harrington, the vicar of communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

"It's important that people know that no matter who they are, everyone is welcome in church on Sunday.”

But not all Catholics are on board. Some believe the ads might water down the faith.

Right-to-lifers get writing

Students win Webb essay prizes

People carry a large banner during the National March for Life in Ottawa May 10, 2012. This year's march will take place May 9. CNS photo / Art Babych.

The winning essays in the Grades 11-12 section of the 2012-13 Patrick Webb Essay Competition pointed up the contradiction of society affirming the dignity and rights of women while condoning the destruction of female preborn infants through the unbridled use of abortion. Ross Labrie, the president of the North Shore Pro-Life Society, contributed a special report to The B.C. Catholic.

First prize winner ($300) Joyce Deduque, who is enrolled at the Traditional Learning Academy, asked what attitude society would take if the death penalty were reinstated, but only for females. Such is the distorted reality involving the many female infants whose lives are ended by abortion each year simply because they are females.

Second prize winner ($200) William Maedel, a student at L.A. Matheson Secondary School in Surrey, argued that south Asian women in Canada were especially likely to seek abortions of female offspring even though this is at odds with the gender equality professed by Canadian society.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Provincial election primer

Voters have to telephone or email political offices

Vatican firefighters secure a smokestack on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican March 9. This method of releasing voting results is more picturesque than what will be used in B.C. May 14. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

When Catholic British Columbians cast ballots for provincial election candidates May 14, what principles should weigh most prominently in their minds? By Alistair Burns of The B.C. Catholic reports:

"People call me up and ask, 'Whom should I vote for?'" said John Hof, the head of United for Life B.C. He always responds, "Who are the candidates in your riding?" Most of the time the callers don't know the answer.

One Green Party candidate said the official party policy is pro-choice. The New Democratic Party mandates that its candidates be pro-choice. John Cummins of the B.C. Conservative Party, although himself pro-life, when asked in Kelowna what he would do in connection with the abortion issue replied nothing; it was a federal matter. The Liberals have said it is entirely up to candidates to vote their conscience on the abortion issue. The B.C. Christian Heritage Party is most probably a pro-life party.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.