Holy Rosary parishioners host summer picnic across the street, invite neighbours and businesses

Special to The B.C. Catholic



Nearly 600 parishioners, friends, and visitors to Holy Rosary Cathedral brought a refreshing burst of life, colour, and music to Cathedral Square July 24.

The parish’s summer picnic was organized by the Parish Stewardship Committee as a new way to celebrate the annual Ministry Fair and Summer Picnic the cathedral has been organizing for the last few years.

The inspiration to bring new life to the neglected Cathedral Square followed a meeting with the Downtown Business Improvement Association and the city.

Cathedral rector Father Stanley Galvon, who sits on the committee of neighbouring businesses and stakeholders, was surprised to find members of the committee did not even connect the name of Cathedral Square with the presence of the cathedral across the street.

The square is not the property of the cathedral; it belongs to B.C. Hydro and is managed by the city. Under it is an electrical substation which provides about a third of the electricity needs of downtown Vancouver.

“The eleventh commandment is ‘Thou shalt take part in good scenes!'” joked Father Galvon. “We are very grateful to the nearby businesses, namely White Spot and JJBean, for their support in providing food and refreshments for the event.”

On Sunday morning, while parishioners were gathering for the 8 a.m. Mass, members of the Knights of Columbus, Handmaids of the Lord, and Couples for Christ were on hand with buckets and brooms to remove garbage, including used needles, which had to be properly disposed of, and even an old foam mattress.

Parts of the concrete concourse were scrubbed down for a children’s play area. Strings of balloons were tied in place, and cathedral ministries put up displays on easels throughout the square.

A paper boat race, pi¤ata, and musical chairs were organized. Musicians played contemporary Christian songs, Mexican favourites, and popular ballads. Tourists and passersby stopped for cake and coffee and picked up leaflets about the Year of Mercy and the cathedral.

It was a great way to bring the Church to the public square.

Bertilla Watanabe is a pastoral associate at Holy Rosary Cathedral.