The Catholic bishops of Saskatchewan offered prayers Wednesday for everyone affected by the deadly stabbing rampage Sept. 4 that left 11 dead and at least 18 injured.
Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined with brother bishops Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina; Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewatin Le Pas; Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert and Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, apostolic administrator of the Eparchy of Saskatoon, to send a message stating “we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the acts of violence that took place at James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Weldon on Sept. 5. “
The bishops said they mourn “those whose lives have been lost, those who have been injured and those whose peace and security has been shattered by these horrific events,” and said “we invite all to join in prayer, turning to God for comfort and healing.
The bishops also prayed for everyone across Saskatchewan who has been providing assistance, include “first responders, health care workers and everyone offering help and support to those affected by this tragedy.”
In addition to the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan letter, Bishop Stephen Hero of the Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert issued his own letter to the faithful Sept. 6 calling for prayer as well.
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools released a statement of prayer and support on Labour Day and offered support for affected students.
“We at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools are deeply troubled and saddened by news of the tragic events at James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon over the weekend. We pray for the souls of those who were killed, for a speedy recovery of those injured, and comfort of God the Creator for those who mourn.”
Schools did open but the board said it understands if “parents do not feel comfortable sending children to school.”
On Wednesday RCMP arrested a fugitive suspect in the stabbing. A brother believed to have been involved in the killings was found dead Monday at James Smith with wounds that not appear to be self-inflicted, said RCMP.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert asked its followers on Facebook Sept. 4 to “pray with (Anglican) Bishop (Michael) Hawkins and the community of James Smith First Nation and Weldon” in a post on its page. Bishop Hawkins, of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatchewan, led a prayer vigil that was recorded and posted on social media. The Anglican Church presence is strong in the community as James Smith Cree Nation is home to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
“Like all of you I am reeling from the news from this morning and today about the unspeakable tragedy at James Smith reserve and in Weldon,” said Bishop Hawkins. “It is hard to imagine the terror, the grief, the concern, the sorrow and trauma of the families and the people.”
Bishop Hawkins alluded to the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s late April visit to the Cree community in his remarks. Archbishop Welby met with residential school survivors and First Nations elders at James Smith Cree Nation’s Bernard Constant Community School.
“At the time, Archbishop Justin spoke in reference to the experience and legacy of the residential school as a ‘living hell,’ ” said Bishop Hawkins. “Surely what the people of James Smith have gone through today, and are experiencing now, is a living hell.”
Archbishop Welby directly responded to the horrific attacks in a Twitter post on Sept. 5.
“Having visited James Smith Cree Nation earlier this year, I’m appalled and deeply saddened by the fatal stabbings there and across Saskatchewan this weekend. I mourn with the community and pray that God would comfort all those experiencing such unimaginable anguish,” said Archbishop Welby.
With B.C. Catholic files
