Single Issue: $1.00 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 CATHOLIC JOURNAL Vol. 95 No. 41 April 11, 2018 Bishop disappointed Vigil memorializes Humboldt tragedy Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen has expressed his By Blake Sittler solidarity with those who are disap - HUMBOLDT, Sask. — On the pointed that night of April 6, just south of Pope Nipawin, an accident between a semi-truck and a bus broke the Francis will heart of every parent in Sas - not be com - katchewan. ing to Around 5 p.m., a semi-trailer to collided with the bus carrying the apologize Humboldt Broncos hockey team, for the church’s involvement their coaches, statistician, athletic in the residential schools trainer/therapist, and play-by-play system. “I recognize that media personality. Fifteen people the recent letter to the were killed and 14 remain in vari - ous states of recovery. indigenous peoples In the 48 hours that followed of Canada . . . is a disap - the crash, local, national and inter - pointment to many people national media covered the story, in our community,” describing the men who were lost. said Hagemoen. The city of Humboldt was — page 3 shaken to its foundation. But tragedy destroys and then draws CNS/Jonathan Hayward, Reuters Welcoming together: on Sunday, April 8, they BRONCOS MOURN — Mourners pray during an April 8 vigil at Elgar Petersen Arena in Humboldt, newcomers rose as a community and gathered in the Elgar Petersen Arena and Saskatchewan, to honour members of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team who were killed in a fatal Uniplex. bus accident. Lynne Lacroix, director of “This is a community event Broncos, Kevin Garinger in a lies of the Humboldt Broncos.” as at St. Augustine Church up the Recreation and Community that has been orchestrated by an radio interview Sunday. “This is The liturgy was live-streamed, street. Development with the City inter-ministerial organization,” not about (the Broncos) tonight, broadcast, and watched in loca - of Saska - said president of the Humboldt this is about supporting the fami - tions across the province as well — POWERFUL SIGN , page 8 toon, says the city has Holiness means being loving, not boring, pope says a direct role to play in By Cindy Wooden hortation on “the call to holiness Saying he was not writing a think that holiness is only for welcoming in today’s world.” theological treatise on holiness, those who can withdraw from or - immigrants VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis signed the exhor - Pope Francis focused mainly on dinary affairs to spend much time and “breaking down God calls all Christians to be tation March 19, the feast of St. how the call to holiness is a per - in prayer,” he wrote. But “that is barriers to integration.” saints — not plastic statues of Joseph, and the Vatican released it sonal call, something God asks of not the case.” — page 7 saints, but real people who make April 9. each Christian and which requires “We are all called to be holy by time for prayer and who show lov - Much of the document was a personal response given one’s living our lives with love and by Hope denied ing care for others in the simplest written in the second person, state in life, talents and circum - bearing witness in everything we gestures, Pope Francis said in his speaking directly to the individual stances. “Once upon a time, when new document on holiness. reading it. “With this exhortation I “We are frequently tempted to —HOLINESS , page 19 we arrived here, we simply “Do not be afraid of holiness. It would like to insist primarily on took their land. Then, start - will take away none of your ener - the call to holiness that the Lord Blessed Oscar Romero: ing over 150 years ago, we gy, vitality or joy,” the pope wrote addresses to each of us, the call that took their children. In 2018, in Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice he also addresses, personally, to the saint of silence we’re taking away the hope and Be Glad), his apostolic ex- you,” he wrote near the beginning. of sincere reconciliation,” Blessed Oscar Romero, destined for sainthood, lived a dangerous life writes Joe Gunn. while standing up for the weak. It cost him his life 38 years ago, but he — page 9 left behind a spirit of activism that resonates far beyond his San Remember the boys Salvador home. By Michael Swan bishop had turned parts of the San “I didn’t know anyone on The Catholic Register Salvador cathedral complex over to that fatal bus,” writes Sharon campesinos — poor farmers — Butala, “But I was born in For Francisco Rico-Martinez, who were flooding the city looking Nipawin and lived 65 years Archbishop Oscar Romero may for refuge from a rampaging army in Saskatchewan. My head is well be the saint of silence. as the country descended into what full of hockey stories . . . As a young law student at the would be a 12-year civil war that and I know the road . . .” University of El Salvador, Rico killed more than 75,000 people. — page 10 met twice with Romero to talk with His sermons on Sunday mornings him about people who were disap - were broadcast live, nationally on Pioneer life pearing as the right-wing military the radio. It was the one media out - government cracked down on let the army could not censor or Abbot Bruno Doerfler, OSB, unions, peasants and students in intimidate. was a pillar of St. Peter’s 1979. What went into those Sunday “For me at that particular sermons was long days spent lis - Colony, serving as its co- CNS/Paul Haring founder in 1903. Archivist moment, Romero was too conser - tening to delegations and individu - PAPAL EXHORTATION ON HOLINESS — Archbishop Angelo De vative for me. Romero was not a als who came to their archbishop Paul Paproski, OSB, shares Donatis, papal vicar for the Diocese of Rome, holds a copy of Pope revolutionary,” recalled Rico, who looking for help finding their excerpts of letters written Francis’ exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), as he came to Toronto from El Salvador missing family members or hop - from 1903 - 1919. leaves a news conference on the exhortation at the Vatican April 9. Also as a refugee. ing to bury their dead. — page 14 pictured are Greg Burke, Vatican spokesperson, left, and Deacon Adam But for the radical young stu - “What impressed me was his Hincks, SJ, from Canada. Hincks, who is an astrophysicist specializing dents, even a conservative Romero silence,” Rico said. “So he was lis- in the history of the universe, said some features of Ignatian spirituali - was useful because he could chal - ty shine through in the document. lenge the government. The arch - — CANONIZATION , page 5 2 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS April 11, 2018 Mideast patriarchs want ‘resurrection of hearts’

BEIRUT (CNS) — In Easter He noted that Iraq “is the cradle messages, Catholic patriarchs of of civilization,” but has been trans - the Middle East evoked the hope formed to a country of disasters. of the Resurrection. “The Iraqi people seek securi - “Today’s world needs the res - ty, stability as well as social, eco - urrection of hearts,” said Leba- nomic and cultural prosperity,” nese Cardinal Bechara Rai, patri - Sako stressed. “Therefore, these arch of Maronite Catholics. He tragedies must not lead us to give called for a rekindling of love and up and to despair but rather to compassion. look at these events through the Rai prayed for the displaced eye of faith, in addition to a histor - and the abducted to return to their ical and political way of analysis.” homelands and for wars to end in He encouraged the faithful to Syria, Iraq, the Palestinian territo - unite and collaborate to build trust ries and Yemen, consolidating “a and “work hand-in-hand to put an just, comprehensive and lasting end to our suffering.” peace” in the region. Sako also urged all Iraqis to He also warned that Lebanon’s vote in the country’s parliamentary difficult economic, social and liv - elections set for May 12, referring ing conditions threatened to desta - to it as “our golden opportunity for bilize the country’s internal change and to ensure a bright steadiness. He said he hoped future for our people.” Lebanon’s parliamentary elec - He expressed his hope for a tions May 6 — the first such elec - CNS/Vasily Fedosenko, Reuters civil state in which the law pro - tions since 2009 — would “bring EASTER VIGIL IN BELARUS — A Catholic priest celebrates an Easter Vigil March 31 in the village of tects and applies to everyone responsible and conscious states - Belagurna, Belarus. equally. men.” “Religion is for God and must Of Lebanon’s existing popula - Ignace Joseph III Younan, in his than three years in exile from “The message of Resurrection be protected from politicization tion of nearly four million, Easter message from Beirut, Islamic State. this year is to do good; to be and distortion. Religion respects approximately 40 per cent are spoke about the suffering of “When we believe that Jesus bridges for dialogue, reconcilia - persons and does not enslave Christian. Under the country’s Eastern Christians “from the pain rose from the dead, we declare the tion and to be peacemakers,” he them, and the God in whom we power-sharing system, Lebanon’s of persecution, uprooting and hor - hope and joy that we, too, will,” said, urging the faithful to be “a believe is a loving and merciful president is a Maronite Catholic, rific events for years,” especially he said. gateway to grace and blessings.” Creator,” the patriarch stressed. its prime minister a Sunni Muslim in Syria, Iraq and Egypt. He also From Baghdad, Chaldean and the speaker of parliament a referred to his pre-Easter visit to Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako Young Europeans trapped Shiite Muslim. Iraq, where some Iraqi Christians touched upon Resurrection and Syriac Catholic Patriarch finally returned home after more peace in his Easter message. in poverty, hopelessness Leave mass praising God, not gossiping By Jonathan Luxmoore Caritas Internationalis . In a 2015 “crisis monitoring By Junno Arocho Esteves greater desire to give Christian wish him a Happy Easter and give WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — report,” Caritas Europa said witness.” him a big applause,” he said. Catholic charities have warned poverty and exclusion affected a VATICAN CITY (CNS) — An estimated 20,000 pilgrims In his main talk, the pope growing poverty among young third of the population in some of The final words at mass — “Go in gathered in St. Peter’s Square focused on the closing rites of people across Europe is impeding the EU’s member states and peace” — are an invitation to dressed in bright ponchos and mass, finishing a series of audi - access to fundamental rights and warned social unrest was fuelling Christians to proclaim God’s holding umbrellas to shield them - ence talks on the liturgy. intensifying feelings of injustice racism, xenophobia and distrust of blessings through their lives, not selves from the cold rain. As the mass ends, he said, “the and hopelessness. political institutions. an opportunity to go outside and After circling the square in his commitment of Christian witness” The report, published by In November 2016, it said the speak ill of others, Pope Francis popemobile, the pope made his begins at home, at work and any Caritas Europa March 28 in failure of social protection sys - said. way to the stage, which was still time a Christian interacts with Brussels, said Europe’s social cli - tems had left around 120 million Through the eucharist, Jesus adorned with flowers from the others; the idea is to “become mate had become harsher in the Europeans “living in or at risk of “enters in our hearts and in our Easter celebrations. eucharistic men and women.” last decade, as the aftermath of the poverty,” and it urged church flesh so that we may express in Flowers, the pope said, are a “What does this mean?” the 2008 financial crisis particularly members to speak up for the mar - our lives the sacrament we symbol of the joy and happiness pope asked. “It means letting affected single-parent families, ginalized. received in faith,” the pope said of Jesus’ resurrection when “our Christ act through our works: that migrants and refugees, and dis - Introducing the latest 66-page during his weekly general audi - justification blossomed, the holi - his thoughts become our thoughts, abled youngsters. report, “Europe’s Youth: Between ence in St. Peter’s Square April 4. ness of the church blossomed.” his feelings become our feelings, It added that difficulties in Hope and Despair,” Caritas “But if we leave the church Wishing the faithful in the his choices become our choices.” accessing social rights to housing, Europa ’s secretary general, Jorge gossiping, saying, ‘Look at this square a happy Easter, Pope Departing from his prepared work and education were “delaying Nuno Mayer, said Caritas workers one, look at that one,’ with a loose Francis also had a special greeting remarks, Pope Francis said that by adulthood” and trapping young had heard “thousands of sad sto - tongue, the mass has not entered for his predecessor, retired Pope “mortifying our selfishness,” people in poverty and insecurity, ries” in their efforts to “stay in into my heart. Why? Because I am Benedict XVI. Christians create a greater space reducing the prospect of raising touch with people left behind,” not able to live the Christian wit - “I would like all of us to wish a for the Holy Spirit to act in their families to “a distant dream.” and would always “come forward ness,” he said. “Every time I leave Happy Easter to the former bishop lives and “widen their souls” after “Our alarming findings docu - when rights are violated.” mass, I must leave better than of Rome, the beloved Pope Bene - receiving the eucharist. ment the rising exclusion of young He added that European soci - when I entered, with more life, dict, who is watching us on televi - “Let your souls be widened! men and women, emerging senti - eties appeared to have “loosened with greater strength, with a sion. To Pope Benedict, let us all Not these narrow, closed, small, ments of intergenerational injus - their commitment to social cohe - selfish souls. No! Great souls, big tice, and a loudening claim that the sion,” leaving the continent divid - souls with great horizons,” he European pledge of equal opportu - ed between “a better-off centre said. nities and a levelling out of re - and a crisis-strung periphery.” The fruits of the eucharist, the gional disparities is being bro - The report recommended more pope added, are “destined to ken,” said Caritas Europa , which focus on training, security, welfare mature in daily life” and grow like has member-charities in 46 Euro - and “quality of employment,” as a grain of wheat through “our pean countries. well as on aligning government good works, attitudes and becom - “We see lasting social stigma, policies with “human rights obli - ing like Jesus.” negatively affecting the poor, gations.” In receiving the Body and throughout European societies — Among 26 recommendations, it Blood of Christ, Pope Francis polarization and growing inequali - called on the EU to fight job dis - said, men and women are called to ty feed the phenomenon of blam - crimination and ensure affordable “pass from the flesh of Christ to ing the most destitute families for education and fair wages, as well the flesh of our brothers and sis - their poverty,” Caritas Europa as monitoring rents and preventing ters,” especially the poor where said. evictions, and integrating social Jesus “awaits to be recognized, The agency said it was alarmed and employment services. served, honoured and loved by to see poverty transmitted from “The pressure put on young us.” “one generation to the next with people has increased significantly “May our lives always be in long-term negative impacts for — this generation is likely to be CNS/Jaclyn Lippelmann bloom, like Easter, with the flow - young people. In many ways, the the first worse off than their par - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WASHINGTON RALLY — Francis - ers of hope, of faith, of good social status of parents predicts the ents. Making them pay the bill for cans hold signs during an “A.C.T. to End Racism” rally on the National works,” he said. “May we always future of their children.” the crisis appears to be an act of Mall in Washington April 4. The rally marked the 50th anniversary of find the strength for this in the Caritas Europa is one of seven intergenerational injustice,” the the assassination of civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. eucharist, in our union with Jesus.” regions of the Vatican-based report said. April 11, 2018 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 3 Bishop regrets the pope is not coming to Canada

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, the of the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous Peoples, Hagemoen positive relationships to accompa - Holy Father indicated that he was Phil Fontaine — when the pope said. “That declaration, along ny the many words and expres - SASKATOON — Bishop not able to visit Fort Simpson for acknowledged and expressed his with the TRC Calls to Action, sions of commitment given over Mark Hagemoen of the Roman sorrow for the sufferings of continue to challenge all of the years. Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon indigenous children in Indian res - Canada — including members of “I therefore join with the has expressed his solidarity with idential schools. the church — to pursue a more CCCB president and all bishops all those who are disappointed in “As well, in 2015, during his comprehensive approach to jus - of Canada in recommitting ‘to the news that Pope Francis will apostolic visit to Bolivia, Pope tice for indigenous peoples, to engage honestly and courageous - not be coming to Canada to apol - Francis apologized for the changing mindsets, and to taking ly with the past, to acknowledge ogize for the Catholic Church’s church’s grave sins toward the concrete action in a wide range of the failings of members of the involvement in the Indian residen - native people of the Americas,” areas.” Cath olic Church, and to take tial schools system. noted the bishop. He added that indigenous com - active steps of solidarity with “I recognize that the recent let - The healing journey must munities have always highlighted indigenous peoples toward a bet - ter to the indigenous peoples of always go beyond apology into the need for concrete actions and ter future.’ ” Canada from the president of the action, such as the many grass - Canadian Conference of Catholic roots efforts, encounters and rela - Bishops (CCCB) is a disappoint - tionship-building initiatives that ment to many people in our com - have been undertaken in the munity,” said Hagemoen. “I too Diocese of Saskatoon and across regret that Pope Francis is not the country, stressed Hagemoen. coming at this time.” “My interpretation of the The Truth and Reconciliation recent announcement (from the Commission (TRC) Call to CCCB president) is that Pope Action #58 called upon the pope PM file Francis is putting the emphasis on to come to Canada to issue an Bishop Mark Hagemoen the bishops and the local churches apology to residential school sur - to continue to provide and build vivors, their families and commu - the 30th anniversary — a result concrete initiatives, in the spirit of nities for the Roman Catholic that was disappointing for the the TRC,” he said. Church’s role in the spiritual, cul - community, but not unexpected.” “Our local church continues to tural, emotional, physical, and Hagemoen added that he is strive to listen, to build bridges sexual abuse of First Nations, among those who remain hopeful together, and to undertake aware - Inuit, and Métis children in about the possibility of a future ness and reconciliation through a Catholic-run residential schools. papal visit in response to the TRC range of initiatives and encoun - In the March 27 letter to the Calls to Action. “And what I have ters. These include education, indigenous peoples of Canada, heard from indigenous people in treaty awareness, initiatives re - CCCB president Bishop Lionel Saskatoon is that the desire to garding justice and healing, pray - Gendron of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, receive and welcome the Holy ing and celebrating together, and Que., stated that while the Holy Father is always here,” he said. social outreach and care,” said Father is aware of and takes seri - “But for the time being, the Hagemoen, who highlighted ex - ously the findings of the TRC, the Holy Father will not be coming to amples of such work in a pastoral pope “felt that he could not per - Canada. While I recognize the dis - letter sent to parishes in the sonally respond.” appointment, I look forward to Diocese of Saskatoon during Holy In recent years, the Catholic pursuing the many ways in which Week. CNS/Jonathan Hayward, Reuters bishops of Saskatchewan — and we continue the very important Those working toward recon - Hagemoen in his previous role as work of the Truth and Rec- ciliation must continue to be OUTPOURING OF LOVE — Humboldt Broncos’ Nick Shumlanski, bishop of the northern diocese of onciliation Commission and the inspired by the United Nations just released from the hospital, is comforted during an April 8 vigil at Mackenzie-Fort Smith — have Calls to Action in our church and Declaration on the Rights of Elgar Petersen Arena in Humboldt, Sask. (see stories, pages 1 and 8). been among those inviting Pope our wider community.” Francis to come to Canada. At the same time, Hagemoen “I have discovered since com - noted that, contrary to some D&P responds to archbishop’s decision ing to Saskatoon that there was recent statements that the Catholic much expectation and excitement Church is “the only Church that By Lorraine Turchansky funds will be withheld until such strengthen the relationship with about a possible papal visit here,” has not apologized,” there are in Grandin Media time as we receive clear assurance the bishops, and they will see that noted Hagemoen. fact many apologies on record that funds received from present we are actually very strong about Preliminary planning and from Catholic bishops and EDMONTON (CCN) — and future Together We Serve col - the position of the church and all logistical work was undertaken Catholic religious orders over the Development and Peace has lections will be used only by agen - the values that the church wants to locally in order to facilitate a pos - past 25 years, including apologies issued a letter to its members from cies whose mission, values and promote.” sible papal visit to Saskatoon. offered at TRC events held executive director Serge Langlois practices cohere with the teachings Duguay said the review by “Many — including indigenous throughout the country. following Edmonton Archbishop of the Catholic Church and with CCCB staff was prompted last fall and non-indigenous community “Apologies from various Richard Smith’s decision to with - the criteria of Caritas Inter - by an inquiry from the Catholic leaders and business people — Catholic leaders have been many hold from D&P all donations nationalis , of which the Canadian Women’s League regarding a felt that to provide a strong sense — in fact, the most numerous of made through the 2018 Together Catholic Organization for women’s health clinic in Haiti of welcome for the Holy Father, all of the churches that helped to We Serve appeal. Development and Peace is the which is a D&P partner; they’d working to address some of the run Indian residential schools,” he In the letter, Langlois said, Canadian representative.” heard that the clinic director major logistical and financial said. “These various apologies “Development and Peace - Caritas Smith was reacting to a report expressed support for legalized requirements of a visit would be were needed — and as a young Canada, with the Canadian presented to the February meeting abortion. When D&P looked into helpful in removing significant bishop I can say that I am proud Catholic Conference of Bishops, is of the 25-member Assembly of the claim, they discovered it was obstacles,” said Hagemoen. these apologies were offered. in the process of carrying out a Western and Northern Canadian unfounded, and they provided a “Thus, many people here are dis - They acknowledge injustice and review of our partners in Asia, Catholic Bishops in Winnipeg letter from the local bishop appointed.” wrongdoing, recognize much pain Africa, Latin America and the which indicated that a review of expressing support for D&P’s As bishop of Mackenzie-Fort and hardship, and are a way of Middle East. As a long-standing partner agencies raised questions assistance to the clinic. Smith, Hagemoen was also part of facilitating healing and renewed organization it is a natural process about non-compliance with Funding anything to do with a recent invitation to Pope Francis relationships.” for us to ensure that our partners Catholic teaching in such areas as abortion, contraception, or “repro - to visit Fort Simpson for the bless - The bishop added that, begin - and their projects are supporting abortion, contraception, steriliza - ductive rights” is simply not on ing of the new Sacred Heart ning with Pope John Paul II, integral human development, cre - tion, same-sex relations and gen - the table for Development and Catholic Church in that northern recent popes have also given the ating real positive change, are der theory. Peace, Duguay said. community. “only non-Canadian acknowledg - effective in their work, and are “The archbishop has raised “If we believe that an organiza - “The opening and blessing of ments of the painful history of the faithful to the values and the social serious questions and they need to tion is doing something that is not the new church corresponded with Indian residential schools.” teachings of the Catholic Church.” be answered,” said Romain right for us, not right for the the 30th anniversary of Pope St. Hagemoen noted: “The Smith sent a letter to parish - Duguay, deputy executive director church, we won’t do it. There are John Paul II’s visit to Fort words of John Paul II during his ioners April 4 in which he said of Development and Peace, in a plenty of other organizations that Simpson in 1987. Given the dis - visit to Canada in 1984 and then “An estimated 40 partners appear telephone interview from D&P can do that work, but we will not cussion of a possible papal visit in to Fort Simpson in 1987 antici - to show evidence of conflict with headquarters in Montreal. “We do it.” connection with the conclusion of pate the perspective and lan - Catholic moral and social teach - will do our due diligence to He explained that Devel- the Truth and Reconciliation guage of the United Nations ing and, in particular, that they do respond to them and demonstrate opment and Peace works with Commission and its Calls to Declaration on the Rights of not demonstrate full respect for that we are not doing anything local partners because they want Action, many in the Northwest Indigenous Peoples.” the sanctity of human life.” against the position of the to empower local people and Territories were hoping that a pos - Acknowledgments also include “For this reason, the church.” groups that are helping the poor in sible visit to Canada would fea - the historic meeting of Pope Archdiocese of Edmonton will “We understand that there their own countries and working ture a visit to the far north,” Benedict XVI with Canadian rep - withhold the D&P portion of the should have been more communi - to address social justice issues. Hagemoen said. “Through the resentatives at the Vatican in 2009 2018 Together We Serve donations cation on our part. But we are con - papal nuncio to Canada, — including then-National Chief from Development and Peace. The fident that this process will — ORGANIZATION, page 4 4 Prairie Messenger CANADIAN NEWS April 11, 2018 Catholic teen puts local spin on Humans of New York

By Agnieszka Krawczynski in January and she hopes telling watcher has come to enjoy volun - The B.C. Catholic the stories of people she meets at teering with local programs like soup kitchens and while walking The Door is Open or Good Shep - VANCOUVER (CCN) — down the street in poor neighbour - herd Street Ministry and keeping While most teens shy away from hoods will raise awareness about an eye out for people who seem speaking with strangers, 16-year- what put them there. friendly and talkative. When the old Rachel Way seeks them out, “I’m giving them a voice to moment is right, she approaches strikes up conversations, and en- share their stories that they would - them to ask them about their lives, joys the company. n’t necessarily have. If they don’t and if they wouldn’t mind being “I really like the Humans of have easy access to a phone or to interviewed for her website. New York, so I thought I would do Internet, they don’t have the same “One time, one of the guys I something similar to that with my opportunities that I do.” was talking to was very intoxicat - own personal twist,” said Way, a With any encounter, she added, ed, but it was still very neat to be St. Thomas More Collegiate stu - there’s an opportunity to learn in his shoes and see what he is dent and the young creator of the something. “There’s power in doing,” said Way. Vancouver CARE Project. being open and authentic. The The man had been sitting on The twist? All strangers on her courage to share is so powerful.” the side of a street in the blog are homeless. Way has been finding ways to Downtown Eastside, holding a “I think often people judge pret - reach out to the less fortunate since cup, and smiling at passersby. B.C. Catholic/Agnieszka Krawczynski ty quickly, when they are walking she was young. In Grade 6, she and They talked for about 20 minutes TELLING STORIES — Rachel Way enjoys talking to people and down the street and see someone a few friends raised $4,000 for a when he said: “See, how kindness decided to do something similar to Humans of New York “with my own who is homeless,” said Way. school in Kenya. When she moved pays off?” personal twist.” “I think by reading their sto - on to high school at St. Thomas Way was surprised; he’d not so ries, we can understand: they have More Collegiate, she started volun - much as received a dime in his The man explained to Way other people happy.” a lot of hardship in their lives, or teering at soup kitchens in New cup during their whole conversa - that he finds life fulfilling when just made one really bad decision. Westminster and homeless out - tion. She asked him what he he “spends his days making — WAY, page 9 You can learn from everyone.” reach programs in Vancouver. In meant. She started her version of Grade 9 she went on a mission trip “He was talking about how Humans of New York, the online to Tanzania. many people he made smile, the photo and storytelling project, last “I just love talking to people kids he made smile and waved hi August. The Vancouver CARE and hearing their stories,” said to, the person who was frowning (Compassion, Advocacy, Respect, Way. and he told: ‘Turn that frown Empowerment) website launched The self-professed people- upside down!’ ” Retreats & Workshops AND SO WE WAIT: Our Spiritual Journey of Transformation: A Retreat for Women — Sarah Donnelly The Pottered Chalice Friday, May 18, 7 p.m. until Sunday, May 20 after lunch. Cost: $180 includes program, lunches and supper (enrichments available). There is a thin crack in the pottered chalice ICONOGRAPHY RETREAT — Anna Mycyk and Gisele Bauche Monday, May 28 - Friday, June 1, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: Commute: $525 from which drops of wineblood (includes lunches). Contact Queen’s House for live-in pricing. seep out and trickle down the stem to the base, TRANSITIONS: Your Journey of Transformation through Grief then stain the linen and Loss — Sarah Donnelly Thursday, June 7, 7 p.m. - Sunday, June 10 covering the altar of after lunch. Cost: $475. Call 306-717-3707 to register. our simple lives. SEVEN DAY SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT: Come Away With Me . . . Dianne Mantyka and Bishop Gerry Wiesner, OMI Once, we discussed replacing it Friday, June 29, 4 p.m. - Thursday, July 5, 2:30 p.m. with a metal one — gold maybe, Cost: $995 (includes meals, accommodations and spiritual direction). but thought better of it. Please register by June 19th. This one held so many stories to heal our brokenness SUMMER STILLNESS 2018 — Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI we couldn’t let it go. Begins Monday, July 9, 5:30 p.m. with supper - Thursday, July 12 after lunch Besides, we all agreed Monday Evening Public Lecture: RISING UP: From Living by Goodwill & Dogged Willpower to Drawing Upon the Resurrection & Grace. it felt warmer in our hands. Presentation only: $20; with supper: $35. Tuesday to Thursday Main Theme By Michael Dallaire Presentation: INSANE FOR THE LIGHT: Spirituality for Our Wisdom Years. TRIUMPH RETREAT 2018: Freedom Through Healing M. Weber Friday, July 27, 6 p.m. - Sunday, August 5, 3 p.m. Cost: $1,395 (includes program, meals, facility and small bedroom). Organization committed to church teaching Queen's House SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FORMATION PROGRAM will be offered from Jan 2019/July2020. This ecumenical program invites spiritual transformation and personal growth while equiping participants to Continued from page 3 tionalis. It was established by the recorded a total of $41.6 million in accompany others on their spiritual journey. Co-Directors are Bishop Gerald bishops of Canada in 1967 to foster revenues, compared with $44.3 Wiesner, Gisele Bauche and Dianne Mantyka. For further information contact But organizations and projects justice and integral human devel - million in expenses, to finish the Dianne at [email protected] may evolve over time and come to opment in the Southern Hemi- year with a $2.7 million deficit. embrace values that are not in sphere. In most dioceses, the Share Lent SPIRITUAL DIRECTION: For more information or to begin your journey keeping with church teaching. “If Each bishop will issue his own campaign is conducted through a contact Sr. Adeline at Queen’s House or any affiliated spiritual director. that’s the case, D&P will not work response to the review. Duguay special collection. In some dioce - with them and will go in search of said “several bishops” have ses such as Edmonton, Calgary and Ongoing programs include: Centering Prayer: Monday evenings, 7 p.m. another partner.” expressed concern. Among them Toronto, Development and Peace Holy Eucharist: Wednesday afternoons - call to confirm mass time - all are welcome! The latest issue underlines the are Bishop William McGrattan of is supported through an annual Journey with Scripture: Fr. Paul Fachet. $25 (lunch). Wed. 10 a.m., May 2. importance of D&P conducting Calgary and Bishop Paul Terrio of appeal that includes several other Women in Ministry Luncheons: One Friday/month, 12 - 1:30 p.m., May 4. regular reviews of partner agen - St. Paul, who have published sim - charities. K of C BROTHERS KEEPER BREAKFAST: 2nd Tuesday/month, 7 a.m., May 8. cies and projects, he said. ilar letters to their parishioners Duguay invited donors who Taizé Prayer: 2nd Wed./month. $25 w/lunch, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., May 9. Duguay said the organization about withholding D&P donations. have concerns to contact Devel- 24-Hour Eucharistic Adoration: 4th Monday & Tuesday/month 12 p.m. remains committed to upholding “We’ve told them the same opment and Peace. Personal Day(s) of Private Prayer: Call reception to arrange suitable time. church teaching, is co-operating thing we are telling Archbishop “We still want them to believe with the Canadian Conference of Smith, that this is a natural process in Development and Peace, that we For program details visit www.queenshouse.org To register please call 306-242-1916 Catholic Bishops in investigating (of ensuring accountability) . . . are very strong in our belief that we or email: [email protected] the issues raised by the review, and we are hopeful that it’s going are doing the best that we can with and aims to improve communica - to be resolved in a quick manner the money they provide us, that our www.facebook.com/Queens-House-Retreat-and-Renewal-Centre tions with the bishops. and a very strong manner.” position is very clear and in line The Canadian Catholic Or ga - Dioceses across Canada have with the social justice teachings of 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0C9 nization for Development and strongly supported the organiza - the church, that we are committed tel: (306) 242-1916 fax: (306) 653-5941 Peace is the official international tion’s annual Share Lent campaign. to demonstrate and communicate development organization of the In the 2016-2017 fiscal year, $8.3 better what we are doing in the DO YOU NEED A FACILITY FOR: Inservices, seminars, workshops, retreats, or any occasion? BOOK QUEEN’S HOUSE TODAY! Church in Canada, and one of 160 million was raised through Share field, and that we hope they will (306) 242-1925 or [email protected] members of Caritas Inter na - Lent. Development and Peace continue to work with us.” April 11, 2018 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 5 Sisters and HIV crisis influenced health CEO

By Agnieszka Krawczynski child! What’s that feeling like for patients when no one else would, An obstetrics doctor, Geoffrey “Everybody says they are com - The BC Catholic you?’ ” Doyle continued seeking ways to Cundiff, suggested creating a mitted to holistic care, but look at That focus on holistic care help people on the margins. place where poor mothers worried their behaviours and what kinds of VANCOUVER (CCN) — It inspired Doyle and permeated the “I started to hear, early on in about their ability to care for a things they fund. If you’re not fund - was the early 1980s and Dianne health facility. “There was a sense my time as CEO, some concerns newborn could leave a child, ing spiritual care, or if you’re not Doyle, a fairly recent graduate of comfort, that things are under being expressed by First Nations anonymously, at the hospital. funding initiatives or resources that from nursing school, had just been control in the organization about how they were being treated Angel’s Cradle was born, and two allow you to spend time bringing hired at St. Paul’s Hospital when a because the sisters have a pres - when they came into our facility. children have since been saved meaning into somebody’s life . . . grave disease struck. ence and a sense of comfort.” That was my cue,” she said. thanks to this service. then you’re not really doing holistic “These young, mostly men at The sisters had a dramatic “Unfortunately, the First Now, as Doyle looks toward care,” she said. the time, had horrible respirato - influence on Doyle in the early Nations communities are overrep - retirement, she trusts the Catholic “There’s no point curing some - ry illnesses and skin inflictions years of her career. “A little piece resented in terms of the issues of health care organization will con - body’s illness, providing surgery and nobody really knew, at the of my heart will always stay at St. homelessness, poverty, mental tinue to reach out to the margins that corrects something, if we dis - beginning, what this was,” said Paul’s.” health issues, IV drug use, and and provide the care that inspired charge them and they’re still a Doyle. When Doyle graduated from addictions in the Downtown her as a young nurse. broken person.” “We saw many people die quite the University of Ottawa in 1973, Eastside.” quickly of this disease, including she never planned to become the Doyle sought out a number of people who were CEO of a health care organization. ways to reach out by working at St. Paul’s,” she said. She just knew she wanted to be a creating an Abo- “There was fear, concern, and a nurse. riginal health team, lot of grief.” “I cannot remember a time that partnering with the Doyle, who retires next month I didn’t know I was going to be a First Nations Health as CEO of Providence Health nurse. Five years old? Six years Authority, creating Care (which operates St. Paul’s old? I don’t know. I just knew I sacred spaces, and and other Catholic health care was going to be a nurse,” said inviting First Nations facilities in Vancouver), didn’t Doyle. elders to sing and be work directly with these afflicted Doyle started her nursing present at significant patients at first, but was sucked career in the intensive care unit at events. into the grip this mysterious dis - Royal Jubilee Hospital in Vic - “We need to do ease was tightening on the com - toria. A few years later, she moved reconciliation work munity. to Vancouver and started working with First Nations and One of her fellow nurses “in a in critical care at St. Paul’s. we need to give them short period of time went from Raised Catholic but having preferential treatment being a colleague that was work - drifted away from her faith, it was because there is so ing with us, to being ill, to being only at St. Paul’s that Doyle for much inequality in dead.” the first time considered working access and health out - The illness that took many in faith-based health care. “As I comes for them.” patients and nurses would be soon saw the values of compassion and In 2010, another identified as HIV/AIDS, and St. social justice lived out in this vulnerable population Paul’s, which treated the afflicted organization, it so resonated with came to Doyle’s in a ward code-named 10C, would me and somewhere at the core of attention. “There become the birthplace of B.C.’s who I am. I guess they were there were some incidents a Centre for Excellence in HIV/ and I suppressed them in some number of years ago AIDS and a world leader in way.” in the Vancouver area research of the disease. Doyle worked in several in which, tragically, Catholic Register/Michael Swan When Doyle thinks back to Providence care centres before infants were discov - that frightening time, she remem - becoming the organization’s CEO ered abandoned in FOCUSING ON THE POOR — Blessed Archbishop Romero students Amanda bers the sisters who founded St. in September 2006. Moved by its dumpsters and other Martinez and Julia Soares stand before one of the many portraits of Romero that Paul’s in 1894 and who provided foundresses and those who circumstances,” she grace their school’s hallways in Toronto. “He focused on the poor rather than the hope in that darkness more than decades earlier treated HIV/AIDS said. rich,” said Martinez. 30 years ago. “The sisters were so inspira - tional because they had a ‘just do Canonization will likely take place in October it’ and ‘of course we’ll do it’ atti - tude,” she told The B.C. Catholic Continued from page 1 one episode in a long history of door of a hospital chapel while the then or now, it all goes back to the during an interview March 23. violence in Latin America. Even archbishop was celebrating mass same thing — making the right The Sisters of Providence felt tening. The whole tone of the in El Salvador, where 46 per cent for the religious sisters who decision, even if an authority fig - an obligation to care for patients meeting changed because you saw of the population is under the age worked there. The Sunday before ure wants to go against it.” with this unknown, then stigma - a person listening. It was not of 25, that history is fading, but he was killed, Romero used his That claim to freedom and re - tized, disease, saying: “If not us, another guy saying, ‘Yeah, sure, Romero lives on. broadcast sermon to appeal direct - sponsibility embedded in Ro- who?” whatever, next.’ You see it. You “I don’t know if the young peo - ly to rank and file soldiers. mero’s call to conscience is his Doyle said the nuns gave feel it. You perceive it. . . . He ple know the history, but what “In the name of God and this legacy, said Rico. “hope and meaning” to the lives would not only listen. You would they know is that he is one of us,” suffering population, whose cries “That’s why I totally believe, of people with HIV/AIDS even perceive that he was listening.” said Rico. “When I say one of us, reach to the heavens more tumul - as many people said, he is resur - when the causes and transmission A miracle attributed to Romero I don’t mean Salvadorans. I mean tuous each day, I beg you, I rected in the people of El Sal- of disease were still unknown. was approved by Pope Francis last people who are poor, people who beseech you, I order you in the vador,” he said. “He’s a symbol of And it wasn’t just patients in month to pave the way for have been excluded. He is one of name of God, cease the repres - the struggle for freedom.” Ward 10C who experienced the Romero’s canonization. It is widely us people who have been trying to sion,” Romero said. As the civil war spiralled after loving care of these nuns. Doyle expected to happen during the open spaces for the unprivileged Telling poor, young, conscript - Romero’s assassination, Rico and herself became a patient at St. synod of bishops in October along people of the world.” ed soldiers in El Salvador at that his wife Loly became targets. Paul’s three times, while deliver - with Pope Paul VI. The Sal vadoran At Blessed Archbishop Romero time they could follow their con - They wound up in Canada as ing each of her three children. martyr’s cause for sainthood was Catholic Secondary School in a science and disobey their officers refugees and were soon active in “It was not just: ‘Are your bod - stalled for years at the Congregation heavily Hispanic and Portuguese was revolutionary, Rico said. helping other refugees. Today ily needs being looked after?’ But for the Doctrine of the Faith until immigrant neighbourhood of To - “His homily that last Sunday, they direct the FCJ Refugee also, ‘It’s a big transition: a first Pope Francis was elected in 2013. ronto’s west end, the kids get it. what he said was so powerful but Centre in Toronto which, with the Vatican theologians declared “He focused on the poor rather also so threatening to the system. support of the Faithful Com- Romero was a martyr killed “in than the rich,” said Grade 10 stu - In El Salvador it was something panions of Jesus, welcomes and odium fidei” (in hatred of the dent Angela Martinez. “How he so radical to say to someone, houses dozens of refugee families Are you faith) in 2015. For a martyr, only died — he died as a martyr — I ‘Don’t obey the voice of authority, from around the world every year. one verified miracle is required, think it’s about time he gets can - because there is a higher authority The Ricos understand their Moving? instead of the usual two. The mir - onized.” telling you not to do it.’ ” work with refugees as a perma - Please let us know a acle attributed to the intercession Grade 11 student Julia Soares A call to conscience and con - nent mandate they received from month in advance. of Romero has not officially been believes Romero is a saint for scientious objection resonates Archbishop Romero. Write to: made public, but last year Canada, too. “We aren’t in a dicta - with students at Blessed Arch - “What that means, it’s a perma - Circulation Dept. Archbishop Vincezo Paglia said torship or anything like that, but bishop Romero. nent struggle,” Rico said. “These Prairie Messenger that a “healing of a pregnant he was an activist,” she said. “And “God gives us choices. We do people are looking for freedom Box 190 woman that at first glance seems we still do need activism today for have the freedom to make our and they recognize the symbols of Muenster, Sask. S0K 2Y0 inexplicable” had been reported. various reasons.” own choices,” said Soares. “To be freedom, like Romero was. It’s [email protected] It would be wrong to lock On March 24, 1980, a death making the right choice rather every single day. It’s not a fight Undeliverable papers cost twice Romero’s legacy into El Salvador squad with connections to El than the wrong one is something once on the 24th of March. It’s a as much to return. during its civil war, as if he were Salvador’s military government that all Christians, all Catholics, fight for the people who follow only a saint for one country and shot Romero through the open should follow. . . . Whether it was Romero every day.” 6 Prairie Messenger LOCAL NEWS April 11, 2018 Jesus’ passion connected to human suffering

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski lion individuals trafficked annual - san Justice and Peace Commission, ly across the globe, making it a reflected on relationships in rural SASKATOON — Some 200 $150-billion industry — not only Saskatchewan, asking, “How often people braved cold temperatures internationally but right here in are we tempted to judge our neigh - on Good Friday, March 30, to fol - our city. Canada is a source, tran - bours in rural Saskatchewan before low the cross through the streets sit, and destination country for knowing who they are, why they of Saskatoon during the annual men, women, and children sub - believe in or do certain things, outdoor Way of the Cross. jected to sex trafficking, and a before having created relationships Established in 1997 under the destination country for men and with them? Do we hold on to prej - leadership of the late Tony Haynes women subjected to forced la - udices, stereotypes, or racism (as co-ordinator of the Justice and bour,” said Jodi Kozan, executive because we choose to remain igno - Peace Office in the Roman director of Hope Restored. rant and are unwilling to task our - Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon), Kozan led a prayer asking for selves with discovering our neigh - the well-known Holy Week event God’s help to “end our betrayal of bours? Incomprehension and features participation by a range of the millions of people sold in the hatred led Jesus to the tomb.” groups and organizations who lead world every day for selfish Other reflections during the reflections and prayers at each sta - desires,” as well as praying for all walk included prayers for the tion to connect the passion of Jesus victims and survivors of human plight of Palestinians, led by a Christ to suffering in the world trafficking. representative of the Mennonite today. Chris Randall, director of Sas - Central Committee, as well as At the first station in front of katoon’s Homelessness Action reflections and prayers about the the courthouse on Spadina Cres- Plan, part of the Saskatoon Hous - forgotten elderly in our communi - cent, students from the Greater ing Initiatives Partnership, led a ty, for families, for refugees, for Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ eco- reflection on homelessness at the the protection of creation, and for justice program reflected on re - third station, Jesus being con - all those affected by conflict or cent attacks on Catholic education demned by the Sanhedrin. war. in light of a Scripture passage “Poverty and homelessness are At the 11th station, focusing on about Jesus’ agony in the garden: too often criminalized by our legal Jesus’ promise of paradise to the “How will you respond to Jesus’ system and condemned by the good thief, a reflection by Our call to be vigilant and pray? Will opinions of passersby,” Randall Lady of Guadalupe Parish you stand up for the ability for said. “Jesus knew what it was like addressed the legacy of hurt and parents to choose a Catholic edu - to be condemned. He knew what it distrust experienced by indige - Kiply Yaworski cation for their children, no matter was like to suffer and be an out - nous people. WAY OF THE CROSS — Some 200 participants braved the frigid tem - the reason?” cast. The church needs to welcome “In Canada, many First Nation, peratures on Good Friday to follow the cross through the streets of The procession continued with those who are homeless into our Inuit, and Métis people find it Saskatoon during the annual outdoor Way of the Cross. a reflection on Judas’ betrayal, hearts, our homes, and our church - hard to maintain faith in Christian connecting it to the commodifica - es. We need to welcome them as institutions because of the way the scandal is allowed to become a Saskatoon led the reflection at the tion of human beings in the world - we would welcome Christ.” churches collaborated with the stumbling block to faith, that too, 12th station: Jesus speaks from wide scourge of human traffick - The fifth station focused on the government’s policy of aggressive is a scandal. Today we ask for the cross to his mother and his ing. moment when Jesus is judged by assimilation in the past. The resi - God’s mercy and guidance as we beloved disciple. “Sex trafficking is a global epi - Pilate. Marc Loiselle, a local dential school scandal is indeed a build a culture of reconciliation.” “Jesus hung on the cross, demic, with an estimated 27 mil - farmer and a member of the dioce - national disgrace, but when that Wyndham Thiessen of L’Arche rejected and scorned. Only his mother and a few faithful friends remained beside him. People with ‘Never again’ has become ‘again and again’ intellectual disabilities often endure a similar loneliness, with By Andréa Ledding who cannot stand up for them - “Racism was the justification of Germany and Russia. Three mil - very few people in their lives who selves,” said Shiffman, before to murder six million Jews,” noted lion Jews were killed in Poland, are willing to stay close and name SASKATOON — At the annu - welcoming the dignitaries and the Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky. “The noted Jodorkovsky, and while them as friends,” Thiessen said. al Yom HaShoah commemorating main speaker, Holocaust survivor Holocaust didn’t begin with death many Polish citizens risked their “Parents are often isolated, sup - the six million who died in the Robbie Waismann. camps, but with small, dangerous lives to rescue Jewish people, laws porting a handicapped son or Holocaust, president of Congre - “We are one human family,” hate speech, and from these seeds like this whitewash history. daughter with very little help or gation Agudas Israel Harold said Commissioner David Arnot it grew into a mass killing “Many Poles helped Jews. support from a caring community. Shiffman noted that anti-Semitism of the Saskatchewan Human machine.” Many were afraid, and didn’t get Jesus knew that his mother would continues to rise across the globe. Rights Commission, noting that Last January, the Polish parlia - involved. But many were eager to need support, and he appointed his “I encourage you to remind human rights came to the fore - ment introduced a law that crimi - collaborate. Any attempt to deny disciple to care for her as a son.” your friends about this event and front because of the Holocaust, nalizes any suggestion that Poland or relativize that fact is a lie and a A moment of silence was ob - others like it; don’t take anything and rights and responsibilities had any complicity in the Holo- manipulation of history,” said served on Spadina Crescent after you read at face value and check must be part of every student’s caust, claiming that it was never a Jodorkovsky. “We are here to lis - representatives of the Knights of your sources; stand up for those pedagogy. free actor because of the invasions ten to a man who experienced Columbus read the Scripture pas - anti-Semitism and persecution in sage at the 13th station about the Poland, even before the pogroms. death of Jesus on the cross. He was beaten up by his own Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the friends because he was a Jew.” Roman Catholic Diocese of Sas - Waismann was born in ka toon carried the cross to the Skarzysko, Poland, in 1920 to a final, 14th station, accompanied close-knit family. He lost them all, by Anglican Bishop David Irving. except his sister Leah, spending On the steps of St. Paul’s An - time in different camps as a slave glican Cathedral, the two faith lead - labourer. He was liberated from ers led a closing reflection, prayer Buchenwald on April 11, 1945, by and blessing. “Jesus’ story does not the first black man he’d ever seen, end here, in the tomb of Good African-American soldier Leon Friday. Our story does not end in Bass. tragedy and despair. We need not “Imagine being a 14-year-old flee like the disciples in fear for the boy having been through all these future, because we know as people horrors over a six year period, of faith that Jesus will rise from this being hungry, starved, deprived of tomb, and so we live in faith and every human emotion, so brutal - hope that we, too, will rise with ized and dehumanized that you Christ on the last day.” begin to believe that you are no Myron Rogal of the diocesan longer human, and yet still some - Office of Justice and Peace, who how living in hope that you will co-ordinated the annual event, be reunited with family.” thanked all those involved — When they asked him his including the Saskatoon city name, he blurted out 117098, his police, city officials, Night Owl Liz Baile number. He was surprised that audio, the many participating NUNCIO VISITS THE NORTH — Bishop of Victoria (left) and Bishop Mark Hagemoen of they wanted to know his name. groups, and the volunteers from Saskatoon (right) recently accompanied the Papal Nuncio to St. Michael’s Parish in Behchoko, N.W.T., about But with this new freedom and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish 100 km northwest of Yellowknife. The pope’s representative in Canada took the opportunity to visit the north - hope came the realization that who prepared a lunch of soup ern community, having travelled to the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith for the March 16 episcopal ordina - and bannock to conclude the tion of Bishop Jon Hansen, CSsR. The visit was a first for the nuncio, and for parishioners in Behchoko. — FAITH , page 7 event. April 11, 2018 LOCAL NEWS Prairie Messenger 7 Session explores communications

By Frank Flegel more bang for the buck. lications was also part of the dis - Participants were concerned cussion. The meeting determined MUENSTER, Sask. — The that holding the paper copy and there was a definite need to Prairie Messenger will cease pub - taking the time to read and absorb encourage local participation in lication May 9. That fact is well the written word is a different and whatever is developed and what known. The high level of concern more rewarding gain of knowl - resources would be required to that has been expressed about this edge compared to reading on an accomplish that. prompted Regina Archbishop electronic device. The electronic Bolen noted that Saskatchewan to convene a meet - version fosters a short attention bishops would be meeting shortly ing of communication representa - span and supports today’s move to and they would discuss some of tives from the Regina, Saskatoon, multi-tasking or task-switching. the issues raised at this brain - and Prince Albert dioceses and the There was also concern that storming meeting. Diocesan com - Saskatoon Eparchy. moving to a digital copy would munication officers will discuss On April 4 at St. Peters Abbey lose the generations who don’t use some of the ideas presented when a brainstorming session was held electronic devices; however, oth - they meet with other dioceses and to determine what can be done to ers noted there is plenty of evi - communications officers at a na - serve the Prairie Messenger com - dence available that dedicated tional meeting scheduled for the munity after May 9. It will likely print readers are also accessing end of May. Several others were be some form of digital/electronic and using those electronic de- tasked with some research efforts communication, if the general vices. One participant lamented with an expectation to report to direction established at the session that Google was turning everyone the group at its next meeting, ten - is any indication. into dummies. tatively scheduled for some time There was much discussion of The conversation moved on to in June. the consequences to society in exploring what’s available that “It was an exploratory conver - moving away from print toward would meet the needs of maintain - sation,” said Bolen after the meet - electronic media, and it was point - ing communication with the ing. “It was also an opportunity to ed out that printing presses and Prairie Messenger readership, express our gratitude to Abbot the distribution of a paper copy and the kind of resources re- Peter ( PM editor), the Prairie Donald Ward are major considerations when quired. The possibility of co-oper - Messenger writers and staff, and WEB PRESS — This web offset printing press manufactured by North everyone is under budget con - ating or partnering with dioceses articulate how we have been American Rockwell has been printing the Prairie Messenger weekly straints — digital media offer in other provinces and other pub - deeply blessed by them.” since 1973. ‘It takes a community to welcome all these newcomers’

By Blake Sittler ment with the City of Saskatoon, and that experience on the ground quoted as facing obstacles that course of this report was how stress - headed the group that organized the has proven that organizations can they had not anticipated — like ful day-to-day and hour-to-hour liv - SASKATOON — The First day. do more working together than not being able to pick up an ing is for someone to whom every - Annual Saskatoon Newcomer Saskatoon “has a direct role in working as independent pillars. affordable dining room table and thing at every hour is new: language, Set tle ment and Integration making sure that our city is wel - The report highlighted the exam - chairs because they did not own a culture, weather — even things like Commu nity Forum was held coming and breaking down barri - ple of the Settlement Workers in truck, and movers charge $150 to sports and music. The report con - March 28 at TCU Place in Sas- ers to integration,” she explained. Schools (SWIS), which connects transport the furniture. cluded with several practical recom - katoon. The gathering was organ - “It was about talking to newcom - settlement agencies and language Banking and financial issues in mendations and suggestions. ized by staff from the City of ers themselves and also to agen - training opportunities through Canada cause many newcomers June Rivard, a volunteer with Saskatoon Com munity Devel op - cies who have a direct or indirect their presence in schools. hardship because of the compli - migration ministry in the Diocese ment Department with support role in welcoming them. It was also noted that co-ordina - cated structures and a lack of of Saskatoon, said the day was from Immigration, Refugees and “This day was about bringing tion of services was important in awareness about things such as worthwhile. Citizenship Canada. the community together,” said order that newcomers could access credit history and online banking. “It was a helpful discussion,” Some 80 people in attendance Lacroix. “It takes a community to the necessary resources and offer - Many noted that they had never Rivard said. “It challenges me and represented the various sectors in welcome all these newcomers.” ings — especially for those with - used credit cards before and had my committee about how we can the city who help to welcome and Lacroix credited many in her out an understanding of Canadian to Google how to attain one and do a better job with our sponsors in orient new Canadians. Between office and highlighted the Immi - society’s bureaucratic structures. how to use it. helping (newcomers) manoeuvre 2011 and 2016, Saskatoon wel - grant Partnership Saskatoon co- Language barriers are nearly What became clear over the through all the service providers.” comed 18,585 new Canadians; ordinator Athanas Njeru as the insurmountable until English is Re gina saw an influx of 16,195. linchpin of the day, as well as learned, and so it was recognized pointing to that access to locals who speak a Faith sustained survivors work that variety of languages would also needs to be make settlement that much Continued from page 6 sister-in-law were all killed. done in the smoother. “My nephew Nathan was not future. Finally, mental health was rec - there was no home to return to, three years old the last time I saw “The ognized as one of the most impor - that they were all orphans whose him. Golda could easily have gone biggest part tant factors in settlement. While it families had been murdered. to work in a munitions factory but is moving may look to an outsider like refu - “Today in excess of over 70 refused to be separated from her forward to gees should be happy and grateful years since my liberation, the little boy, and was sent to the formally for their new and peaceful home, promise of ‘never again’ has be - Treblinka gas chamber with him.” establish a the trauma of losing family and come ‘again and again.’ A number His older brother was put on a local immi - friends, of having to leave your of situations has tested the world’s truck when he contracted typhoid gration part - country of birth, of losing access resolve — in Cambodia, the for - fever. Waismann had an over - nership,” to language, culture and food, mer Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Darfur, whelming urge to join him but he Lacroix make settling into a new job or Syria. My eyes have seen un - was stopped, and waved away by explained. school incredibly difficult. speakable horrors.” his older brother. A few minutes Blake Sittler “Their sole Another major report was com - After the war, 426 young peo - later shots rang out from the near - WELCOMING NEWCOMERS — Some 80 representa - focus will piled by Insightrix Research and ple among 20,000 adults in by forest. tives of various sectors in the community working to wel - be to make was funded by Immigration, Buchenwald were rescued and “Never will I forget the devas - come and support newcomers to Canada gathered for an sure they Refugees and Citizenship Canada taken to France, where experts tation in my heart, the horror of information forum March 28 in Saskatoon. are ad dress - as well as the City of Saskatoon. concluded they had become psy - the truck returning empty.” ing the rec - The Insightrix report heard chopaths and would never amount Waismann noticed an immedi - The sectors approached for in- ommendations that come out of from many immigrants that Saska - to anything. ate change in his father the follow - put included ethno-cultural today and what we’ve heard from toon was seen as friendly, small, “I am proud of the boys of ing Sunday, the only day they saw groups as well as housing, educa - newcomers.” convenient and open to diversity, Buchenwald, such personalities as each other while working 12- hour tion, justice and police, economy A large part of the presentation but there was still a wide array of Elie Wiesel, a Nobel prize-winner, opposing shifts in the munitions and employment, health, faith, was facilitated by Brian Hoessler, challenges that new Canadians and the chief Rabbi of Israel, and factory. The following Thursday human service, First Nations and founder of Strong Roots Con- faced, including finding a job suit - Israel’s ambassador to the United he did not see his father on the Métis organizations. sulting, and Lindsay Herman, who ed to their training, getting their States. Not bad for a bunch of opposing shift, and still has no Participating sectors were all together acted as the listeners of education recognized, learning the lunatics, don’t you think?” said idea how he died. part of a separate daylong survey the sector discussions and also put language, and adjusting to the cul - Waismann to laughter. Waismann noted that, while process in the early months of 2018 together the report that served as ture and climate. The hope of seeing family was many questioned their faith and when researchers and city employ - the content for the day. The report noted that while what helped him survive, the baby asked where God was in all this, ees gathered information about Many themes arose from the most newcomers recognize that of the family, when his parents and that faith also sustained them in each group’s area of expertise. pre-event input from the various they will have struggles ahead of all but one of his older siblings later years, and what they had Lynne Lacroix, director of Rec - groups. There was a recognition them in terms of finding appropri - were killed, some before his eyes. been taught in childhood stayed reation and Community Develop - that partnerships were necessary ate work and housing, many were His elder brothers and his beloved with them as a reassurance. 8 Prairie Messenger CANADIAN NEWS April 11, 2018 Individuals, communities respond to tragedy

By Blake Sittler with support and condolences from every corner of the planet, HUMBOLDT, Sask. — The including Queen Elizabeth II, April 6, 2018, accident involving a Pope Francis, and U.S. President semi-trailer truck and a bus carry - Donald Trump. ing the Humboldt Broncos, coach - At an afternoon service at the es, staff, and play-by-play an - Cathedral of the Holy Family in nouncer is both a devastating loss Saskatoon, Bishop Mark Hage - for many families of a son, a hus - moen read the message from Pope band, a father, a friend, and a cata - Francis sent by the Vatican Secre - clysmic loss for the broader com - tary of State: “Informed of the munity. injury and tragic loss of life The outpouring of love and caused by the road traffic accident support has been overwhelming. in the province of Saskatchewan The Humboldt Broncos are part involving young hockey players, of the Saskatchewan Junior His Holiness Pope Francis sends Hockey League (SJHL). Every his condolences to those who have team in the league has offered lost loved ones, and commends some form of sympathy and sup - the souls of the deceased to the port. mercy of Almighty God. To all in Every player and coach knows the community at this difficult the camaraderie of riding the bus time Pope Francis sends his bless - from game to game. Those bus ing.” rides are like cocoons of time dur - On other fronts, businesses ing which players listen to music, offered their services, airlines watch movies, sleep, talk about the offered free flights, and hotels past or upcoming tournaments, CNS/Jonathan Hayward, Reuters offered free accommodations to and where, through the sharing of MOURNERS EMBRACE — Mourners embrace during an April 8 vigil at Elgar Petersen Arena in those coming into town to be with stories, friendships and bonds are Humboldt, Saskatchewan, to honour members of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team who were killed family. formed that often last for decades. in a fatal bus accident. Flags were lowered to half- Lynda and Cal Statchuk of mast all across the province at city Wadena know what it is like to AAA Midget Hockey. “The parents see each other extra mile for each other.” halls, cathedrals and fire halls. send their sons on the road on a “A team becomes a family,” often at games at home and on the In the NHL, every team playing A GoFundMe account was set bus in the winter. Two of their Lynda said. “The bus becomes a road,” Cal added. “They become over the weekend made some up to collect donations to help sons, Travis and Michael, played bonding place.” part of this family who will go the effort to show that they were families get through the next few thinking of the Broncos. Some months. Organizers hoped to raise offered moments of silence and $10,000. The account currently The experience of the prayer vigil in Humboldt was like light shining through great darkness. others, like the Jets and Black - stands at over $6.7 million. The community gathered was led by various community and faith leaders through a reflection hawks, wore the word “Broncos” “That type of figure is stagger - of acknowledging great pain, but also striving to embrace hope. That hope was very present on their jerseys. Many teams and ing,” Bronco’s president Kevin through the many people gathered holding family and community members with great compas - arenas are offering the 50/50 pro - Garinger said in Sunday’s press conference. “We will be ensuring sion and care. Although this crisis will be with the community for a long time, they will make ceeds to ward the Broncos. Inter - nationally, at a game in Sweden, that these dollars go out respecting it through this time of darkness because of such prayer and caring. the two opposing teams stood on first and foremost every one of the the blueline, arm-in-arm, for a families that have been part of this — Bishop Mark Hagemoen, moment of silence. tragedy.” Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon But this was not just a hockey tragedy; it was a human tragedy, — SERVICES , page 9 Coming together is a powerful sign that families are not alone

Continued from page 1 to make this promise a reality.” us is alone in our grief,” he said. said, “so it is okay for all of us to suffered like us and he has gone Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench “Reach out, help is there.” weep. It shows the love we have ahead of us into the heavenly At the arena, the same scene brought condolences from the city During the service, Garinger for all these boys.” realm. Death couldn’t hold him, played out over and over: family, of Humboldt. “This is a very named those who were injured and At 7:32 there was a minute of he’s alive. I don’t have all the friends and community members tough time for all of us,” he said. those who had died in the crash. silence to mark what would have answers, but I do know that.” cried, hugged, and then began “Together, we can get through Those who died are Humboldt been the beginning of the Hum - Lutheran pastor Rev. Clint talking to each other, shaking their this. I thank everyone from all Bronco players Parker Tobin, boldt Broncos next game. Magnus offered prayers of inter - heads in disbelief. over Canada and the world who Adam Herold, Conner Lukan, Bishop Bryan Bayda of the cession, asking for solace and Grief and crisis counsellors, have offered support. To use a Evan Thomas, Jacob Leicht, Jaxon Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of healing, love and peace in the including grief dogs, roamed the hockey analogy, we’ll stick-han - Joseph, Logan Boulet, Logan Saskatoon proclaimed Psalm 23, families and the survivors. He arena, available to any in need of dle our way through this and Hunter, Logan Schatz, and Stephen The Lord is My Shepherd. prayed for the caregivers who support. hopefully we won’t have to dump Wack, along with assistant coach Pastor Sean Brandow of endured many horrors in order to Rev. Joseph Salihu, pastor of it in the corner.” Mark Cross, head coach Darcy Humboldt Bible Church, the team offer comfort to the victims. St. Augustine Roman Catholic Dignitaries in attendance in- Haugan, team statistician Brody chaplain for the Broncos, brought Rev. Brenda Curtis of West - Parish, described first hearing the cluded Saskatchewan Premier Hinz, broadcaster Tyler Bieber, some appreciated levity, unblem - minster United Church led a clos - news of the accident. “On Friday, Scott Moe, Prime Minister Justin and bus driver Glen Doerksen. ished reality, solidarity of despair, ing prayer: “Humboldt family and there was a concert, and just Trudeau, and Ryan Meili, leader of Those injured in the crash were and promised hope with his re - friends, a quilt of love has been before it began, a teacher from St. the provincial opposition, as well Xavier Labelle, Graysen Cameron, flection: “In honour of Mr. placed around our shoulders and Augustine School drew my atten - as media personalities Don Cherry Ryan Straschnitzki, Bryce Fiske, Trudeau I wore my fancy socks, our community as our brothers tion to some news that there was and Ron Maclean, along with Tyler Smith, Kaleb Dahlgren, but you can’t see them because of and sisters around the world have an accident. All the ministers Elgar Petersen, for whom the Matthieu Gomercic, Nick Shum- my cowboy boots — a real held us in their care.” came as one. We drove to the Humboldt arena is named, and lanski, Derek Patter, Morgan Saskatchewan thing.” Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Uniplex to be with the families. who has been part of the Broncos Gobeil, Brayden Camrud, Layne “I don’t want to be here but it’s Roman Catholic Diocese of Sas - “Coming together tonight is a organization since its inception. Matechuk, Jacob Wassermann, and good that we are,” the team chap - ka toon offered a final blessing: powerful sign that these families Garinger spoke at the vigil team trainer Dayna Brons. lain admitted. “I arrived shortly “Lord God, you are the light that are not alone in their anguish,” through restrained tears. “The real Rev. Colleen Pilgrim of Carl - after the accident and walked up illumines the darkness. Continue Salihu added. “We need to scope of this community tragedy ton Trail House of Prayer gave the on a scene I never want to see to lead us into your light.” remember that after the funerals, will not be fully realized for days opening prayer, followed by again, to sounds I never want to As music played, people left as these people will still need our or weeks or even years,” he said. words from Lawrence Joseph, for - hear again — groaning and panic they had entered: hugging, crying, presence.” The team president took time to mer chief of the Federation of and fear and confusion and pain. shaking their heads in disbelief. The evening prayer vigil began thank the families, the community, Sovereign Indigenous Nations. All I saw was darkness and I had Some just sat holding hands. with the singing of “O Canada.” politicians, sports personalities “The indigenous people are in nothing. Nothing. I’m a pastor. April 6, 2018, is a night that Rev. Matteo Carboni of St. An - and the first responders who the process of not only praying for I’m supposed to have something. Humboldt and Saskatchewan will drew’s Anglican Church and vice- offered important work even while you, lifting their pipes,” Joseph I’ve received thousands of texts bear like a scar for the next centu - chair of the Humboldt Ministerial dealing with their own grief. assured those gathered, “they are and even Scripture, but I needed ry, but one small step in healing Association, served as emcee. “I want to say to all the also gathering resources to sup - to hear from God. was taken that night. Saskatche - “We remember the words of Humboldt Bronco families, bil - port you and your loved ones in “We do not have a God who is wan was at its finest, its most bro - Jesus, who told us, ‘You will be lets, coaches, teammates, class - the days to come. unfamiliar with what we are going ken, its most supportive, its most sorrowful, but your sorrow will mates, teachers, friends, and com - “Jesus wept when he found out through. He has suffered grief, tender. turn into joy.’ We need each other munity members that not one of his friend Lazarus died,” Joseph wept, felt alone and lost. Jesus (See related story, above.) April 11, 2018 CANADIAN FEATURE Prairie Messenger 9 Divisions among bishops puts an apology on hold

Francis is not a “top-down” hierarch. This is a man who, had he been invited, would have Journey to come. (Francis issued a public apology to the indigenous peoples Justice of the Americas in Bolivia in 2015.) But he will never agree to arrive on Canadian soil, or issue Joe Gunn an apology to indigenous people here, without the express invita - tion and agreement of the bishops Once upon a time, when we Call to Action #58 is worth of Canada. arrived here, we simply took their quoting in its entirety: Not all bishops wanted the pon - land. Then, starting over 150 “We call upon the Pope to issue tiff to stay away. In 2017, the bish - years ago, we took their children. an apology to Survivors, their ops of Saskatchewan expressed In 2018, we’re taking away the families, and communities for the support for the visit of Pope hope of sincere reconciliation. Roman Catholic Church’s role in Francis to Canada. Archbishop In 2015 Canada’s Truth and the spiritual, cultural, emotional, Murray Chatlain, who heads the Reconciliation Commission physical, and sexual abuse of First CCCB’s Guadalupe Circle, said, (TRC) issued its final report on Nations, Inuit, and Métis children “We hope that the Holy Father, Indian residential schools, relating in Catholic-run residential coming and meeting with Abo - the “cultural genocide” that took schools. We call for that apology riginal, Inuit and Métis representa - place, along with much physical to be similar to the 2010 apology tives from all of Canada, where he and sexual abuse. Looking to the issued to Irish victims of abuse may express an apology and could future, 94 Calls to Action were and to occur within one year of communicate the whole church’s recommended. Some of them were the issuing of this Report and to commitment to be in real dialogue specifically directed to the four be delivered by the Pope in with each other, would be a great CNS/Paul Haring churches that ran the schools. But Canada.” blessing.” NO APOLOGY — The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops all challenged the members of When Prime Minister Justin There was understandable neg - announced two days before Good Friday that Pope Francis will not now every faith community, all govern - Trudeau had a private audience ative fallout from the bishops’ come to Canada to offer an apology to indigenous peoples for residen - ments, and the en tire Canadian with Pope Francis in May 2017, decision. tial schools. public. Recon cilia tion must he directly invited the pontiff to The prime minister expressed involve us all. come to Canada and issue such an his disappointment with this news. echoed on his Facebook page in “Listening circles” (attended by It’s not at all clear, unfortu - apology. Indigenous leaders like Assembly stark language: “The shame of local bishops) have been held or nately, that all the Canadian Just before Easter 2018, cul - of First Nations National Chief those who abused children in their are planned in several places Catholic bishops get that. The minating a lenten season where Perry Bellegarde said he would institutions in the past is now theirs (Thompson, Winnipeg, Moosonee, Canadian Conference of Cath - the faithful have been encour - continue to extend an invitation to to wear.” Edmonton, Saskatoon, Trois-Ri - olic Bishops announced two aged to examine our consciences, the pope, while others expressed I belong to an Oblate parish in vières, Halifax, Victoria, and days before Good Friday that the confess our sins and do penance, sentiments ranging from outrage Ottawa where reconciliation Churchill) in preparation for a pas - pope will not now come to it seems the Catholic bishops of to deep pain. with indigenous people has toral letter on Aboriginal issues, for Canada to offer an apology to Canada have been unable to do Senator Murray Sinclair, who become a priority. We have release by the CCCB this autumn. indigenous peoples for residen - the same. led the TRC, remarked that, “The organized a half-dozen events in (The intent of the statement, any - tial schools. This news has To be clear, the CCCB’s Anglican Church has apologized, the past two years, and work thing about the content, or how caused more pain to Aboriginal March 27 “letter to Indigenous the United Church has issued an directly in partnership with laity might be able to use it has not people, deeply saddening those Peoples in Canada” reported that apology, the Presbyterians have Aboriginal ministry leaders of been publicly released.) with whom I have talked who Pope Francis “felt he could not issued an apology. But we’ve the Archdiocese of Ottawa. Our Our local reconciliation remain in the church. personally respond” after careful heard nothing of that sort from last event, where we expected 30 efforts, while sincere, cannot consideration of the Canadian the Catholics.” The senator won - - 40 people, attracted over 90 replace the need for the Catholic invitations. Having worked 11 dered if the fear of litigation is persons. Now our meetings are leadership to play their roles in Gunn serves as the executive years at the CCCB myself, I rec - still the major concern of Catholic attended by representatives from designing educational efforts director of Citizens for Public ognize this as code language. bishops. “Also, I believe there is a five parishes. among our youth and directly Justice (CPJ), www.cpj.ca, a mem - The plain truth is that the strong element within the church Yet, unlike our friends and col - inside our parishes and Catholic ber-driven, faith-based public pol - Catholic bishops will not admit leadership that residential school laborators in Protestant churches, institutions. icy organization in Ottawa focused they are divided. They could not survivors are not telling the we have no idea what the reconcil - Pope Francis could eventually on ecological justice, refugee agree to issue an invitation to truth.” iation plan for our church is (if come and might even apologize rights and poverty elimination. their pope. Sinclair’s frustration was any) on the national or diocesan for our church’s role in running levels. The CCCB initiative to con - the majority of Canada’s residen - vene the Guadalupe Circle remains tial schools. In the meantime, Prayer services held across province a work in progress, still working on Canadian Catholics must increase membership and terms of refer - our active efforts to reconcile Continued from page 8 people just like him, and I feel I were lining up to donate blood at ence. with indigenous peoples. Words knew him.” Canadian Blood Services. She KAIROS — Canadian Ecu - are not enough, and leadership Holy Spirit Parish in Saska - Price described people like noted that they were actually hav - men i cal Justice Initiatives — has a alone will not suffice. But unfor - toon, like many others, opened Bieber who broadcast hockey ing to turn locals away and were vi brant program of indigenous rec - tunately, this week, the grassroots their doors for people to come games as community oriented peo - only accepting people who were onciliation, but the Catholic bish - reconciliation efforts of Catholics together to offer silent prayers. ple who do not broadcast to get from out of town. ops abandoned this ecumenical with indigenous peoples just got a While the largest vigil was held rich, but for the love of the game Jackie Saretsky, co-ordinator of organization in late 2015. whole lot harder. in Humboldt, prayer services for and the family that forms around hospital chaplaincy for the Roman the victims and families were held the team. Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Way has a desire to give all across the province. One in “None of those people had to was in the midst of preparing a Birch Hills attracted some 150 be on that bus, but every one of daylong Dying Healed workshop people, where 15 candles were them wanted to be there,” he said. when the accident happened. “We back to her community placed across a hockey net, one for “I wanted to be around my extend - have names and we’re getting con - each victim. ed family tonight, my communi - nected with some of the players Continued from page 4 versity years. Another was held in Lloyd - ty.” and families,” said Saretsky. “The It comes down to her personal minster. In attendance was radio “I’ve been thinking about him hospital staff has been good about Way, a Grade 11 student, added interests and her desire to give personality Kurt Price. “What (Bieber) and all of those young letting us offer our time.” that while she’s been taught about back to her community. really stood out for me was how men all weekend. The vigil tonight “Some of the chaplains have set First Nations history in class, it “I’ve always been taught, when comforting it was to see so I hope starts the healing,” Price up a space on the fourth floor (of was only when she met people on it comes to changing the world, many familiar faces,” Price said. concluded. “I know it won’t make Royal University Hospital) where the streets that she truly learned use your talents,” said Way. “The community here celebrates the pain end for anyone overnight, families can come to ask for what some have been through. “I can’t sing. I can’t dance. I together and it grieves togeth - but we come together to start.” prayers and talk,” continued “It was really eye-opening to can’t act. I’m not the most popu - er.” Vice-president of Red Cross in Saretsky. “This is the beauty of hear their stories and realize many lar person. I don’t know what I Price had another connection to Saskatchewan, Cindy Fuchs, said this ministry being connected to things are far beyond their control.” can do. That’s when it occurred the tragedy as a broadcaster. “I in a radio interview: “The Cana - the hospital.” Way shares stories and photos to me that I love talking to peo - was at a dinner theatre on Friday dian Red Cross has been activated Saretsky was also offered about those she meets on her ple and I love storytelling, so I night when the news broke and we by the government of Saskatch - prayer shawls and was told that website, Instagram, and Face- can put these two things together started to hear some preliminary ewan, who have asked us to have one was included for each of the book pages. She’s received much and do something and hopefully numbers. I immediately thought of our volunteers on the ground, players and families with a person - encouragement from her teachers change a little bit of the world.” Tyler Bieber (the Humboldt broad - offering comfort and support.” al note. The prayer shawls were and hopes to continue running The Vancouver CARE Project caster killed in the crash),” Saskatoon city councillor forwarded by spiritual support the project through her last year can be found online at recalled Price. “I know so many Cynthia Block tweeted that people staff at the Humboldt hospital. of high school and into her uni - http://www.vancareproject.ca 10 Prairie Messenger FEATURE April 11, 2018 A Sask. writer on home, hockey and the bus crash

The following was originally published in the National Post (nation - straight north from Tisdale to players, darting, darting, taking in One of my young cousins is a alpost.com) April 9, 2018. Nipawin. every nuance, every movement all serious hockey player, whose The accident, so massive as to across the rink. games take him across the conti - By Sharon Butala And I know the road where the be truly called a tragedy, has I didn’t know one of those nent. It might easily, a few years cataclysm happened. It looks like brought back my longing for young men on the bus, but the ago, have been him, and all of us I didn’t know anyone on that so many roads across and up and Saskatchewan, for the smell of the faces of all the boys I knew when know it, as do thousands of other fatal bus. Not one of those strong down Saskatchewan. Not very air there in the spring, for the I was young who were mad about hockey families who are trying kids, fast on the ice, skilled and busy — not busy at all — nobody meadowlarks that all summer long hockey kept sliding themselves not to think how lucky they are it intensely in love with hockey, much on it most of the time. I can call from fence-post to fence-post in front of those I didn’t know. wasn’t one of their kids, then their whole lives consumed by it. see fields stretching out on each their lyrical “come-and-have-a- NHLer Eddie Van Impe, then a being floored by unspeakable All of them proprietorial in their side, still snow-covered now, over cup-of-tea,” the most beautiful small, quiet boy, was in my grief for those families who have passion for the game. stubble or chemical fallow from sound I know, for the feel of the Grade 8 class in Saskatoon; I experienced such terrible loss. But I was born in Nipawin and crops I’d probably no longer even crisp, cold air coming off the ice think I remember Cliff Schmautz I studied the picture of the lived 65 years in Saskatchewan. recognize, lentils, chickpeas or in winter, the sound of skates throwing snowballs at us as we team and their coaches every time My head is full of hockey stories, canola, but way too early for seed - scraping and zinging under swift - passed his school on our way to it came on TV trying to see some - going back to about 1952 when ing. An easy drive, pretty much ly moving blades, the eyes of the ours. thing, I’m not sure what, in the our principal set up a girls’ hock - faces of those kids, trying to ey team — unheard of then — imprint them in my memory. I and I played on it in my skates could not even bring myself to try with picks while the boys to feel what those 15 sets of par - whizzed circles around us. We ents are feeling now, will be feel - used to skate on any frozen piece ing in their hearts for the rest of of water, or our dads flooded their lives. I found it easier to rinks for us in the yard even mindlessly, without my willing though the school rink was only a them, let the tears trickle down few blocks away. my face than to try to put myself I remember watching my class - in their places. mates play against other teams on But even if I don’t know the an outdoor rink in –29 C, some so boys on that bus, I do remember poor you could see their flesh the boys. The boys I’ve known, through the holes in their hockey the boys that are a part of the sin - pants or their unravelling hockey gle, wide hockey family of the socks. Hockey then was every - Prairies, and to the long hockey thing; hockey was life. Hockey tradition going back to years would save them from the hard before any of us were born. It’s a lives of their parents, joy from the way of trying to take in fully, as game would permanently, con - well as I can, the horror and pain stantly fill their lives. of what happened, to not allow myself to deflect the full weight of this unthinkable disaster, Sharon Butala, the author of 18 because as a Saskatchewan per - books of fiction and non-fiction, son, ineradicably so, forever, I has lived in Saskatchewan for want with others to pay full nearly 70 years. Her first mystery, Blake Sittler respect to those young men and Zara’s Dead, will be released in PART OF PRAIRIE LIFE — Hockey, writes Sharon Butala, is part of Prairie life, an escape from hard times their families. This was a tragedy May. and a crisp joy that never leaves the heart. for all of us. If all we have to complain about is terrible prairie weather, we’re doing OK

By Caitlin Ward al weeks later if that is the case. And it was 1984, so we’re not seem to have ever been pre - with him over the past year while One spring about five years talking pioneer days, here. dictable. We’ve learned to take we waited for his paperwork to My friend’s husband keeps ago the temperatures were sub- Climate change has likely what the day brings us and have come through. We spoke face to comparing this spring’s tempera - zero until the middle of May, accelerated our strange weather, no expectations for the next. It’s face for the first time last week, tures to last spring’s. He looks up when one day it was suddenly but hearing stories from my par - only when we talk to an outsider laughing over the poor Internet the historical data on his phone 25C. I remember hopping over ents and grandparents, it doesn’t that we realize how cold it actual - connection and his occasional and checks it against this year’s streams of melting snow in san - ly feels, how bizarre grammatical missteps that some - weather. He keeps telling her that dals, walking past snow drifts our spring can actu - times lead to wild confusion. last year at this time, it was four feet high in a sundress. One Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain ally be, or how It was when we asked about his warmer. She doesn’t doubt that’s of my friends got caught in a Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased occasionally July experience of weather, though, that true. She’s just not sure why he blizzard at the Saskatchewan- the pain feels as if the he was certain he was not under - bothers to look it up. Manitoba border at the beginning Now the dark days are gone, and the bright Plagues of Egypt standing us properly. The coldest I think it’s because he’s not from of June that same year. He was days are here have visited us for a temperature he’s ever felt is 3C. here. He’s lived on the prairies for shocked and appalled. He, too, My sunny one shines so sincere few weeks, like a When we told him it would proba - the better part of 10 years, but he isn’t from the prairies. Sunny one so true, I love you distant relation bly be about that temperature when wasn’t raised on them. Most places I didn’t really think about descending on your he arrived, his eyes widened and that aren’t here seem to have much prairie weather, or how unpre - Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet house and exhaust - he exclaimed, “but it is spring!” more straightforward weather pat - dictable it is, until I was an adult. Sunny, thank you for the love you brought ing your hospitality. And we laughed and said for Sunny It was a few years ago, walking my way I was reminded Saskatoon, that was spring. across the street with a colleague You gave to me your all and all of this once again We explained the cycle of sea - Bobby Hebb in the middle of August. That And now I feel 10 feet tall during a Skype date sons in Saskatchewan as best as year was a particularly cold late Sunny one so true, I love you last week. After anyone can, and told him he’d summer, probably only about years of raising adjust to it because everyone does. terns, and so he either hasn’t yet 16C at midday. He and his wife Sunny, thank you for the truth you let me see money, signing doc - I don’t predict he will get used understood or hasn’t yet accepted had just moved here, and he Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to Z uments, and wait - to the weather quickly, though. that prairie weather will not con - asked if it was normally that cold. My life was torn like wind-blown sand ing, all of a sudden As evidenced by my friend’s hus - form to any preconceived notions I thought about it for a minute and And a rock was formed when you held my the refugee my wor - band, no one seems to unless about seasons. eventually said, “there is no nor - hand (oh, sunny) shipping communi - they’re from here. Sometimes we have autumn. mal weather for August, here.” Sunny one so true, I love you. ty is sponsoring has It’s a peculiarity of this prov - Sometimes it snows in There is no normal weather at a plane ticket to ince, of this sweep of land across September. Sometimes all the all, here. My father tells me that Sunny Saskatoon. By the the centre of this continent. It’s a snow melts by April 15. Usually the year I was born, there was a Thank you for the smile upon your face time this column point of pride to outsiders and a there will be a snow storm sever - snow storm in every month Hmm, sunny goes to print, he will source of frustration amongst our - except July. Born at the beginning Thank you, thank you for the gleam that probably have selves. It’s always too hot, too of November, my parents weren’t shows its grace arrived. cold, too wet, too dry, too windy. Ward is a Saskatoon-based free - sure they were going to make it to You’re my spark of nature’s fire We are lucky in But I’ve realized, talking to our lance writer who spends her days the hospital before my mom went You’re my sweet complete desire the sense that he Syrian friend these past months, (and most nights) working at a properly into labour, because the Sunny one so true, yes, I love you already speaks quite that if it’s the worst we can com - small Catholic college. Her less roads were so bad. I should note: good English, and plain about in our day-to-day eloquent thoughts can be found at on a good day, they were about a Sunny (repeat first verse) so we have been lives, we’re probably doing pretty www.twitter. com/newsetofstrings 15-minute drive from St. Paul’s. able to correspond well. April 11, 2018 ARTS & CULTURE Prairie Messenger 11 Austin’s finest: South By Southwest Film Festival

hometown of Granite Falls in Washington State after serving a 20-year prison term after being Screenings & caught up as a bystander to a mur - der. Chris has developed a crush Meanings on a former high school teacher, Carol (Edie Falco), who worked tirelessly for his release as part of Gerald Schmitz a campaign to end mandatory minimum sentences. She is caught Coming from a drab Canadian val favourite that was my top in a stale marriage, and raising a winter, Austin is hard to beat in the SXSW selection, bar none. Since rebellious teenage daughter. Both bloom of springtime when the premiering in the Cannes festival’s are looking for something more South By Southwest Festival takes directors’ fortnight in 2017, The beyond family pressures and the over the Texas capital with a Rider has earned multiple awards, burdens of the past. What works vibrant kaleidoscope of music, including being nominated for best in this Netflix production are the film, educational, cultural, interac - feature at the Inde pendent Spirit understated performances and tive events, screenings, perform - Awards. It’s a contemporary close observations that ring true. ances, encounters and conversa - Midwestern story of compelling tions. The cinematic program, cel - documentary-like real ism focused American Animals (U.S./U.K.) ebrating a 25th year, offered more on the talents and hurts of actual Writer-director Bart Layton than 250 feature and short films, young cowboys on the rodeo cir - tells the stranger-than-fiction true many by female and first-time cuit who play versions of them - story of four male students at filmmakers, selected from over selves in a dramatized narrative Transylvania University in Lex - Gerald Schmitz 8,000 submissions. that explores this world of wound - ing ton, Kentucky, who in 2004 FILM CONVERSATION — Master filmmakers Richard Linklater and The best festival experiences are ed masculinity. Even more amaz - conspired to steal a priceless copy Olivier Assayas in conversation at the South By Southwest Film Festival the discoveries and serendipitous ing is that it is written and directed of James Audubon’s Birds of in Austin, Texas, March 11. special moments. One happened by a young Chinese-American America from its library. The ring - because at Sundance I had missed woman, Chloé Zhao, who speaks leader, Warren, claims (dubiously) cer, Jim Arnaud, who goes off the grieving the loss of her mother, his seeing the strange western tale about her intensive low-budget to have gone to Amsterdam to deep end after delivering the nut - landlady who was robbed and Damsel by the Austin-based direct - multi-tasking process in a cover meet with black-market buyers. tiest funeral oration ever for his killed. (The excellent Tye Sheridan ing duo of brothers David and fea ture interview, “Rodeo Dream,” The recreation of events, backed dear mom (shot in Austin in a sin - plays Ritchie in a more demanding Nathan Zellner. Catching it among with another independent film - by a terrific soundtrack, leads up gle take). Another freak-out later, role than in Ready Player One . 18 “festival favourites” at SXSW maker, James Ponsoldt, in the to an abortive attempt with the Jim loses custody of his daughter Coincidentally, both movies pre - led to an impromptu post-screening spring 2018 issue of Filmmaker foursome disguised as old men. and his job in a series of tragi- miered at the same time in adjoin - chat with Richard Linklater, Magazine . An audacious second try, after comic sketches. Cummings’ exag - ing theatres, the Paramount and the overcoming an unlucky librarian, gerated portrait of a fractured soul Stateside.) nets them seven-year prison in the throes of a nervous break - terms. Interspersed with the dra - down certainly grabs the spot - Profile (U.S./UK/Russia) matizations are interviews with light; however, a sober ending An audience award-winner at the actual perpetrators as to their involving his ex-wife feels false Berlin and SXSW, Timur Bek - questionable motivations and and tacked-on. mambetov directs this searing cau - post-release lives. tionary tale of London-based jour - All Square (U.S.) nalist Amy Whitaker, who creates Boundaries (Canada/U.S.) Winner of an audience award, a Facebook profile posing as a Iconic octogenarian Canadian directed by John Hyams, a strug - Muslim convert in order to inves - thespian Christopher Plummer is a gling small-time bookie, John tigate ISIS recruitment of foreign delight in the latest from writer- Zbikowski (Michael Kelly), to brides for its fighters in Syria. director Shana Feste. He plays Jack whom everyone owes money, nar - Jaconi, an incorrigible pot-grower rates his hard-luck story of taking Blindspotting (U.S.) and dealer who, after getting kicked a 12-year-old kid, Brian, under his A Sundance hit, directed by out of an old folks home, inveigles wing and trying to teach him to Carlos Lopez Estrada with a hip- Austin’s greatest contribution to Zhao met The Rider’s principal his exasperated daughter Laura pitch after having a one-night hop in the ‘hood vibe, it follows world cinema, who the day before character, Brady Jandreau, fol - (Vera Farmiga) to take him on a stand with his mom. Things get the misadventures of two friends, had engaged French master Olivier lowing her acclaimed previous road trip. Laura is also a single out of hand when John starts tak - black parolee Collin (Daveed Assayas in an hour-long conversa - feature, Songs My Brother Taught mom to misfit teenager Henry ing bets on little league games and Diggs) and white wannabe tough tion before a packed house at the Me . Jandreau is a Lakota Sioux (Lewis MacDougall), whom Jack tangles with the league manager, a guy Miles (Rafael Casal), against vast convention centre. (Listen to cowboy from the Pine Ridge enlists to help unload the stash in self-satisfied jerk running for city a confrontational gentrifying Oak - an audio recording at: https: Reservation in South Dakota. He the trunk. Among the customers is council while carrying on a secret land backdrop. A killer cop angle //schedule.sxsw.com/2018/events/P later suffered a traumatic brain her ex-husband. There’s a good affair with the mom. Game over. adds to the contrived mayhem. P99193.) As for Damsel , its tragi- injury during a rodeo event that is cause involved — getting Henry comic play on the western genre a key element of the story. Brady into private school. Never mind the Family (U.S.) First Match (U.S.) won’t please everyone, but gets has exceptional skills as a rodeo improbables, it’s a thoroughly en - From writer-director Laura On Netflix, winner of audience strong performances from David rider and horse trainer, but is tertaining ride. Steinel, a brilliant satire on work - and “gamechanger” awards, Zellner as an accidental alcoholic warned that another injury could aholic career woman Kate (Taylor writer-director Olivia Newman preacher, Robert Pattinson as a result in permanent disability or Galveston (U.S.) Schilling), who gets stuck with tells the story of tough Brooklyn doomed lovelorn soldier, and Mia death. His best friend, Lane Scott, French filmmaker Mélanie custody of her bullied 12-year-old teenage black girl Monique, living Wasikowska as the distressed hero - a champion bullrider, has been left Laurent pulls off this gritty down - niece for a week and discovers her in foster homes, who takes to ine who needs no saving. a paraplegic in a rehabilitation fa- beat thriller based on the Nic inner “freak” (look up the “jugga - wrestling boys while being used The next day, after interviewing cility, the scene of several moving Pizzolatto novel about an ailing lo” fan subculture). by her deadbeat dad. the directors of several excellent scenes. Brady has to confront hitman, Ray Cody (Ben Foster), documentaries (more in next being robbed of the one thing he is who escapes a deadly New Unlovable (U.S.) Number 37 (South Africa) week’s column), I had a public ex - best at. He has a fraught relation - Orleans criminal setup with an A Duplass brother production, Set in the crime-ridden Cape change with another Austinite, ship with his father and loses a abused young woman, Raquel directed by Suzi Yoonessi, based flats area of Cape Town, with a actor-director-author Ethan Hawke, cherished horse that must be put (Elle Fanning, also excellent), on the offbeat story of co-writer nod to Hitchcock’s Rear Window , having already seen his work in down. With limited education and who has turned to prostitution. Charlene deGuzman who also stars a wheel-chair-bound man, Ran - First Reformed (my top film of job prospects, what is left of his Raquel rescues her little “sister,” as a young Asian-American wom- dall, and his girlfriend, in hock to 2017) and the Sundance gem Blaze , riding dreams? Jandreau gives an Tiffany, by force and the three flee an, a “sex and love addict,” who a brutal loan shark and witnesses which were SXSW presentations. exceptional, deeply affecting per - to a motel on the Texas coast, with leans on Maddie (Melissa Leo), an to murder, are caught in a deadly Given hours-long lineups, I didn’t formance immersed in the plain- terrible consequences to follow as older woman in a support group, game of blackmail. bother with SXSW’s big gest spoken naturalism of cowboy cul - surely as the next storm off the and finds relief in a musical con - “headliners”: the premieres of ture and set amid the striking Gulf. It’s harrowing and grim, nection to Maddie’s es tranged Martyr (Lebanon/Italy) John Krasinski’s horror thriller A landscapes of the plains. except for the memory of one brother Jim (John Hawkes) while Writer-director Mazen Khaled Quiet Place and Steven Spiel - brief playful moment of sunny living at their mother’s house. casts a sensitive and sensuous berg’s sci-fi pop-culture epic Here is a rundown of some calm at the seashore. gaze on a group of young Muslim Ready Player One on the opening other notable SXSW dramas. Friday’s Child (U.S.) men constrained by circumstances weekend; Wes Anderson’s whim - Thunder Road (U.S.) A.J. Edwards directs this Texas and conservative culture who seek sical stop-motion Isle of Dogs on Outside In (U.S.) The grand jury award winner, story of Richie, drifting out of fos - freeing moments of escape in the closing weekend. Besides, the Director Lynn Shelton co- developed from an acclaimed ter care into a world fraught with risky dives from the Beirut sea extra publicity is hardly needed wrote the script with another Sundance short film by writer- trouble and bad influences until he wall that looks toward Europe. for such multiplex wide releases. director, Jay Duplass, in the lead director Jim Cummings, stars makes a potentially redemptive Let me highlight instead a festi - role of Chris, returning to his himself as a neurotic police offi - connection to Joan (Imogen Poots), — CANADIAN , page 12

12 Prairie Messenger DEEPENING OUR FAITH April 11, 2018 Preachers will never challenge with moral platitudes

The following editorial by Andrew Britz, OSB, is titled “Poetry in the fidence we declare that the essence ological discipline. The polemics homily. pulpit,” and was originally published in the Feb. 10, 1992, issue of the of human existence can be ex - of the post-Reformation period The preacher, as Brueggemann PM. It is also included in his book Rule of Faith: as we worship, so we pressed in matter and form. has had a devastating influence. rightly noted, is called upon to be believe, so we live (Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi) . No one is calling for a down - Traditional symbolic expres - countercultural. The status quo playing of the intellect. We as sions were replaced with ontolog - will never be challenged by nice The church needs preacher- that if we say it right, our tradition church have had too many bad ical ones favoured in medieval moral platitudes, nor by trivializ - poets, according to Walter will be safely handed on — even experiences of anti-intellectual - philosophy. The only truly ade - ing the truth with simple answers. Bruegge mann, a noted Old if our Sunday pews are filled with ism. We must, however, acknowl - quate expression of the eucharist, A church with all the answers Testament scholar. The Scriptures, sleeping or daydreaming worship - edge that for a large majority of for instance, became transubstan - is fine for people who are afraid he said, are re duced far too often pers. To be too concerned about people the head alone is not the tiation, in which even the smallest to question anything, and for peo - to lifeless forms by preachers who the faith experience of the heart is way to the soul. We are more speck on the corporal cloth on the ple who do not want to question rely on the scholarly, historical frowned upon: “Isn’t that where complex than that; few of us are altar was declared the real pres - anything because they like the analysis they learned in the semi - the Protestants went wrong?” we going to find ourselves in peace ence of Christ. Traditional sym - world pretty much the way it is. nary. knowingly ask. without both minds that have dis - bolic expressions, such as the Pope John Paul’s social encycli - What Brueggemann laments in Only one subject is really con - ciplined our hearts in wisdom, and breaking of the bread, sharing a cals, however, do not allow us the scriptural studies is even more sidered seriously in the preparatory hearts that have taught our minds meal or partaking of food, were comfort of either of these solu - true in many of the moral and work to theological studies: philos - to sing songs filled with a healthy all seen as inadequate; the fact tions. dogmatic classes Catholic semi - ophy, and the more medie val the dose of raw emotion. that these expressions speak natu - Let us not just idly hope that narians are obliged to take. We better. Modern philosophy which The Catholic Church prides rally to our deepest selves was our future preachers have some belong to a church that has placed takes seriously the role of symbol itself on being a sacramental simply disregarded. imagination, that they be poetic great confidence in the correct in human existence is often sum - church. One would think that this Not since the days of St. Basil enough to challenge us with cre - dogmatic expression; we believe marily discredited. Filled with con - thrust would have kept us deeply has a leader in our church suc - ative dreams of new possibilities appreciative of symbolic expres - ceeded in an apology for litera - for the human family. Let us insist sion. In reality we have been more ture. Without a sense of literature that literature in its various Canadian film opens in April distrustful of symbol in sacramen - the preacher is doomed to using expressions be an integral part of tal theology than in any other the - moralistic ditties in the Sunday their training. Continued from page 11 tector (Brad Dourif), is freed and taken in by a female sheriff 1985 (U.S.) (Liv Tyler) until wolfish ap pe - Shot in black and white by tites take over and survival writer-director Yen Tan, a closet - means escaping to the northern ed gay man returns home at the lights. Fritz Bohn directs this height of the AIDS crisis in a howler. touching farewell to family and friends that includes words of First Light (Canada) comfort to a troubled younger Jason Stone helms this sci-fi brother about “feeling different.” oddity, set in California, about strange powers that occur when The Legacy of a Whitetail teenager Alex (Stefanie Scott) is Deer Hunter (U.S.) touched by a mysterious alien light Jody Hill directs this satire of a force and runs away with Sean divorced gun-toting great hunter, (Théodore Pellerin, also in the fine Buck Ferguson (Josh Brolin), who Canadian feature Never Steady, takes his spoiled young son on an Never Still ). outing to bag a stag with big ant lers, accompanied by his goofy un lucky *Note on Indian Horse (http: videographer (Danny McBride). //www.indianhorse.ca/) This Coming to Netflix. Cana dian production, directed by Ste phen S. Cam pa nelli with Heavy Trip (Finland) Clint East wood as an executive Speaking of goofy, this ab - producer, is based on the ac - surdist Nordic tale has a wan - claimed Richard Wagamese nabe Finnish heavy metal band novel about a First Na tions boy, St. Peter’s Abbey Archives making a lot of noise that in - Saul Indian Horse, who becomes OVER 50 YEARS AGO — Abbot Jerome Weber, OSB, and Rev. Norbert Schwinghammer, OSB, bless ren - cludes a notorious crossing into a talented hockey player, surviv - ovations to the former St. Peter’s Press print shop, circa 1965. Norway. ing residential school abuse, racism and addictions. It pre - PRAIRIE MESSENGER PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Wildling (U.S.) miered at the 2017 Toronto Bel Powley, star of the Sun - International Film Festival, but dance hit Diary of a Teenage so under the radar it was not MCKERCHER LLP BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS Girl , takes on a wildly different included in the official program KAPOOR, SELNES, & role in this creepy horror fable book. Fortunately, a decent April KLIMM SASKATOON: John Schachtel in which a young girl, “Anna,” 13 theatrical release is in the off - Barristers & Solicitors (306) 653-2000 L.J.(Dick) Batten, QC 1201 - 8th St. East held by a “daddy” captor/pro - ing. Not to be missed. W. Selnes, B.A., LL.B.; G. Klimm, B.A., LL.B.; Michel G. Thibault Saskatoon, Sask. David M.A. Stack,QC (306) 978-5200 Phone (306) 752-5777, P.O. Box 2200 Curtis J. Onishenko Melfort, Saskatchewan S0E 1A0 Galen R. Richardson     A message to our subscribers . . . Phone (306) 873-4535, P.O. 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Although this support cannot change S0K 2Y0 MAURICE SOULODRE Bookkeeping, Charity Returns, the decision made by the Benedictine community to Ph: 306-682-1770 Architect Ltd. Fax: 306-682-5285 GST Filing, Fine Quality Printing Maurice Soulodre, B.A., B.Ed., M.Arch., SAA, MRAIC cease publication, it encourages our efforts to continue [email protected] FRAME Reports 1815C Lorne Ave., Saskatoon, SK S7H 1Y5 ACCOUNTING SERVICES in our mission to deliver the Good News. Tel: (306) 955-0333 Fax: (306) 955-0549 Place your professional ad here Specializing in parishes and parishes with schools. E-mail: [email protected] Call 306-682-1772 Mira Salter ~ [email protected] April 11, 2018 DEEPENING OUR FAITH Prairie Messenger 13 Good Shepherds needed today to model lasting love

Vancouver, callers mentioned the need for tougher laws, more police enforcement, more educational programs and more Liturgy money for daycare. Shockingly, only a few mentioned the need for more loving and Life relationships and stronger family life. Cardinal Keith O’Brien of Scotland noted the same phenomena in his coun - Sylvain Lavoie, OMI try. The reaction of the government to the same social crisis was to enact tougher laws. He called that putting a Jean Vanier, in his book Becoming Human , shares a Band-Aid on the symptom and not personal transition in his notion of love. He used to think addressing the real issue — a lack of love involved being good, being efficient, using one’s intel - spirituality and love in today’s society. ligence and time well, and doing things for others. I am convinced that the deepest need Then he chose to live with the mentally challenged and of our youth, indeed, of every human found he was challenged to live his life on a whole differ - being, is to be loved, to belong, and to be valued. If these what Vanier learned from the mentally challenged and what ent level. The mentally challenged weren’t impressed by needs are met by loving parents, supportive nuclear and ultimately transformed him. We need leaders, shepherds, his competence; they did not care about his degrees. They extended families and welcoming churches, then our youth who will teach us how to enter into committed lifetime just wanted his love, his affection, and his attention — they won’t need to resort to drugs to feel loved, gangs to feel they relationships and friendships. We need shepherds who will wanted to know him. They taught him the importance of belong, or indulge in risky pre-marital sex to feel valued. teach us how to form community, how to achieve intimacy relating from the heart. And that has made all the difference There is a great need today for leaders, for Good in our lives. Every human being longs for intimacy, yet we in his life. Shepherds, who will model how to establish long-lasting are afraid of it because genuine love means being vulnera - What Jean Vanier learned and now teaches has impli - relationships, how to form solid, loving families where the ble to being hurt, and no one wants to be hurt again. To be cations for this Sunday’s celebration, Good Shepherd emotional needs of the children are met. fully human, however, is to love and to be open to all that Sunday. We can learn from Jesus that same lesson — to genuine love may bring into one’s life. shepherd one another from the heart. In fact, leadership in Acts 4:7-12 The Missionary Oblates who have served in our arch - Fourth Sunday of Easter the area of human relationships may be the greatest unmet Psalm 118 diocese for so many years are a religious congregation, not need in the world today. 1 John 3:1-2 diocesan priests. Yet for over a century they have sacrificed April 22, 2018 In a world where divorce rates, gang violence, family John 10:11-18 community life for the sake of the mission, serving alone in breakups, teen pregnancies, addictions of all kinds and isolated missions across Canada’s North. Now we are real - rates of incarceration are skyrocketing, the greatest need is Jesus in today’s Gospel about the Good Shepherd izing that community life, precisely, has become our mis - not more laws, more social programs and institutions, but models that kind of love. He is one who, as Jean Vanier sion. It is a challenge to find Oblates willing and able to very simply loving, committed relationships and secure learned, shepherds from the heart, and invites us to do the live together in community and minister together as teams. family life. same. There are three aspects in the Gospel to that kind of The last aspect that Jesus mentions in the Gospel is Over the Easter weekend one year, two young men in shepherding: self-sacrifice, intimacy and unity. unity. Genuine love seeks to bring people together, to unite, separate northern communities were killed in gang-related A Good Shepherd will lay down his or her life for oth - to establish harmonious relationships between different violence. It seems there is a ritual to belonging to a gang ers. This is what Jesus did and calls us to do as well. This groups. That is a challenge in a pluralistic society, but one that involves killing someone, then one is really “in.” How runs contrary to leadership based on greed and selfishness, we must try to meet as families, as church and as organiza - tragic the need to belong has come to this level, right here which has been the cause of global economic recessions. tions within our society. This calls for a great deal of at home. Can we learn from this situation to finally listen to respect, understanding, tolerance and communication. In a recent Cross Country Checkup program on CBC what Jesus has been teaching us all along? Politicians are That, in fact, is what I experienced growing up in the about the effectiveness of law to curb the violence in to serve the needs of their communities. Bankers are to small district of Highgate, Sask., which was a mixed com - serve the needs of their clients. Married people are to meet munity of French, English, Ukrainian and German rural each other’s needs first. Parents are to meet the emotional folk who were both Protestant and Catholic and got along Lavoie, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of needs of their children. All this comes before career and famously. What a gift that was to me as a child, one I take Keewatin-The Pas, is chaplain at the Star of the North personal desires. To do that is to fulfil one’s God-given role into my adult years. Retreat House in St. Albert, Alta. He continues to live out as a parent. The eucharist is a shepherd’s meal making present the his motto, Regnum Dei Intra Vos (the kingdom of God is The second aspect of shepherding Jesus speaks about love of the Good Shepherd in word and sacrament. It among you), which is his overriding focus and passion. is relationships, knowing one another, intimacy. That is empowers us and sends us out to be shepherds of the heart. Faith must be constantly reintegrated as our lives grow more complex

the restlessness and creative ten - Oswald Chambers. The book is a famously remarked that in the sion of a writer, and that irrepress - collection of spiritual aphorisms, next generation we will either be In ible energy naturally drove her thoughts for every day of the year, mystics or unbelievers. Among beyond the safety and shelter of by this prominent missionary and other things, what Rahner meant the church circles of her youth, in mystic. Halford shares how, while was that, unlike previous genera - Exile her case, to literary circles in New young and still solidly anchored in tions where our communities York and Paris. the church and faith of her child - (family, neighbourhood, and Ron Rolheiser, OMI She soon found out that living hood, she did not read the book church) very much helped carry the faith while surrounded by a daily and Chamber’s spiritual the faith for us, in this next gener - strong supportive faith group is counsels meant little to her. But ation we will very much have to one thing, trying to live it while her reading of this book eventual - find our own, deeper, personal The complexity of adulthood in Santa and the Easter Bunny, as breathing an air that is almost ly became a daily ritual in her life grounding for our faith. Macy inevitably puts to death the the complexity of their adult lives exclusively secular and agnostic is and its daily counsel began, more Halford bears this out. Inside a naiveté of childhood. And this is seemingly belies or even shames something else. The book chroni - and more, to become a prism generation within which many are true too of our faith. Not that faith their childhood faith. cles that struggle and chronicles through which she was able to unbelievers, her memoir lays out a is a naiveté. It isn’t. But our faith With this in mind, I recom - too how eventually she was able reintegrate her childhood faith path for a humble but effective needs to be constantly reintegrat - mend a recent book, My Utmost, A to integrate both the passion and with her adult experience. mysticism. ed into our persons and matched Devotional Memoir , by Macy the vision of her childhood faith At one point in her life she The late Irish writer John up anew against our life’s experi - Halford. She is a young thirty- into her new life. Among many gives herself over to a serious the - Moriarty, in his memoirs, shares ence, otherwise we will find it at something writer working out of good insights, she shares how ological study of both the book how as a young man he drifted odds with our life. But genuine both Paris and New York and this each time she was tempted to and its author. Those parts of her from the faith of his youth, faith can stand up to every kind of is an autobiographical account of cross the line and abandon her memoir will intimidate some of Roman Catholicism, seeing it as a experience, no matter its com - her struggle as a conservative childhood faith as naive, she real - her readers, but, even without a naiveté that could not stand up to plexity. Evangelical Christian to retain her ized that her fear of doing that was clear theological grasp of how his adult experiences. He walked Sadly, that doesn’t always hap - faith amidst the very liberal, “not a fear of destroying God or a eventually she brings it all into along in that way until one day, as pen and many people seemingly sophisticated, highly secularized, belief; (but) a fear of destroying harmony, the fruit of her struggle he puts it, “I realized that Roman leave their faith behind, like belief and often agnostic circles within self.” That insight testifies to the comes through clearly. Catholicism, the faith of my child - which she now lives and works. genuine character of her faith. This is a valuable memoir hood, was my mother tongue .” The book chronicles her strug - God and faith don’t need us; it’s because today many people are Macy Halford eventually re- Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, gles to maintain a strong child - us that need them. undergoing this kind of struggle, grounded herself in her mother and award-winning author, is hood faith that was virtually The title of her book, My that is, to have their childhood tongue, the faith of her youth, and president of the Oblate School of embedded in her DNA, thanks to Utmost , is significant to her story. faith stand up to their present it continues now to guide her Theology in San Antonio, Texas. a faith-filled mother and grand - On her 13th birthday, her grand - experience. Halford simply shows through all the sophistications of He can be contacted through his mother. Faith and church were a mother gave her a copy of a well- us how she did it and her struggle adulthood. The chronicle of her website: www.ronrolheiser.com. staple and an anchor in her life as known book, much-used within offers us a valuable paradigm to search can help us all, irrespective Now on Facebook: www.face - she was growing up. But her DNA Evangelical and Baptist circles, follow. of our particular religious affilia - book.com/ronrolheiser also held something else, namely, My Utmost for His Highest , by A generation ago Karl Rahner tion. 14 Prairie Messenger FEATURE April 11, 2018 Abbot Bruno’s letters give insight into colony life

By Paul Paproski, OSB complain about bad treatment on account of the war.” A humorous story is told of Abbot Bruno Doerfler, OSB, pur - June 17, 1915: “The provin - chasing a railroad ticket for cial government is still working at Muenster at a Winnipeg train sta - its liquor law. . . . This law will tion. Doerfler pronounced his des - make it almost impossible for a tination as “Minster.” The ticket man to get a drink of beer, whilst agent corrected him with the it will encourage whiskey-drink - enunciation “Munster.” ing very much.” “No, I mean Minster. I ought to know how it’s pronounced, I Jan. 23, 1916: “One man in named the place,” he told the our parish, who had $4,000 debts agent. Doerfler, the abbot of St. a year ago has only $1,800 debts Peter’s Abbey and spiritual leader left and is going to build a new of St. Peter’s Colony, not only house in the bargain. Everybody named Muenster, but many of the of our people seems to have the communities in his religious juris - chance of a lifetime to get out of diction. debt this year. . . . I am going for a A lesser-known story about Presbyterian minister, who has Doerfler is his disappointment in been making a big row in the pub - 1911 over being named abbot of St. lic press and in public in general Peter’s Abbey, Muenster. In 1906, about our parish schools. I enclose he was elected prior of St. Peter’s a copy of a circular, which I got Priory. In 1911, the priory was ele - out against him.” vated to the status of an independ - ent abbey. Doerfler informed his Dec. 27, 1917: “We started a superior, Abbot Peter Engel, OSB, Paul Paproski, OSB little college course . . . Fr. of St. John’s Abbey, Minnesota, INSPIRATION FOR A SAINT — The portrait of Abbot Bruno Doerfler, OSB, is the face of St. Paul in St. Matthew is prefect and I am direc - that he had no desire to become the Peter’s Parish (Cathedral), Muenster. Count Berthold Imhoff made the portrait in 1919 when he painted the tor. All the fathers, including first abbot of St. Peter’s Abbey. church sanctuary with 80 life-sized figures and frescos. Doerfler was a friend of Imhoff and the first abbot myself, and the clerics are teach - “You also know that I do not of St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster. ing classes. . . . I hope the war will consider myself as having the be over by next fall, so that we can qualities of an abbot,” he wrote in over. Then I looked up the propri - beds or shelter but the cars. The in the afternoon was a grand one, start a new beginner’s course. . . . a March 30, 1911, letter. “Hence I etor and found that he intended to hotels were unable to serve more between 9,000 and 10,000 Catholic We built a new parish school with beg you to not recommend me as build a house on the site of the than 2 meals daily. . . . Ordinary men from Winnipeg marching in interlocking hollow tile this fall abbot.” His request was denied. shack and wanted to use the lum - freight is not yet moving conse - it.” and expect to occupy it for the Bruno Doerfler was a pillar of ber of the shack in putting up the quently and the storekeepers are parish children right after the New the colony, serving as its co- house. . . . Land seekers are still in despair. Fortunately, flour, March 4, 1909: “We have Year. It seems to make a remark - founder in 1903. He played an coming in daily, and a big wagon meat, wood and seed grain is ordered the lumber for our church ably warm building. These tiles important role in the building of the load goes out to the settlement at plentiful in our colony.” here and expect the first car are made at Bruno.” first Catholic hospital and Catholic least every second day.” almost daily. The total bill schools. He promoted German- Nov. 29, 1907: “We have a amounts to about $2,800.” Nov. 16, 1918: “I hope the Catholic culture by helping found Sept. 6, 1903: “St. Peter’s good well at last. It is 177 ft. deep influenza, which has taken such a Katholikentag (Catholic Days) and Priory will, before winter, be a and has over 100 ft. of water.” July 29, 1909: “P. Benedict, his sad toll at St. John’s, is now gone the first colony newspaper, The wonderful piece of architecture. trustees and others got into trouble from you. . . . Probably 15 deaths Bote . A canon lawyer, he was the The first frame building put up Feb. 10, 1908: “We had a mis - for having dispensed beer at a occurred in the whole colony, but vicar-general of the Diocese of was 16 ft. square and 1 1/2 stories fortune lately. We had ordered 3 church picnic July 1st. They were now it is getting worse. Two Prince Albert, where the bishop high. From a distance it looked dozen copies of the new fined altogether a sum of $431.15. daughters of one Muenster family often sought his counsel. like an elevator and the Indians Ceremoniale Monasticum . They While I regret the occurrence, I am who had married into other Doerfler died unexpectedly on predicted that the wind would arrived in Humboldt for the cus - glad that it gives me an occasion parishes of the colony during the June 12, 1919, at the age of 52. He blow it over. . . . They are now fin - toms just shortly before the freight for enforcing absolutely what I past two years, died within 12 had been celebrating confirmation ishing a log church which will be sheds burned down with all con - have been trying to carry out for a hours at their homes.” at St. Paul’s Church, Saskatoon, 24 by 40. . . . It is only too bad that tents. Of course our shipment year past: the banishing of beer when he became ill. His death the railroad is not finished. . . . burned up.” from church picnics. The opposi - Jan. 26, 1919: “Our provincial brought an outpouring of grief There are six small stores in the tion was too strong so far, but now legislature has made an amend - across St. Peter’s Colony and colony.” March 3, 1908: “On Sunday I I can surely carry through my ment to the School Act, which throughout the Catholic Church. had the High Mass in our church intention with ease.” prohibits the teaching of any lan - Between 1902 and before his Sept. 10, 1905: “The farmers and just before it was to begin, the guage but English in the govern - death in 1919, Doerfler wrote are all jubilant over the splendid water began to come down through Jan. 11, 1912: “For the past 24 ment schools. Only French has the more than 120 letters to Abbot crops they are gathering. It is the ceiling right on the middle of hours we had south wind and still privilege of being taught for one Engel to keep him informed of expected that 50,000 bushels of the altar and the centre of the plat - the temperature was minus 51 yes - hour per day where the trustees so events in St. Peter’s Abbey and wheat will be shipped from form. I sent a couple of men upon terday morning, minus 50 yester - decide, but the language of Colony. Doerfler, in one of his Muenster alone this year.” the roof to shovel the snow off. . . . day evening and minus 54 1/2 this instruction even during that hour last letters to Engel, mentions that At the proper time I began the ser - morning. This is the greatest cold must be English according to the a well-known artist, Imhoff, is Dec. 29, 1905: “I am editor mon and kept at it till all the snow we experienced since coming to letter of the law. The Orangemen painting the sanctuary of St. and business manager of The was off the roof and all the surplus Canada. In previous years it was have been working hard, and they Peter’s Cathedral, Muenster. Bote . . . . The Bote now practical - water had come down.” never lower than 49 below zero.” succeeded in getting this legisla - Imhoff immortalized Doerfler by ly makes cash expenses, while tion passed.” using Doerfler’s portrait for the formerly it was conducted at a June 18, 1908: “The founda - Jan. 22, 1912: “I accept your face of St. Paul, who is above one very heavy financial loss. It seems tion for our church is finished and offer of sending me the set of Feb. 8, 1919: “The Banque of the nave pillars. to become more liked by the peo - looks very fine. I wish the build - Stations for $400, which you had d’Hovhelaga , a French-Canadian Doerfler’s letters to Engel ple and the number of paid sub - ing were on top of it.” bought, but did not use for the institution, is going to open a reveal that Doerfler had a concern scribers is rapidly increasing.” Abbey church.” branch at Muenster. A whole for the monastic community and July 12, 1908: “At last work string of branches of the Bank is colony and keen interest in local Aug. 22, 1906: “We decided to has begun on our new station Dec. 11, 1912: “It is impossible to follow in various parts of our happenings. The following are put up a frame building (monas - building and the livery barn, to get cars for shipping grain and colony this year. I wrote to P. excerpts from some of the letters. tery) 62 by 38 ft., two storeys and which was destroyed by lightning the elevators are filled. So far only Kilian, asking whether he has an attic high. . . . It is estimated a few weeks ago. On the 30th, about 30 cars of grain have been boys who can speak German to June 26, 1903 (Rosthern): that the building will cost us Muenster is to be incorporated as shipped from Muenster, and over take positions as clerks in these “Yesterday morning when I went $3,000 to $3,500. . . . The deeds village. On the 29th, we expect to 300 cars are still in the farmers’ banks.” down to the shack in which I have for the half section on which we have a grand “ Katholikentag .” hands. The result is that money is been saying Mass and for the use live have arrived from the Eastern Crops are looking well and the extremely scarce. Collec tions are June 6, 1919: “Tomorrow I of which I have been paying $3 and Western Land Co., yesterday, weather is still very favourable.” practically nil.” shall have to start on my first per week, I found that some men so that we now feel safe.” Confirmation trip, as the projected were tearing the roof off. I got Oct. 7, 1908: “Have just Dec. 4, 1913: “There are twelve trip did not realize last autumn on them to stop till the Mass was April 22, 1907: (Snow storm returned yesterday from St. of us priests belonging to St. account of the ‘Flu.’ I think I shall hits colony.) “Trains from Boniface, where I attended the Peter’s and we have two Fathers at be absent on such trips most of the Winnipeg could not get beyond blessing of the new Cathedral. It St. John’s making 14 in all.” time during the summer. Our Paproski is a monk of St. Humboldt. There were at least 4 was a grand affair, 13 bishops and Bishop left for Europe . . . He does Peter’s Abbey, pastor, archivist passenger trains with 1,000 to archbishops and about 150 priests Dec. 12, 1914: “So far none of not expect to come home till late and historian. 1,500 persons stuck there without being in attendance. . . . The parade our colonists had occasion to in the fall.” April 11, 2018 FEATURE Prairie Messenger 15 News of closure of PM like death of a dear friend

By Archbishop James needed and appreciated informa - Gospel as solely inviting to per - grada tion, are not easy to get our dioceses of Western Canada to - Weisgerber tion, analysis and points of view. sonal conversion, which it does, head or our hearts around, but gether, to develop a website in They have helped me and so many but the Gospel also invites the dis - Pope Francis makes it very clear which could be gathered the same The news of the discontinua - others navigate many of the com - ciples of Jesus, the church, to be that these issues are not optional kind of stories, columns and infor - tion of the Prairie Messenger plications of our modern world. witnesses and instruments of the for a Christian, and the Prairie mation, that has been so generous - arrived like the news of the death One can never say enough about work of the Risen Christ in trans - Messenger has been a stalwart ly provided for the church by the of a very dear friend. Ron Rolheiser’s weekly column. forming the world and humanity. proponent of the social impera - Prairie Messenger . I have been an avid reader of He just gets better and better. The church cannot be a place tive of the Gospel. To the Messenger , its editors, the paper for many decades. Over It is important to single out the to hide from the world, but a It is accurate to say that much and producers . . . its rich contri - the years, many periodicals, mag - solid and long-standing commit - place to empower us to engage of the information presented in the bution to the church and society, I azines and newspapers have come ment to the pursuit of social justice in God’s ongoing plan of salva - Prairie Messenger is available say, “Thank you, and farewell, to my door, but none have been that has characterized the Prairie tion. Issues such as poverty, elsewhere, but wouldn’t it be pos - dear friend; you will be greatly more welcome than the PM . The Messenger . Many of us see the racism, and environmental de - sible for someone, perhaps the missed.” paper will be greatly missed by the church, particularly by the church in Western Canada. I welcome the opportunity to express appreciation and grati - tude for the important and fruitful work carried out by the Prairie Messenger for more than a centu - ry. Heartfelt gratitude is due to the monks, the editors and all the collaborators who have each week faithfully put together this important vehicle to enhance the life of the church. Many people have expressed their dismay and disappointment in the coming demise of the PM and they are told that much of the content of the paper can be found online or in other places. But this will not replace the Prairie Messenger . The Messenger has changed and matured over the years. Forty or 50 years ago it contained many reports of the work of local groups, minutes of the meetings of parish CWL councils, activities of parish - es, schools and other organiza - PM file tions. PM PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS — Prairie Messenger promotional advertisements such as this one from October 1978, which featured pho - The paper now reflects the tos and design by Damian Yaskowich, OSB, encouraged people to subscribe to the PM . larger church and its concerns. Each week’s headlines point to and inform about significant na - Death freely accepted, even for PM , prepares us for new life tional or international events. The teachings and ministry of the pope always grace the second page ing, at the injustice of the cruel lose if we are to gain eternal life, along with relevant news about hardwood floor. Instead, the boy which is a kind of code term for the church in other countries and jumped up faster than he had fall - the essence of what cannot be pos - continents. There is comprehen - Outlooks from en and clapped his right hand off sessed. sive coverage of events in the his left in the same motion hockey With this being the last instal - church of Canada and the local the Inner Life referees use to indicate a puck is ment of the Outlooks columns dioceses. out of play without any delay of I’ve been privileged to contribute The weekly column writers game penalty. to the Prairie Messenger , let’s deserve special recognition and Cedric Speyer One of my lifelong mottos (a conclude with all the forms of thanks. The liturgy, book reviews, necessary antidote to self-indul - “death freely accepted,” which social justice writers, film reviews gence) is that “mastery consists of prepare us for new life. and more have provided much- “Have patience with all things, but chiefly with yourself. Do not lose never giving in to self-pity.” In Let us die to perfectionism. We courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about that apparently random episode, forgive ourselves and each other, remedying them every day. Begin the task anew.” — Francis De Sales the little boy was my “guru,” re - because we are still quite corrupt - James Weisgerber is Arch - minding me of what resilience is ible creatures, and God is God , bishop Emeritus of Winnipeg, and “The process of growth is, it seems, the art of falling down. Growth all about. There’s nothing like the not us (witness song by Joan prior to that, Bishop of Saskatoon. is measured by the gentleness and awareness with which we once again spontaneity of children to bring us Baez) and yet with God all things Born in Vibank, Sask., he went to pick ourselves up, the lightness with which we dust ourselves off, the back to basics. are possible. high school at St. Peter’s College openness with which we continue and take the next unknown step, There is an epigram inscribed As Richard Rohr reminds us: in Muenster, Sask. Weisgerber beyond our edge, beyond our holding, into the remarkable mystery of above the gateway leading into the God does not love you because you played a key role in organizing a being.” — Stephen Levine legendary Orthodox monas tery of are good. You are good because meeting in 2009 at the Vatican Mount Athos. It reads, “If you die God loves you. So let us die to the between a Canadian delegation Spiritual teachings can come In a café recently I saw a little before you die then you won’t die sense of self-worth derived from from the Assembly of First Nations from anywhere, when we’re open boy joyously running toward his when you die.” There’s the basic moral standards and worldly suc - and Pope Benedict XVI. In Winni - and alert to all the unlikely sources mom when he stumbled and fell Christian vision said succinctly. cesses. Grace is in deed amazing in peg in 2012, four Anishinaabe eld - (like a God who came down to our flat on his face. There was a Dying is a daily discipline in its gratuity and does not abide by ers — all of them residential level rather than demand from on moment of collective adult con - terms of relinquishing self-will, as the performance principle. school survivors — symbolically high that we improve our qualifi - cern all round, before the expected well as facing mo mentous events Let us die to the effort to be adopted him. cations). storm of injured tears, if not wail - in which all our attachments are special, as if that could be an anti - wrapped up in the big losses of dote to shame. Those are two life. Yet, “What have I ever lost by sides of the same coin, namely Farewell to Prairie Messenger dying?” Rumi asks. self-absorption. Let us then die to Only the self-cherishing and dependence on the approval and and St. Peter’s Press self-idealization that we need to validation of others. Divine love doesn’t make the distinctions The monks of St. Peter’s Abbey, and the staff of Prairie Messenger and between persons the way we do, Speyer is a Benedictine Oblate based on an admirable list of qual - St. Peter’s Press, will be hosting an open house at St. Peter’s Press on as well as an author, subject mat - ities and merits. Saturday, April 28, from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. We invite readers and friends ter expert for e-therapy, clinical Let us die to self-reliance as to join us in a tribute and farewell to our beloved paper, which has held consultant and director of Inner - our god and, finally, let us para - a special place in the hearts of Prairie readers for the past 114 years. View Guidance International doxically die to avoiding suffering (IGI). https://www.innerviewguid - and loss. Those are gifts when ance.com fully opened. 16 Prairie Messenger FEATURE April 11, 2018 A dying man’s vision and a brother’s promise fulfilled

The following is from the Spring 2018 issue of Catholic Missions In “Things kept falling into ick Akah joining Kahpeaysewat, modular building that was pur - Canada (www.cmic.info) and is reprinted with permission. place,” said Kahpeaysewat. Chief Bradley Swiftwolfe and chased in North Battleford, but Though the new church is now community elders in officiating at modifications have had to be made By Mickey Conlon shortly after his return from open, with Prince Albert Bishop its opening June 3, 2017, much Afghanistan. Albert Thévenot and Rev. Freder- work remains to be done. It’s a — CHURCH , page 17 A dying man’s vision and his “I could see people wrapping older brother’s promise to see it their babies up to go to mass through have combined to grace because it was so cold. You could the Moosomin First Nation with a hear the pigeons in the attic,” said new church to replace the commu - Kahpeaysewat, chuckling. “That’s nity’s aging church that had seen how old it was.” better days. Rev. Greg Elder is the current From a dilapidated, rundown pastor at St. Charles Borromeo, house that in its former glory was having taken charge in August once home to Hilliard Paul 2017. But earlier this decade he Kahpeaysewat’s younger brother was pastor of the old church, and Jason and his family has risen St. he echoes what Kahpeaysewat has Charles Borromeo Church on this to say. Cree band’s land outside of North “The old church was literally Battleford, in the Prince Albert falling down around us,” said diocese. The church is in the heart Elder. Despite his promise to his of the community, the first thing brother, there were doubts shroud - you see when you enter the com - ing Kahpeaysewat’s mind that a munity. new church would be built. Sure, The church officially opened in the plot of land was central in the June 2017, and is the fulfilment of community, it already had the the promise Kahpeaysewat made infrastructure in place — a natural to his brother as he battled cancer. gas line, sewage lines, power, Jason would succumb to cancer in phone. And it was on solid 2013. ground. Still, the doubts lingered. “My little brother, before he “I never really thought that the CMIC/Elvira S. Foronda passed away, he told me what he church would happen. Then I got PEOPLE’S CHURCH — The century-old St. Charles Borromeo Church in Moosomin First Nation in wanted me to do with the house,” it to (the band) council, the people Colton, Sask. Demolition is scheduled for spring 2018. said Kahpeaysewat. “He told me who were part of the church group to tear it down, but he envisioned put in their request,” he said. that a church was going to be From there, everything just ‘Classic Anglican fudge’ is no insult there. He had a dream that the began falling into place. church was there.” Members of the community provinces — then perhaps this sort It was shortly after the elder helped Kahpeaysewat tear down of fudging response might be Kahpeaysewat had returned from his brother’s old house, a job that thought to be better than outright a tour of duty in Afghanistan with took the better part of the winter. schism. What may not be clearly the Canadian military that he and During the process, a priest drove Double understood by the Roman Catholic Jason had this conversation. by, stopped and asked what commentator is that there is no Jason, in the full throes of his can - Kahpeaysewat was doing. Belonging ‘Magisterium’ in the Anglican cer battle, just knew there was “I told him I’m building you a Com munion that can enforce the something about the property, church, and he just laughed and Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier sort of disciplines available (. . .) in there was something there, said drove away.” the Church of Rome” (Letters, The Kahpeaysewat. A joke it wasn’t however. With Tablet , date unknown). “My brother used to say that he the community on-board, the band Human beings process experi - assumptions and motives, atti - The Anglican Communion is used to see things in the house. He council supportive, seed money ences and information through tudes and judgments, and to free held together by mutual bonds of had visions, seeing Christ in the from the Prince Albert diocese — layers of unconscious assump - ourselves from their destructive affection, and by a horizontal house,” he said. About a kilometre an undisclosed loan at very fa- tions and judgments, motivations effects both in ourselves and in model of governance and authority from the new church stands the vourable terms, a generous dona - and interpretations, prejudices and relationships — the task of every that strives to balance moral auton - original church, well over 100 tion from Catholic Missions In stereotypes, all acquired and spiritual quest. Such awareness omy with moral assent, instead of years old and still standing Canada, and some unforeseen formed over a lifetime of condi - can then alert us when our mental imposing juridical obedience to (though it is expected to be torn good luck, the process had reached tioning, for good and for ill. These map needs to change, expand or law. That model, as every model, down in the spring). But it has the point of no return. internal filters create a so-called be corrected. It is thus that we can comes with its own strengths and seen better days and for many “Things happened that I could - “mental map” that serves as our grow greater internal and external weaknesses. Not surprising, it also years has been showing its age. n’t believe.” operating system. We need mental harmony and understanding, mov - risks being misinterpreted and mis - He recalls going to the old church Among these things that were maps; they help us organize, inter - ing us all to a deeper and richer understood by those who do not happening was the donation of pret and make sense of the ava - level of relationships. taste the inside dynamics of its labour and material, including a lanche of impressions and sensory Curiosity over mental maps was operations. Mickey Conlon is the former local landscaping company that data that roll into and over us on a sparked when reading in an article Anglican Bishop Linda Nicholls managing editor of The Catholic donated gravel and graded the daily basis. last year, “In the end it was classic has pointed out that the Anglican Register and is now a freelance parking lot, on top of other gratu - Dissimilar mental maps, howev - Anglican fudge ” ( The Tablet , Jan. Communion’s internal struggles writer based in Regina. ities. er, can hinder mutual understand - 16, 2016). One of the crazy contra - have resulted in unexpected yet ing, generative learning and con - dictions in the English language is immensely valuable lessons: “One structive dialogue. This can create that word, “fudge.” As a noun it of the things we’ve certainly significant conflict and misunder - refers to rich, delicious chocolate learned is how to have better con - standing, even leading to mutual that many consider an irresistible versations when we’re in conflict condemnation, as our Chris tian his - taste of heaven. As a verb or in fig - on deeply painful issues. We’ve tory attests to rather bluntly. Some urative speech, however, it carries learned how to sit down together even claim that unacknowledged, such a pejorative meaning that and listen in ways we didn’t seem and therefore unconsciously oper - none of us would appreciate our to know how to do before. And ating, mental maps lie at the root of words or actions to be judged as that’s not a bad thing” ( The most of the world’s problems “fudged.” Sure enough, I discov - Catholic Register , April 29, 2016). (David Bohm in The Discipline of ered that the term Anglican fudge Can the Anglican mental map Team Learning , Peter Senge). gets used sometimes to ridicule the therefore offer some precious and So it seems urgent and neces - Anglican tradition. much-needed gifts to the rest of the sary to become aware of our men - Perspective shifts when the van - Christian family? tal maps instead of letting them tage point of vision changes, creat - Put another way: is the An - control us at an unconscious level. ing a different mental map. Rev. glican instinct toward bonds of This involves recognizing hidden Ron Smith, an Anglican priest affection, voluntary moral autono - from New Zealand, attempted to my and moral assent borne of point this out when he critiqued the costly discipleship in response to Ternier, an Anglican priest, use of the term Anglican fudge in Christ’s demanding call to love, serves the Anglican and Lutheran the said article: reconciliation and communion? parishes in Watrous, Sask. This “If the word ‘fudge’ means that Or is it, as critics assert, lacking column is co-published with the the different Provinces of the Com- backbone? Which type of fudge is Courtesy Elvira Foronda Saskatchewan Anglican. Marie- munion can actually agree to co- it: the wishy-washy twisting of A BROTHER’S DREAM — Paul Kahpeaysewat is seen with CMIC’s Louise blogs at http://graceatsixty. exist — without formal interfer - truth, or the taste of heavenly Elvira Foronda on her visit to Moosomin. wordpress.com ence in the affairs of individual food? April 11, 2018 CHURCH AT HOME Prairie Messenger 17 ‘See, I am making everything new,’ even ‘old’ marriages

is nothing left to salvage. For oth - ers, the fear of picking among the ruins for something worth saving Around the is too frightening. And who is anyone to judge how people respond? Kitchen Table For us, not trying was too frightening, and we decided to Maureen Weber rebuild, brick by brick. In May my work here at the PM will come to an end, and in Recent Statistics Canada infor - times different cultures and coun - June I will turn 60. It seemed a mation indicates that marriages tries, getting together to live in the good time for Russ and I to take a last an average of 13 years. Forty- same house, sleep in the same winter vacation. one per cent of marriages in this bed, and form a harmonious bond Our trip was a sort of “roman - country end in divorce. intended to last a lifetime? tic getaway” — we hadn’t been on Undoubtedly the managing of Relationships are always a holiday together, without some stress plays a role. work in progress, and ours was no sort of involvement with our chil - When I started working at the different. When I married Russ, I dren, for a few years. Prairie Messenger in 1994, Russ knew him to be sensible, hard- The hotel where we stayed in and I had already beaten the aver - working, not given to displays of Puerto Vallarta was adults-only. age, having been married 15 emotion, and generally undemon - There were couples of all kinds — years. At the time, I was 36 years strative. I, however, craved atten - elderly couples, gay and lesbian old, mother to a four-year-old son, tion, was often overwhelmed, couples, younger couples, one of and daughters aged five, nine and depressed, and given to an unpre - which was expecting a baby, and M. Weber 12. With my new job, a stressful dictable range of emotional out - couples who were obviously new - ROMANTIC HOLIDAY — Sometimes LOVE takes more work than and busy life was about to get bursts. lyweds. usual. more hectic. Within the challenges we coped I took note of one elderly hus - We are called to vocations — together as best as any two people band who appeared fragile, and just interesting to observe rela - Interesting they felt they could ask. careers in the arts, technology, could. But, six years into my job his wife was attentive by his side tionships at various stages. We were delighted. I told them trades — the list is as endless as and 21 years into our marriage, as they walked around the pool, or Apparently we were also being we’d be celebrating our 39th there are people. To fulfil any conflicting expectations, lack of through the restaurant. Another observed. A couple we’d said hello anniversary this July. vocation requires a great deal of constructive communication, couple, perhaps mid-70s, looked to in passing over a few days came There’s a sense of ease study, hard work and ongoing workplace demands, and my undi - elegant, serene, and comfortable to visit us while we sat poolside. between two people who have practice. Marriage, a vocation agnosed mental illness caused together. They made small talk for a few been together a long time — espe - within other vocations, also takes both of us to lose hope, and the On holiday, young couples minutes, and then one of them said cially if they like each other. work, and for those who don’t will to work together. Our founda - tend to frolic, gaze into each they were curious. They wanted to Everybody talks about love, but know what I’m talking about, you tion gradually crumbled. Looking other’s eyes and smile knowingly know if we were a “new love,” or like is part of the equation. are fortunate. Also, I don’t believe at the rubble, it seemed an insur - when one whispers into the if we were “long-term and had a I wouldn’t have guessed the you. mountable task to re-build. other’s ear. The intimacy of one good thing going.” They said they highlight of our romantic getaway On the surface, new love rela - “Brick by brick, my citizens,” couple’s passionate energy was had noticed we talked a lot, and would be that strangers observing tionships seem easy. It’s exciting the Roman emperor Hadrian sup - palpable, even from the vantage “obviously enjoy each other’s from a distance thought our rela - to be together. No problem. One posedly said while building the point of my pod-like cocoon by company,” which got them to won - tionship was new. When you’re a can’t imagine the relationship Roman Empire. He meant focus - the pool. Not that I’m nosey. It’s dering what the story was. pro, you can make it look easy. ever changing. However, beyond ing on the small tasks rather than the infatuation stage, what can be getting overwhelmed by how easy about two people from dif - much was left. Church a gathering place for community ferent family backgrounds, differ - Some couples choose to walk ent unspoken expectations, some - away from the mess because there Continued from page 16 “It was a journey for me,” he woke up,” he said. “Something pro - said. “I believe that I was put on tects us out there. There’s some - to the structure so that it looks like this Earth maybe for that reason, I body who believes in us.” a church and not a residence. More don’t know.” Kahpeaysewat also saw a cul - landscaping is needed, there are His personal journey has had tural connection between his peo - hopes for a paved parking lot, and its share of troubles and road - ple and the Afghan populace. The BOSCO FOUNDATION this spring, a new bell tower is to blocks. Alcohol has been a prob - similarities were jarring. John Bosco be erected. lem for him in the past. “When I was in Afghanistan Child & Family Services Foundation For Elder, the new church is “Growing up here, I saw a lot and you see people praying four like night and day. It’s not just the of alcohol, I drank a lot here in the times a day, four times a night, The John Bosco Child and Family Services Foundation (Bosco structure, though. Elder has seen beginning,” he said. Joining the and to live in their kind of condi - Foundation) is a public foundation dedicated to the provision of new life breathed into the local military was a way to “wake up, I tions. That’s the way they live and buildings and facilities used for the treatment, education and church community. guess” to the problem and get my people are like that too,” he “One thing the church has done away from the liquor. said. “We all pray the same, we all housing of children, adolescents and adults who are in need of is it has given us a concrete focal His military experience has also have the same God.” support. point for the community where we left its scars. He was injured early Now back on the reserve, Bosco Foundation believes in assisting non-profit and charitable can gather,” said Elder. “Not only in his deployment to the Panjwai Kahpeaysewat has thrown himself organizations who provide vital services which aid vulnerable is it gathering us together as a district in southern Afghanistan, into the community where he now focal point for celebrations, it is taking shrapnel in his knee from a sits on the band council. And the people in our society. We do this by providing our facilities to gathering us together to get things rocket-propelled grenade shortly church project has helped him various non-profit and charitable agencies at below market level done. It’s giving us a new sense of upon arrival, an injury that eventu - deal with PTSD and his struggle rental rates. pride that God’s house is there for ally led to his retirement from the with alcohol. Our facilities are used for social services group care, foster all of us, and it’s not just the army. He has also dealt with post- “I didn’t want to fall back into care, adult mental health care, the St. Francis Food Bank, two (Catholic) Church’s church, but traumatic stress disorder. Five a life of liquor.” the community’s church.” times he drove over improvised It’s hard not to notice the pride AA groups and a NE Edmonton cadet core among others. And mass attendance is on the explosive devices while driving an Kahpeaysewat feels for helping In addition, we provide volunteer services to assist two small non- rise. armoured vehicle and saw three his brother’s dream come true. profit organizations working with low income seniors and victims “It’s going in the right way,” he comrades die. And it was only reaffirmed when said. Most of the Kahpeaysewat fam - his nephew Jake, Jason’s son, of stroke with fundraising and volunteer recruitment assistance. It’s how Kahpeaysewat envi - ily is Catholic, and very involved in returned to the community after The Bosco Foundation is currently working with a large service sioned things turning out. He wants the church community. Elder notes being away for several years. organization on a joint project with the aim of providing it to be a true centre of the commu - “his ladies” who are the backbone “He was really happy that it affordable housing for low-income seniors. nity. A place where community of the church community are mem - was there,” he said. members can get married, a place bers of the extended Kahpeaysewat But his modesty also shines 100% of donations go toward charitable purposes. to baptize their children, for funer - family. But Kahpeaysewat himself through. When he says it’s the Administrative expenses are covered by other sources. als, community meetings, and not has never considered himself community’s church, you know have to travel to North Battleford devout, though he always has be - he believes it. Please forward your donation to: or further. “It wasn’t my church, it lieved in God. That was only en - “I put pride into this building Bosco Foundation was the people’s church,” he said. hanced during his deployment in because I put my name on it. I want 315-6770 129 Avenue NW, “You need the church or where Afghanistan, where he had another it known that this was done in the Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7 N is your faith going to grow.” awakening, a spiritual one. On right way. It wasn’t done just so we Tel: (780) 809-8585 Fax: (780) 809-8586 For Kahpeaysewat, it has been patrol, in conditions he had never could have a church. It was done so www.boscofoundation.com more than just fulfilling his dying experienced before, under fire and the kids would have a place to go, *Charitable Tax Number: 85985 8664 RT0001* brother’s wish. seeing comrades being shot up, “I a place to run if need be,” he said. 18 Prairie Messenger EDITORIALS April 11, 2018

Wanted: practical saints! his or her own path, that they bring out the very best our communities.” of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has A similar call to practical holiness is outlined in a Popes have lamented that the church’s roster of placed in their hearts, rather than hopelessly trying to poem said to be inspired by Pope John Paul II. It is saints is overflowing with religious and clergy and imitate something not meant for them.” called “We need saints.” under-represented by laity. Pope John Paul II, think - “In times when women tended to be most ignored “We need saints without cassocks, without veils — ing out loud, once said the world needs more mar - or overlooked, the Holy Spirit raised up saints whose we need saints with jeans and tennis shoes. We need ried couples declared saints, as models for modern attractiveness produced new spiritual vigour and saints that go to the movies, that listen to music, that families. important reforms in the church.” hang out with their friends. We need saints that place In a 2015 article for CNN, Chris Lowney wrote: “We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is God in first place ahead of succeeding in any career. We “Of more than 10,000 formally recognized saints, only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs need saints that look for time to pray every day and who only about 500 have been married, even though many to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case.” know how to be in love with purity, chastity and all good billions of married people have roamed the Earth over “This holiness to which the Lord calls you will things. We need saints — saints for the 21st century with the centuries.” grow through small gestures.” a spirituality appropriate to our new time. We need saints Pope Francis published Gaudete et Exsultate “Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away that have a commitment to helping the poor and to make (Rejoice and Be Glad), an apostolic exhortation on none of your energy, vitality or joy.” the needed social change. We need saints to live in the holiness April 9. It is filled with advice on the practi - “The saints do not waste energy complaining about world, to sanctify the world and to not be afraid of living cality of living a saintly life, for everyone. “A great the failings of others; they can hold their tongue before in the world by their presence in it. We need saints that cloud of witnesses,” he said, encourages each the faults of their brothers and sisters and avoid the ver - drink Coca-Cola, that eat hot dogs, that surf the Internet Christian to take steps toward holiness. “These wit - bal violence that demeans and mistreats others.” and that listen to their iPods. We need saints that love the nesses may include our own mothers, grandmothers “Christian joy is usually accompanied by a sense Eucharist, that are not afraid or embarrassed to eat a or other loved ones.” of humour.” pizza or drink a beer with their friends. We need saints Some of Pope Francis’ practical points include: “I do not believe in holiness without prayer, even who love the movies, dance, sports, theater. We need “I like to contemplate the holiness present in the though that prayer need not be lengthy or involve saints that are open sociable normal happy companions. patience of God’s people: in those parents who raise intense emotions.” We need saints who are in this world and who know how their children with immense love, in those men and “The devil does not need to possess us. He poi - to enjoy the best in this world without being callous or women who work hard to support their families, in the sons us with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy mundane. We need saints.” sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.” and vice. When we let down our guard, he takes Above all, we need saints who receive and share “The important thing is that each believer discern advantage of it to destroy our lives, our families and the mercy and love of God. — PWN Planet drowning in plastic pollution leads to a political nightmare

By Sylvain Charlebois regardless of government policy. on plastic bags was sought in 2012, whose food industry generates you’ll find only biodegradable and Tony Walker In 2009, Loblaw Companies Ltd., but the bag ban was rejected by the more waste from single-use plastic flexible bio-plastic packaging and Canada’s largest grocer, imple - city council in 2013. food packaging every year. Given bags. Technically, everything sold An increasing number of people mented a five-cent charge on plas - Plastic bags are a convenience that 26 per cent of all Canadian there could be eaten. are voicing concerns about our use tic grocery bags. This unassuming and habits are hard to break. What households consist of one person The challenge, of course, is of plastics day-to-day. Single-use fee has reportedly diverted 11 bil - could be an inconvenience to food and the number of those living cost. Bio-plastics solutions cost plastics of any kind — such as gro - lion plastic bags from our landfills shoppers can be a political night - alone will continue to grow, the more than twice the price of regu - cery bags, cutlery, straws, poly - and oceans over the last nine years. mare. single-serve economy will expand, lar products. But given how rapid - styrene and coffee cups — are sig - In February 2016, Walmart Canada But the problem won’t go away, especially in food. This means sin - ly the narrative around climate nificant yet preventable sources of followed suit and began charging since the planet is drowning in gle-use plastic packaging could change is shifting, the green premi - land and marine pollution. customers a five-cent fee for shop - plastic pollution. increase at alarming rates. um is increasingly being consid - In Canada, bans on plastics ping bags. A study led by the 5 Gyres Banning plastics is a swift way ered by industry. Once supply have been left up to municipalities. Public sentiment on climate Institute in Los Angeles estimates to deal with the issue while we chains mature and feedstocks Montreal and Victoria recently change and environmental stew - that at least 5.25 trillion plastic par - seek more impactful, sustainable become more affordable, bio-plas - decided to ban plastic bags in ardship has changed significantly ticles weighing 268,940 tons are strategies. The use of bio-plastics tics costs should drop. stores, with business owners sub - over just the last few years, and floating in our oceans. Most of us may be a solution. More and differ - Reduce, reuse, recycle has been ject to huge fines if caught provid - more Canadians expect industry to can’t see the problem but it’s out ent feedstocks can be used to man - preached for years. Outright bans ing them to customers. Other act. there. While some trash skimmers, ufacture bio-plastics, including fit well within such a paradigm. municipalities and provinces, such But while the movement toward capable of removing floating algae and shrimp shells. An But replacing single-use plastics as Halifax and Nova Scotia, are bans on single-use plastic items is debris in marinas and harbours, increasing number of single-use requires a consumer revolution. contemplating bans in the wake of significant, not everyone is con - achieve modest success, a global coffee pods sold in Canada are The challenge is to keep grocery China’s decision to no longer vinced of their effectiveness. cleanup is next to impossible. compostable. A Dutch supermarket shopping from being a burden on accept the import of certain recy - Some claim that plastic bags The situation is being made chain recently opened the world’s the environment while avoiding clable products. serve an important food safety worse by countries like Canada, first plastic-free food store, where customer inconvenience. Public awareness appears to be function and protect the public gaining widespread momentum from harmful bacteria, outbreaks across Canada and globally. and food-borne illnesses. A National and regional plastic bag University of Arizona microbiolo - bans have been successfully imple - gy study suggested the combina - mented in Asia, Europe, Australia tion of reusable grocery bags and and North America. food can be harmful. According to But plastic bags aren’t the only the study, coliform bacteria and E. single-use plastic items being tar - coli were found in half the reusable geted — polystyrene is on the hit grocery bags sampled. list. Food businesses in Wash- The Mercatus Centre think-tank ington, D.C., and San Francisco in the U.S. claimed that discourag - will no longer be able to use con - ing the use of single-use plastic tainers or other food service prod - bags is almost pointless given the ucts made of polystyrene. Bruns- insignificant variance in carbon wick, Maine, town council voted footprint between bagging alterna - unanimously to ban polystyrene tives, including paper bags. And food containers. All retailers, data from the U.S. Environmental restaurants and vendors are prohib - Protection Agency suggest that ited from using polystyrene foam only 0.28 per cent of all the packaging, including takeout con - garbage generated by municipali - tainers, meat trays and egg cartons. ties, by weight, comes from plastic In Canada, some players are bags. taking steps to reduce plastic use These groups believe that ban - ning the use of plastic bags is more about appearances and idealism Charlebois is dean of the than protecting the environment. Faculty of Management and a pro - Clearly the ban of plastic bags CNS/Stringer, Reuters fessor in the Faculty of Agri - is a divisive issue. Several cities HOLY WEEK VIOLENCE IN MEXICO — A pair of passion plays were interrupted by gunfire on Good culture at Dalhousie University. have been hesitant about introduc - Friday as the violence convulsing Mexico continued claiming lives through the Holy Week holidays. An Walker is Assistant Professor with ing anti-bag legislation and some annual procession in Acapulco was suspended March 30 after the sound of gunshots sent participants and the School for Resources and En - laws have even been rescinded. spectators fleeing, according to local press reports. The Guerrero state government said police were chasing vironmental Studies at Dal hous ie Toronto once had a five-cent levy a trio of suspected car thieves, though local media say a conflict between criminal groups occurred and two University. www.troymedia.com for plastic bags and an outright ban people were killed. April 11, 2018 Prairie Messenger 19 Letter of the CCCB president to indigenous people

By Lionel Gendron, PSS, injustices are meaningfully ad - Call to Action #58 is concerned, taking into account all cir cum - the country. bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueil dressed, where we all discover new after carefully considering the stanc es, and including an en - Through our conversations, we ways of living together through request and extensive dialogue counter with the indigenous peo- wish to deepen our understanding Dear indigenous brothers and which the First Peoples of this land with the bishops of Canada, he felt ples as a top priority. of what it means to walk in solidar - sisters, are honoured and respected. that he could not personally For our part, through the partic - ity with Indigenous Peoples in dif - As Catholic bishops of Canada, Pope Francis, in fulfilling his respond. At the same time, sharing ipation of Catholic bishops and ferent parts of the country, mindful we see our relationship with in- mission as universal pastor, has your pain, he has encouraged the faithful in the TRC process and that our shared history, as well as digenous peoples as a major pas - spoken often and passionately bishops to continue to engage in an from our on-going relations with your needs and aspirations, differ toral priority. In recent years, we about the plight of indigenous peo - intensive pastoral work of recon - indigenous peoples, we have heard significantly from one place to the have seen many examples of heal - ples around the world and the wis - ciliation, healing and solidarity your invitation to engage honestly next. All of these ongoing conver - ing and reconciliation and we are dom they offer, not shying away with the indigenous peoples and to and courageously with the past, to sations and actions — and many committed to building on these from acknowledging those injus - collaborate in concrete projects acknowledge the failings of mem - more that need to be initiated — efforts, working in close partner - tices that have failed to conform to aimed at improving the condition bers of the Catholic Church, and to are vital to reconciliation and the ship with one another and learning the Gospel and expressing regret of the First Peoples. take active steps of solidarity with vision of a future full of hope. In to walk together. for past wrongs. He has pointed to With respect to their culture and indigenous peoples toward a better the near future, we bishops wish to We also wish to reflect on our indigenous peoples as critical dia - values, the pope encourages the future. To this, with the strong share with you what we are learn - relationships with you, some of logue partners to whom the church young to gather the wealth of tradi - encouragement of Pope Francis, ing from our encounters, and with which go back centuries, and our needs to listen. tions, experience and wisdom that we pledge our commitment. you, to take further steps towards responsibilities to foster long-term The Catholic bishops of Canada comes from the elders, whilst invit - Inspired by our exchanges with reconciliation. constructive engagement. We look have been in dialogue with the ing the elders to make this patrimo - the Holy Father, we wish to dedi - As the church enters the forward to a future where systemic pope and the Holy See concerning ny available to the young, so that cate ourselves with you to recon - Paschal Mystery this Easter, I wish the legacy of suffering you have they might carry it forward while ciliation at the local level through to renew with all the bishops of experienced. The Holy Father is facing the challenges that life pres - concrete pastoral initiatives. Such Canada the promise to accompany Gendron is president of the aware of the findings of the Truth ents. initiatives need to be grounded in you in prayer, and to work with Canadian Conference of Catholic and Reconciliation Commission, In this context, a future papal authentic encounters. These en- you in striving for respectful rela - Bishops which he takes seriously. As far as visit to Canada may be considered, counters have already begun across tions and building a just society. Holiness grows through small gestures in life, family, pope writes

Continued from page 1 be lengthy or involve intense emo - Pope Francis also included a list doned and the underprivileged, the some Catholics on Twitter or other tion.” of cautions. For example, he said vulnerable infirm and elderly ex - social media, especially when do, wherever we find ourselves,” “The holiness to which the holiness involves finding balance posed to covert euthanasia. . . .” commenting anonymously. he said. Lord calls you will grow through in prayer time, time spent enjoying And, he said, one cannot claim “It is striking at times,” he said, He wrote about “the saints next small gestures,” he said, before others’ company and time dedicat - that defending the life of a migrant that “in claiming to uphold the other door” and said he likes “to con - citing the example of a woman ed to serving others in ways large is a “secondary issue” when com - commandments, they completely template the holiness present in who refuses to gossip with a or small. And, “needless to say, pared to abortion or other bioethi - ignore the eighth, which forbids the patience of God’s people: in neighbour, returns home and lis - anything done out of anxiety, pride cal questions. bearing false witness or lying.” those parents who raise their chil - tens patiently to her child even or the need to impress others will “That a politician looking for Saints, on the other hand, “do dren with immense love, in those though she is tired, prays the not lead to holiness.” votes might say such a thing is not waste energy complaining men and women who work hard to rosary and later meets a poor per - Being holy is not easy, he said, understandable, but not a Chris - about the failings of others; they support their families, in the sick, son and offers him a kind word. but if the attempt makes a person tian,” he said. can hold their tongue before the in elderly religious who never lose The title of the document was judgmental, always frustrated and Pope Francis’ exhortation also faults of their brothers and sisters, their smile.” taken from Matthew 5:12 when surly, something is not right. included warnings about a clear and avoid the verbal violence that Pope Francis also noted the Jesus says “rejoice and be glad” to “The saints are not odd and lack of holiness demonstrated by demeans and mistreats others.” challenges to holiness, writing at those who are persecuted or aloof, unbearable because of their length and explicitly about the humiliated for his sake. vanity, negativity and bitterness,” devil just two weeks after an The line concludes the Beati- he said. “The apostles of Christ uproar caused by an elderly Italian tudes, in which, Pope Francis said, were not like that.” journalist who claimed the pope “Jesus explained with great sim - In fact, the pope said, “Chris - told him he did not believe in the plicity what it means to be holy”: tian joy is usually accompanied by existence of hell. living simply, putting God first, a sense of humour.” “We should not think of the trusting him and not earthly wealth The exhortation included many devil as a myth, a representation, a or power, being humble, mourning of Pope Francis’ familiar refrains symbol, a figure of speech or an with and consoling others, being about attitudes that destroy the idea,” the pope wrote in his exhor - merciful and forgiving, working for Christian community, like gossip, tation. “This mistake would lead justice and seeking peace with all. or that proclaim themselves to be us to let down our guard, to grow The example of the saints offi - Christian, but are really forms of careless and end up more vulnera - cially recognized by the church pride, like knowing all the rules ble” to the devil’s temptations. can be helpful, he said, but no one and being quick to judge others for “The devil does not need to else’s path can be duplicated not following them. possess us. He poisons us with the exactly. Holiness “is not about swoon - M. Weber venom of hatred, desolation, envy Each person, he said, needs “to ing in mystic rapture,” he wrote, and vice,” he wrote. “When we let embrace that unique plan that God but it is about recognizing and April Wishes down our guard, he takes advan - willed for each of us from eternity.” serving the Lord in the hungry, the tage of it to destroy our lives, our The exhortation ends with a stranger, the naked, the poor and The dirty dregs of snow families and our communities.” section on “discernment,” which is the sick. like sodden tea leaves The path to holiness, he wrote, a gift to be requested of the Holy Holiness is holistic, he said, cling to the ground is almost always gradual, made up Spirit and developed through and while each person has a spe - despite my need for spring of small steps in prayer, in sacri - prayer, reflection, reading Scrip - cial mission, no one should claim to sing across my garden fice and in service to others. ture and seeking counsel from a that their particular call or path is spurring buried bulbs into bloom. Being part of a parish commu - trusted spiritual guide. the only worthy one. nity and receiving the sacraments, “A sincere daily ‘examination “Our defence of the innocent Crows and geese send out especially the eucharist and recon - of conscience’ ’’ will help, he said, unborn, for example, needs to be ciliation, are essential supports for because holiness involves striving clear, firm and passionate for at their anthems to the sky living a holy life, the pope wrote. each day for “all that is great, bet - stake is the dignity of a human life, challenging the sun to spread And so is finding time for silent ter and more beautiful, while at the which is always sacred,” the pope its warmth so birds, and beasts prayer. “I do not believe in holi - same time being concerned for the wrote. “Equally sacred, however, and I can rejoice at winter’s end. ness without prayer,” he said, little things, for each day’s respon - are the lives of the poor, those By Jeannette Timmerman “even though that prayer need not sibilities and commitments.” already born, the destitute, the aban -

Editor: Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB 306-682-1772 Associate editors: Maureen Weber , Don Ward Layout weeks for processing and send both old and new addresses. Website: artist: Lucille Stewart Advertising: Gail Kleefeld 306-682-1772 Circulation: Gail Kleefeld 306-682-1772 Mail Agreement No. 40030139 Regina diocesan editor: Frank Flegel 306-586- 7316, 306-352-1651 Saskatoon diocesan editor: Kiply Lukan Yaworski 306-242- Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation 1500, 306-651-3935 Prince Albert: Chancery Office 306-922-4747 Winnipeg dioce - Department 100 College Drive, Box 190, Muenster, Sask., san editor: James Buchok 204-452-2227 Saint-Boniface Chancery Office 204-237- S0K 2Y0 Fax: (306) 682-5285 pm.circulation@stpeter - 9851 spress.ca Published by the Benedictine monks of St. Peter’s Member of Canadian Abbey. Printed by St. Peter’s Press, Muenster, Sask. Church Press and the CCNA 20 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS April 11, 2018 Easter shows fear and death do not have last word

By Cindy Wooden themselves before a Square and part of the way down surprise” when the main boulevard leading to the VATICAN CITY (CNS) — they reached the square. He then went up to the bal - Easter makes it clear that in the empty tomb, he cony to give his formal Easter life of Jesus, but also in the lives of said. “God’s an- blessing. modern men and women, “death, nouncements are In his remarks to the tens of solitude and fear” do not have the always a surprise, thousands of people in St. Peter’s last word, Pope Francis said because our God is Square, Pope Francis insisted before giving his Easter blessing. a God of surprises.” Jesus’ power over death continues “The words heard by the wom - That surprise today and can bring peace to the en at the tomb are also addressed caused the women world’s most serious situations of to us: ‘Why do you seek the living to rush back to the conflict, including in Syria, the among the dead? He is not here, other disciples to Holy Land, Yemen, Congo, South but has risen,’ ’’ the pope said as he share the news, he Sudan, Ukraine, the Korean penin - prepared April 1 to give his Easter said, just like the sula and Venezuela. blessing urbi et orbi (to the city shepherds rushed “We Christians believe and and the world). when they heard know that Christ’s resurrection is “By the power of God’s love,” the angels an - the true hope of the world, the Jesus’ victory over death “dispels nounce Jesus’ birth hope that does not disappoint,” the wickedness, washes faults away, and like Peter and pope said. “It is the power of the restores innocence to the fallen John ran to tell oth - grain of wheat, the power of that and joy to mourners, drives out ers when they love which humbles itself and hatred, fosters concord and brings found the teacher gives itself to the very end, and down the mighty,” the pope said, CNS/Vatican Media and master they thus truly renews the world.” quoting the formal Easter procla - POPE GIVES EASTER MESSAGE — Pope Francis greets the crowd during his had been seeking. In all the “furrows of our histo - mation. Easter message and blessing urbi et orbi (to the city and the world) delivered from the “Those people ry, marked by so many acts of Standing on the central balcony central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 1. left what they were injustice and violence,” he said, the of St. Peter’s Basilica after having doing; housewives power of the Resurrection and the celebrated a morning mass in the After a stormy Holy Saturday boat orchids. The orchids closest left their potatoes in the pan — acts it inspires in believers “bears square, Pope Francis focused on with rain beating down throughout to the altar were green, the colour they would find them burned later fruits of hope and dignity where how Jesus foretold his death and the night, Easter morning dawned of hope. Others were yellow, — but what is important is to go, there are deprivation and exclusion, resurrection using the image of the bright and sunny at the Vatican, speckled with red, reminiscent of run to see the surprise” that was hunger and unemployment, where grain of wheat, which bears no fruit highlighting the thousands of drops of Christ’s blood, according announced, Pope Francis said. there are migrants and refugees — unless it is put into the ground. flow ers, trees and bushes donated to the press release from the On Easter, he said, Christians so often rejected by today’s culture “This is precisely what hap - by flower growers in the Nether - flower growers. should ask themselves if they have of waste — and victims of the drug pened: Jesus, the grain of wheat lands. Pope Francis gave a brief hom - hearts open to being surprised by trade, human trafficking and con - sowed by God in the furrows of The garden created on the steps ily during the mass, speaking God and if they feel a need to rush temporary forms of slavery.” the earth, died, killed by the sin of of St. Peter’s Square included without a prepared text about how to share with others the good news Pope Francis included special the world,” the pope said. “He 20,000 tulips in yellow, red, pink, God’s actions throughout history of God’s saving acts. prayers for “those children who, as remained two days in the tomb; white and orange. Some 13,500 to save his people have been acts After the mass and after greet - a result of wars and hunger, grow but his death contained God’s love daffodils and more than 3,500 that surprised them, touched their ing each of the cardinals and many up without hope, lacking educa - in all its power, released and made roses also were part of the scene, hearts and prompted them to rush of the bishops and monsignors tion and health care; and to those manifest on the third day, the day but the flower-growers association to share the news with others. present near the altar, Pope Francis elderly persons who are cast off by we celebrate today: the Easter of drew special attention to close to “The women who had gone to climbed into the popemobile for a a selfish culture that ostracizes Christ the Lord.” 1,000 cymbidium, also known as anoint the Lord’s body found quick trip around St. Peter’s those who are not ‘productive.’ ’’ Catholic leaders reject Trump’s plan to send troops to border

By Carol Zimmermann on the administration.” He also and dangerously ineffective.” asked the president to reconsider. deployment would be done in co- said the decision to send troops to The statement, signed by Bishop “It is time for Mr. Trump to ordination with governors. On WASHINGTON (CNS) — the border demonstrated “repres - Mark J. Seitz of El Paso and co- stop playing on people’s unfound - April 5, the president said he was Catholic leaders in Texas criti - sion, fear, a perception that every - chairs of the committee, Lily Limon ed fears,” he added, noting that he considering sending “anywhere cized President Donald Trump’s one is an enemy, and a very clear and Dylan Corbett, also said the lives on the border and his city is from 2,000 to 4,000” troops and he April 4 announcement that he message: We don’t care about action was “a hurtful attack on “one of the safest in the country.” told reporters that the troops, “or a would be deploying National anybody else. This is not the migrants, our welcoming border The bishop said the troops will large portion of them” would stay Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico American spirit.” culture and our shared values as “find no enemy combatants here, until a border wall is constructed. border. The Diocese of El Paso’s Com- Americans.” just poor people seeking to live in The signed memorandum said In an April 5 tweet, San An - mission on Migration similarly The next day, Seitz issued his peace and security. They will find Trump has the right to take this step, tonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia- criticized Trump’s decision, say - own statement on Trump’s an- no opposition forces, just people stating that the president may ask Siller said Trump’s move was a ing in an April 4 statement that the nouncement, calling it a “rash and seeking to live in love and harmo - the secretary of defence to support “senseless action and a disgrace plan was “morally irresponsible ill-informed action” which he ny with their family members and the work of the Department of neighbours and business partners Homeland Security in securing the and fellow Christians on both border, “including by requesting sides of the border.” use of the National Guard, and to The Mexican bishops’ confer - take other necessary steps to stop ence also responded to Trump’s the flow of deadly drugs and other action tweeting April 5: “It’s very contraband, gang members and dangerous for our Mexican and other criminals, and illegal aliens Latin American people to have a into the country.” The memoran - semi-militarized border,” saying dum said: “The security of the migrants could be executed just United States is imperiled by a dras - trying to cross the border. tic surge of illegal activity on the The memorandum Trump southern border.” signed about the border said the sit - Although some members of uation there “has now reached a Congress have criticized Trump’s point of crisis. The lawlessness that plan, calling it a political move continues at our southern border is and a waste of military resources, fundamentally incompatible with the Republican governors of the safety, security, and sovereignty Texas, Arizona and New Mexico of the American people. My admin - — all states that border Mexico — istration has no choice but to act.” have supported it. The memorandum did not offer The El Paso diocesan commis - specifics about the number of sion’s said the border has never troops that would be deployed or been more secure and called it length of time they would be sta - “irresponsible to deploy armed tioned along the border. It said the soldiers in our communities.” CNS/Jose de Jesus Cortes, Reuters CATHOLICS HELP MEXICAN MIGRANTS — Central American migrants participating in a caravan heading to the U.S. receive water from Catholic volunteers April 2 in Oaxaca, Mexico. The caravan of Don’t plan it all. Let life surprise you a little. migrants transiting Mexico was stopped after its push to the U.S. border set off a barrage of criticism from — Julia Alvarez U.S. President Donald Trump.