A protest at Vancouver City Hall in 2016 over the lack of enforcement of prostitution laws. An Ontario court has ruled that Canada’s laws on sex work are constitutional. (B.C. Catholic file photo)
The Anti-Human Trafficking Committee of the Archdiocese of Vancouver is praising a decision by Ontario’s Superior Court Monday that ruled Canada’s criminal laws on sex work are constitutional. In his 142-page decision, Justice Robert Goldstein dismissed a Charter challenge of Canada’s Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, saying the law balances the protection of...
The Archdiocese of Vancouver annual Healing and Reconciliation collection will “continue sowing seeds of understanding and hope, thereby creating a future where reconciliation flourishes and the wounds of the past are gently healed,” writes Archbishop J. Michael Miller in a Sept. 3 letter promoting the annual collection. (Nicholas Elbers photo)
One year after a papal visit described as “a significant step on the road to healing and reconciliation, the Archdiocese of Vancouver is preparing to take the next step toward reconciliation with the Sept. 10 Healing and Reconciliation collection. In a Sept. 3 letter promoting the annual collection, Archbishop J. Michael Miller wrote that donors’...
The Fraser Health Authority says it will comply with an order from B.C.’s privacy commissioner to uncover redacted meeting notes about its assisted-suicide policies and practices. The B.C. Catholic had filed a freedom of information application to obtain the documents. (B.C. Catholic photo)
A provincial adjudicator has ruled in favour of The B.C. Catholic and ordered the Fraser Health Authority to take the wraps off additional sections of secret documents related to the development and implementation of its controversial assisted-suicide policies and practices. In a 26-page ruling dated Aug. 3, an adjudicator with the Office of Information and...
Catholic Street Missionaries attend to the needs of the poor on the streets of Vancouver. Volunteers recently spent 24 hours praying and fasting in preparation for their work on the street. (Catholic Street Missionaries photos)
“Don’t forget the poor; be generous to them.” With those words, Canossian Sister Elisa Grignoli called about 30 Catholic Street Missionaries to reflect on their mission to the poor and homeless before heading out to the streets of Vancouver. With the simplicity her order is known for, she said Jesus’ words from the Gospel of Matthew –...
Agassiz First Nation athlete Syvawn Paul, right, and her brother Cyrus George compete in the 6000m mixed doubles event at the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, which Paul was able to attend with some financial help from the Archdiocese of Vancouver. (Contributed photos)
Sts’ailes First Nation athlete Syvawn Paul has been paddling a canoe since she first rode out in one at the age of six. But she wouldn’t even have competed in this year’s North American Indigenous Games in Halifax if it hadn’t been for some unexpected money from the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The Agassiz canoeist won...
Archbishop J. Michael Miller celebrates Mass under the shade of a gazebo at Fraser River Heritage Park before the procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. After several years of cancellations and smaller numbers, the annual pilgrimage drew at least 4,000 people this year, organizers say. (Paul Schratz photos)
The largest annual event in the Archdiocese of Vancouver is again the largest annual event in the Archdiocese. After a two-year pandemic-caused hiatus and last year’s return with only half the typical number of participants, massive crowds flocked to this year’s pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission. Despite the sweltering heat, more...
Simona Mascitti, and her younger sister Sasha Mascitti are products of the elite Coquitlam soccer program and the Our Lady of Fatima community in Coquitlam. (Contributed photos)
Soccer fans now know that Spain’s women’s team has been crowned the new Women’s World Cup champions, and congratulations to the players for a wonderful display of talent and teamwork. Sadly, we also are aware that Canada did not advance beyond the group stage. This is a huge disappointment based on expectations going into the...
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Wildfires wreaking devastation across British Columbia and the Northwest Territories appear to have spared Catholic churches, though the same can’t be said about numerous other buildings.
Alison ten Bohmer found more than just peace and comfort when she discovered Pietra Fitness. She found a sense of purpose in helping people build a deeper connection with their bodies. (Contributed photo)
Pietra Fitness is a Catholic exercise program that promotes mental wellness and body-mind connection. It involves poses and stretching, a meditative environment, and prayer, although it is not, as instructors point out, “Catholic yoga.”
Sharon DeLalla, the new manager of the Men’s Shelter, wants to help the shelter explore the boundaries of what is possible. (Nicholas Elbers photos)
Conversations are rare at the Men’s Shelter, and even with sunlight streaming through the repurposed nursing dormitory windows, the atmosphere is muted and heavy.
Sharon DeLalla is hoping to change this. The ex-Talitha Koum executive brings her experience working with women overcoming addiction to the Archdiocese of Vancouver men’s hostel as its new manager.
