Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski is presently serving as the State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory and, in that capacity, he traveled to the home of the KofC in New haven, Connecticut to participate in a week of meetings, pilgrimage, discussion and prayer. He was joined by State Chaplains from around the world – or at least those who could make the trip. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg had just appointed Ukrainian Redemptorist Fr. Bohdan Lukie as the State Chaplain for Manitoba. He too came to New Haven for the special Chaplains program.
One of the major highlights was the Mass on Friday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the heart of New Haven that included the Conferral of State Deputy Medals of Office to the thirty seven (37) new State Deputies. Among their number was the Newly Elected State Deputy for British Columbia and the Yukon, Worthy Edgar D. Nacar, who was chosen at the last BC&Y State Convention in Vancouver in April.
As any Eucharistic Liturgy organized by the Knights of Columbus, the Mass at St. Mary’s was exquisitely prepared and executed. The Supreme Chaplain of the KofC, His Grace, William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, was the main celebrant. He was joined by other bishops, including Bishop Michael as well as many priests – State Chaplains, that were in presence. Archbishop Lori preached a homily that spoke about the dedication of members of the Knights that has been a great blessing to the Church and must continue to be. During the prayer petitions, the head Knight of Ukraine, Worthy Mykola I. Mostovyak, prayed, In Ukrainian, a very appropriate petition…. “That the peace of the risen Christ, a peace that is humble and persevering, will reign in the world.” and everyone responded, “Oremus ad Dominum: Te rogamus audi nos.”
Toward the end of the Mass, the conferral ceremony took place. It was at this time that State Deputy of British Columbia and the Yukon, Edgar came forward with his wife Lady Imelda. The order’s Supreme Knight, Patrick E. Kelly, conferred the medal of office upon Brother Edgar, expressed his congratulations and thanked him and his wife for accepting this office. The Supreme Chaplain, Archbishop Lori, also extended his prayerful best wishes.
Following the Mass and the Ceremony, the clergy processed to the tomb of the founder of the Knights of Columbus - the holy parish priest, Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney. There, Archbishop Lori led the congregation in the prayer for the canonization of Blessed Michael.
Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney,
Founder of the Knights of Columbus
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.*
After everyone had been bussed back to the hotel, the Chaplains and the State Deputies and their spouses were treated to a light, but delightful luncheon during which Supreme Knight Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop Lori gave their reports. The Supreme Knight began by wowing everyone with the amazing statistics that revealed record numbers in new membership, millions of dollars in charity donations and millions of volunteer hours. He also expressed both his admiration for the State Deputies and encouraged them to stay the course – especially with the extraordinary COR initiative. His Grace, Supreme Chaplain, focused on the dedication of Blessed Michael McGivney who, although a young priest, had a clear vision and faith in Christ that gave him the determination to move tirelessly forward and accomplish what he knew he needed to do, Today, the order is truly worldwide and touches the lives of millions of God’s children.
A theme that came up often during the days in New Haven was the KofC COR initiative that has been growing and spreading since it was first rolled out in 2023.
There were a series of joint sessions presented to both the Chaplains and the State Deputies in attendance. These sessions presented the success of the Knights in charitable and unity initiatives as well as the great collaboration with the wider Church community in the goals of Evangelization and the general betterment of society in the support of men, family life, youth, the elderly and those living with mental and physical challenges.
After most of the Chaplains left by Saturday morning to return to their parishes and eparchies/dioceses to be home for Pentecost Sunday, the State Deputies and their spouses and Supreme Council staff, stayed on for a couple of more days of sessions and events.
Knights of Columbus events, where on an international level or organized by their local councils, are an inspiration. Everyone returns to their home “States” throughout the world with a renewed enthusiasm to implement the principals of the Knights of Charity, Unity and Fraternity in the own communities and beyond. Many will regroup at the Supreme Convention in Washington in August.
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* Please report all favors received through the intercession of Blessed Fr. Michael to: The Father McGivney Guild 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 • USA www.fathermcgivney.org
We joyfully announce that the Annual Eparchial Pilgrimage to Grindrod will take place on June 27–28, 2025 (Friday–Saturday). This year’s pilgrimage is inspired by the uplifting theme of the Jubilee Year: “Hope does not disappoint!”
We are all called to be “Pilgrims of Hope” for the world! So come on your own, come with family, or invite friends — just COME and experience this extraordinary journey of encounter with the Lord, personal renewal, and new life.
Save the dates — June 27–28! Start planning now to take part in this special spiritual opportunity for our Eparchy.
-------------- Єпархіальне паломництво до Ґріндроду 2025: “Надія ж не засоромить!” (Рим. 5:5)
З радістю повідомляємо, що щорічне єпархіальне паломництво до Ґріндроду відбудеться 27-28 червня 2025 року (п’ятниця-субота). Цьогорічна проща проходитиме під глибоким і надихаючим гаслом: “Надія ж не засоромить!”, що відображає головну тему Ювілейного Року — Надія.
Це паломництво — особливий духовний час зустрічі з Господом, внутрішнього оновлення та спільної молитви. Ми всі покликані бути Паломниками Надії для світу! Тож приходьте самі, з родиною, з друзями — головне, приходьте, щоб пережити незвичайний досвід Божої присутності, особистих змін та нового життя.
Не забудьте зберегти дати — 27-28 червня — і вже сьогодні починайте планувати цю благословенну подорож.
The Feast of the Ascension is only days away… which means that Mission Days 2025 is about to begin!
His Beatitude SVIATOSLAV is encouraging us to give Mission Days our best shot this year (not that we aren’t already pumped! about engaging in these 10 days of prayer and activity and actual Evangelization!). He reminds us that:
“… Easter is coming to an end and this Thursday, May 29, the Church will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. From the feast of the Ascension to the feast of Pentecost, the UGCC traditionally holds “MISSION DAYS” i.e. 10 days of special prayer for missionary work and the preaching of the Gospel.
“I encourage all of you, especially priests, to properly organize and live this [10-day mission experience],”
The Head of the Church paid special attention to the Sunday after Ascension, June 1, when all parishes of the UGCC will conduct a fundraiser to support missionary activities. According to the Primate, these funds are intended to support those who preach the Word of God and create new communities and parishes of the UGCC.
His Beatitude concluded with, “There is so much darkness around us today, and people are so desperate for light—the light of God’s Gospel, the light of Christ, spoken of in today’s Gospel. And who else but us, Christians, can and must spread it in today’s world?!”
Please find attached some English and Ukrainian Mission Days Materials.
Also check out this link [TYT] for Ukrainian language resources,
And this link [HERE] for English language Reflections (but not the full text that includes more information and special daily Mission “tasks”. See below for a link to a more complete English text…
And, although His Beatitude suggests that the 2018 resources be used, you can crosscheck them by LATER resources on our own website… [HERE]
Let parish and mission communities do whatever they can. Surely a daily “get-together” of all those who can would be an amazing parish-building experience as well as a demonstration that we know the importance of the Lord’s Mandate to…
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”(Matthew 28:19-20)
May this video that touches upon the Ascension, Pentecost and Peter’s amazing healing of the beggar - serve as a source of inspiration! (Acts 1:1-10; 2:1-47; 3:1-10 and ff) Watch [HERE]
As part of the Maple Hope Foundation’s 2025 Odesa Week in Vancouver, a number of events have been organized throughout the greater Vancouver area to promote education and appeal for various kinds of support. One of the events, a two-day exhibit of art, videos, photographs and displays, took place at the University Canada West on the weekend of 24-25 of May 2025. Bishop Michael visited the exhibit and was deeply moved by the stark images and the extraordinary way in they were presented via VR headsets. But he was also inspired by the resilience and hope that the people of Ukraine demonstrate as well as the people at the Vancouver exhibit – among them familiar faces from the Eparchy!
The importance of this exhibit is surely in the way that it will raise awareness among those who don’t fully appreciate the scope and scale of the tragedy. Also to raise support for the Ukrainian People who live in fear daily and yet are determined to survive and to win. The Head and Father of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, always end his talks and reports with a sort of ‘sign off’, by saying, “Україна стоїть! Україна бореться! Україна молиться!”, i.e. “Ukraine stands! Ukraine fights! Ukraine prays!” Such exhibits as “War up Close” certainly go far in demonstrating that Ukraine is truly fighting for their lives and remains standing even after three years of brutal Russian invasion. Yet one also leaves the exhibit with a renewed conviction that together with all other efforts, prayer for an end to the war and a restoration of peace and justice is of paramount importance for a long-lasting peace is to be achieved. What is so obviously needed is not only military victory and a rebuilding a society from the ruins of merciless destruction, but a conversion of hearts and souls to a Gospel way of life so that such hatred and greed and untruth would never arise again.
War Up Close is a unique digital project that combines interactive platforms documenting the realities of war with a VR exhibition that has been traveling the world for almost three years and sharing the truth about Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. The exhibit emanates from the Virtual Reality Museum of War in Ukraine.
This project aims to preserve historical memory, support academic research, and engage the international community in understanding the scale of the tragedy and the heroism of the Ukrainian people.
Sustain Ukraine joined forces with Teachers of Kyiv to support and protect Ukrainian Forces through powerful student-led efforts, such as weaving camouflage netting, helmet covers, and other items, in addition to the eventual creation a 3D printing lab. Their work has grown to include repairing and donating vehicles, with local mechanics offering their time and students raising the funds for the parts. These kids aren’t just learning—they’re saving lives and giving hope, they know they’re making a difference, and they truly are.
Sunflower Dreams Project is inspired by a Lviv art lecturer at the Lviv Polytechnic University, Nataliia Pavliuk and her daughter, Yustyna. Their tireless and courageous programme to help traumatised children heal through the peace of creating art. The children paint with joy, hope, resilience, in the brightest colours. But once you know how to look, you see their trauma, loss and pain from the war.
«War Up Close» — це унікальний цифровий проект, який поєднує інтерактивну платформу, що документує реалії війни, з VR-виставкою. Вже майже три роки вона подорожує світом, розповідаючи правду про боротьбу України.
Мета проекту — зберегти історичну пам’ять, підтримати наукові дослідження та залучити міжнародну спільноту до усвідомлення масштабів трагедії та героїзму українського народу.
Sustain Ukraine - об’єднались із Teachers of Kyiv, щоб підтримувати та захищати Збройні Сили України завдяки потужним ініціативам студентів: плетенню маскувальних сіток, чохлів для шоломів та іншого спорядження, а згодом — створенню лабораторії з 3D-друку. З часом їхня робота розширилась до ремонту та передачі автомобілів на фронт: місцеві механіки безкоштовно працюють, а студенти збирають кошти на запчастини. Ці діти не просто вчаться — вони рятують життя та дарують надію. Вони знають, що роблять справжню зміну — і так воно й є.
Sunflower Dreams Project - це ініціатива викладачки мистецтв з Львівської політехніки Наталії Павлюк та її доньки Юстини. Їхня невтомна і мужня програма допомагає дітям, які пережили травму, загоювати рани через мистецтво. Діти малюють з радістю, надією та стійкістю, використовуючи яскраві кольори. Але якщо придивитися, у їхніх роботах можна побачити біль, втрати та травми війни.
Господи Ісусе, - заступництвом Твоєї благословенної Матері, Пресвятої Богородиці, Цариці цього травня - спаси і збережи Україну!
(photos and information gathered by Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn)
The parade, starting at 11:00 AM, made its way through uptown New Westminster along Sixth Street and down to Queens Avenue and then up to Queen’s Park. Many marching bands, singing groups filled the list. They were joined by educational institutions, businesses, religious groups and the military, the police, firefighters and cadets and scouts. There was dazzling array of costumes, vehicles, flags and clowns and fairytale figures. It was an opportunity for great fun for families, friends and neighbours.
It moved along a street one block away from the Cathedral and Chancery offices of the Eparchy of New Westminster, so a number of people from these institutions went down to the parade – both to volunteer and watch the fun.
Along with other cultural groups, the Ukrainian entry was generously applauded as it passed by with youth carrying a large Ukrainian flag and women dressed in full traditional Ukrainian costumes. Contemporary song bared from a lead vehicle. Whenever there was pause in the parade, the group would perform folk dances to the delight of the spectators.
The world knows about Ukraine’s fight for its life at this time as it endures a third year of the brutal Russian invasion. However, it is events like this when Ukrainians can celebrate the treasures of their rich culture and identity for the world to see and enjoy.
Watch some highlights of the Parade [HERE]. The Ukrainian participation comes up at approx. 4:21.
It was a delightful parade that both - brought back happy childhood memories and created such memories for the thousands that lined the streets. You can’t go out to see an event like this not find something that lifts your spirits. Everyone enjoys a parade!
Once again, as huge as Vancouver’s Cathedral is, it was filled, but only with a fraction of those who would have wanted to attend in person. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Cathedral was the site for the Installation Mass of the newly appointed Archbishop Richard Smith. However, only those who were able to obtain an entrance pass, in advance, were able to enter the church. Even then, a great deal of bishops, priests, religious sisters and lay faithful were thrilled to be present at the historic and profoundly spiritual event.
Thanks to the Cathedral’s livestreaming, thousands more were able to at least participate online. See Installation ceremony and Mass [HERE].
Archbishop Smith is the 12th bishop to be appointed to the see of Vancouver. Since 1863, before Canadian Confederation, a bishop has been leading the work of the Church in the Vancouver area. Today the Archdiocese has grown and flourished into an amazing space where the ministry of the Church is served by so many parishes, health institutions, schools, religious orders and clergy – all dedicated to living the Gospel way of life.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, initiated the installation ceremony by bringing greetings and leading the various rituals, including the presenting of the bishop’s crosier. His Eminence Cardinal Gérald Lacroix, the Primate of Canada and the Archbishop of Quebec, was also present for this special event. After the installation, Archbishop Smith led the congregation in the Eucharistic Liturgy. During his homily and concluding remarks, Archbishop Smith inspired those gathered with his renewed commitment to the apostolic and evangelical mission of the Church and his clear invitation to all to join with him on the journey. Typical of his wit and jocularity was his comment after thanking Cardinal Lacroix for making the long journey to the west coast after having spent so much time at the conclave and electing Pope Leo XIV. He brought the house down, when he added, “Good job, by the way!”.
Another heartwarming and poignant moment occurred when Archbishop Smith thanked his predecessor, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, and the entire congregation went into a very long standing ovation that served as an outpouring of gratitude and esteem. He was truly a loved pastor and will be greatly missed.
Clergy and sisters and others from the Eparchy of New Westminster, particularly chancery staff, were also in attendance. Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski together with two other Bishops who came to Vancouver for the event – Bishop David Motiuk of Edmonton a longtime friend of the Archbishop, who collaborated with him for many years in Edmonton, and Bishop Bryan Bayda from Toronto, represented the Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy in Canada.
This was an event that brought great hope to the Church on Canada’s west coast. Since the selection of Mattias in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:26), the Church has been replenishing episcopal positions and expanding the number of bishops to tend to the ever-growing flock of Christ throughout the world. On that Friday evening, those at the cathedral in downtown Vancouver were witnesses to this ongoing vibrant life of the Catholic Church. The former Archbishop together with the representative of successor of the Apostle Peter saw new Archbishop to his cathedra, handed him his shepherd’s staff. The flock recognized his voice (John 10:1-5), welcomed him and pledged their prayer and support. The mission of the Church continues (Mattew 28:19-20).
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