For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vancouver’s Holy Rosary Cathedral opened its doors to Mass for all, with no restrictions.
The celebration was held July 1, the first day of the B.C. government’s peeling back of a host of restrictions on places of worship and various activities.
“It’s a privilege and pleasure for me to celebrate this Mass today,” said vicar general Father Gary Franken at the Mass, which began at 12:10 p.m.
“We enter into this Mass with rejoicing on Canada Day for many blessings and continuing our prayers for our country and all its peoples, remembering especially our First Nations peoples, and asking that we all grow in God’s grace as we know St. Joseph and all the saints did.”
During his homily, Father Franken offered an apology “for the harm and pain” that the Church caused in operating residential schools with the federal government.
“The history of our country is something we all need to be aware of. As we celebrate Canada Day we have the opportunity to celebrate many, many good things but no one’s history is without things that need healing and we can’t hide from that,” he said.
“We look forward to continued truth and reconciliation.”
He also led a prayer of entrustment to St. Joseph with the congregation.
As of July 1, places of worship in B.C. are no longer subject to pandemic restrictions on capacity, distancing, registration, or social distancing. Masks are now recommended, not mandatory.
