Article author:
Canadian Press
With Kelly Geraldine Malone Brittany Hobson
For the Pope's travel program to Canada next month Includes a visit to a former Alberta housing school site with survivors, the Vatican said Thursday.
The Pope's visit is set to begin on July 24th in Edmonton and end on July 29th in Iqaluit. Includes public and private events with an emphasis on indigenous peoples' participation.
"I hope this pilgrimage will be another meaningful step in a long journey of healing, reconciliation and hope," said Richard Smith, general coordinator of the Pope's visit to Canada, Richard Smith. The Archbishop said.
Pope Francis is expected to apologize for the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the traveling housing school, based on the sentiment expressed earlier this year during the indigenous delegation to the Vatican. ..
At that time, the Pope apologized for the sad behavior of the church members involved in the housing school.
Pope Francis will arrive in Edmonton on July 24th for a brief ceremony at the airport. The next day, he will join the survivors of the Armineskin Indian Residential School in the Maskwasis community south of the city.
Gilda Soosay, a member of Samson Cree Nation, said it was a "miracle event" for her people.
"We are looking forward to what will come for our people, our grandchildren, and the children who will come after that," said the locals preparing for the visit. Soosay, who is part of the committee, said.
"We need to start the healing process of people here in Maskwacis."
Ermineskin was one of the largest institutions in Canada. "It plays a representative role in all housing schools," Smith said. He expects the apology to come before the school survivors.
Francisco will also visit the Church of the Sacred Heart of First Peoples, an indigenous church in downtown Edmonton, on July 25th.
Fernie Marty, originally Coldlake, Arta, said he was excited and nervous about meeting Pope Francis.
"There is a unique history happening here. It is important to continue my own personal healing," said Marty, a day school survivor and working at the Church of the Sacred Heart. Said.
The next day, Francis will attend a major mass at the Commonwealth Stadium, home of the Edmonton Elks CFL football team. The facility can accommodate approximately 65,000 people.
The deities are supposed to go to Lac Ste. Ann of the night when a large-scale pilgrimage is held every year.
"People are looking forward to being with him. I pray with him at Laxte. Ann," said Gary, a priest of Metis and a spiritual leader of the pilgrimage. Rev. Love Cane said.
Due to the age and restrictions of the 85-year-old Pope, Francis will attend an approximately one-hour public event, the organizers said.
Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Mark Miller said the federal government would support the transport of survivors, but did not provide any costs. He said there are plans to avoid the "logistic nightmare."
Miller added that he expects to attend an event in Alberta.
The Pope will then travel to Quebec City on July 27th. There he meets with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor Mary Simon, who will later give a public speech.
After that, the Pontiff will travel to Sainte Anne de Beaupre for Mass on July 28th. 10,000 to 15,000 guests will be attending.
"The Pope is very much looking forward to coming here," said Archbishop Gerard Lacroix of Quebec. "Despite his limited health, he will be fully witnessed with us to live this next step in the process of reconciliation and healing with the indigenous peoples of our country."
Pope Francis will meet with indigenous leaders in eastern Canada on July 29, before flying to Iqaluit. There, Francis has a private meeting with the survivors of the housing school and attends public community events.
The Pope's priority during his visit was relations with the indigenous people, Smith said, adding that the Pontiff heard a cry for reconciliation and a longing for hope.
"This is a step in the journey," Smith said. "But that's a big step."
The release of this program is because we are worried that the health of the Department of Divinities may delay our journey to Canada. Earlier this month, the planned trip to Congo and South Sudan was canceled "to not jeopardize the consequences of the treatment he was receiving for his knees," the Vatican said.
Smith said the release of the Vatican program should provide a guarantee that Pope Francis will come to Canada.
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program has a hotline to help survivors and their relatives in housing schools suffering from trauma caused by recollections of past abuse. The number is 1-866-925-4419.
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