Indigenous Peoples and the Church: Walking Together Toward Healing & Reconciliation –
Pope Francis meets with with Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, abuse survivors and youth from Canada, along with representatives of Canada’s Catholic bishops in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall April 1, 2022. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
We pray in thanksgiving for the meeting of the delegation of Indigenous representatives with Pope Francis March 28 to April 1, 2022 in Rome.
During the final audience, April 1, 2022, the Holy Father apologized for the Church’s role in harming Indigenous peoples and promised to visit Canada – LINK to Article
“For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God’s forgiveness, and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry.” – Pope Francis
Following ongoing dialogue with the Assembly of First Nations, Métis, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and other Indigenous partners, this group of residential school survivors, Elders, knowledge keepers and young people shared their experiences directly with the Holy Father. The delegation, organized by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, represents a significant moment in the ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation while also serving as an important foundation for the future visit of the Holy Father to Canada.
Text of Holy Father’s message at final audience with delegations April 1 – LINK
Letter from Bishop Mark Hagemoen on the occasion of the Holy Father’s apology – LINK
Local prayers and initiatives:
An opening Mass led by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Saskatoon, was held at Queen’s House March 27: LINK to article
Prayers continued March 28 during a diocesan Day of Prayer for the Indigenous delegation meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican March 28-April 1.
Letter from Bishop Mark Hagemoen calling for a Day of Prayer for Indigenous Delegation – LINK to PDF
Drop-In Vigil and Personal Prayer at Queen’s House:
- Tuesday March 29, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday March 30, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday March 31, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday April 1, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Closing Prayer)
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Find more information on the Canadian Catholic Bishops’ website about the March 28-April 1 meeting of Indigenous leaders, elders and Residential School Survivors with Pope Francis in Rome, a time of listening and sharing in preparaton for the Pope’s upcoming pilgrimage to Canada in response to the TRC Calls to Action: Link to CCCB site
Prayer resources from the national Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle: Link to resources
Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, lay movements and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada: ourladyofguadalupecircle.ca
O Blessed Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Intercede for us with your Son
That we who live in this land,
Indigenous and non-Indigenous together
may experience healing and
reconciliation,
on a renewed journey for justice
and peace for our children.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
