Candle Banner Image

Healing and Reconciliation

 

pope-juillet-handshake

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is held each year on September 30. This day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect and honour Survivors of residential schools and those who support them. In a special way, we remember the children that never returned home. We recognize this painful history and, as a Catholic community, acknowledge our involvement in the residential school system. On this day, we pray, educate and advocate, looking for opportunities to discern how each one of us can participate in the journey of healing, reconciliation and hope.

In 2024, Archbishop Francis Leo has asked that all Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Toronto offer a Mass on September 30 for the intention of ongoing healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of This Land.

 


 

Catholics who want to learn more about the legacy of residential schools can find many helpful resources in the links below:

A photo of Pope FrancisSalt & Light Documentary – Walking Together – an original documentary about Canada’s residential schools, the ongoing process of reconciliation which led to Pope Francis’ apology in 2022, and the long road ahead for healing and reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

42nd Annual Cardinal’s Dinner – November 23, 2021 - the theme for the 42nd Annual Cardinal's Dinner is "A Journey Toward Healing and Reconciliation." This journey is particularly relevant to Catholics across Canada. This 60-minute program includes discussion about that journey and how we can all work toward a better future for residential school survivors, their families and all people of faith.

2021 Prayer Service – Archdiocese of Toronto – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

2021 – Homily from Prayer Service – Cardinal Thomas Collins