(CCCB – Rome)… Approximately 30 reporters from Canada, United States, Italy, France and Britain attended a news conference held at the Pontifical Canadian College on Wednesday, 20 April, to hear the reactions of the three Canadian Cardinals who had participated in the election of the 265th Pope.

Their Eminences Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Archbishop of Toronto, and Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada, told reporters what had impressed them the most during the unique situation they had just experienced. They expressed their delight at the choice of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI and successor to John Paul II. According to the three Cardinals, the quick election on the fourth ballot, which represents half the votes needed to elect Karol Wojtyla, demonstrates the unity within the Church.

After a meeting with the new Pope on Friday morning at the Vatican, the Canadian Cardinals will participate in the installation on Sunday, 24 April, which will be presided by the Holy Father. Most Reverend Brendan M. O’Brien, Archbishop of St. John’s and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), will also be in attendance.

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: 011 39 06 698 61505 (last 10 numbers if calling from Rome)
Fax: 011 39 333 83 21 499 (last 10 numbers if calling from Rome)
salvas@cccb.ca

(CCCB – Ottawa)   Most Reverend Brendan M. O’Brien, Archbishop of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has sent a letter of congratulations to Pope Benedict XVI on his election earlier today.

“The ministry that you are beginning holds greater interest than ever to a world which has truly become a ‘global village’ through the instant communications of Internet and the mass media,” stated Archbishop O’Brien. “Aware of the global dimensions of its challenges and problems, contemporary society is searching for a universal pastor and teacher to proclaim the news of salvation, who articulates the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of this age”, he added.

The CCCB President said at the end of his message to the new Pope that “my brothers and sisters in faith join me in earnest prayer to Our Father on your behalf, that the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.”

Over 4,000 Canadian youth hope to see Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, 16 to 21 August 2005. Even though he has not yet confirmed his presence, the new Pope is expected to announce that he will participate in this event, which was initiated by Pope John Paul II in the early 1980s.

Related Links:

• Vatican official website
• CCCB Pope John Paul II section

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: 011-333-83-21-499 (cell in Rome)
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(CCCB – Ottawa) Following the vote yesterday in the House of Commons on a proposed amendment to Bill C-38, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) once more strongly objects that all members of Parliament are not free to vote on a question as important to Canadian society as the definition of marriage.

Yesterday again, a number of members of Parliament, including Liberal Cabinet ministers, could not vote according to their conscience because of directives imposed by their party. This is one of a number of concerns that continue to be made by CCCB President Archbishop Brendan M. O’Brien of St. John’s.

In a letter this past February to Prime Minister Paul Martin, Archbishop O’Brien said Bill C-38 does not protect freedom of conscience and religion, and that without the cooperation of federal, provincial and territorial governments faith groups would not be fully protected to teach on marriage and on homosexuality according to their own beliefs. As well, he said, facilities owned or rented by religious organizations are not protected from compulsory use in marriage ceremonies contrary to their religious beliefs. Archbishop O’Brien also called on the federal government to “affirm cooperation with provincial and territorial governments to ensure all civil as well as religious officials who witness marriages in Canada in every province and territory are protected from being compelled to assist when these are contrary to their conscience and religion.”

The CCCB President hopes debate on the institution of marriage will continue as the lifelong covenant of a man and a woman is unique, irreplaceable and essential for the survival of society. The Episcopal Conference has asked for an invitation to appear before the special legislative committee that is to study Bill C-38 and listen to the opinions of Canadians on the issue. To date there has been no indication the committee will hold public hearings for individuals and organizations wishing to comment on the redefinition of marriage.

Although the government launched a debate on marriage more than two years ago, Canadians remain divided over the issue. According to Archbishop O’Brien, defining same-sex unions as marriage would seriously compromise its meaning as a social institution, with all consensual adult relationships wanting to be treated in the same way.

Related Link:

• Resources on Marriage

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(CCCB – Ottawa) … In order to ensure internet users are adequately informed, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has produced a number of resources since the death of Pope John Paul II aimed at providing information and also offering a means to send condolences.

Since last Friday, a special section dedicated to John Paul II on the CCCB website, http://www.cccb.ca, has been consulted by thousands of visitors. Not only can they find numerous pages of documentation on the legacy of John Paul II, and his ties with Canada including his travels as well as the beatifications of Canadians, but users can also find detailed information on the process to elect the 265th pontiff.

Catholics also have access to information on liturgical celebrations for each of the steps between the death of the Holy Father and the inauguration of his successor.

Remembering John Paul II

Also in memory of John Paul II as the head of the Catholic Church, the CCCB Publications Service has produced a magnificent image of the Holy Father. Hand-drawn in pencil by Canadian artist Nora Brown, this representation shows the strength as well as the fragility of the aging pontiff. This beautiful portrait has not only adorned the website of the CCCB, but also prayer pamphlets, posters as well as banners, and now also a limited edition portrait. Those who wish to order any of these commemorative articles can visit the website of the CCCB Publications Service at www.cccbpublications.ca.

Related Links:

• CCCB Pope John Paul II section
• Vatican official website

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(Information given by the Archdiocese of Quebec)… For your information, in response to questions that have been raised about plans for the episcopal ordinations of Most Reverend Pierre-André Fournier and Gilles Lemay as Auxiliary Bishops of Quebec, these will proceed as scheduled in Quebec City on 10 April 2005, presided by His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet, who will return home briefly between the papal funeral and the upcoming Conclave.

Related Links: 

• CCCB Pope John Paul II section
• Vatican official website

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(Ottawa – CCCB)… Joining the four members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) whose participation in the papal funeral had been confirmed earlier this week, will be three other Canadian bishops.

Most Rev. Anthony Tonnos, Bishop of Hamilton; Most Rev. James Wingle, Bishop of St. Catharines; and Bishop Daniel Bohan, newly appointed Archbishop of Regina, have left Canada for Rome over the last few hours to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which will be held Friday morning at the St. Peter’s Basilica. It will be a special event for Bishop Bohan who, only last Thursday, two days before the death of the Supreme Pontiff, became the latest Canadian Bishop to be appointed by the Holy Father.

The Catholic Church in Canada will also be represented by Most Rev. Brendan O’Brien, Archbishop of St. John’s and President of the CCCB, and the three Canadian Cardinals eligible to elect John Paul II’s successor: Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Archbishop of Toronto; Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec and Canada’s Primate; and Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal. These last three will participate, beginning Monday 18 April, in the conclave that will end with the election of the 264th successor of Peter the Apostle.

Related Links:

• CCCB Pope John Paul II section
• Vatican website

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(CCCB – Ottawa ) …. Most Rev. Brendan M. O’Brien, Archbishop of St. John’s and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), will be representing the Bishops of Canada at the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which is being held on Friday, 8 April 2005.

Archbishop O’Brien will be joining the three Canadian cardinals eligible for voting for the next pope at the upcoming conclave: Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Archbishop of Toronto; Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec; and Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal. The three Canadian Cardinals arrived in Rome today and already participated in a meeting in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace with their brother cardinals.

Last Saturday, after the announcement on the Holy Father’s death, Archbishop O’Brien declared that John Paul II left Canadian Catholics with a rich legacy. “Through both word and example he taught the strength of faith, the power of prayer, the need to forgive, and the imperative of serving the poor and oppressed of the world. His teachings will continue to guide the Church in the years ahead in its mission of proclaiming the Reign of God.”

Archbishop O’Brien’s declaration can be found on the website of the CCCB.

Related Links:

• CCCB Pope John Paul II section
• Vatican website

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(CCCB – Ottawa) Catholics in Canada today mourn the death of Pope John Paul II, who died in Rome at the age of 84.

Archbishop Brendan M. O'Brien, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), in a letter to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State of the Vatican City, expressed condolences, saying “On behalf of the pastors and all the faithful of the Church in Canada, I extend condolences and prayers, and we join you, Your Eminence, in praying that the Holy Spirit guide us all during this period of mourning and transition.”

Pope John Paul II left his mark not only on the Church but also on humanity by his many writings and his pastoral visits around the world. His visits to Canada were marked by the fervour of the large crowds that he attracted. His charism was evident during his first visit to Canada in 1984 which lasted 12 days, September 9-20, when he travelled to 12 cities and regions across the country.

He returned in 1987 to visit the Aboriginal people of Fort Simpson in the Northwest Territories. He did this to fulfill his promise to travel to this remote area of Canada’s North, after his visit during the 1984 trip had to be cancelled because of inclement weather.

Although weakened by ill health, the Pope defied all logic by his determination to return to Canada in 2002 to participate in World Youth Day in Toronto. He had founded this event during the 1980s to bring together young people from around the world to discover and celebrate their faith in the living Jesus Christ.

The CCCB president also wished to emphasize the rich heritage left by Saint Peter's successor. “Through both word and example he taught the strength of faith, the power of prayer, the need to forgive, and the imperative of serving the poor and oppressed of the world. His teachings will continue to guide the Church in the years ahead in its mission of proclaiming the Reign of God.”

Memorial celebrations will be held in churches across Canada over the next days to commemorate this remarkable shepherd. As soon as details are available, this information will be added to the web site of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (http://www.cccb.ca). As well, people are invited to leave messages of condolence in a special section of the website. These messages will be forwarded to the Vatican.

Related Links:

• Website of the Holy See
• Letter from the CCCB President

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(CCCB – Ottawa) – His Holiness Pope John Paul II today appointed Rev. Daniel Bohan Archbishop of Regina. He had been Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto since his episcopal ordination in 2003.

The Holy Father accepted the resignation of Archbishop Peter Mallon who, at the age of 75, has reached the mandatory age of retirement according to Canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law. He had been at the head of the Archdiocese for almost 10 years.

Bishop-elect Bohan was born 8 November, 1941, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, studied theology at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was ordained to the priesthood on 13 May, 1967 for the Archdiocese of Moncton. In 1972, he received a masters degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

He has served in parishes in Moncton, Port Elgin, Melrose, and Riverview, all in New Brunswick. He also taught theology at Holy Heart Seminary and at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the time of his nomination, he was a member of the College of Consultors and Episcopal Vicar for Anglophones of the Archdiocese of Moncton.

Archbishop Bohan has been active within the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) serving as a member of the Episcopal Commission for Social Affairs. From 11-19 March, he was the CCCB representative in a Canadian ecumenical delegation that examines the impact of free trade in Mexico from a human rights perspective.

The Archdiocese of Regina has 94 diocesan priests, 15 religious priests, 2 permanent deacons, and 124 religious (including both women and men in addition to religious priests), serving a Catholic population of more than 126,000 Catholics in 167 parishes and missions.

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca

(CCCB – Ottawa) This Sunday, 20 March, young Catholics from all over the world will be celebrating World Youth Day (WYD), held each year on Passion Sunday. During this coming weekend, many Canadian dioceses will be emphasizing this event through special activities with young people.

Since its creation in 1985 by Pope John Paul II, WYD is celebrated in two forms: annual celebrations at St. Peter’s Square in Rome and the dioceses around the world and, in a more spectacular fashion, international meetings that the Holy Father calls every two or three years, as in Toronto in 2002. This year is also slated for the international celebration, where pilgrims from every continent will meet this summer in Cologne, Germany, 16 – 21 August.

Canada is actively preparing for WYD in Cologne for which close to 4,000 Canadian young people have already registered. As at past international celebrations, few worldwide events assemble as many young people as this WYD: over 1 million in Paris in 1997, over 2 million in Rome in 2000, and over 3 million in Manila in 1995.

Most of the activities will take place in the cities of Cologne, Bonn and Düsseldorf, 16 – 21 August. A large number of pilgrims will also be hosted, 11 – 15 August, by German dioceses, each of which has its own special activities.

In spite of his recent illness, Pope John Paul II still intends on being part of the celebrations.

Related Link:

• Canada and WYD

For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
salvas@cccb.ca