As a longtime owner in Whistler and a Catholic, I was aghast at the proposition by Father Andrew L’Heureux regarding the future of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (Pique, July 14: “Whistler’s Catholic church looks to expand its footprint...”). Suggesting that God is not in the church is preposterous. As a spiritual representative of the Catholic faith, Father Andrew is steering away from basic Catholic beliefs, [as pointed out in] G.D. Maxwell’s article, [which] quoted from the book of Matthew: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Our church is a holy place meant to provide acceptance, love and serenity to all attending—visitors and locals.
I especially have great objection to the collaboration of our church with the Napa Institute and Father’s vision of a Camino de Santiago-like pilgrimage. For those who know, that inspiration came from the biblical apostle St. James. The famous pilgrimage site in northwest Spain became a symbol in the Spanish Christians’ struggle against Islam. Santiago de Compostela is one of three holy cities in the church where Catholics earn absolution for their sins by making the pilgrimage (the other two cities are Rome and Jerusalem) and honouring St. James, whose relics are there. Whistler does NOT have a St. James, nor is it a holy city. Please, Napa, stay where you are!
Our beautiful church in its mountain setting is an inspiration and should remain as it is. The church is vital—sharing its joy with music, hosting weddings and funerals and supporting our spiritual needs.
Channel those funds for other purposes— taking this inspiration into the community and making a difference.
