The B.C. Catholic

12/23/2024

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB blesses the John Paul II Pastoral Centre Christmas tree.

The John Paul II Pastoral Centre hosted its annual Christmas tree lighting, a tradition marked by Archbishop Michael Miller’s blessing. The evening was made even more special with carols sung by...

12/22/2024

“Prayers uttered in a small mission parish can stand against the might of tanks,” writes Father Soo, SJ.

https://bccatholic.ca/voices/richard-soo-sj/praying-for-the-impossible-in-hong-kong

12/22/2024

Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning her ninth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics. She says praying “helps me let go of things that don’t matter.”

https://bccatholic.ca/voices/pat-macken/sportsmanship-still-exists-uplifting-stories-for-christmas

12/22/2024

Every family can make their own tradition surrounding their Nativity sets, writes Clare Lazzuri. “Reading Scripture or praying as a family in front of the manger scene is a powerful way to remind children what we really need to focus on throughout Advent and the Christmas season.”

https://bccatholic.ca/voices/clare-lazzuri/the-manger-is-always-the-focal-point

12/21/2024

“We learn from the Acts of the Apostles that the Lord gave Paul courage to preach in Corinth,” writes Father Ho.

In chapter two of the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul wrote about divine wisdom. Stephen Ray commented “In the second chapter of this epistle, Paul expresses his frustration with the...

12/20/2024

When selecting a movie to watch, many of us are drawn to those bearing the names of actors or directors who have contributed to previous favourites. Sometimes, the result is disappointing.

When selecting a movie to watch, many of us are drawn to those bearing the names of actors or directors who have contributed to previous favourites. Sometimes, the result is disappointing. A recent...

12/20/2024

A writer expresses appreciation for the Filipino gift of Simbang Gabi to Canada.

Every time I hear Simbang Gabi songs in the church, I cannot help but tear up. My heart swells with gratitude that Christianity was introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards. We have overcome...

12/20/2024

“By placing our hearts in the chalice or on the paten, our perspective changes, allowing us to offer a ‘good’ Mass, no matter what is happening in our lives,” writes Julie VanSpall.

The focus of Gaudate Sunday – and the third week of Advent – is joy! In pondering this joy, I also lament those who began their lives as Catholics but have strayed from the Church. One woman...

12/19/2024

90-year-old artist Huguette Du Paul stands beside one of her favourite paintings of Christ. She has been painting for only about five years.

No matter your age, parenting is stressful—perhaps even more so if your daughter has Down syndrome. For 90-year-old Huguette Du Paul, it remains true, and painting has been her outlet for the past...

12/19/2024

A prison will play a special role in the upcoming Jubilee Year in 2025, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB told prison ministry volunteers celebrating their 20th anniversary in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

A prison will play a special role in the upcoming Jubilee Year in 2025, Archbishop J. Michael Miller told prison ministry volunteers celebrating their 20th anniversary in the Archdiocese of...

12/19/2024

Pope Francis chose the theme "Pilgrims of Hope” for the jubilee year, which will be launched in Vancouver with a Solemn Opening Mass on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at Holy Rosary Cathedral.

With less than a month to go before the official start, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, has outlined plans for local celebrations under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Preparations are underway in...

12/18/2024

Knights of Columbus put together the structure nativity scene at St. James Church in Abbotsford, helped by members of the parish youth ministry.

Canada Post’s 2024 Christmas stamp depicts a vibrantly coloured illustration of the Holy Family, with Mary and Joseph looking lovingly at the infant Jesus. The Christmas star is visible...

12/18/2024

Iconographer Steve Knight recently had to remake one of the Stations of the Cross after realizing some of its elements were different from the other stations.

While the Church is marking Advent and preparing for Christmas, artist Steven Knight is finding himself immersed in work more evocative of Holy Week and Easter, and struggling with the realization...

12/17/2024

Many of Dylan Dufault’s companions on the Camino were not Catholic, but they deeply admired the faith and the sense of purpose driving those making the Camino.

Adventure has always called to me, sparked by the blockbuster films of my childhood. Earlier this year, I knew I wanted to go to Europe, but I couldn’t decide where. Then, I remembered hearing...

12/16/2024

When Dale McGregor and his wife asked their lawyer to prepare legal documents specifically stating they didn’t want MAiD or euthanasia, “he was very reluctant to prepare a document that specific.”

My wife and I went to a local law firm recently to update our wills. Our previous law firm, which we used in 2014, had gone out of business. Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was not even on the...

12/16/2024

When a family member declared she wanted MAiD “tomorrow,” the doctor told her would need to wait a week, writes Lisa Teskey. ”A week later, she was dead.”

I am a physician specializing in mental health and addictions, and I recently experienced a shocking encounter with medical assistance in dying in the case of a family member, deeply affecting...

12/14/2024

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB is encouraging all Vancouver Catholics—not just Filipinos—to embrace the tradition of Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of novena Masses in preparation for Christmas and in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Archbishop Miller is encouraging all Vancouver Catholics—not just Filipinos—to embrace the tradition of Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of novena Masses in preparation for Christmas and in honour...

12/13/2024

"Yes, digital cameras are very much still a thing, and perhaps even a growing technology sector after several years of stagnation," writes Peter Vogel.

As we explored in part one of this two-part series, yes, digital cameras are very much still a thing, and perhaps even a growing technology sector after several years of stagnation. Although the...