Pray for a “spiritual earthquake,” says Smith.

At the first Archbishop's Dinner, Archbishop Richard W. Smith found inspiration in Vancouverites' concern for earthquake safety, and called on Catholics to pray for a different kind of earthquake — a “spiritual” earthquake that topples barriers and rebuilds lives on God's love.

The archbishop's speech, delivered Oct. 22 to a sold-out auditorium at the Hyatt Regency, wove the city's growing awareness of earthquakes through reflection on renewal, gratitude and the church's mission.

Since arriving in Vancouver in May, Smith said, he quickly learned how much debate there is around seismic updates and how that language presents a metaphor for faith.

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Acknowledging the importance of strengthening buildings, he reminded his audience that “the church is not bricks and mortar; it is a mission.”

“As we move forward together, I also invite us to reflect on the cry of God’s people for lasting stability not only in the buildings, but also, much more importantly, in the very foundations of their lives,” he said.

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He described the state of instability shaking the world today: “geopolitical instability, dramatic and sometimes deadly environmental changes, widespread questioning of what it means to be human, enormous economic pressures… and a broad and often angry polarity that separates peoples.” All of this, he said, “can only have a very negative and frightening effect on hearts and minds that long for stable environments.”

Smith referred to the “existential earthquakes” that strike individuals through divorce, job loss, illness, addiction, or bereavement. He said that for many years the diocese “stood in loving solidarity with people who continue to suffer the aftershocks and tremors of the painful collapse of hope.”

Recalling that the Gospel of Matthew describes Christ's resurrection as accompanied by an earthquake, he said when God's love touches human hearts, “it comes like an earthquake, and changes the foundation of our lives.”

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He said that this earthquake replaces “self-love” with “God’s love and mercy,” and breaks down “all the barriers we have erected in our lives to separate us from God and from each other.” Out of this “necessary destruction,” he said, “rises the beautiful and indestructible edifice that we call the Church, the Body of Christ,” sent “to help rebuild the lives of others.”

This outreach gains an additional element in a new initiative announced by the Archbishop, a new fund to help women in difficult circumstances. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward the Living Waters Fund, a charitable initiative that helps women facing adversity find safety, healing and new beginnings.

A version of this story appeared in the Nov. 2, 2025, issue of The Catholic Register with the headline “Pray for ‘spiritual earthquake,’ says Smith.”

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