A massive Farewell Dinner was organized by the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and hosted at the Italian Cultural Centre. The occasion was to hold a Farewell Dinner for Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. who is retiring after over 16 years of shepherding the flock of the Archdiocese of Vancouver entrusted to his pastoral care. The additional celebration was of the Archbishop’s 50th Anniversary of Priestly ordination that took place in Rome on 29 June 1975 at the hands of Pope St. Paul VI.
The evening was filled with many heartfelt expressions of admiration and gratitude. Many moving memories were shared by people gathered and via many pre-recorded video messages – some humorous, many amazing, all sincere and inspiring!
There was entertainment. Musical performances provided by Ambrose Matilda Music Connection, as well as light-hearted moments like the “Bad Jokes Contest” in which the Archbishop participated.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski and Archpriest Joseph Ostopowich from the Eparchy of New Westminster participated, as well as several other members of the Faithful. They were joined by an estimated almost 1000 guests for a wonderful Italian meal. Several groups and organizations, like the Knights of Columbus, reserved multiple tables to be present for this extraordinary event. After the formalities, Archbishop Miller then spent as much time as needed to accept greetings and well-wishes from the guests before the night was over.
A Farewell Mass is planned for Archbishop Miller at 7:00 PM at Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver on 13 May 2025. As the Archbishop will obviously stay for the welcoming and installation of his successor, Archbishop Richard Smith (May 23), he will only finally depart from Vancouver after Sunday 25 May.
As has been the tradition, the New Westminster Council #1283 of the Knights of Columbus hosts an annual Appreciation Dinner for Clergy and Religious at St. Peter’s Parish.
They also invite some members of the clergy and their families and religious Sisters from the Eparchy of New Westminster along with many other clergy and religious from the area. Some of the clergy of the Eparchy are actually members of the #1283 council, including Bishop Michael.
The evening provides a wonderful meal prepared by the Knights themselves and served by their highest ranking Knights. Special guests included the KofC State Deputy Herb Yang and his wife Clara as well as State Chaplain Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski. Worthy SD Herb Yang brought greetings to the event and Bishop Michael was asked to address the event as a member of the clergy himself. He mentioned the Vancouver festival tragedy and asked all to pray for the victims and, for their family and friends that now struggle with the aftermath. He also spoke of the upcoming Conclave to choose the next Pope for the Church. He said, that want to look past our own personal preferences and sometimes superficial and unimportant qualities that we might like to see in the Holy Father and ask the Lord to provide a good and holy leader according to the needs of the Church in our time according – above all – to the Will of God. We should have that same attitude with regard to priests and Sisters – we should want them especially to be sincerely dedicate to the Will of God for the good of His People and His Church. The rest will work out! He also encouraged all to encourage their sons and daughters, nieces and nephews to think about and pray about a vocation to religious life or to the priestly ministry.
The evening was also filled with fellowship and good will and a festive spirit. Every member of the clergy in attendance and every member of a religious community received a gift of appreciation by the “luck of the draw”. There were a variety of gifts from many donors, but all were a pleasure to receive.
The pleasure of the clergy and religious to be there was apparent, and the outpouring of love and appreciation on the part of the Knights and the many other guests toward their Priests, Deacons and Sisters – was also obvious. God bless the Knights for this tradition of appreciation and, God, bless our Clergy and Sisters and bless us with many more good vocations!
The Knights of the Columbus of the British Columbia and the Yukon held their annual State Convention at the Executive Hotel in Richmond from 25-27 April 2025. The general chair of the convention was the State Deputy Herb Yang who, in spite of suffering a cold, valiantly led all the events throughout the weekend. Among the special guests were State Deputies from Washington and Oregon as well as Supreme Director Rene Trevino from California.
The Convention began with a Eucharistic Divine Liturgy according to the Byzantine Ukrainian Rite led by State Chaplain Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski and clergy and singers from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. The territory of the Eparchy, coincidentally, encompasses British Columbia, the Yukon Territory and a portion of the Northwest Territories. Bishop Michael was joined by clergy from the Eparchy – the Protosyncellus Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, Vice-Chancellor Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk, Fr. Mykhailo Postoliuk and Subdeacon Adrian Kopystynski was also in attendance. Former State Chaplain, Journalist, Fr. Vincent Hawkswell also concelebrated. Fr. Ozozovych prepared an additional sheet of the liturgical “propers” for Friday of Bright Week and Easter hymns and a trio of singers from the Cathedral parish, Halyna, Volodymyr and Liubomyr led the singing. The Liturgy was beautiful. A big thank you is due to the BC&Y State Director for Evangelization and Faith Formation, Br. Jamey Guerreo who coordinated so much for the set up of the Chapel area for the Eucharistic Liturgies as well as the separate Blessed Sacrament Adoration Chapel on an upper floor. At this Liturgy, Bishop Michael spoke about the joy and glory of the Easter season, about the Church being a crossroads with the death of Pope Francis and the preparation to choose his successor to the “Chair of Peter”. He also spoke about the extraordinary opportunity that the Jubilee Year offers for personal conversion and spiritual renewal to reenergize us for the mandate of Evangelization of the world around us. Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy and a cohort of Knights that formed the weekend’s Honour Guard, escorted our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to the Adoration Chapel. The Adoration Chapel was open “24/7” and knights took turns keeping vigil so that Convention participants and their family members could visit anytime to spend time in prayer and meditation. Fr. Hawkswell conducted Benediction services in the mornings at 7:00 AM.
The following days, the morning Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Michael and other clergy, but with different main celebrants. On Saturday former State Chaplain Fr. Vincent Hawkswell was the main celebrant and homilist, with a large group of singers. Thomas Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday, Bishop Stephen Jensen from Prince George was the main celebrant and homilist. A group of singers sailed from the capital city of British Columbia – Victoria, which is located on Vancouver Island. During the Sunday Mass, Bishop Stephen also addressed the tragic killing of festival-goers that took place the previous evening in Vancouver and led the congregation in prayer for the victims and their families.
The Friday evening program included a lengthy State Deputy’s report and other opening formalities. Later in the evening, several awards were issued then a social evening with top entertainment provided delegates and their wives and a wonderful opportunity to relax, socialize and get to know each other better.
Saturday was a full day of business meetings, reports, resolutions and strategy-planning. Several speakers also offered instructional and inspirational presentations on several of the Knights most prominent projects and programs.
During the day, the ‘Ladies’, the wives of the Knights that attend as well, hold a parallel event in another part of the convention centre – the Ladies Program and Luncheon. This is a morning and afternoon program of fascinating and helpful speakers as well as entertainment and great fellowship lunch. One of the speakers is traditionally the serving State Chaplain. This year, Bishop Michael, shared some highlights of his life and vocation journey and then accepted any questions from the gathering.
In the evening the traditional formal State Deputy’s Banquet was held in the main ballroom. There, the State Deputy hosted an amazing gala of fine food, yes, but also a fast-flowing and engaging program of speakers, awards and presentations. The keynote address was given by Supreme Director Rene Trevino from California. Elections for the new State Executive had taken place earlier in the day, so State Deputy Herb Yang also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to everyone who supported him and collaborated with him over the past two years. At a very moving moment, Br. Herb expressed his heartfelt thanks to his wife, Clara, who he acknowledged as his love and his most faithful supporter. Herb Yang was elected to the KofC Board of Directors in 2024, however, and will continue to serve as a Supreme Director into 2027.
As has been a tradition for some years now, the Knights of B.C.&.Y presented each of the seven bishops in their territory a financial donation toward their vocations and seminary efforts. Great appreciation was expressed by each of the Bishops who were able to attend the banquet and they spoke about the vocation and seminarian situation in each of their jurisdictions. An additional acknowledgement and presentation was made to Archbishop J. Michael Miller of Vancouver whose retirement had been announced and he will be leaving the area within a month or two. He has always been a supporter of the Knights and they wanted to show their appreciation.
Sunday morning, after the Mass, the Knights held their final full session and closing formalities. A few did not linger long as they had a long drive back or they needed to catch their flights back to their home councils – some in the far regions of the “State”. There was the long process of taking down and packing and carting away all the props and materials and paraphernalia. Yet everyone left with a great deal of satisfaction that they had participated in a very helpful and inspiring State Convention… and that they were all dedicated brothers in the greatest Catholic Men’s order throughout the world. Their work would continue and they would continue to accomplish great things for their Lord, His Church, His People.
The clergy from around the eparchy shared some photos, reports and stories of how the parishes joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. By all reports, one thing is consistent and interesting, but especially hopeful – every parish and community saw an increase in the number of participants this year! Some of the people who augmented the numbers this year may very well be what some call “B.C.E.W.F. church-goers” (Baptism, Christmas/Easter, Wedding and Funeral), but there were also a good number of newcomers who intend to stay around and explore the “spiritual wealth” of Christ’s Church (CCEO 16ff). This is good news!
All parishes offered the glorious Easter Sunday liturgy filled with resounding, repeated singing of the proclamation that “Christ is risen from the dead! By His death he trampled death! And to those in the grave, He granted life!”
Depending on the territory that the priest has to cover, most parishes started with a sunrise Resurrection Matins service and a procession around the church. This moved into the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy with so many special “propers” combination that we wait all year for…. “Christ is Risen!”…. “All you, who have been baptized into Christ…!…“The Angel cried out…!”… and many soul-lifting Ukrainian Catholic Easter hymns!Then there was the Easter food blessing of baskets and then people getting together for that amazing Easter breakfast and some parishes even held and Easter festival (like Abbotsford) or hayivky dancing on the street.
As during Passion Week, Bishop Michael tried to visit as many parishes as possible in the Greater Vancouver area. Every parish was an experience of hope where larger and smaller communities gave glory to God in the best way they could…. and they did wonderfully! The Lord is surely well pleased with every parish and mission.
Resurrection Procession video at New Westminster [HERE]
Passion Week is always a solemn period following or rather at the dramatic conclusion of the Great Fast. The mystery, the theology, the drama and melodies of the many Holy Week services draw many to their local parish churches. The week from Palm (‘willow’) Sunday through the Scriptural events of the Passion of the Christ right up to the gathering at the tomb of Christ in the cool pre-dawn darkness for the nadhrobne is a period rich in interactive events, processions, prostrations and verses and music that moves one’s soul to unexperienced heights.
This year, as in the past, all of the parishes of vast territory of the Eparchy of New Westminster held as many services as they could and in accord with the ancient practices that have replenished the souls of the faithful from the most remote mountain village in Ukraine to the grand city cathedrals and throughout the world to so many countries wherever the Ukrainian Catholic Church is established. British Columbia was no exception. God bless the parish priests and the faithful that collaborated with them to bring to life the Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday experience.
Great and Holy Friday procession at Holy Cross Parish, Surrey, [HERE]
We received the news that Pope Francis died almost an hour and a half after sunrise of “Bright Monday” 21 April 2025. Although he was struggling in his recovery from pneumonia for which we was recently hospitalized, his death still came as somewhat of a surprise as the reports of his recovery were positive.
The immediate response to the announcement of his death were calls to prayer in our parishes. As Easter Monday is an important liturgical day, all clergy celebrated a Divine Liturgy at which they shared the news the late Pontiff’s death and led the faithful in some appropriate prayer. A prayer which was conducted in a joyful and hopeful spirit as the Church continues to celebrate the life-promising resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The present plans are that the funeral for Pope Francis will take place in the Vatican according to the funeral rites for a Roman Pontiff that were recently simplified by Pope Francis himself. This will occur on Saturday 16th of April 2025. Then his casket will be entombed at the great Marian Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore according to Pope Francis’ request. He will be the eighth Pope to be buried in that one of four “major basilicas” famous for its relics of the crib of the infant Christ. “Maria Maggiore” has seen the pilgrim traffic increase exponentially this year as it hold one of the Holy Doors that thousands want to pass through during this Jubilee Year of Hope (Ювілейний Рік УГКЦ). Now with Pope Francis interred there, the number of pilgrims will be unimaginable as many will want to visit to pray at his tomb.
Pope Francis in his dozen years has left his mark on the Church. This includes the shift in spirituality, moral outlook and attitudes toward the poor. Church leadership has also been influenced one way or another by Pope Francis. Twenty-two of the bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church – approximately 38% of the Synod – were either approved or appointed by Pope Francis. The Bishop of our Eparchy of New Westminster, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, was also appointed by Pope Francis on 24 August 2023. By some estimations, some 80% of the Cardinals that will choose Pope Francis’ successor to the Chair of Peter, were “created” by Pope Francis in the 10 Consistories that he convened over his 12-year Pontificate. Among the Cardinals is the Ukrainian Bishop of Australia – His Eminence Mykola Bychok(Миколай Бичок). He will participate in the upcoming Conclave that will choose the Church’s next Pope.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement that highlights some of the ways that Pope Francis has touched the life of the Canada. They also sent out prayer cards and other prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. This is a version of the prayer from the card…..
Prayer upon the Death of Pope Francis
O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.
For You, O Christ our God, are the resurrection, the life and the repose of Your servant Pope Francis, who has fallen asleep; and we give glory to You, together with Your eternal Father, and Your most holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
In blessed sleep grant eternal rest, O Lord, to Your ever-to-be-remembered servant Pope Francis, and make his memory everlasting. Christ is Risen!
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