As a Japanese Canadian I was on the train in 1942 when we were all evacuated from the West Coast of British Columbia. Many of the people were sent to camps but we were very fortunate. Thanks to Franciscan Friar Father Benedict Quigley and the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement we were able to go to a ghost town called Greenwood, B.C.
There, thanks to the Franciscans, we made up a vibrant community and they opened Sacred Heart School as the public schools could not accommodate us.
We were so happy, as the sisters had us busy everyday, even after school. On the weekends, the friars had us playing sports, baseball, hockey, etc. I may be criticized for this, but as a child I used to think that thanks to the war we had found the Catholic faith, as otherwise we might never have.
The nuns had us singing the Latin Mass at 12 years old and even giving us piano lessons. We were so happy and grateful.
My mother was an only child and did not know how to handle the nine of us kids. When people used to compliment her on us, she always used to say, “thanks to the Franciscans!”
The sad thing now is that after 20 years we realized Father Quigley was not with us during the evacuation. My brother, who is an amateur historian, found out that Father had received orders from the office in New York to not help the enemy. Apparently after so many years, someone found Father in another order in a little town in British Columbia.
I have many relatives living up north in the Smithers area and I go up there every summer. Talking to the people there, I have found out the following:
- In Fraser Lake, kids were running away from home to go to the residential school.
- In Lejac, there is the grave of Rose Prince whose body was found incorrupt. No one talks about this, even though only the great saints have had this privilege.
- Some women in Burns Lake wanted to talk about the positives of the residential school experience, but the media would have nothing to do with them.
- My cousin in Prince Rupert used to mention that every year the kids would come home for the summer from residential school, clean, healthy, and happy. When they went back, they were full of lice and unkempt.
- On the prairies there were many graves at the school but the Elders went to clean them up as the markers had all rotted. No one came to put up new markers.
I truly feel that the Native peoples of Canada want to achieve the dignity they deserve as they went through so many hardships throughout the years. I feel that this visit from the Pope has given them their dignity which they deserve. As Catholics and friends, may we offer our love and friendship to all the Native peoples of Canada!
Lurana Kikuko Tasaka
Vancouver
I was happy to read the July 11 article about Belle Voci choir. Paula DeWit is a talented lady, conductor, and founder. Vocalist and president Bevin van Liempt as well has come a long way and is an asset to this ensemble.
How I would like to assist at the Mass in Vancouver, as I have heard Belle Voci on several occasions. They must surely enhance the Mass with their beautiful voices.
Quite a few years ago, we attended a Mass at St. Mary’s in Chilliwack. I remember Paula DeWit starting the Mass with trumpet music walking up to the altar. It was so very moving. What an entrance to the beginning of the Mass! I know many parishioners so enjoyed it. I’ve wished Belle Voci would come play at St. Mary’s again.
I am looking forward to the next concert here in Chilliwack. Their beautiful music needs to be promoted. How fortunate we are to be able to hear Belle Voci here in Chilliwack and Abbotsford.
Anne Ah Loy
Chilliwack
Just as I was wondering what had become of all the synodal listening sessions in our parishes, there was an article in the July 18 B.C. Catholic.
Yes, the process must go on and the listening sessions must continue for many years on a regular basis (at least every three months) in all parishes. It is not too much to ask. It is essential. And it can be done in simplified ways.
How hard is it to listen? Is listening not a skill we all have to develop and practise again and again?
Please keep us informed about the progress that is made in different parishes. A joyful competition among parishes is quite healthy.
Marianne Werner
Vancouver
What a beautiful setting for Eucharistic adoration at Camp Jubilee (B.C. Catholic, July 25). Gazing at the Lord in the panoramic outdoors is the best anyone can get.
This photo shows the infinite majesty of God. The trees, the water, and the mountain are beyond comprehension and yet participants kneel, hands together and in adoration to a Lord and King on a beautiful backdrop of scenery.
Leo Ilomin
Abbotsford
Father Anthony Ho’s Aug. 29 column “The only important business of this life is the next life” is a timely reminder for us to reflect on what will happen to us in the next life. Reflecting is one thing, working on our salvation is another. Work and pray, as the Bible says.
People live nowadays as if there is no tomorrow. Faith is a gift that we need to nurture and the only way to do that is to start looking at how we pray. Prayer is nourishment for our souls. If we humble ourselves, avoid sins and occasions of sins, be faithful to the sacraments, and cover ourselves with Mary’s protection, we will all reach our destination.
Maria Rita Castillo
Vancouver
