Each year, September 30 marks the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging the tragic history and legacy of residential schools, its victims and survivors.

Last July, Pope Francis began his penitential pilgrimage to Canada. The central objective of this apostolic journey was reconciliation and healing between the Catholic Church and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. It was a first step on the road to healing.

It will take a long time to rebuild trust, but the Pope has given us a message of hope (Honourable Graydon Nicholas, member of the Maliseet First Nation and former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, p. 13, Columbia Magazine, C of C, September 2022).

As we begin this journey with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters, let us pray that the Virgin Mary, Saint Anne and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha will intercede for us on this journey of healing and give us the courage to persevere.

Diocesan Justice and Solidarity Team, Archdiocese of Moncton