What a magnificent and glorious Mass it was, and solemn and uplifting. Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver was filled to capacity, but with only a small fraction of the people that wanted to attend if space had allowed. Before the Eucharistic Liturgy began and after it had concluded participants could not help but be captivated by the seemingly endless stream of servers, seminarians, deacons, priests and bishops that flowed by in white vestments. The solemnity, the ritual and the obvious care and precision shown at every moment – emphasized the reality that the command of the Son of God at the Last Supper was being carried out in the very midst of those gathered. “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19-20)
The reason for this Farewell Mass was the main celebrant, the shepherd of the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the four suffragan dioceses, retiring Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. It was an opportunity for Archbishop Miller to pray one last time with the people he loved and served. This was to be his last public Mass in what was his cathedral church. He also took the opportunity to celebrate his 50th Anniversary of Priestly ordination which will actually take place after he is gone – 29th June, on the Feast of the Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul. He was ordained fifty years ago at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome by the laying-on-of-hands of Pope St. Paul VI.
In his homily, Archbishop Miller spoke about his personal life journey, but really spoke about vocations to priestly ministry and dedicating one’s life to serving the Church of Christ. He spoke of his love and admiration and gratitude that he felt for the people he served over the last eighteen years as coadjutor and then Archbishop of Vancouver. He asked everyone to add a prayer for him as he now moves on to continue his journey with the Lord. After the clergy exited the great doors of the majestic 125-year-old Cathedral, the Archbishop remained behind at the entrance – greeting and bidding farewell to everyone who approached him.
Our Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, was among the bishops and other clergy who attended. Although he is relatively new himself to the west coast, he wanted to be there to express his gratitude to the good Archbishop who has shown such magnanimity and kindness to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster by opening his churches and rectories to the needs of the Ukrainian community – especially since the outbreak of Russia’s 2022 brutal invasion that brought thousands of refugees to British Columbia. His kindness and that of his brother bishops and faithful, is much appreciated by the Ukrainian community and will never be forgotten.
Farewell Archbishop Michael! May our loving Lord richly reward you and grant you yet many more joy-filled and successful years upon this earth and onto life everlasting!
Кожна парафія в єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера, Канада, так чи інакше святкувала День Матері. Це включало єктенії під час недільних Божественних Літургій, а також гучне «Многая літа» для «всіх матерів та тих, хто відіграє материнську роль у нашому житті».
Деякі парафії проводили концерти, обіди або пікніки. Отець Юрій Саквук, наприклад, провів Божественну Літургію для нашої громади в Абботсфорді біля озера, а потім пікнік.
Матерів щиро вшанували та подякували їм за безцінну та незмірну відданість своїм дітям, своїм сім’ям та подружжям. Подякували за мільйон інших речей які вони роблять у суспільстві та у своїх парафіях, з такою ж любов’ю та ретельністю!
У кафедральному соборі Пресвятої Євхаристії в центрі Нью-Вестмінстера, Британська Колумбія, після Архиєрейської Божественної Літургії, яку відслужив Владика Михайло, настоятель собору, Отець Михайло Озорович запросив усіх залишитися на концерт, який виконали діти єпархіальної школи «Рідне Слово». Хор під керівництвом Галини також виконав улюблені пісні, до яких приєдналися всі присутні. На цьому концерті діти також роздали відкритки та троянди кожній мамі. Після виступу всіх запросили до парафіяльної зали на чудовий обід, приготований чоловічою групою кафедрального собору.
Дві інші парафії, які надіслали кілька фотографій, – це парафія ВоздвиженняЧесного Хреста в місті Суррей, де настоятелем є отець Михайло Постолюк. Після недільної Божественної Літургії вони зібралися на шкільному подвір’ї парафії, щоб розважитися, співати та, як завжди, смачно поїсти.
У парафії Святого Великомученика Георгія в місті Прінс-Джордж, де настоятелем є декан отець Андрій Чорненький, вони провели повний обід та створили фотозону, де члени родини та друзі могли сфотографуватися зі своїми матерями та бабусями. Щоб переглянути більше фотографій, відвідайте сторінку парафії у Facebook за адресою sgparsh.ca.
У парафії Святого Миколая Чудотворця що в місті Вікторія після Літургії діти привітали матерів відкритками та квітами, а настоятель парафії отець-декан Юрій Вишневський уділив їм благословення.
У парафії Святого Арх. Михаїла, де настоятелем є отець Степан Витвицький, також привітали матерів із їхнім святом. Після Літургії подарували квіти та уділили особливе благословення реліквіями святого мученика Владики Василія Величковського. Завершили святкування теплим спілкуванням за кавою.
З Днем Матері всіх наших матерів та бабусь! Чи то тут, з нами, чи далеко, чи то покликані нашим Господом до вічного життя, ми просимо нашого люблячого Господа, Який так сильно любив Свою Пресвяту Матір, рясно благословити та винагородити кожну матір!
Once again, the priests of the Eparchy of New Westminster gathered at the Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna, British Columbia. The retreat participants travelled by land, water and air to make their way to this beautiful city on the shores of the famous Okanagan Lake. They came from Vancouver Island, Prince George in the north and from all across the lower mainland. The retreat director was Redemptorist missionary, Fr. John Sianchuk, CSsR from Winnipeg, Manitoba where he is the director of the Blessed Vasyl’ Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine.
The annual clergy retreat of the Eparchy of New Westminster took place from May 5 to 8, 2025, at the Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna, BC. Most Reverend Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski opened the retreat with a blessing and invited the faithful to pray for their priests during this special time of spiritual renewal.
Not all the clergy were able to attend for various reasons, but those who made it were truly pleased that they came. Fr. John shared amazing stories and insights from the life of the holy hieromartyr Vasyl Velychkovsky, who was declared “Blessed” by Pope St. John Paul II in 2001, as well as his own life as a priest for over 50 years. He gave a series of over 10 talks and homily reflections over the four days that the clergy were together. His first talk, given in the context of a Marian Moleben’ and was livestreamed, garnering over 1300 views, was open to the public at the local Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Kelowna, where Fr. Pavlo Myts is Pastor. Fr. John focused on the meaning of the Jubilee Year as a time of God’s mercy, hope, and love. He emphasized that true hope does not come from within ourselves but from the Risen Christ, who gives us the promise of eternal life. This faith allows Christians to face even death with courage. “Let us feel the grace and presence of Christ. Come to Him and trust Him — when we are with God, He can transform even what is evil into good,” Fr. John encouraged.
At the conclusion of the talk Fr. John Sianchuk blessed each person with the holy oil from the Shrine of Blessed Vasyl’ in Winnipeg, MB. The parish then hosted the priests and all the attendees to and amazing supper of fellowship in the parish centre.
These four days together provided for the priests of the Eparchy moments of inspiration, profound reflection, encouragement, spiritual renewal and fellowship. Father John based a lot of his talks and examples on the life and times of Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky. This confessor and martyr for his Faith – not only in his last years, but from a younger age as a student, seminarian and priest. This is why the gathered clergy could relate to his life as well as be inspired by his love and tenacity in difficult times. Father Sianchuk also shared personal experiences from his own life as a priest from his young days when discerning his vocation and through his years in serving God’s People in schools, parishes and within his religious Redemptorist community.
The second day focused on spiritual thirst — our thirst for Christ and His thirst for us. Priests were invited to be attentive to God’s call: to serve, to love, and to respond with open hearts. At the Cross, Christ said, “I thirst.” He was not merely thirsting for water, but for our love, our good deeds, our hearts. He longs for us to share His life — both here and in eternity. “Who needs you today? Look around and see the Cross in those who are in need”. Mercy is helping others find Christ. The Jubilee Year offers us the opportunity to drink from the waters of eternal life.
“When God transforms you, you move from information to realization.” “When God looks at me, who does He see? He sees His Beloved Son/Daughter. And this is our task — to become the image of God’s Son.”
Day Three: We delved into the Power of Prayer
The third day emphasized the central role of prayer in the life of a priest. Christ Himself often prayed — even when He was tired — because He knew the importance of communion with the Father. As true man, He knew God as His loving Father.
“Jesus teaches us how to open our hearts to God. My strength is being present in prayer. The power of the Cross is bringing others to prayer.”
The reflection also stressed that we cannot claim to love God while hating our neighbour. That is a lie. “Loving one another is not optional — it’s the sign that you are a Christian.”
On the morning of the last day, they prayed a Divine Liturgy together at the simple but prayerful St. Joseph the worker Chapel up on the hill above the retreat centre territory. At the close of the Liturgy, they prayed a Panakhyda for all the deceased clergy – bishops and priests – as well as religious sisters who had ever served the Eparchy. Bishop Michael read the name of each from a long list. Some of the clergy added a few names that had been forgotten.
At the clergy conference on the last morning, Bishop Michael shared plans for the future of the Eparchy, including parish visitations and increased engagement with parish councils and faithful. He concluded with a blessing and heartfelt message: “If someone comes to your church, it means the Lord has sent them to you. Take care of them. Invite them to prayer, into conversation, into community. Share your time and love. Open your doors to all people.”
A Pope is Chosen
In the course of the retreat, the brother priests experienced moments of forgiveness, of fellowship and tangible moments of God’s loving and emboldening grace. Throughout the retreat they prayed for the College of Cardinals who were meeting in Rome for prior consistory meetings and the very Conclave to choose a successor to the Apostle Peter and become the Pope to succeed Pope Francis. It was on the last day of the retreat, when they gathered for a more administrative-pastoral session that someone received a notice via their smartphone and exclaimed, “there is white smoke”. Everyone knew what that meant – that a new Pope had been chosen. The clergy continued their discussions for the good of the Eparchy, but keeping an eye on a laptop screen. It took a while, but when they saw that the procession Cross appeared on the high external balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking the famous Square, they stopped everything and focused on the livestream feed from the “eternal city”. Some threw out names of who they thought was the Cardinal who was chosen. Not really made the right guess. However, interestingly, one of the priests thought that the new Pope might chose the name “Leo”.
Everyone was elated at the announcement of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pope of the Church of Christ. They were happy to have been together for this historic moment in the life of the Church that they love and serve. They will remember it through their lives of ministry together.
At the end of the retreat. They had a common meal together, then the retreat Director, Father John gave a brief last exhortation, led everyone in a Jubilee Year prayer and then gave a blessing to everyone. Within a short time, goodbyes were said and the priests left the way they came… making their way back to the parishes that they serve across the eparchy.
Please keep your priests in your prayer as they return to pastoral ministry among the Faithful of the Eparchy of New Westminster.
8 May 2025, Ottawa – Today, the Church in Canada and throughout the world rejoices, as His Eminence Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, O.S.A., after being duly elected by the College of Cardinals, has accepted to become the 267th Bishop of Rome, successor of Saint Peter, and vicar of Christ on earth!
Taking the name Leo XIV, the Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Saint Peter, is the “perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the Bishops and the whole company of the faithful” (Lumen Gentium, no. 23). As our loving shepherd and spiritual guide, Pope Leo XIV’s ministry is to orient Christ’s flock toward the kingdom of heaven, where the citizenship of Christians truly lies (cf. Philippians 3:20-21).
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955. As a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), in which he held various leadership positions, he dedicated many years of service to the Augustinian missions in Peru as a priest and seminary professor. He was eventually appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, by Pope Francis. As a Bishop of the Church in Peru, he served as Vice President and member of the Permanent Council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops and elevated him to the College of Cardinals. Pope Leo XIV holds a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Commenting on this historic moment, the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary, asks the faithful to embrace the new Pope: “I encourage the faithful in Canada to unite with their local Ordinary in welcoming Pope Leo XIV as our new Holy Father, and to remember him daily in their prayers so that he may embark on his Petrine ministry with fidelity, confident that the Lord will help him.”
As the Church in Canada rejoices today with Christians throughout the world, let us remember our new Holy Father in prayer, that despite the considerable weight of his role and responsibilities, his yoke may be easy and his burden light (cf. Matthew 11:28-20).
May God grant strength and wisdom to our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, and may Mary, Mother of the Church, be ever at his side, guarding him with her mantle of protection.
The annual clergy retreat for the New Westminster Eparchy has begun. Most Reverend Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski blessed the beginning of the retreat and invited the faithful to pray for their priests during this special time of spiritual renewal.
The first spiritual reflection was offered by Father John Sianchuk, CSsR, who focused on the meaning of the Jubilee Year as a time of God’s mercy, hope, and love.
Fr. John emphasized that true hope does not come from ourselves but from the Risen Christ, who gives us the promise of eternal life. This faith enables believers to face even death with courage, knowing that death is not the end.
“Let us feel the grace and presence of Christ. Come to Him and trust in Him — when we are with God, He can transform even what is evil into good,” Fr. John encouraged.
Christopher Chiu who is a lay spiritual director and a member of Holy Dormition Byzantine Parish in Richmond, was ordained to Minor Orders on 4 May 2025. Christopher and his family have been active members for several years now of the Eastern Catholic Church in Richmond, BC where Fr. Richard Soo, SJ is the parish priest. After a period of discernment and having begun a series of courses in Eastern Catholic theology, history and in the Eastern Studies stream at the University of St. Michael’s College, not at Newman Theological College.
The ordination took place at Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster just prior to the first Divine Liturgy at 9:00 AM. Most Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski, the Bishop of the Eparchy of New Westminster, told the congregation that Christopher’s ordination “doubled” the amount of joy that the parish and the entire eparchy was experiencing today, together with the elation as we continue to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection! The eparchial Protosyncellus, Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, served as the Archdeacon while two other Subdeacons, Rev. Ryan J. Bjorgaard and Rev. Adrian Kopystynski, assisted their new ‘brother’-in-ministry throughout the morning services. Christopher’s wife Joyee and three daughters as well a number of fellow parishioners from Richmond and friends came to witness the ordination.
Subdeacon Christpher will continue to serve at the Byzantine Parish in Richmond, however now as an officially established/ordained Reader, Cantor, Candle-bearer (server) and Subdeacon.
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