2023 09 27 - An Evening for Truth and Reconciliation

On 24 to 29 July of 2022, Pope Francis embarked on a “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada. The Pope’s journey came in response to invitations he received from the Church and the civil authorities in Canada, and from Canada’s Indigenous peoples themselves. The visit was focused on healing and reconciliation with the nation's Indigenous peoples who suffered attempts to erase their culture and identity. These injustices were perpetrated in the infamous historic government-funded residential schools system, with the cooperation of many members of the local churches.

Saint Patrick's, Wildfield (Brampton) invites you to a talk and prayers for Truth and Reconciliation.

We will have the honour of welcoming Father Cristino Bouvette (Director, Saint Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, Calgary) who was the national liturgical director for the Papal Visit to Canada in July 2022.

He is of mixed heritage: Italian through his mother, and Métis and Cree through his father. His grandmother attended a residential school.
He was chosen as liturgical director because of his unique position “to have both those worlds that have come together,” that of Canada’s Indigenous peoples and the western European culture that brought Christianity to Canada.
As a Catholic priest and man of Indigenous heritage, Father Cristino offers a unique perspective on the history of residential schools in Canada and the journey towards truth, healing, and reconciliation.

Join us on Wednesday 27 September 2023 for Mass at 7:00 p.m. followed by Father Cristino's talk and a period of discussion.

The event is open to all, no tickets required; seating in the church on a first-come basis.
Donations towards the Healing & Reconciliation Fund are welcome.