On the occasion of the 2024 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released the following statement:
In solemn prayer and reflection, the Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops mourns the painful legacy of the former Indian Residential Schools and reaffirms its commitment to walking with Indigenous Peoples on their healing and reconciliation journey.
On the 2024 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we are reminded of the Holy Father’s profound hope “that Christians and civil society in this land may grow in the ability to accept and respect the identity and the experience of the Indigenous Peoples”.
This hope invites the Catholic faithful of Canada to listen with open hearts, to honor the stories we hear, and to embrace the path of truth and healing.
May the Lord guide us with His grace as we walk this path together, bringing healing, understanding, and renewed hope for a brighter future.
The statement is also available in French.