The B.C. Catholic brought you many stories in the last year, covering everything from the visit of Vietnam War survivor Kim Phuc, to the arrival of the famous Homeless Jesus statue, to the establishing of a new parish, a new high school, and a new church! Here’s a recap of those stories and more from 2017.
St. Paul’s receives $75 million
Jim Pattison, one of Canada’s wealthiest philanthropists, donated $75 million to St. Paul’s Hospital in March. The gift was considered the largest donation a private citizen has made to a single medical facility in Canadian history. Providence Health Care is working to build a new $1-billion facility by 2022.
“Death row nun” visits Vancouver
The nun who befriends prisoners on death row and inspired the Academy Award nominated film Dead Man Walking appeared in Vancouver in late April. Sister Helen Prejean, still an activist for prisoners’ rights, watched the Vancouver Opera perform its version of her story April 29.
Homeless Jesus arrives
A life-sized statue of a man covered entirely with a blanket, save for his visibly pierced feet, was installed just outside Holy Rosary Cathedral and blessed May 4. Statues of the Homeless Jesus, created by Toronto artist Timothy Schmalz, have been installed in dozens of places around the world (including at the Vatican).
Protestors march
About 2,000 pro-lifers participated in the annual March for Life in Victoria, May 11. On the tenth anniversary of the march, many speakers voiced concerns about the now-legal practices of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
War survivor speaks
Human rights ambassador Kim Phuc, who survived a napalm attack during the Vietnam War in 1972, was the special guest at the 19th annual Focus on Life Gala in Vancouver. The May 15 event raised $108,869 for local pro-life efforts.
Permanent deacons ordained
The first three permanent deacons of the year were ordained May 29: Richard Chau, Patrick Dwan, and Tony Gray. The archdiocese also celebrated the ordinations of Deacons Alan Cavin and Peter Gomes Oct. 7 and Raul Solano Dec. 8, all at Holy Rosary Cathedral.
Young priests ordained
Fathers Juan Lucca, Francesco Voltaggio, and Giovanni Schiesari received the sacrament of holy orders June 3. Visitors came from as far as Israel, Italy, and Venezuela for the ceremony, filling the Holy Rosary Cathedral to overflowing and forcing dozens of people to stand in doorways or outside.
Canada consecrated to Immaculate Heart of Mary
Canada’s bishops announced they would consecrate the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Solemn events were held in dioceses across the country, including Vancouver July 2 and Ottawa Sept. 26.
The consecration was especially significant as it landed on the 100th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima.
The B.C. Catholic gets a facelift
The B.C. Catholic website and weekly newspaper were re-branded for a more user-friendly and modern, yet classic, look. The redesigned newspaper rolled off the press July 17.
B.C. interior burns
Wildfires that broke all previous records in B.C. scorched an estimated 900,000 hectares of land, causing officials to declare a provincial emergency. Catholics in the Dioceses of Kamloops and Prince George who were not evacuated were encouraged to help their neighbours by donating or volunteering.
The Archdiocese of Vancouver held a special collection that raised about $270,000. Bishop Joseph Nguyen of Kamloops reported little damage was done to Catholic churches or schools.
Nuns celebrate milestone
It has been exactly 350 years since 21-year-old Anne Marie Martel began teaching catechism to poor children in 1667. Local members of the Sisters of the Child Jesus, a religious order inspired by her efforts, celebrated the significant anniversary at St. Mary’s Church in Vancouver Aug. 11.
#Askfrnick hits social media
Father Nick Meisl made his debut on YouTube Aug. 18. In a video series in part inspired by Father Mike Schmitz, Father Meisl answers questions about Rome, Sunday best, and yoga, all posed to him via social media.
New high school for Surrey
In September, it was announced that a highly anticipated new Catholic high school, John Paul II Academy, will open in Surrey in 2018. It will temporarily run at Good Shepherd Parish until the school building, currently in early stages of construction, is complete.
Thirty couples say “I do”
Sixty brides and grooms set a new record for the largest wedding in the Archdiocese of Vancouver as they said their vows at St. Clare of Assisi Church Sept. 16. The ceremony was for couples who had been civilly married but had never said their “I dos” in a church. Previously, the largest wedding in the archdiocese was for 15 couples in 2016.
New Korean parish erected
A mission for Korean Catholics in the tri-cities area was officially converted to St. Agnes Kim quasi-parish Sept. 20. Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, made the announcement, saying the number of Koreans going to Mass in the area is only increasing and establishing a parish gives them more stability.
Development and Peace turns 50
The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace had its 50th birthday in 2017. Local members and supporters of the national aid organization celebrated with a Mass and reception in Vancouver Sept. 22.
Reconciliation with First Nations
An estimated 20,000 people marched across the Georgia Viaduct and into Strathcona Park in the name of reconciliation Sept. 24. It was Vancouver’s second Walk for Reconciliation; the first was held at the close of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2013.
Also in 2017, filmmaker-priest Father Larry Lynn released In the Spirit of Reconciliation, a documentary about First Nations people finding hope and healing after abuse. That film had its world premiere in Vancouver Dec. 6.
500 years since Reformation
About 300 Catholics and Lutherans gathered for a joint prayer service at St. Clare of Assisi Church in Coquitlam Oct. 1. They did so in remembrance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and with hopes of healing and strengthening ecumenical ties.
Archbishop’s Dinner supports priests
The sixth annual Archbishop’s Dinner at the Hyatt Regency was sold out again as about 900 people gathered for Archbishop Miller’s “State of the Archdiocese” address and to raise funds for further education for priests. The event raised at least $380,000 to help priests get degrees after ordination.
National Liturgy Conference
Catholics from Victoria to St. John’s with a keen interest in the liturgy gathered in Vancouver for a conference with the National Liturgy Office of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Nov. 6-7. The 120 or so participants discussed evangelism and the value of beautiful churches and rituals.
World’s first Day of the Poor
When Pope Francis established the first World Day of the Poor, Catholics the world over found ways to participate. In Vancouver, local events held Nov. 19 included free breakfasts and lunches for the poor and homeless living in the Downtown Eastside.
Chaldeans open new church
A growing and vibrant community of Chaldean Catholics that has been celebrating Mass and other religious events in borrowed spaces since 2005 have finally found a permanent home. Father Sabah Kamora received the keys to their new church in Surrey Dec. 1 and welcomed parish leaders and visiting Chaldean bishops to tour the facility Dec. 2.
