Healing and Reconciliation

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you so very much for the warm welcome extended to me as the new Archbishop. I am really enjoying getting to know the people of this local Church. In particular, I look forward to meeting the Indigenous Peoples of this area. 

One of the most important things I’ve learned from our Indigenous brothers and sisters across Canada is the power of listening—truly listening. Taking the time to hear someone’s story is a way of saying: “You are worthy of being listened to.” It is a profound way of honouring the dignity of the person. 

As I begin my ministry here, I carry in my heart the call to truth and healing between the Church and Indigenous peoples. It has been part of my ministry for many years, and I have witnessed both the wounds of our past and the hope that grows when we walk together. 

One concrete way we continue this journey is through our Healing and Reconciliation Collection on September 14. 

The projects supported by this collection are shaped locally in partnership with First Nations communities. These initiatives are helping Indigenous peoples embrace their identity through language revitalization, cultural knowledge, and wellness. These projects connect individuals who might otherwise feel isolated and help ensure that those who have often faced discrimination can access healthcare and other services with dignity and respect.  

These efforts remind us that reconciliation is not just an institutional effort, but a human journey that touches lives and builds hope, one person at a time. 

I invite each of you to pray for ongoing healing and consider supporting this collection. Together, we can help bring about the vision of unity to which Christ calls us. 

With every blessing,