As Catholics, we continue to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, remembering his call to be “pilgrims of hope” in this year of Jubilee. It has been a time for reconciliation, pilgrimage and “coming home”. For Christians, this “Reconciliation” is the accomplishment of Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection reconciles humanity to God. Responding to the Lord’s call to be reconciled to one another in love, Catholic Canadians have set on a journey towards reconciliation with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples, one born out of a painful and difficult history. That history included the Indian residential schools, administered by Catholic and Christian churches alike. Accounts of prejudice, discrimination, and abuse came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which concluded ten years ago. For many people impacted by this history, healing may well require generations to realize.
We have started this journey in several ways, including the Pope’s apology and penitential pilgrimage to Canada in 2022, and a financial commitment of $30 million that promotes healing, cultural and language revitalization, and other Indigenous-led projects. These efforts complement work happening at diocesan and parish levels, as well. But much remains to be done, and there might be setbacks and disappointments as we continue the journey together with the First Peoples of this land. As Catholics, we need to share Pope Francis’ vision of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people walking together in prayerful and respectful ways towards a stronger, shared future.
As pilgrims – and communities – of hope, each of us has an important role to play in Reconciliation. This is both a Church endeavour and a personal one. We need to learn about our shared history, define lessons learned, and take steps to promote equity, opportunity, and fairness, regardless of one’s background. St. Peter, in his first letter, reminds us that, as Christians, we are called upon to give the reason for our hope. Our commitment to Reconciliation – backed by action – is what will build and sustain both real hope and good will among all peoples on Turtle Island.
“Today we pray with our ancestors who brought us where we are today. They took care of our lives and embraced Christian faith in our camps and communities. We pray that our families will continue to be strong in their faith and that the elders and the young will work closely together to create a better future.”
Read this message on the CCCB website: https://www.cccb.ca/document/2025-national-day-of-prayer-in-solidarity-with-indigenous-peoples/