For many of us, 2021 was just as unprecedented as 2020, and much of our lives was still dictated by the waning of COVID restrictions and the sudden re-emergence of them in the fall.
However, outside of the restrictions, Catholics in B.C. experienced many other struggles, victories, and new lessons in life.
As we enter a brand-new year alive with hope and possibilities, we take a moment to pause and reflect on 2021.
Pope proclaims year of family on Amoris Laetitia anniversary
Just before the end of 2020, Pope Francis declared that the year 2021 would be dedicated to St. Joseph and shortly after announced a special year dedicated to the family, to be celebrated March 19, 2021, until June 2022. The announcement marked five years since the publication of Amoris Laetitia. Spiritual, pastoral, and cultural initiatives were planned for the year entitled “Amoris Laetitia Family.” The initiatives were intended to allow Pope Francis to address all the ecclesial communities throughout the world and call each person to be a witness of family love.
B.C. church attendance ban facing legal challenges
Church services across B.C. remained closed over the holiday season and into the beginning of 2021. Disobedience of the orders incurred fines as large as $2,300 and people of faith responded by holding prayer gatherings outside Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver. The Calgary-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms represented seven churches of different denominations and filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court Jan. 7 stating that the current health orders “unjustifiably infringe on the rights and freedoms of B.C. residents under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
Archbishop Miller staying on
Some news that should have received more attention in 2021 but slipped through the cracks of summer vacation was Archbishop Miller’s 75th birthday, a milestone when a bishop is required to submit his resignation to the Pope.
At a luncheon with pastoral centre staff in July, Archbishop Miller announced that he had written to the Holy Father and submitted his resignation as required. The archbishop then said, “he accepted my resignation effective on the 9th of July, but then he also in the same letter from the apostolic nunciature invited me to remain in the ministry here in Vancouver for another three years …”
The news was greeted with loud applause and whistles from pastoral centre staff, who burst into laughter at the archbishop’s follow-up remark, “Thank you all very much …so it’s not over yet!”
He closed by saying he was “very grateful that the Pope did that, and my response was sent of course through the nunciature. So that’s the way it is, there’s (another) thousand days.”
Day for grandparents, elderly can address ‘ache’ of COVID
Pope Francis announced that Sunday, July 25, would mark the inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and a special Mass would mark the occasion. Many grandparents have been hindered by the COVID restrictions and have missed many milestones in their grandchildren’s lives, said Vancouver archdiocesan chancellor Barbara Dowding. While they have attempted to find ways around it like meeting outside or driving by or the use of social media, nothing replaces a good “I love you” hug, she said. The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will attempt to celebrate the significant role grandparents play in the family and will take place every year on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of the grandparents of Jesus Sts. Anne & Joachim.
Patients offered euthanasia contrary to policy, B.C. Catholic investigation finds
Concerned individuals, patients, and medical personnel told The B.C. Catholic that medical staff in the Fraser Health Authority often suggest assisted suicide without a patient asking for it and often before offering palliative care. Fraser Health’s MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) policy states that MAID should be entirely “patient-driven.” The B.C. Catholic obtained information through a freedom-of-information request filed in March 2020 after hearing from a Coquitlam-area woman who said she felt pressured toward euthanasia while attempting to recover from a severe illness. Fraser Health’s communication office did not respond to a request for information on the issue. Several other testimonials from individuals in B.C. show a pattern of aggression and pressure for patients to choose assisted suicide.
Archbishop asks officials to reconsider worship ban
As churches across B.C. remained closed, Archbishop J. Michael Miller asked the provincial government to treat churches the same it treats bars, restaurants, and gyms. Archbishop Miller submitted a 19-page document to B.C. health officials Feb.19 asking for permission to open churches with COVID protocols in place. Despite Catholic churches seeing no outbreaks and following COVID-19 protocols, they were still shut down in November due to fear of viral transmission. Archbishop Miller asked for fair treatment and questioned why church services were being banned while other facilities remained open. The government acknowledged receiving the document but did not respond at that time.
Human trafficking awareness day a ‘great start’
The House of Commons voted unanimously to recognize Feb. 22 as the country’s first National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Anti-Human-Trafficking committee said it was “very grateful that this day will bring to light the human trafficking that is so pervasive across our international borders and internally within our borders.” Sister Nancy Brown of the committee praised Ontario for being “way ahead” of B.C. in terms of made toward fighting human trafficking. She said the national day is a great step for B.C. toward fighting human trafficking. The Catholic Church observes an International Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking on Feb 8, the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita who was a victim of slavery and is the patron of human trafficking survivors.
Archbishop sends blessing to future hospital
Construction on the new St. Paul’s Hospital is underway and Archbishop J. Michael Miller paid a visit to the site. The day before he had sent a virtual blessing for healing and peace. The plan for the 18-acre former parking lot is to build a campus the size of eight city blocks by 2026, opening in 2027. Many donors and philanthropists have come forward to donate money to the project with the Jim Pattison foundation making a historic donation in 2017. The project has been described as the largest hospital redevelopment in the province’s history.
Eight hours outdoors an eye-opening experience
St. Mary’s Street Ministry and Catholic Street Missionaries participated in an adapted version of their annual Sleep Out, where participants spend the night outdoors with nothing but cardboard and a sleeping bag. The outing is meant to raise awareness of homelessness. Due to COVID, the Sleep Out was not possible, so with some Holy Spirit prompting, missionaries spent eight hours of their day outdoors. Susan Diewold described the experience of being continually out in the elements, saying, “There was no place to stop. Even when we did, I was standing. I was constantly moving around, trying to get comfortable.” Many of the missionaries shared similar stories. Milena Bebic realized how many people walk by without paying any attention to the homeless. “It’s completely normal to see people lying on the ground. No one turns their head to look at them. Not even little kids.” Sleep Out events are held by many Lower Mainland groups. When St. Mary’s and CSM held their first Sleep Out, Archbishop Miller joined many other participants in spending the night in the cold St. Mary’s Church parking lot.
Parliament takes up heated debate over sex-selective abortions
“Sex-selection abortion is wrong, it is a discriminatory practice based on sex, and it takes place in our country because we have no law against it”, Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall said as she defended her proposed Bill C-233 in the House of Commons. She said Canada is one of the few countries with no limits to abortion and that the only other country with no law to prevent sex-selective abortions is North Korea. MPs from the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois argued that her bill was a “backdoor” attempt to limit abortion in Canada and a “direct attack on women.” According to the Canadian Medical Association and its studies, sex-selective abortion a growing problem that requires a solution.
Filipino Catholics celebrating 500th anniversary
The year 1521 holds a special place in the hearts of many Filipinos. The Philippines is the only Asian country colonized by Spain, and although Catholicism was initially adopted to avoid conflict with the conquistadors, the evangelization of the Philippines became known for the ease of conversions. The inhabitants of the islands gave up Indigenous worship practices and zealously adopted Catholicism. In five decades, popes have visited the Philippines on four occasions, starting with Pope Paul VI in 1970, Pope John Paul in 1981 and again for World Youth Day in 1995, and most recently in 2015 by Pope Francis. The Archdiocese of Vancouver is joining Filipinos around the world in celebrating the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines under the theme “Gifted to Give,” while The B.C. Catholic has been featuring stories about the contributions of Filipinos in the archdiocese.
B.C march, pandemic ‘lining up’ for dignity of life
Due to COVID complications, pro-lifers were once again prevented from gathering in the thousands in Victoria for the annual March for Life. However, after 2020’s cancelled event, pro-lifers organized a virtual march for life. Participants were encouraged to display signs and march around their neighborhood before tuning in to a virtual event including musical performances and presentations by pro-life speakers.
Archbishop promises support, transparency to First Nations
After the discovery of unmarked burial sites at a former Indian residential school in Kamloops left Canadians shocked and confused, Archbishop Miller announced a plan to offer increased support and transparency to First Nations people. Saying that after apologies come actions, he offered five “first steps” to support First Nations people and others affected, including full transparency with fully transparent with residential school archives and records, mental health support and counselling for those affected by the burial site discovery, support to help First Nations honour, retrieve and remember their deceased children, and renewed efforts to listen to Indigenous Peoples “to hear from you how we can best walk with you along the path of justice.” A B.C. Bishops’ Campaign in Support of Healing and Reconciliation was also announced with contributions destined for local reconciliation efforts.
Pope Sorrowful over Kamloops graves discovery
After the discovery of the 215 unmarked graves in Kamloops, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow and sympathy for Canadians at the discovery of Indigenous children’s graves, at a Church-run residential school in Canada. He said: “I follow with sorrow the news from Canada about the shocking discovery … I join the Canadian bishops and the whole Catholic Church in Canada in expressing my sympathy to the Canadian people, who have been traumatized by the shocking news.” He continued: “The sad discovery further increases our awareness of the pain and suffering of the past. May Canada’s political and religious authorities continue to work together with determination to shed light on this sad event and humbly commit themselves to a path of reconciliation and healing.”
B.C. euthanasia deaths among world’s highest
New statistics show that four per cent of all deaths in B.C., the only province in which Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) clinics operate openly, were attributed to euthanasia in 2020. The head of Canada’s Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, Alex Schadenberg called the statistics alarming and said new methods are needed to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not pressured into euthanasia against their free will.
Restrictions on B.C. churches lifted as of July 1
As COVID restrictions overall eased in B.C., church restrictions were lifted July 1. For Catholic churches, this meant opening without registration, social distancing, or attendance limits. Archbishop Miller said he was “absolutely delighted” that provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry had lifted all restrictions on religious gatherings and worship services.
Police step up church patrols after attacks in B.C.
Following the news of the discovery of unmarked graves in Kamloops, the Vancouver Police Department held a press conference July 22 to report a dramatic increase in vandalism on church property and to churches. In less than two months, the VPD counted 13 incidents that included threats of arson, broken windows, and spray paint. Out of concern that the situation might escalate, the VPD increased police presence near churches and spoke with churches in their areas of patrol, going over additional security measures.
Easing off the pedal
Organist Denis Bedard retired at the end of August after serving as music director at Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver for 20 years. One of the most important contributions that Denis made over the years at Holy Rosary Cathedral was his cathedral concert series, with some of the top organists in the world performing in Vancouver several times a year.
Ninety years and counting
In 2021 The B.C. Catholic turned 90. Founded in 1931 by Archbishop William Mark Duke, the newspaper achieved several firsts and accomplishments. After publishing more than 4,300 weekly editions, the newspaper is still going strong as it shares stories that touch the hearts of readers and draw them closer to Christ and his Church. In 2021 The B.C. Catholic received nine awards from the Catholic Media Association, including first place honours in investigative reporting as well as layout and design, and nine awards from the Canadian Christian Communicators Association, including first place in newspaper general excellence.
B.C. Vaccine Card arrives
Effective Sept. 13, it became a requirement for anyone aged 12+ to show proof of vaccination to gain access to many events and businesses. With the deadline approaching to choose between the ability to enter businesses or be refused services, B.C. vaccination clinics saw a 200 percent increase in demand.
Indigenous holiday vital to reconciliation
Sept. 30 marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new annual federal statutory observance to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” The JPII Pastoral Centre was closed to observe the day and the Catholic faithful were encouraged to pray for the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Church and to learn about “the history of the residential school system, its impact on Indigenous Peoples, the tragic legacy, and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”
Science-minded women enter Franciscan novitiate
While the pandemic hindered many things, it did not stop individuals from discerning their vocations. Two new novices with science and medical backgrounds joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist: Janice Tumanon, taking the name Sister Mary Christa, Tumanon worked as a medical laboratory assistant and phlebotomist. Sister Anne Therese, formerly Natalie Yuen, had previously earned a bachelor of science in biology and a master of science degree in integrated studies in land and food systems before joining the Franciscans.
Deacons head out with a ‘thirst for charity and service’
The Franciscan novices were not the only addition to religious life in the archdiocese. On Oct. 7, nine men were ordained to the permanent diaconate at Holy Rosary Cathedral. The Archdiocese of Vancouver now has a total of 33 deacons serving in hospitals, parishes, prisons, and various other ministries where they are needed.
Synod of Bishops announced
Earlier in the year, Pope Francis announced the Synod of Bishops postponed due to the pandemic will be preceded by a synodal process that includes “listening to all of the baptized” in every local diocese before the bishops gather again in 2023. In Vancouver there will be a consultation with the faithful, lay, and clerical. To facilitate the participation of all, the Archdiocese of Vancouver will give a questionnaire to all parishes, lay movements, and diocesan groups.
A pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation
After a meeting between Pope Francis and the Canadian bishops, Pope Francis accepted an invitation to come to Canada on a pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement saying that the visit will “build on three years of constructive dialogue between the Canadian bishops, the Holy See, and Indigenous Peoples who have generously shared their experiences and stories about the suffering and challenges that continue to this day.” A long-planned encounter between Indigenous Canadians and Pope Francis in Rome in December was rescheduled due to COVID-19 Omicron variant concerns. Canada’s bishops said the meeting will likely take place in the spring “and that will also be the gate open for the visit of the Pope in Canada.”
Archbishop’s Dinner turns 10
The annual fundraiser returned this year to an in-person venue but remained subject to pandemic precautions and only open to vaccinated individuals. The evening celebrated the community with Archbishop Miller’s keynote speech highlighting the “state of the Archdiocese” and focusing on several issues including COVID-related struggles, truth and reconciliation efforts with First Nations, opportunities connected to preparations for the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in 2023, and the need to strengthen families.
Faith and the flood: the inspiring response to B.C.’s storm of the century
In November, B.C.’s “storm of the century” saw faith communities respond to many stranded travellers and displaced people evacuated from the threat of rising waters. Catholic schools in the Fraser Valley were closed for two weeks and the archdiocese launched a fund to support migrant workers displaced by the devastating flooding in the Fraser Valley.
Archbishop rejects divisive approach to Mass
B.C.’s public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a new health order Nov. 31 stating full attendance at worship services was conditional on everyone being vaccinated. Attendance would be limited to 50 per cent capacity otherwise. Archbishop Miller responded two days later with a memo to priests asking them to avoid establishing “a segregated or divisive system for Mass attendance.” He said that since Mass attendance was generally at less than 50 per cent, adding more Masses could accommodate larger crowds at Christmas. In a follow-up memo he acknowledged adding a Mass for vaccinated-only worshipers was “a way to help those who may be immune-compromised, medically at risk, or deeply concerned for their safety.”
Come Home for Christmas
Two Easters and one Christmas later, Archbishop was able to invite Catholics in his archdiocese to “come home for Christmas.” At the end of 2021, churches remained open for the holiday season, and in a video message he invited all to Christmas Mass. The archdiocese continued its Blue Light Campaign, blue being the colour of the Blessed Virgin and also symbolizing solidarity and hope.