Archdiocese will mark its 100th anniversary this year with a variety of celebrations

By Laureen McMahon

In September the Archdiocese of Vancouver will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its designation as a Catholic archdiocese. Celebrations are being planned so that the year will reflect the significance of the centenary.

Archdiocese of Vancouver ArchivesCatholic One of the earliest photographic records from the beginning of the Archdiocese of Vancouver shows a group of native chiefs meeting with Archbishop Neil McNeil, ca 1910-1912. The archdiocese will mark its 100th anniversary this September with a number of events.

While the official anniversary date is not until Sept. 19, the first anniversary event will kick off in the spring and the party will not wrap up until December, said a centenary committee spokesperson.

The Vicariate Apostolic of British Columbia was established Dec. 14, 1863. It became the Diocese of New Westminster Sept. 2, 1890, then the Archdiocese of Vancouver on Sept. 19, 1908.

A Eucharistic procession will be held on May 18 at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford, and a gala anniversary dinner on Oct. 31 at the Hyatt Hotel.

An anniversary celebration will be held at GM Place on Nov. 23. The Mass will be offered, with a special guest speaker and celebrant.

Along the way, a couple of surprise events may be thrown in for good measure, so be sure to check coming issues of The B.C. Catholic for announcements and dates as well as some exciting ways to get involved.