April 1 was the final day of the delegation of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada to the Holy See, where all of the delegates and those who have accompanied them participated in a final Audience with Pope Francis in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.
During this final Audience, the Holy Father expressed “sorrow and shame” for the abuse and lack of respect for Indigenous identities, culture and spiritual values in the residential school system. He said, “I ask for God’s forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon.”
Bishop McGrattan, who also served as CCCB Vice President, was quoted in the latest statement (April 1) from the Canadian Bishops, “As Catholics, we believe in the restorative power of apologies. But acknowledging wrongdoing is only one step of the healing journey. We all have a role to play in healing the wound that was opened up through a history of colonialism and must be deeply committed to this responsibility,"
"As we prepare for the Holy Father’s eventual pilgrimage to Canada, the relationships forged this week and the lessons learned from Indigenous delegates will continue to guide and inspire us.”
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