Most Rev. Albert Legatt is the Archbishop of the Diocese of Saint-Boniface in Manitoba. His Diocese spans the east shores of Lake Winnipeg and contains the metropolitan area of Winnipeg. Winnipeg is the home of almost 93,000 indigenous people, the largest concentration of indigenous people in Canada. He has made a video message to share his listening and his reflections may be a help to all Catholics at this very difficult time.
We have all heard the news of yet another discovery of unmarked graves at a Residential School, this time on the Cowessess First Nation, in Saskatchewan. And we will, without a doubt, continue to hear about more tragic discoveries such as this one, throughout the summer and coming years. Many of us can be rightly shocked, angered, and simply not know how to respond or what to do next.
The Catholic Church was an active agent in the tragedy of colonization in the land we now call Canada, and in the events which ensued, including running many Indian Residential Schools. We may qualify these horrific realities as genocide. Today, how do we understand and respond to this reality? First and foremost, we must listen. Not hasten to quick words or initiatives, but listen; allow Indigenous peoples to heal, follow their lead, inform ourselves, and humbly continue to seek the paths of reconciliation.
The answers are complex and many. The responsibility is shared among all, to shoulder the burden and the shame brought on by this tragedy, the consequences of which Indigenous peoples continue to face today. We must be attentive to them, and walk humbly on the paths of reconciliation: these paths which God calls us to today and forever.
Click here for video: https://fb.watch/6qWYWpfntz/
Prayer for healing over Residential Schools
Our Father and Creator, we acknowledge all the gifts we have received from you. We especially acknowledge the gift of children which points towards a future of hope. We express our sorrow for all those Indigenous children and young people who have suffered during their time at Residential Schools over these past many decades. A suffering that continues for many. We also remember with grieving hearts the children who have died during these years. We remember the pain experienced by their families relatives and friends and the helplessness that many have felt when they heard of these deaths.
We know that you are a God of mercy and compassion as we see in the love your Son Jesus has for us. We ask for comfort, healing and consolation for all Indigenous peoples who are experiencing pain and sorrow over the Residential School legacy. Send your Holy Spirit into all hearts giving courage, humility and wisdom so that all the inhabitants of this land can walk the path of truth and reconciliation in justice, peace and love. We acknowledge your gifts Father, and we pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen
One Our Father
One Hail Mary
One Glory Be