Beauty of a church

In Fr. Justin’s homily this past Sunday, he preaches that we find the best place to pray by looking at what is subjectively best for us and what is objectively best. I’ve been going to Mass at St. Anthony of Padua parish for just over a year and half now. The church is nestled in a residential neighbourhood, but very close to major thoroughfares in all significant directions; in clear traffic conditions, it’s about a 10 minute drive from my home. It’s not a large church, nor new, nor excessively ornate, but there’s something about the simple beauty that I Continue Reading

Why we Pray and How to Pray

“Prayer.” In youth ministry, it’s one of the most common responses youth give when they can’t think of anything else. Catholics who were raised in the faith from childhood may have been taught reciting prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and other “standard” prayers. Is “prayer” just saying the same words over and over again? Why do we as Catholics pray? And how do we pray to make the most out of it? In the past two weeks, Fr. Justin Huang, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua parish in Vancouver, preached in his homilies the answers Continue Reading

Blessing of cars and a pledge for safe driving

This weekend was the closest to the feast day of St. Christopher (July 25), the patron saint of travelers. It is a tradition at St. Anthony of Padua parish to pray the following Pledge for Safe Driving and to bless people’s cars with holy water after Mass. Pledge for Safe Driving Lord Jesus, You teach us to love others as you love. Help me to drive safely and responsibly: avoiding dangerous acts while driving such as texting, making phone calls, speeding excessively and driving impaired. Please give me the grace to be courteous and kind, and to use my car Continue Reading