At the start of the new year, we typically reflect on the top stories covered by The B.C. Catholic over the preceding 12 months, reviewing the stories of faith, inspiration, and challenges that were on our pages and our news site.
The past year was particularly significant for Catholics all over the world, marked by large events from World Youth Day in Portugal to the Synod of Bishops in Rome.
For a change of pace this year, we thought we would share the most popular local stories from The B.C. Catholic website to give you an idea of what resonated with our readers the most.
Leaving out stories like the annual pastoral appointments, which are always among our most-read stories, we crunched the numbers and came up with our top stories of 2023:
5. Loss of SFU football program hits Vancouver Catholic schools hard
(2,204 visits)
This story takes us back to April 4, when Simon Fraser University discontinued its football program. We spoke to Catholic school students, parents, and coaches who were upset that the decision would limit playing opportunities that past students have had.
Most Lower Mainland Catholic schools have at least one SFU sports program alumnus working in their sports departments or coaching, and Holy Cross teacher Conrad Deugau says it would be unfortunate if SFU’s football program were no longer there to help form the coaches and teachers who make up and contribute to Catholic school communities.
4. Pietra Fitness: more Catholic than Catholic yoga
(2,565 visits)
Alison ten Bohmer’s search for connection during the pandemic led her to discover Pietra Fitness, a unique program that became a life-changing experience. Different from traditional yoga, Pietra Fitness blends poses, stretching, meditation, and prayer, emphasizing its Catholic roots while distancing itself from Eastern spiritual practices.
This Catholic exercise program holds a deep theological belief that the body is a sacred vessel, a dwelling for the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist. By engaging the entire body in prayer, Pietra Fitness challenges conventional prayer practices, encouraging individuals to connect their physical actions with their devotion to God.
3. Archbishop Adam Exner dies at age 94
(2,626 visits)
On September 5, we broke news that Vancouver’s last surviving Archbishop emeritus died peacefully at his residence in Grayson, Saskatchewan.
Archbishop Adam Exner was the ninth Archbishop of Vancouver, appointed on May 25, 1991, where he served until his retirement in January of 2004, in accordance with the mandatory retirement age for archbishops.
2. ‘My first gift to her was a book about saints. Now she is one’
(4,307 visits)
In a heartwarming and spiritually uplifting story, meet Lilo Mendoza, the three-year-old from Surrey who touched countless lives with her profound faith and love for Jesus. Despite her young age, her legacy continues to inspire and bring people closer to God.
For her mourning parents, Camille and Michael, the stories of the spiritual transformations Lilo ignited in others provided solace and renewed their own faith. Through her unwavering devotion, Lilo’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of faith, love, and the ability to bring people closer to God, even in the face of tragedy.
Discover the incredible impact of Lilo’s short but powerful life in this moving article from June.
1. Catholic doctors speak out against Bill 36 as a violation of conscience rights
(4,375 visits)
Our most popular story of 2023 delves into the concerns of Catholic doctors in British Columbia, who raised their voices against Bill 36, the Health Professions and Occupations Act. This contentious legislation ignited fears of ideological coercion and potential religious discrimination.
Learn more about how these physicians were fighting to protect conscience rights and doctor-patient relationships in the face of government intervention. This article sheds light on an issue of critical importance in B.C.’s healthcare industry.
Other popular stories were:
- Vancouver College builds for a new century as the last Christian brother leaves its classroom
- Langley pilgrims headed to Israel forced to make some tough choices
- Government taking property from St. Paul’s Hospital to deliver MAiD
- Vatican officially names Archbishop Miller to synod
- Vancouver pilgrims to join Pope Francis at WYD in Portugal
- Notre Dame honours Alan Charlton for journey of education and arts
