In a statement on the official verified Twitter account of Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church voiced sympathy for people affected by residential schools, but stopped short of offering an apology for the church’s role in the system and refrained from making commitments to help people affected. “I join the Canadian bishops and the whole Catholic Church in Canada in expressing my closeness to the Canadian people, who have been traumatised by shocking [sic] discovery of the remains of two hundred and fifteen children, pupils at the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” reads the statement. “These difficult times are a strong call for everyone to turn away from the colonial model and walk side by side in dialogue, mutual respect and recognition of the rights and cultural values of all the daughters and sons of Canada.”
Portrait of St. Kateri survives devastating church fire on Easter Sunday Portrait of St. Kateri survives devastating church fire on Easter Sunday By Wendy-Ann Clarke, The Catholic Register April 16, 2021
Amidst the rubble left by the fire that consumed St. Theresa Point Catholic Church on Easter Sunday laid a picture of St. Kateri Tekakwitha almost completely intact.
Her image on canvas somehow survived the blaze that melted the metal frame, charred the edges of the nature scene she’s depicted in and left ashes on everything else in its surroundings. The colours, still vibrant, and her peaceful image still so moving is bringing encouragement to the Indigenous community in northern Manitoba still reeling at the loss of their beloved church.
Saskatoon Catholic officials promise to name sexually abusive priests in spring report
Roman Catholic Church officials in Saskatoon are promising to publish a report this spring naming all sexually abusive priests and staff going back to 1933.
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Victims say it s also vital to show what was or wasn t done about their actions
Posted: Mar 16, 2021 5:00 AM CT | Last Updated: March 16
Saskatoon Catholic Church officials are promising to publish names of all sexually abusive priests since 1933. They say the report will also include details on what if any action was taken.(Getty)
Roman Catholic Church officials in Saskatoon are promising to publish a report this spring naming all abusive priests and staff going back to 1933.
Winnipeg Free Press
Archbishops pen letter to health officials
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Archbishop Richard Gagnon of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Winnipeg: “I think the province sees the value of the churches and that they are part of the solution, not the problem.
Manitoba’s five Catholic archbishops are asking provincial health officials to consult with faith leaders before implementing protocols that guide religious gatherings.
Manitoba’s five Catholic archbishops are asking provincial health officials to consult with faith leaders before implementing protocols that guide religious gatherings. I think the province sees the value of the churches and that they are part of the solution, not the problem, said Archbishop Richard Gagnon, of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Winnipeg, of their request for the province to consult with religious leaders.