The ark arrives

By the time this issue of The B.C. Catholic arrives in homes, the monstrance blessed by Pope Benedict XVI with the accompanying Ark of the New Covenant will already have been in the archdiocese for half of its eight-day visit.

The schedule called for the monstrance and the ark to arrive in Chilliwack at noon on Thursday, May 10.

The two are travelling across Canada in advance of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, June 15-22, 2008, in Quebec City.

Typically at each stop there is time set aside for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance, catechesis by one of the priests in the area, and viewing of the ark. Catholic-school students are given opportunities to attend as school communities.

On Tuesday, May 15, the two will arrive at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Vancouver at 9:30 a.m. for an 11:30 a.m. procession and a 1 p.m. afternoon service.

At 5:30 p.m. it's on to Good Shepherd Church in south Surrey for a 7 p.m. liturgy, an exhibit on Eucharistic miracles, then overnight adoration.

On Wednesday there will be liturgies at 10 a.m. and noon for seniors and school children before the monstrance and ark move on at 1 p.m. to St. Monica's in Richmond for a 7 p.m. liturgy, Mass, and Adoration.

On Thursday there is a clergy day of recollection at the parish before the two move to the Diocese of Victoria.