I would like The B.C. Catholic to provide more coverage of the crises of global warming and pollution. Perhaps there could be an interview of Catholic organizations involved in the issues, with suggestions on how we can reduce our disastrous impact on the planet. Perhaps we could be reminded that we have a moral responsibility to alter our behaviour. As a large community we could have a real impact.
Olive John
Vancouver
As a non-Indigenous and first-time attendee at the Rose Prince Pilgrimage at Fraser Lake July 5-7, I would like to pay tribute to this annual event. It not only pays fitting tribute to the life of Rose Prince but also gives non-native people an opportunity to gain insight into the character of the First Nations and their culture.
Simply mingling with Aboriginal people, experiencing their respect for their elders and love for the handicapped, and enjoying their particular sense of humour gives outsiders a chance we would never otherwise have to know and appreciate our fellow First Nations Catholics.
What particularly impressed me was the extent to which the First Nations people present believe in the power of prayer. They hold onto the words of Jesus: “All you who labour, come to me and I will give you rest.”
At one point a living Rosary was held, with petitioners coming forward to recite an Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be. Before starting they would offer a prayer for a sick child, grandchild, or those working to assist First Nations young people.
Perhaps the most powerful intentions were for those family members caught up in addiction. These tearful pleas were as powerful as they were heartbreaking.
One chief, speaking of experiences attending residential schools, said children who attended never had enough to eat. “When you do not get enough to eat, it leaves a permanent bad effect … in later life you tend to overeat.”
The same chief went on to urge attendees at the pilgrimage to offer prayers for all three resident school groups: those who survived, those who didn’t, and those who administered the schools. Such as inclusive prayer is a very powerful expression of Christianity.
Thank you to Father Vince James, OMI, and to all who organized the pilgrimage.
A.S. French
Vancouver
