Editorial

By Archbishop Roussin, SM

Before coming to the Archdiocese of Vancouver some two years ago, someone asked me whether I had a plan, any special vision to propose for the pastors and laity of the archdiocese.

I must confess that, at that time, I was unable to answer the question.

I had previously served in two dioceses, each of which had its particular needs and challenges, details of which are known to all. In the end, I was to be their shepherd for only a short time.

Upon arriving in Vancouver, and after some reflection, prayer, and counsel, I sensed that, like any bishop, I was meant to be a shepherd of all who are baptized in Christ. Unfortunately the way that I was to shepherd was not at all clear at the time. In a diocese of the size and uniqueness of Vancouver, I was aware of the challenges I would face.

Much of this pondering, of wondering, "Why am I here?" is the sort of questioning common to all of us, and to which we all seek answers.

As is the case with any bishop, one could try to identify all kinds of traits or characteristics that describe my abilities. Some people, for example, see their bishop as someone who solves problems for parishes, schools, or hospitals. He might be talented when it comes to giving conferences or homilies. He might celebrate Mass particularly well. He could have a talent for promoting stewardship and fund-raising.

In my case, my illness and the related problems that arose have helped me, I believe, to understand more clearly what God wants me to do and to be, and that is a shepherd who heads his flock in a particular direction. That direction is none other than toward Christ Jesus, risen from the dead.

We may say to ourselves that we already know this, intellectually, in our mind and our memory. However, do we really know it in our heart?

If anyone were to ask me today what is my vision, my plan for the faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, I would say the following:

First and foremost to be clearly following Christ, He being the very way to life's fullness. "I am the way, the light, and the truth," said Jesus.

The fullness of life is found in a life of prayer and discipline, a life of hope and faith, a life of love of others, manifest in so many ways.

To live such a life is nearly impossible unless we truly give ourselves over to Christ and to the Holy Spirit. All this we pray and do in the goal of becoming a self that reflects Christ.

Over my many years as a Marianist brother and priest, and now as bishop, I have prayed the following brief prayer quite sincerely: "Holy Mary, form me into the image of Jesus, your Son, through the power of the Holy Spirit." Little did I dream when I began this prayer that to be Christ-like costs!

The Cross of Christ has been prominent during my most difficult times, and it continues to be prominent today. This is something I know many of you can identify with.

All of this is to say that, as your archbishop and shepherd, I believe I am here to call all of us to be open to the prayer I spoke of a moment ago. I am here to remind and to call all of us to be more Christ-centred.

This may not be anything new, and may simply mean living in a more conscious way according to Christ's call to be like Him, to resemble Him. "Holy Mary, form me into the image of Jesus, your Son, through the power of the Holy Spirit."

The Ten Commandments are a beginning of the path to holiness to which all are called. I see my mission among you in a similar, though simpler fashion: to lead you, as your shepherd, to Christ Jesus, Who died on a cross and is now risen from the dead.

What does being led to Christ look like? It will be different for each one of us, but it will mean that whether one is a director of a large business, a school janitor, a teacher, a doctor, a nurse, or a mother or father; no matter who we are and what we do, holiness in Christ is our call.

I am sure this is not new to you, yet I believe we all need to be reminded why we are on earth. We live to know God our Father, through His Son and the Holy Spirit.

In other words being a Catholic Christian implies an ongoing, loving relationship with God. This is done through our sacraments, especially reconciliation and the Eucharist, our daily prayers, and above all in accepting God's healing love in us and others.

In some ways, the results of our archdiocesan synod point out for us the means that are needed for us to fulfil God's call to be a holy people.

Our vision should be that of the first Christian communities, which, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges of that time, were transformed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Like our Blessed Mother Mary, the early Church said Yes to the Holy Spirit. Our Yes to the Spirit today will help to bring about, in the words of Pope John Paul II, a new springtime of faith and Christian living.

I also encourage you to read Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est, in which the Holy Father discusses the nature of love, both in our relationship with God and with each other. His purpose is to "call forth in the world renewed energy and commitment in the human response to God's love." (Our archdiocesan web site, http://bcc.rcav.org, has the full document.)

May we respond to the call of Jesus Christ!
God bless you all.
Most Rev. Raymond Roussin, SM
Archbishop of Vancouver