Religious History of St. John Baptiste Parish
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Statement of Reconciliation by Most Rev. Peter A. Sutton, O.M.I.
Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan, June 30, 1996. My Brothers and Sisters: In four years time we will celebrate the advent of the year 2000. For Christians throughout the world, this Jubilee will proclaim the saving act of the Redeemer Jesus, the one mediator between God and man, for "there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved." (Act 4:12) These days of Homecoming in Ile-a-la-Crosse are calling to mind the life of this human family and the life of faith of this parish particularly. Well over 300 men and women religious and clergy came as missionaries and lived among you - some 20 being buried in this local cemetery. These past few years have been painful for many people including this generation of priests and religious. These have been painful years for individuals and families who have been trying to come to terms with injustices and violence, with abuse and condemnation, accusation and allegation. This is our human history. There is a burning desire to be set free from whatever enslaves us as human beings. There is an urgent need to experience healing and forgiveness. There is a need for all of us to reach out in humble confessions and admissions of the facts of history - to extend hands in healing and forgiveness. Across Canada in recent years, there have been attempts to encourage the revitalization and renewal among First Nation Peoples at the national level. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops publicly stated its encouragement in the brief to the Royal Commission on November 8, 1993 . . . the brief: "Let Justice Flow Like a Mighty River." Bishops across the country and religious orders will readily identify with those statements which acknowledge the resurgence occurring among aboriginal peoples of a spiritual awakening. The journey ahead has to do with finding new life in a healthier climate of trust, encouragement, respect, and equality of the sons and daughters of God. The Church has been called upon to examine her understanding of mission which admittedly, having been too closely identified to the European forces of expansion and assimilation, have contributed to the weakening of the spirit of Aboriginal Peoples. We bear in mind that there have been abuses on both sides; it is for all of us to look deep into our hearts to read the signs of these times and forge new ways of living together as men and women of truth. Pope John Paul II encourages all of us to enter seriously into a journey of reconciliation when he says:
Unfortunately, in December '95, due to conflicting schedules, I was unable to attend the Sacred Assembly in Hull, Quebec. However, diocesan personnel, Metis and First Nation People from this diocese did attend. This is the first opportunity I have had to publicly endorse this Reconciliation Proclamation. In confirming this proclamation here in Ile-a la Crosse, I urge you too to make it your own. I take it upon myself to assure that our whole diocese will know that we share common ground for a journey together in mutual respect and trust. We, the delegates to Sacred Assembly '95, gathered together in Hull, Quebec on December 6 - 9, 1995, having come from the four corners of this land - East, West, North, and South - and having brought with us diverse spiritual backgrounds, and having listened to and prayed with Elders, spiritual leaders and with each other, are able to assert the following: We share, as part of our common spiritual foundation, the belief that:
We share the recognition
96.06.29 - Ile-a-la-Crosse.
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