The Archdiocesan Commissioning Mass for parishes participating in Simbang Gabi took place at St. Patrick’s in Vancouver. The Filipino Simbang Gabi Christmas Novena honours the preparations of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the birth of the Christ Child.
Each year, Yvonne and Robert McHugh decorate Rachel’s Garden at Gardens of Gethsemani in memory of their daughter Aoife, who died 31 years ago at the age of 11. Over the years they have made friends with other moms and dads who have lost children and have learned their stories.
Students from John Paul II Academy visited Gardens of Gethsemani, experiencing peace and tranquility while walking the grounds as well as getting down on their knees to scrub gravestones.
St. Mary’s and St. Helen’s Elementary Schools hosted the Vancouver No Stone Left Alone Service at Mountain View Cemetery’s military section. Members of the Duke of Connaught’s Own represented the military.
St. Matthew’s Parish celebrated an International Brunch celebrating the diversity of cultures in the parish community. The event had been on hiatus for the past two years.
Holy Family Hospital celebrate its 75 anniversary with food, dancing, ceremony, and reflection, as well as a visit by Archbishop Miller, who offered a prayer and blessing for staff and residents.
The Vancouver College Fighting Irish football team put a crown on the school’s 100th anniversary celebration by winning the Provincial AAA Varsity championship Dec. 3, finishing the season with a perfect record of 12 wins and no losses. The Irish defeated G.W. Graham Grizzlies of Chilliwack 13-12 at B.C. Place. Earlier in the day, VC’s junior varsity squad won the AAA crown as well, defeating New Westminster Hyacks 55-32 and ending the season with a perfect record as well.
For the first time, Vancouver’s Goan community came together at St. Nicholas Parish in Langley to celebrate the feast of one of their patrons, St. Francis Xavier. Mass was celebrated in in the Konkani language and a Goan lunch was held afterward.
Mary’s Meals founder and CEO Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow visited the John Paul II Pastoral Centre and met with Archbishop Miller, staff, and supporters. The organization provides classroom meals for children in the world’s poorest communities where hunger and poverty prevent children from getting an education.
Photos contributed
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