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Bishop LeGatt: Continuing on the Journey of Reconciliation

Archbishop Albert continues his reflection on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, particularly in the wake of the discovery, last week, at a Residential School on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. He shares about some of the rich dialogue he has had in the past weeks with many people, and especially with many Indigenous people. The road of reconciliation is a long, complex, and redemptive one. We all have a part to play, and we all bear the responsibility of being agents to continue this path of healing, through hearing and listening, acknowledgement, apology, and action. We must also continue careful personal introspection, to identify and remediate those seeds of colonization, racism, and hatred that may also be in our hearts, as we humbly continue our Christian and human journey.

Bishop LeGatt: Continuing on the Journey of Reconciliation

Bishop LeGatt: 215

In the wake of the devastating news this week of 215 Indigenous children, buried in unmarked graves at a Residential School on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, Archbishop Albert takes a moment to reflect. To reflect on the active part the Catholic Church played in the tragedy of colonization here in Canada. To reflect also on what these findings mean for us here in Manitoba.

And also to reflect on our current day reality: racism is certainly not a thing of the past. How are we to move forward, as a society, in the paths of reconciliation? How are we to respond to this shocking discovery, in a way that is more than a simple flash in the pan? Throughout this month of June, National Indigenous History Month, Archbishop Albert will focus his weekly messages on different issues surrounding reconciliation, and on how we, as a Church and broader society, are to move forward. We all have a part to play, and we all must be active players in the process of healing and reconciliation.

“COVID-19 Update for Religious Services” – New Version

New Code Red Alert restrictions for all of Manitoba came into effect on June 12, and will be applicable until June 26.

The most significant change:

Distribution of communion outside is permitted at this time. Five people can form a line to receive communion, respecting social distancing and wearing a mask.

To read the updated COVID-19 Update for Religious Services document, click here.

To read the latest provincial orders, click here.

Bishop LeGatt: Building Up the Local French-Speaking Church

The Catholic Church in Saint-Boniface is currently undertaking an initiative to strengthen one particular part of the local Body of Christ: that of our French-speaking brothers and sisters. The Church of Saint-Boniface was built by French-speaking men and women, who came here to transmit their rich faith. When language and faith combine, these give birth to a powerful relationship: the language of our very first prayers, the language in which our heart speaks, remains vitally important for us for the rest of our lives. In the same way, it is important, currently, for us to take some time to reflect on our Church’s presence in French-speaking communities in Manitoba, and how we can continue to build up this part of our local Church up, seeking to find unity and strength of all in our archdiocese. When we build up one part of the Body of Christ, it is the whole of the Body that is strengthened, to together give glory to God.

For further information (in French), click here.

To read Archbishop LeGatt's letter (in French) about this project, click here.

To complete the online survey (in French), click here.

To read the Press Release, click here.

➡️ For any questions or for any further information, please contact Mireille Grenier, 204-594-0278, or by email, mgrenier@archsaintboniface.ca.

Bishop LeGatt: Lord, Send Forth Your Spirit!

With Pentecost, the completion of the paschal mystery, which leads into ordinary time, Archbishop Albert reminds us of the main invocation of this day: "Lord, send fourth your Spirit, and renew the face of the Earth". This is no small thing! But a grand, eternal process, made up of all of our daily, seemingly small choices, our small yes's to God, helping build up the Kingdom here on earth. As restrictions tighten once again, it could seem as though we are going back to Good Friday. But quite the contrary: the Pentecost is the celebration of Christ's resurrection which touches every day of our ordinary, sometimes difficult, challenging lives. It is the proclamation that even in the midst of the darkest darkness, Christ's light shines brighter still.

The Archdiocese of St. Boniface consults francophone Catholics

The Archdiocese of St. Boniface will consult with French Catholics, through an online survey and focus groups, to paint a picture of the francophone Catholic community in Manitoba, in order to better understand its needs and challenges, and propose approaches that will ensure its long-term vitality.