Follow Me Day of Healing and Reconciliation By Bishop Terry R. LaValley

Sept. 29, 2021

Editor’s Note: On September 30, Canada will mark a National Day of Healing and Reconciliation to honor those impacted by the legacy of residential school.

As Roman Catholics, we believe that every person is born in the image and likeness of our God. We believe that every person has great dignity and value and is loved immeasurably by God from the moment of conception to that of natural death. We believe God calls us to reflect that love – His love – in our relationships with others.

As I expressed in one of my previous columns in the North Country Catholic, we felt profound sadness upon the discovery of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools for indigenous children. We continue to mourn and pray for the souls of the departed as we seek healing and reconciliation for all those impacted by these tragic deaths.

September 30, 2021 has been designated as a National Day of Healing and Reconciliation in Canada. Let us implore the Lord to help us all find healing and peace in the face of hurt and tragedy. Particularly on this day, we ask God to help us grow in love of one another in our commitment to seeing and serving Jesus Christ in one another.

We know that healing and reconciliation cannot be accomplished on a single day. Healing and reconciliation can be realized only through continual efforts in the search for truth and pursuit of justice. Our hearts go out, in a special way, to our friends and neighbors at Akwesasne. Blessed are those who mourn.