VANCOUVER, BC — Catholic ministry leaders, Indigenous delegates, and B.C. Premier David Eby were among those who filled the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver ballroom to welcome Archbishop Richard Smith and offer their prayers and respects as he begins his episcopal ministry in Vancouver.
The premier began his remarks to Archbishop Smith on a light note, saying in deadpan tone, “I can tell you with some certainty that many British Columbians are troubled right now.”
He continued, “They are searching for answers … despite my reassurances that we won’t have to cheer for the Oilers forever, they are still looking for answers.”
The levity and laughter were followed with a more serious Eby praising the Church’s leadership in education and spirituality “for so many British Columbians, but certainly in challenging times.”
Highlighting the Church’s response to the recent Lapu Lapu tragedy, Eby stressed the importance of the Church in such troubled times so that “when we turn to God, when we turn to the Church [we] have strong leadership … be at the front.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the leadership of Archbishop Miller, said Eby, adding that while Archbishop Smith is “stepping into big shoes here,” he will be a gift to the Church and the province.
Archbishop Smith thanked the premier for attending the reception, saying he was personally honoured.
“We are aware of these challenges that face so many people today—too many people today,” he said. “And as you rightly acknowledge, the Church has been there—the Church will be there for people.”
As people search for meaning in life, the answers that “give consolation and peace” come from the Lord, said the archbishop. “We are ready to work with you and your government in order to answer those needs—to serve people of this province.”
He concluded, “Thank you for honouring us, for being here, and I look forward to collaboration.”
Representatives of ministries, various age groups, and organizations welcomed the archbishop, thanked him for accepting his new role in Vancouver, and expressed their eagerness to collaborate with him.
Sandra Marshall, superintendent of the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese, welcomed the archbishop on behalf of students and educators.
“As our new shepherd, we look forward to your visiting our 52 schools soon,” she joked.
Kindergarten students from St. Augustine’s Elementary in Vancouver presented Archbishop Smith a poster that read, All I really need to know I learned in Catholic Kindergarten. “They want you to know that our kindergartens prepare them to know, love, and follow Jesus,” said Marshall.
Archbishop Smith was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a spiritual bouquet of prayers on behalf of graduating high school students. “Our Catholic education has prepared us to take that knowledge and love of Jesus out into the world,” Santiago Puig, the grade 12 student from Vancouver College, told the archbishop.
