As we reflect on the second anniversary of Pope Francis’ penitential journey to Canada in 2022, Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary, the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), expresses his hopes for the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples to become a lived reality.
According to Bishop McGrattan, Pope Francis’s visit in 2022 marked a significant step towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities, setting the stage for the bishops to embark on various initiatives and conversations. These include the establishment of a $30 million fund for healing and reconciliation projects, providing transparent access to Church records, and engaging in dialogue surrounding concepts like the “Doctrine of Discovery.” The bishops are also considering indigenous concerns about artifacts held by the Vatican Museums, exploring the possibility of their return in collaboration with the Canadian government.
Despite these efforts being in their initial stages, Bishop McGrattan remains optimistic about their potential impact, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about historical injustices and addressing current issues faced by Indigenous communities, such as access to healthcare and social services.
The President of the Canadian Bishops’ Conference highlights the role of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund in supporting Indigenous projects and fostering a deeper understanding of reconciliation efforts among Catholics. He believes that tangible actions like these can contribute to the acknowledgment of past wrongs and pave the way for genuine truth and reconciliation to take root in Canadian society.
Looking towards the future, Bishop McGrattan acknowledges the long-lasting effects of the residential school system and the need for ongoing efforts to redress the harm caused. By prioritizing memory and actively engaging in the process of reconciliation, he envisions a future where truth and reconciliation are not just aspirations but a lived reality in Canada.
Bishop William McGrattan with Pope Francis (archive photo)
