Cardinals Jean-Claude Hollerich and Mario Grech present the changes to the Synod composition at the Holy See Press Office Wednesday. A synodal Church is an opportunity to repair damaged trust, says Barb Dowding, the Vancouver contributor to the final North America document for the 2021-to-2024 synod. (Vatican Media)
Although the changes to the Synod of Bishops introduced Wednesday by Pope Francis to allow lay people, including women, to enjoy voting rights at the assembly are of interest to Dowding, she’s more passionate about the final document’s emphasis on baptismal calling and dignity in a more synodal Church as an opportunity to repair damaged trust.
Pope Francis visits the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica and prayed for the souls of the deceased popes who are buried there on All Souls’ Day, November 2. VATICAN MEDIA
By Nicholas Elders A keen pastoral ingenuity, mixed with a renewed emphasis on our responsibilities to the poor and marginalized, are the hallmarks of Pope Francis’ papacy, Archbishop J. Michael Miller says. In an interview with The B.C. Catholic to discuss Francis’ 10 years as Pope, Archbishop Miller said Francis’ chief contribution to the Church...
Father Don Larson sprinkles holy water on a furry friend at a blessing of the pets hosted by the Pawsome Helpers Club at Queen of All Saints Elementary in Coquitlam. (Gema Chavez photos)
By Nicholas Elbers When Queen of All Saints teacher Gema Chavez was looking for ways to help students learn about care for God’s creation, the idea of a pet-friendly animal welfare club seemed a natural fit. Now the Coquitlam school’s Pawsome SPCA Helpers Club is not only a hit with the students, it’s been featured...
Fraser Health Authority documents received by The B.C. Catholic under a freedom-of-information request show the implementation of euthanasia caused “ethical dilemmas” for some care providers. A doctor who headed the authority’s palliative-care team resigned in protest. (Adobe)
By Terry O’Neill B.C.’s largest regional health authority has finally taken the wraps off unpublished documents showing the introduction of assisted suicide in Fraser Health Authority hospitals and residences sparked emotional concern and opposition among health-care staff. The documents, requested by The B.C. Catholic under a freedom-of-information request, show the implementation of euthanasia became “an...
Archbishop J. Michael Miller receives his pallium as Archbishop of Vancouver from Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. In his homilies following the death of the Pope Emeritus the Archbishop spoke about the gifts of the Pontiff he worked for in Rome for three years. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) (June 29, 2009)
In the days following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Archbishop J. Michael Miller spoke about the life and legacy of Pope Benedict XVI and offered prayers for the Pontiff he worked with in Rome for three years. During his homily for the First Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God on...
