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Tip:

This year, several significant religious and cultural events fall on the same day. March 21 is the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racism. In the Christian tradition, this year it is also Good Friday where Christians commemorate Christ’s passion and death on the cross to pay for the world’s sins. Also this year, it is the Jewish holiday of Purim which celebrates victory over an oppressive ruler as related in the Book of Ester. Hindus will celebrate Holi on March 21 this year, which is a festival dedicated to Krishna. Baha’is and Zoroastrians will celebrate New Years Day on March 21 (Naw Ruz and Now Ruz). Finally, to cap off the significant events occuring on this day, there will also be a full moon.

Article Details

Article Added On: April 03, 2005 - over 3 years ago
Title: Calgary bishop remembers pope
Author: BILL GRAVELAND
Publication: CP
Publication Date: January 01, 2005 - over 3 years ago
Faith Groups: Roman Catholic
Themes: religious attitudes in Canada

Abstract: Bishop Fred Henry recalls giving him a bear hug.

April 3, 2005

CALGARY (CP) - Pope John Paul's death prompted one of Canada's most outspoken bishops to recall his first meeting with the pontiff where the personal overtook protocol to create an awkward, yet touching, moment.

Bishop Fred Henry of Calgary said he met privately with the Pope on several occasions, but it was his first time alone with the Roman Catholic leader that is most vivid.

It was in the pontiff's office at the Vatican in the early 1990s.

"I really did not read up on what proper protocol or etiquette was and when I met the Pope he came up from behind his desk with his arms out," Henry remembered Saturday.

"It was at that very moment I said, 'Oh my God. What am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to genuflect? To bow? Kiss his ring? So I just grabbed him and gave him a bear hug.

"You weren't supposed to do that."

But the Pope didn't pull away and allowed the new bishop to hug him.

Henry, who hasn't shied away from controversy over the years, said the two biggest impressions John Paul made on him were in the areas of social justice and inter-faith dialogue.

The bishop sent a letter to his Calgary parishes during the last federal election campaign that said Prime Minister Paul Martin was a bad Catholic for supporting same-sex marriage. Henry has been at odds with the Alberta government over environmental issues and gambling.

He is also facing complaints with Alberta's Human Right's Commission for his views against homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

"Once I was called as a bishop I kept bumping up against his teaching and his personal example and I felt I had to emulate him and as a result I am who I am today," he said.

But the Pope also had a sense of humour, said Henry.

"He always knew who I was. I was the guy from Banff and he always used to (talk about) good skiing in Banff. And he always used to refer to me as the little Canadian bishop with the moustache.

"He used to joke with a very dry sense of humour and then with a little glint in his eye he would look up and scan the room to see how many of us actually got the joke."

Feature