The Excursions!

Editor’s note: Last month we published the experiences of ladies attending their first annual course at Copper Ridge. This month we continue with the adventures they had while exploring the great outdoors.  We hope this will whet your appetite to go to the registration page and book your next retreat!

Our first excursion day arrived and we made a list of what we would like to do. A quick search generated a list of 25 activities in and around the Squamish and Howe Sound area as well as in Vancouver. We spent the remaining excursion days and sports times exploring the area near CRCC. In doing so, we discovered an amazing brook that was so charming we visited it multiple times and prayed there. The contrast between the hot sun (it averaged a pleasant 24 degrees Celsius for most of our excursions) and the cool, clear water of the brook made it obvious that the first health spa was indeed created in nature. One participant from Alberta exclaimed that the brook changed her entire opinion of an annual course in a natural environment. She, like me, was a self-proclaimed city girl – until then. We also went to the beach, visited Alice Lake and went kayaking, hiked to both Shannon Falls and Brandy Wine Falls, and drove up to Whistler. A day was spent in Vancouver visiting Stanley Park, Granville Island and English Bay.  We ventured further, visiting Bowen Island on another day. On the Feast of Our Lady on September 8, we visited Our Lady of Copper Ridge (the name we gave to the beautiful statue and semi-grotto of Our Lady some few meters from the entrance gate to the centre. Some of us even drove to visit Our Lady of Peace at a Dominican Monastery with views comparable to those at CRCC. One definitely needs a vehicle to visit all these sites. We were ready for that too. A rented 8-seater van and a 5-seater car belonging to one of us made for  amazing road trips as we sang, “In the jungle…A-weema-weh!”

There are bears in the Copper Ridge area so we were sure to take a rattle with us on walks to warn them of our approach (although our crescendo of excited banter was probably an adequate substitute for the rattle). While we avoided going on such walks alone, most of us wanted to see a bear and talked about it often. Talk of seeing bears became a conversational theme in the halls, arousing laughter and jocular trepidation. On our last day, we finally saw one! A freshly-weaned cub scavenging on the other side of a river. We could watch safely and for as long as we wanted. It was another Copper Ridge dream come true.

When it was time to leave – 48 hours away from leaving to be exact – the weather changed dramatically, a thick haze from California wildfires covering our view of the mountains and the water. The temperature dropped and suddenly we were thrust into an autumn that no one expected, given the weather only hours before. Undeterred, we kept on enjoying the vicinity and it became increasingly clear that this dramatic change in weather was also a gift. Otherwise, it would have been almost too challenging to have departed from the paradise of Copper Ridge Conference Centre.

By I.K. Ero

The following article was submitted to us in September 2020. As Fall rolled into 2nd wave pandemic closure, we decided to hold it until the enticement of reopening was on the horizon. 

I.K. Ero writes a wonderful account of the first workshop at Copper Ridge Conference Centre (CRCC)

(Part 1) 

We could not believe that we were finally at the conference centre! Years of hard work, years of dreaming, fundraising, staring at architectural models in hope – all of that had come to reality. CRCC now stands on a cliff overlooking the waters and mountains of Howe Sound, British Columbia. Here we were, about to spend two weeks on our annual workshop for associates of Opus Dei! An historic first workshop at Copper Ridge Conference Centre. As BC residents, my colleague and I prepared ourselves as hosts. We met and greeted the other eight associates at the airport and subsequently felt very proud as we drove toward the conference centre. We smiled and nodded all the way as we repeatedly heard gasps of “wow!” a million times as we cruised past breath-taking BC scenery particularly on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. These participants from Quebec, Ontario, Winnipeg and Alberta made a running commentary at the wonder of nature and how “majestic” it all looked. Living in BC, I admit that sometimes these wonders had become a mere background to my busy life. But today it was different. Maybe it was the fact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had reset our eyes in appreciation of our immediate surroundings; or maybe it was just the reaction of the others; either way, we all marvelled and we knew that this annual course was going to be super.

And it was!

Arriving at the conference centre was an experience on its own. It looked like paradise! The leading car of our convoy from the airport had in fact turned around at the gate. They had thought, “This can’t be it; it looks almost too good.” Once they realized that indeed, it was “it,” another chorus of “wow’s” began as we offloaded our vehicles and, as delighted as children, took a tour through the tasteful, modern design and elegantly decorated centre. The oratory! The stained glass and sculpture of the scene of the crucifixion held us in meditation! And the dining room! It was strategically constructed at an angle so that we felt that we were on a cruise ship with large windows overlooking the Sound and its picturesque surrounding mountains. This would be one of our favourite rooms, not only for the view, but also because of the variety of delicious cuisines that we would enjoy in it: adobo from the Philippines, Nigerian jollof rice, Mexican tacos and indigenous salmon burgers. We spent the rest of the first day discovering living rooms with open balconies, windows and exits opening to amazing natural views. We basked in the flood lights, both natural and man-made, that brightened the entire edifice.

We spent our two weeks at CRCC enjoying hilarious get-togethers in the airy living room with the picture windows. We dove into the study of fundamental moral theology in one of the most beautiful classrooms ever. To our right, the professor and to our left an amazing view. It was a no-brainer to step out on to the balcony of the classroom during breaks to enjoy it even more.  Meditation and Mass in the Oratory were also experiences of nature. As the morning sun shone through the tall stained-glass windows, the images of the mysteries of Christ’s life came to life in a way that gave one hours of contemplation. In between prayers and classes, we excitedly chattered about excursion plans – all these and more with social distancing measures. 

I.K. Ero

Editor’s note:  the excursions these ladies embarked upon were amazing and we are saving them for another edition of the newsletter, so stay tuned!  But do enjoy some teaser photos.

Travelling north on the Sea to Sky Highway, you know you are getting close to the turnoff for the Copper Ridge Conference Centre when the Mining Museum appears on the right. A visit to this National Historic Site gives a glimpse into the fascinating life of Britannia Mine (1904-1974).

Britannia Mining and Smelting Company played an important part in Canadian mining history. Over the course of 70 years more than 60,000 miners from 50 different nationalities worked there.

There were two towns and various smaller camps that serviced the mine. In the 1920’s and 1930’s, Britannia Mine was the largest copper producer in the British Commonwealth, producing 17% of the world’s copper.

Continuing up Copper Drive toward the Conference Centre, it is hard to believe that nestled in the steep valley above the town of Britannia Beach at a height of 600 m. was another town, Mt Sheer, fondly known as “the Townsite” by the locals.

Most visitors passing through Britannia Beach had no idea that this upper town site, where the miners and their families lived and where the miners entered the mine shaft, even existed.

In 1940, Mt Sheer had a population of 1200. There were three bunkhouses, a cookhouse, a hotel, and 200 families.

It was a fully functioning town with an outdoor swimming pool, a recreation center, a theater, a high school and a hospital.

Mt Sheer townsite was unique, nestled as it was deep into the valley and surrounded by steep mountains whose shadows made for harsh and sunless winters. One year ten meters of snow was recorded!

In the early days, everything was brought in by pack horses. In 1914, an incline railway was built. It became known as “The Skip.”

The Skip was the lifeline between the Upper Townsite (Mt Sheer) and “The Beach.” When new families arrived by boat, they would have to carry their baggage through The Beach and up 347 steps to get onto the Skip.

This railway travelled 7.5 mph at a thirty degree angle up the mountainside, the 30 minute trip allowing newcomers to catch up on the news about local goings on. Travellers then boarded a narrow gauge railway into the townsite which took another thirty minutes. Those railway tracks were the main street of the town. The Skip was terminated when a road was built in 1953.

In 1958 the highway linking Vancouver to Britannia Beach and Squamish was constructed. With the construction of the road and the mine closure that same year, the town was abandoned and the buildings were destroyed in the 1960s.

What was it like to live in Mt Sheer those early days? Community life was very important in an isolated company town. It was needed in order to keep the miners and their families happy so they would stay to work.

The company manager, C.P. Browning, sponsored company parties and encouraged the community to form their own clubs. This also encouraged intense competition between the two townsites.

The most enduring of all the Britannia traditions was the crowning of the Copper Queen. The first of these celebrations was held on May 24, 1925, and the last in May 1966. This celebration brought all of the mining community together. The queen was selected by the school students with a grand ceremony while the children danced around the Maypole. The crown, made out of copper from the mine, can be seen in the Museum today.

Sue Shives

It was late in December of 2019 when I came with Fadi Sarraf to visit Copper Ridge. At that time, the project was in the late stages of completion and with activities already planned, the first of which was scheduled for mid-February of 2020. After a tour of the building, he offered me the opportunity to take care of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Conference Centre.

Even though I was not involved in the project, I was already very familiar with the area which together with some friends, including Fr Joseph Soria, we used to explore regularly from the time the property was bought in 2007. I was very lucky to spend many moments admiring the view that is the delight of everyone who sees it. Therefore, realizing that the project was now a reality, I accepted Fadi’s offer which for me was like “The Call of Copper Ridge”.

Some time ago, I came across a book with stories that narrate the reasons why people go to the mountains. In one of these stories, the author describes the experience an excursion group had on a sunny day after ascending a high mountain in the Pyrenees. They were all overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of the panorama. In the “summit book,” where mountaineers write their reflections upon reaching the top of the mountain, one of the members of this group stamped a phrase that reflected everyone’s feelings: “Admire the created, and praise the Creator.” That is the same feeling one has at Copper Ridge. The joy of contemplating this stupendous beauty leads us immediately to think of God.

The phrase “Admire the created, and praise the Creator” got me thinking a lot during this year while fulfilling all my day-to-day responsibilities at Copper Ridge. It has somehow consolidated the natural and supernatural outlook that can be applied to life. It has helped me grow in human virtues, as well as improve my relationship with God. At times, seeing a starry night, the winter twilight, the awaking of spring, the summer flowers, the seasonal habitat of birds, bears, deer, and other species, that phrase has led me to an authentic enchantment. Other times, especially during the global pandemic, it has helped me deal, with peace and joy, the work that is required to maintain all aspects of the conference centre (mechanical, electrical, security, plumbing, fire protection, elevators, kitchen, roofing, landscaping, the septic system, etc.) necessary to meet the expectations of the Administration team. 

We have had many visitors at Copper Ridge, but a recent one was particularly noteworthy. Fr. Antoine de Rochebrune, the newly appointed regional vicar of Opus Dei in Canada, visited Vancouver for the first time in March and I had the privilege of meeting him in person at the conference centre. He celebrated Mass in the oratory, and I received, for the first time in months, the Holy Eucharist. Looking back on a year during which the pandemic has prevented most of the Catholic world from participating in person in the Eucharistic celebration, he stressed that this is something that we will remember all our lives, and which will help us realize how important this sacrament is in our Christian vocation. Fr. Antoine mentioned that Copper Ridge needs to be more than ever a place of conversion. He encouraged us to meet, and through our personal apostolate in continuation of the apostolate of Christ, to bring many people to this beautiful location.

My Memories of Helen, an example of loyalty, constancy, serenity, and humour.

When I was asked to write my reminiscences of Helen Ryan to share with the readers of the Copper Ridge newsletter, I paused to consider what can I say? I had known Helen for many years; we worked together on numerous projects in Canada and lived together at Crestwell Centre in Vancouver for almost 23 years.

Helen was born in Dublin, Ireland on February 25^th, 1930. She originally wanted to be a veterinarian but her mother encouraged her to explore her other talents. Reflecting, she decided to study architecture. I confess I am very grateful to her mother because as an architect, Helen helped in many projects of Opus Dei in Canada. In addition to her regular work for architectural firms, she designed the first house for the staff in Montreal, designed several oratories in various cities and adapted a number of houses to meet our specific needs.

While working as an architect in Montreal, a colleague spoke to her about Opus Dei. Helen began participating in activities and soon realized that God was asking her to become one of those few members of Opus Dei at that time in Canada in order to spread and live the universal call to sanctity. With courage and enthusiasm, she gave herself wholeheartedly to this call.

Helen had a great zest for life. In her last ten years she suffered several serious illnesses; however she was always cheerful and never complained. She would even joke that she enjoyed having breakfast in bed! When we reminded her of an illness, she claimed she had ‘forgotten’ it and dismissed it as a trifle, diverting the conversation away from herself.

Helen visited Copper Ridge Conference Centre only once. She had dearly wanted to attend a retreat but it turned out that God had other plans for her. I am sure Helen is now enjoying it from heaven.

On January 6^th I was with Helen in the early hours of the morning. I invited Trisha, a friend, to join us for half an hour. It was evident Helen’s condition had deteriorated considerably. Trisha began to sing for Helen, first some Christmas carols and then some Irish songs. When Helen heard the first Irish song, she opened her eyes. Trisha sang on and finished with a song in Gaelic. Helen listened very intently. After this we played her an audio message from Spain.  And finally, I asked her to pray for the special intentions of three particular ladies.  Just after I made this request, Helen gasped slightly and then stopped breathing.

Trisha and I prayed for the repose of her soul and I phoned home to tell everyone Helen had left us for Heaven. While we were still praying all her housemates arrived, followed shortly by her priest. He celebrated Mass in her hospital room. Many of the staff caring for Helen were clearly amazed to see a priest coming frequently to celebrate Holy Mass for her; it was evident they were very moved by this.

I thanked Our Lord for allowing me to be with Helen in her last moments in this world, as sad as this experience was. By her steadfast service to souls and the suffering she experienced during her last illness I am sure she left us greatly purified. While the proponents of euthanasia may not know or appreciate the value of suffering, we do and Helen certainly did.

During her wake I placed in Helen’s hands some prayer cards with her photo and a quotation from The Way, one of St. Josemaría’s works, that speaks about being faithful to the little things. This certainly characterized Helen. As I left I gathered all the cards to give to other people and to keep one for myself. The next day, very much to my surprise, I saw written on the back of that card “Thank you for your friendship.” It made me realize how many people could have written those words: indeed, all of us, including me.  

What would I want to say to everybody after saying goodbye to Helen? Two things come to mind: first, the value of time — none of us knows how much we have left. Use it to do all the good you can. Second, the value of love and of showing it with deeds without waiting for tomorrow, without taking it for granted, today and now! Husbands and wives should tell each how much they love each other without remembering something that went wrong before. Never let the sun set without making up over any disagreements. Show all those Our Lord has put by your side how much you care for them: remember, neither you nor they will be there forever.

Marie M.

The annual CRCC Fundraising Dinner could not be held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on group activities.

Like many others who came up with creative ideas to support CRCC, instead of the standard dinner format, we devised an alternative flexible option – two menu choices for lunch or dinner, either dine-in or takeout.

With the kind cooperation of Victoria Chinese Restaurant where we had our fundraising dinner events in the last few years, the current event takes the form of a dim sum lunch or an 8-course dinner, each for 6, with two menu choices for each. The lunch costs $250 (with a donation receipt of $120). A dinner costs $300 (with a donation receipt of $140). The cost includes tax, tip and soft drinks.

Reviews have been great!

SH did a dine-in dim sum lunch with his family and made the following remarks: “We had Menu “C” and we all thought the food was good, great service and we even get to pack some leftovers home. We all enjoyed it.”

ED had a takeout dinner. Her comments were “good portions, great food.”

JY did a takeout dim sum lunch but actually served it as the Christmas eve dinner celebration. His comments were “good portions and superior food quality”.

To order your ticket(s), please go to https://copperridgeconferencecentre.ca/2020-dinner/. Then phone the restaurant at 604-669-8383 to make your reservation (dine-in or takeout) and to order your menu choices. Simply present your ticket at the restaurant as your payment for your lunch or dinner. The offer is valid until September 30, 2021.

Free parking. Two hours free for lunch and from 6:00 pm for dinner (Tuesday to Friday, restaurant is closed on Monday), and free parking all day on Sat and Sun. Guests just need to give their license plate number(s) to the Restaurant.

We were overjoyed when the construction was completed and we were able to announce the long awaited opening of the Copper Ridge Conference Centre on March 2. On March 16, after three successful retreats were held, CRCC had to close due to the pandemic.  After many weeks of adjusting protocols according to Public Health Orders and WorkSafe BC regulations, CRCC reopened on July 26, although only at half capacity, in order to maintain all health and safety precautions. 

November 19 saw the sudden news of a second closure.  As some of you will recall, this order came on a Thursday, just hours before a weekend retreat for men was to begin. You cannot imagine the near chaos that followed.  A decision had to be made as to whether this order applied to CRCC.  Phones were ringing everywhere – between members of the Board of Directors, the registrar, the director, the priest, and the administration staff. But the decision was made. Again, CRCC would be closed. All the participants had to be contacted and told that their retreat was cancelled. Instead of driving to CRCC, they unpacked their suitcases and reorganized their weekend plans.  

The Administration team, too, had to throw all their preparations into reverse. They had purchased the food for the weekend, prepared the rooms, even added the homey touch of Christmas decorations for each table, and were waiting for the guests to arrive.  

When they received the cancellation call they dismantled the table settings, put the decorations away, loaded the cars with the perishable foods, turned off all the building systems, and headed back to Vancouver.  There was a quiet sense of loss in the air. 

Then another change in direction! The retreat directors engaged technology to ensure that the retreat could go ahead, albeit virtually. 

For all of us, in our own circumstances, this 2020 has indeed been disorienting!

However, the CRCC Administration Staff and the Board of Directors would like to say a very heartfelt thank you to our 465 subscribers for the prayers and support you have given to the conference centre during this past year.  To our great surprise, the Virtual Race for the Ridge, exceeded its goal of $15,000 by $5000.  A very generous supporter then matched the total donations.  Our annual Chinese Dinner celebration has gone virtual as well and we now have an opportunity to purchase tables for 6 for lunch or dinner anytime up until May 31.  For those unable to host their annual Christmas or New Year’s family meal at their home, you may want to reserve tables at Victoria Chinese Restaurant instead: https://copperridgeconferencecentre.ca/2020-dinner/.  For all the uncertainty of 2020, we see an equal amount of creativity.  God does write straight with crooked lines!

For those who have suffered sickness, loss of loved ones, or financial setbacks, we offer our prayers and consolation.  For those who have created new ways of celebrating weddings, educating children, holding family events, facing the pandemic with a positive attitude and in that, giving encouragement and hope to others, we salute you. 

Christmas 2020, in its own way may even be the most memorable ever! May the smallest joys in life be yours in abundance.

Merry Christmas and warmest greetings from the CRCC team to each and every one of you. 

Fadi Sarraf, former chairman of the Copper Ridge Board of Directors, was ordained as a deacon on November 21, after three months of final preparation in the Eternal City. Before he left Canada, he was instrumental in steering successfully into port the first phase of the Copper Ridge Conference Centre.

His voyage in Canada began in the late eighties, when his family emigrated from Damascus, Syria to Montreal, Canada. At the start of Fadi’s engineering studies at McGill University, he met a student in one of his classes who invited him to visit Riverview, a residence for university students close to the campus, and attend formational activities there. This is where Fadi had his “Damascus moment” and saw his call to Opus Dei to sanctify his university studies and, after graduation, his professional work.

During his undergraduate studies, Fadi was asked to be the director of Boisgomin, a residence for university students in Quebec City where he moved to complete his undergraduate degree at Laval University. He went on to obtain a Master’s in Business Administration from the same university. In the mid 90’s, he moved again, this time to Toronto to become the first director of the newly opened Ernescliff College, a residence for students in the heart of the campus of the University of Toronto. After a short but fruitful stay there he was called back to Montreal to help coordinate the many foundations that oversee the apostolates of Opus Dei in Canada.

In the early 2000’s, Fadi was instrumental in the fundraising, planning, and construction of the Hospitality Management Building at the Manoir de Beaujeu, near Montreal, the first Conference Centre of Opus Dei in Canada.

Since the purchase of the property for Copper Ridge Conference Centre in 2006, Fadi has been at the helm of the project. Whether from Montreal or on frequent visits to Vancouver, he has guided all the phases of this venture, from zoning, through building the road, installing services, to designing and constructing the building and finally organizing a board of directors for Copper Ridge which now also functions as an operations board for the completed conference centre.

Copper Ridge was not Fadi’s first port of call when it came to big projects! He has been helping build people and conference centres from coast to coast for the past thirty years and will continue to do so as he embarks on his voyage as a deacon and, soon, a priest.

ORDER TICKETS

Each fall we look forward to our annual fundraising event at the Victoria Chinese Restaurant. This year it will be very different! As the restaurant has had to limit the number of guests, they have offered us a unique opportunity to purchase tickets for tables of six for either lunch or dinner at any time from November 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, with the exception of a blocked period, February 11– 14, 2021.

• For dinners, each table of six will cost $300; for lunches, each
  table of six will cost $250.
• There will be two set-menu choices for each meal (see below).
• A tax receipt for a portion of the ticket price will be issued to one person at the table. 

This is a marvelous opportunity just to get together with family and friends or to give to somebody as a gift for an anniversary, birthday or as a Christmas present! 

We are excited to partner with the Victoria Chinese Restaurant for the first event of this kind to be offered for charity fundraising.

For ticket purchases please contact Johnny Yang at 778-773-8375 or Erlinda Delleva at 778-822-3189.

DINNER MENU A

1. Hot-and-sour Soup 
2. Peking Duck Roll
3. Stir-Fried Lobster in Green Onion and Ginger Sauce
4. Stewed Bean Curd Sheet and Pumpkin 
5. Sesame Chicken in Lemon Sauce
6. Steam Turbot Country Style
7. Yang Zhou Fried Rice
8. Dessert of the Day

 DINNER MENU B 

1. Wonton Soup
2. Stir-fried BC Crab in Green Onion and Ginger 
3. Free-range Soy Sauce Chicken
4. Stewed Bean Curd Sheet with Bok Choi
5. Stir-fried Beef Tenderloin with Eggplant
6. Stir-fried Halibut Kama in Maggi Sauce
7. Spicy Fried Rice with Pineapple and Seafood
8. Dessert of the Day 

Each table of six for dinner will cost $300 (this includes taxes, soft drinks and a tip).

 LUNCH MENU C

1. Dim Sum: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings, Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf, Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, Pan-fried Mini Pork Bun, Spring Rolls (six pieces each), Hand-pulled Steamed Beef Cannelloni, Hand-pulled Steamed Shrimp Cannelloni 
2. Fried Rice Noodles with Beef in Supreme Soy Sauce
3. Yang Zhou Fried Rice
4. Dessert of the Day 

LUNCH MENU D

1. Dim Sum: Shrimp Dumplings, Pork and Shrimp Dumplings, BBQ Pork Buns, Pot Stickers, Beef Meat Ball, Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce (six pieces each) Pan Fried Plain Chinese Cannelloni 
2. Fried Shrimp with Salt and Pepper 
3. Spicy Green Bean with Minced Pork Szechuan Style
4. Fried Vermicelli with Beef Tenderloin and Eggplant 
5. Dessert of the Day

Each table of six for lunch will cost $250 (this includes taxes, soft drinks and a tip).

ORDER TICKETS

As part of John Yun’s trail building project at Copper Ridge Conference Centre, on a sunny, late August morning, Paul Adam, friend and fellow veteran of rock, snow and bush and I headed downhill from the parking lot midway between Britannia Beach and Browning Lake to check the possibilities on the narrow strip of Copper Ridge land sandwiched between Highway 99 and Howe Sound.  We knew before we set off that the terrain would be challenging, so it was no surprise to us that it was indeed pretty bushy and steep, even vertical. There are several unmarked and very sketchy trails. One of those trails led us to a precipice 35 metres above the beach. (It turns out that Squamish rock climbers on the hunt for a new cliff seized upon this one, naming it “Seal Cove.”)

We followed another faint trail, an even steeper and rockier one, that did take us to the beach. There are a number of attractive viewpoints above or on the beach. The problem: these desirable spots are isolated from each other by cliffs and tangled bush.

During our three-hour foray we discovered a section of the original 1950’s highway.  We noted that someone had taken a liking to this portion of the long-abandoned and well-hidden road bed, as indicated by a neatly rolled up blue tarp and cords strung between the trees.

What to make of it all?  Yes, there are some truly lovely spots by the beach: but how do you access them?  They are separated from each other by steep and bushy terrain.  Sadly, Copper Ridge’s beachfront real estate remains for the foreseeable future out of reach and tantalizing.

Arnold Shives
October 7, 2020