‘Our civic participation, particularly on election day, is essential’: Archbishop Miller
Archbishop J. Michael Miller released the following letter in advance of the B.C. provincial election, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
October 10, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
A provincial election is a rare and important opportunity for British Columbians to directly influence the direction of government.
Religious order learns humanity from the mentally ill
People with mental health problems have much to teach, especially in humanity, a much-needed virtue in our individualistic world, say members of a religious congregation dedicated to caring for people with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and other special needs.
World Mental Health Day is marked on Oct.
Education, accompaniment, advocacy ‘crucial for mental health ministry’: World Mental Health Day
The education of priests and lay people, accompaniment in parishes for individuals with mental health challenges, and advocacy for institutional and societal support for those needing professional psychological or psychiatric care are the three essential components of mental health ministry in the Church, says a bishop who is personally involved in the ministry.
Keep perfume out of churches along with balloons
Thank you for publishing the Sept. 2 article “Balloons over sacraments?” concerning safety for parishioners.
The article raises an issue that is not well understood or attended to in many of our churches. I would like to add perfumed incense and perfumes in general as products that should not be allowed in our churches.
Never tell the vinyl plank party ‘it’s impossible’
Sacred Heart Church in Lumby is set to celebrate its 100-year anniversary on Oct. 15, but in preparing for the momentous event, Father Thomas Arackal found himself in a bind.
He had hoped to complete an enormous renovation of the old church before Bishop Joseph Nguyen arrived to celebrate the centennial Mass.
Archbishop Miller calls for ‘robust limitations’ on child access to explicit online material
Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller has sent a letter to Members of Parliament within the Archdiocese of Vancouver, urging them to support Bill S-210, which would restrict young people’s access to sexually explicit material online.
Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo has written a similar letter to MPs in his jurisdiction.
The healing power of genuine apology
An apology has great power to heal a wrong suffered.
I witnessed an apology by a Catholic deacon (having no involvement with the case) offered to a Baptist woman who alleged abuse by a pastor in her denomination. She broke down in tears saying how meaningful it was to see a man wearing clerical garb providing an expression of compassion and regret as to how a fellow cleric had acted towards her.
‘Healing begins when we listen attentively to one another’
Archbishop J. Michael Miller released the following letter to mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sept. 30, 2024.
September 30, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we observe National Truth and Reconciliation Day, let us reflect on this time of remembrance and renew our commitment to walking together in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.
Discomfort is a part of truth
Many, many years ago, I was asked to give a pro-life presentation to a large group of young adults. The person who contacted me asked if it was possible that I might tone down, or exclude, some of the issues … like abortion, for example.
Good should be done ‘without clamour or ostentation,’ Archbishop tells papal honourees
Christ teaches us good “should be done quietly, even stealthily,” Archbishop J. Michael Miller told the recipients of papal honours at a conferral Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral on Sept. 7.
Sixteen people received the Benemerenti medal, awarded to “the well-deserving” who have shown lasting and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, family, and community.