National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30 provides each one of us an opportunity for prayerful reflection to learn, reflect and act in our ongoing journey of healing, reconciliation and hope.
We are especially mindful of the role of the Catholic Church in operating residential schools and the pain and ongoing trauma it has caused for generations of Indigenous families. In particular, we remember the children who endured pain and suffering and that many did not return home.
We were heartened by the encounters between the Holy Father and residential school Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and young people during the 2022 penitential visit to Canada
We invite you to participate in local events.
Archbishop Richard Smith will celebrate Mass for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica.
At Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, the national Indigenous parish, National Truth and Reconciliation Day observance will begin with Mass at 9 a.m.
That will be followed by drumming, a smudging ceremony and candlelit procession into the St. Kateri Hall. A sharing circle will offer an opportunity to share feelings about National Truth and Reconciliation Day and the observance will conclude with singing, a memorial round dance, a soup-and-bannock lunch and fellowship.
Lac Ste. Anne parish will have a National Truth and Reconciliation Day observance beginning with Mass at 10 a.m., followed by prayer at a healing tree by Indigenous leaders, drumming, tying of the ribbons on the tree and feast afterwards.