Pastoral Letter for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 In this Jubilee Year dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, the Church invites us to rediscover the beauty of a life marked by simplicity, humility, and joyful love. St. Francis’s life reminds us that holiness is not found in extraordinary achievements, but in openness to God’s will and generous love for others.
 Francis heard the call of Christ in a deeply personal way: “Go, rebuild my Church.” He responded with trust, poverty of spirit, and burning love for the Lord. In doing so, he became an instrument of renewal for the Church.
 That same call remains relevant today. Here in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, we are entering our own time of renewal: in our parishes and schools, in the stewardship of our infrastructure, in the support of our clergy, and in the celebration of the liturgy. Of course, we must also remember that every renewal begins with a renewed encounter with Jesus Christ.
 This Jubilee Year 2026 is a time of grace given for that purpose. It invites each of us to turn again to the Lord, seek conversion, and participate more fully in the life of the Church.
 I invite you in a particular way to make a pilgrimage to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in East Vancouver. I also encourage you to visit St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Richmond and Immaculate Conception Parish in Vancouver, both served by the Franciscan Friars. In these places, the faithful can receive a plenary indulgence by fulfilling the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and freedom from attachment to sin.
 A pilgrimage is a meaningful act of faith. It is a step away from routine and an intentional journey toward the Lord. Through these acts of devotion, the Lord offers renewal of heart.
 I invite you to embrace this path of Franciscan spirituality in your daily life: to seek peace in your homes and communities, to serve those in need with compassion, and to live with simplicity and trust in God’s providence. In doing so, each of us shares in the rebuilding of the Church that St. Francis so faithfully embodied.
 As we journey through this Jubilee Year, may the example and intercession of St. Francis of Assisi draw us closer to Jesus and renew the Church in Vancouver.
 Yours sincerely in Christ,
 ✠ Richard W. Smith
 Archbishop of Vancouver

Learn more about the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis at  rcav.org/franciscan-year

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Oblates of Mary Immaculate Bicentennial: Living Mission in Community 

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate are grateful to have served several parishes in the Archdiocese of Vancouver for many years, including St. Augustine’s, St. Peter’s, and St. Paul’s (Squamish Nation). In 2026, the Oblates celebrate their Bicentennial (1826–2026). On the feast of St. Eugene, May 21, this milestone will be marked with a festive “Living Mission in Community” Gala Event in Edmonton.
 While many may not be able to attend in person, you are warmly invited to take part by supporting this important work. Proceeds from the event will support the ministry of the Star of the North Retreat Centre and assist in the construction of a new retreat centre in Kenya. Those who have been touched by the Oblates’ ministry are encouraged to consider a special gift of $200 in honour of their 200th anniversary.
 Donate online at  starofthenorth.ca/fundraising/donate Donations can also be made by cheque (payable to “The Star of the North Retreat Centre,” 3A St. Vital Ave, St. Albert, AB, T8N 1K1) or by e-transfer to [email protected]

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National Family and Life Week, May 10-17 

Take time this week to celebrate your family, express gratitude, offer forgiveness, or share meaningful moments with loved ones across generations. This week is an opportunity to uphold the value of life and to live out our calling to love one another within our homes, communities, and the world. Learn more at  rcav.org

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Youth Ministry Leadership Bursary The Archdiocese of Vancouver Youth Ministry Leadership Bursary recognizes high school students making a difference in their parishes, schools, communities, and homes. Two students will be selected to receive an award of $500 each to be applied to post-secondary schooling. Recipients will be young leaders who are making an impact, showing initiative, and inspiring others. Deadline to apply is May 11, 2026. Learn more and apply at  rcav.org/youth-ministry/leadership-bursary
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Scholarship for Catholic Science Students 
The Vancouver Chapter of the Society of Catholic Scientists will award two Catholic students enrolled in a science discipline at a post-secondary institution within the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students
The awards are as follows:

• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $500

Submissions will be evaluated based on content and quality of the applicant’s essay or video reflection, with GPA not considered in the assessment. The application deadline is May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm.Awardees will be announced by the end of May. Application details are available at  catholicscientistsvan.org/scholarship
You may also contact us at [email protected]