Bishop’s Letter, April 1, 2014: Truth and Reconciliation Following is this month’s letter from Archbishop Gerrard Pettipas , C.Ss.R., of Grouard-McLennan: I am writing this letter from Edmonton, where I am attending the Truth and Reconciliation national event taking place at the Shaw Convention Centre. A great number of people are present for this event, and I am pleased to see so many people here that I know personally. As all of you know, dealing with the aftermath of Indian Residential Schools has deeply impacted all of my time since becoming your bishop. I have come to know most of the personalities involved in this process, and I’ve been shown the many sides of this complex reality. Even though many people are anguishing as a result of their experiences, the present-day events and ceremonies are also marked with laughter, joy and hope. It has been a privilege for me personally to share in this moment in the life of our country Canada, the Catholic Church in our land, and the people—both the broken and the courageous—who identify most deeply with the residential school legacy. Throughout the process of the residential school activities, there are key words that have been used frequently. I think especially of the words truth, forgiveness, healing, reconciliation and apology. I think it a beneficial exercise for each of us to stop and try to capture in our own mind or experience the meaning of these terms. They speak not only of the matter of Indian residential schools, but of so much of our life. These words are very significant in our life as Catholics, especially when we speak of the sacrament of Confession. The conversion of our feelings, thoughts and actions is at the core of our spiritual life. In the spiritual life, we want to establish a positive and real relationship with God, and flowing from that relationship, with all other persons we meet. In the realm of our nation Canada, it is evident that we need to build more constructive relationships all the way around, between Natives and non-Natives. For this reason, it is clear to me that while the present TRC event is the last of seven to be held, the agenda of relationship-building is far from over. This will occupy us for the rest of our lives—at least those of us living today, and most likely even those yet to be born. Archbishop Gerrard Pettipas, C.Ss.R., is shepherd of the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan, in Northern Alberta. For related news, please go to: catholicregister.org/news/canada/item/17892-with-truth-comes-reconciliation
Posted on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:57:01 +0000
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