40 Days for Life: ‘changing hearts and minds’ about human dignity
On a chilly February morning with light snow falling, hundreds of parish representatives gathered in Coquitlam at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a planning meeting over coffee and conversation. Volunteers shared their hopes and strategies for this year’s 40 Days for Life campaign, energized by a shared commitment to prayer, witness, and defending life.
Catholic democracy advocate Jimmy Lai ‘fighting for his beliefs’ during long trial
Sebastian Lai, son of Hong Kong Catholic democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, said this week his father is “still fighting for his beliefs” while he remains imprisoned in “inhumane” conditions and his national security trial drags on.
Lai, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and a human rights activist, has been on trial since December of 2023 for allegations of colluding with foreign forces under a national security law put in effect by the communist-controled Chinese government.
Archbishop Smith stresses co-responsibility in Vancouver visit
John Paul II Pastoral Centre staff lined the balcony and crowded the ground floor to welcome Archbishop Richard Smith for his first official visit to Vancouver, his soon-to-be home and archdiocese.
After flying in from Edmonton and navigating Vancouver morning traffic, Archbishop Smith told pastoral workers he was deeply touched by their welcome.
Pope Francis had ‘quiet’ night in hospital: Vatican
Pope Francis had an uneventful night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and continues to rest, the Holy See Press Office said Thursday morning.
“The night passed quietly; the Pope is still resting,” the press office said.
On Wednesday evening, the press office released a statement providing the daily medical update on Pope Francis’ health.
He who raised Jesus will raise us also
2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C
First Reading: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18
Second Reading: Phil 3:17–4:1
Gospel Reading: Lk 9:28b-36
In this Sunday’s readings, Jesus is transfigured, and St. Paul tells us that Christ will “transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory.”
Pope expresses gratitude for closeness, urges prayers for peace
On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office released an update on Pope Francis’ health:
“Today, too, the Holy Father’s clinical condition has remained stable. The Pope has not required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only supplemental high-flow oxygenation. He does not have a fever.
Canada’s selective patriotism
In Canada, patriotism is hard to get just right. We do it well on Remembrance Day, with veterans, the national anthem, the Royal anthem, and even prayer – when it’s allowed.
Other times, it might be better to leave it to the Americans, who have established traditions: hand over heart during the anthem, flag laws, and other formalities.
Pope’s health dominates a day of news and transition
Even as they began the busy work of transferring episcopal responsibility for Vancouver, it was the health and well-being of Pope Francis that was on everyone’s minds as the Holy Father announced that Archbishop Richard Smith would be the next Archbishop of Vancouver.
Pope’s condition remains critical but no new respiratory crisis as of Sunday evening
The Holy See Press Office provided a medical update on Pope Francis Sunday evening, saying his condition remains critical but he had not experienced any more respiratory crises.
The statement said:
“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises.
Pope Francis has peaceful ninth night in the hospital
By Vatican News
Pope Francis had a peaceful ninth night in the hospital, the Holy See Press Office published on Sunday morning, issuing its latest note to journalists as the Holy Father is being treated for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.