Photo credit: The Canadian Press

By Curtis Galbraith

Papal Visit

Local Archbishop wants Canadians to think about their relationship with Indigenous peoples

Jul 24, 2022 | 7:00 AM

The leader of the Catholic church in the Peace Country says there are many things that have to be done to improve relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people

Archbishop Gerard Pettipas says the visit to Alberta by Pope Francis to apologize for the church’s role in residential schools is an “appropriate act.”

“To take note of the history and the experience of Indigenous people in Canada and to address that, to make a firm statement.”

“The delegation that went to Rome earlier this year was surprised when the Holy Father spoke at that event about his, I think the words he used were, deep sorrow.”

Pettipas thinks the papal visit to Alberta is a further sign of a commitment on the part of Pope Francis to healing and reconciliation.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

He adds he goes back to the words of Truth and Reconciliation Commission chair Murray Sinclair.

“He said it took seven generations of students going to schools to create the problem that we now face, and he said it will take seven generations to heal through that and I think that’s true.”

“Nothing is going to happen overnight. I think this is a slow, deliberate process.”

Pettipas believes Canadians need to think carefully about their relationship with Indigenous peoples, adding he sees this happening and people are beginning to take this seriously.

He adds this is not just an Indigenous Issue, it is a Canadian issue, and everyone has a role to play. Pettipas also says he has had lots of questions asked of him.

“Some of it being accusative of the church’s role in running residential schools. Others not so much accusative but wanting to know what really did happen. What happened in the running of schools?”

Pettipas says at the same time, the visit is a “wonderful opportunity” for Catholic people in the Peace to have a chance to see the pope up close.

He will be at all the events held during the pope’s stop in Alberta and will jointly lead the Mass being celebrated with the pope Tuesday at Commonwealth Stadium. Six priests from the Peace will be part of the Mass giving communion. Two Indigenous people from the Peace will also be readers at the Mass