Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The reported discovery of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian residential school has shocked the consciousness of our country, its people, the Church, and the world to the painful and dark reality of our Canadian Indian residential school system. This has also surfaced once again the suffering and trauma which continues to mark the lives of our indigenous brothers and sisters and their communities. On behalf of the people of the Diocese of Calgary, I personally share in this devastating sorrow and express my deepest regret at the loss of the lives of these children and the enduring pain which residential schools have caused within our indigenous communities. In solidarity, we must act in the pursuit of justice, reconciliation, and true healing. As the Bishop of Calgary, through this statement, I personally recommit the Diocese in expressing the apology and regret made by the Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories in 2014 to our indigenous brothers and sisters. We, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and Northwest Territories, apologize to those who experienced sexual and physical abuse in Residential Schools under Catholic administration. The picture and images of children’s shoes placed at the front steps with lit candles remind us of the voices of these children and the need for restorative justice. In prayer, we unite ourselves with our suffering brothers and sisters so that the Spirit will show us the path of solidarity in promoting true justice and healing. For those families deeply impacted, we ask for the intercession of St. Kateri Tekakwitha for them to receive consolation, healing, and strength. Sincerely Yours in Christ, +William T. McGrattan Bishop of Calgary
3 Comments
Stacey Will
6/5/2021 08:04:17 am
As a life long Catholic I am embarrassed and horrified as I learn more of our Church’s role in the horrors carried out to Indigenous children. Words and letters are not enough. Please start by immediately removing Bishop Grandin’s name from our Calgary High School. Please don’t pause, take counsel, have meetings - immediate action and leadership is required. A name can be found later. I have read the comments and participated in the CCSD thought exchange and we your Catholic followers are mostly of the same mind. Please renew our faith and trust in the Church by taking immediate action, showing you truly acknowledge the seriousness of this matter.
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Pat Rypien
7/3/2021 03:54:13 pm
I have been deeply horrified, sad,angry and confused by the finding of children's bodies who were forced to residential schools.I cannot bring myself to attend Mass feeling ashamed and embrrassed I sm struggling with possibly now knowing members of my own family were forced to residential school.I gave been a faithfil Catholic my whole life,contributing in every possible way. I gave not heard from my priest and I have not been to Mass for 6 weeks, its like noone really cares how we all feel, I don't understand why there have been no prayers or a mass offered for such tragic circumstances, no apology ftom the Pope,no offer to provide documents from the church. I will continue to pray for guidance to help me understand and to know my role going forward Pat Rypien [email protected]
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Luisa Fernandes
7/21/2021 08:57:09 am
Dear Pat:
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