Honouring the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Honouring the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation: In Kingston, at Providence Mother House, on September 30, the Sisters gathered for a special Eucharist in which the spirit of the day was recognized and celebrated.

We began with an acknowledgement and expression of gratitude for the original Indigenous persons who had first inhabited this area: the Anishnaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron – Wendat nations. We thanked them for the care they exercised over this land on which we now have the privilege to live and worship.

The theme of the liturgy was carried over in a beautiful arrangement situated in front of the altar. It consisted of a “Star blanket” which for the indigenous people is a source of healing and represents a belief that some tribes held that people came from the stars, a peace drum and sage. The smoke of the sage is used for releasing what is troubling the mind and dissipating negative energies. The sage brings cleansing, protection and blessings into the space in which is burned. For this reason, it was used that day as the penitential rite of our sacred ceremony of the Eucharist.

In closing Mass, Friar Ed Debono, OFM, led us in prayer facing the four directions. By experiencing this ancient ritual as a part of our own, the Sisters joined with all Indigenous persons in a spirit of unity, peace and reconciliation.