The answer to the call is with prayer and meaningful action, said Collins.
鈥淲e particularly are resolved to repent for the lack of respect shown to the Indigenous people of this land, made especially evident in the residential schools,鈥� the cardinal told the virtual audience that tuned in for the annual Cardinal鱿鱼视频app Dinner Nov. 23. The theme for this year鱿鱼视频app dinner was 鈥淥ur Journey Toward Healing and Reconciliation.鈥�
鈥淲e also should recognize and celebrate the beauty, truth and goodness offered to our whole community in the traditions and history of the Indigenous people, and especially within the Catholic Church,鈥� he said in his remarks for the Dinner that was live-streamed for the second straight year because of the pandemic.
Indigenous elder Rosella Kinoshameg from Manitoulin Island shared an opening prayer at the Dinner to St. Kateri Tekakwitha, North America鱿鱼视频app first Indigenous saint, for the virtual guests.
Collins said it鱿鱼视频app important to have an understanding of the truth about residential schools, adding he鱿鱼视频app heartened to 鈥渉ear from so many of the faithful who wish to be directly engaged in this journey.鈥�
Collins, speaking from St. Ann鱿鱼视频app Parish in Toronto鱿鱼视频app downtown core, home of the archdiocese鱿鱼视频app Native Peoples鈥� Mission, read the September apology from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for the Church鱿鱼视频app role in Canada鱿鱼视频app residential schools system and discussed the bishops鈥� $30-million commitment to support Indigenous people and communities on this reconciliation journey. The Archdiocese of Toronto has also established a fund that is raising funds toward the same goal.
鈥淚n planning to fulfill the Archdiocese of Toronto鱿鱼视频app share of this commitment, we are consulting with diverse Indigenous voices to help us discern how our financial support can best meet the needs of Indigenous peoples and groups, in our archdiocese and elsewhere in Canada,鈥� said Collins.
鈥淚n addition to prayer and action, it is critical that we listen to Indigenous voices.鈥�
He invited viewers 鈥� the event was broadcast on Salt + Light TV as well as live-streamed on the archdiocese鱿鱼视频app social media feeds 鈥� to find their role in healing and reconciliation.
鈥淲hether it鱿鱼视频app through prayer, self-education, financial support or some other means, I encourage you in your efforts,鈥� said Collins.
The evening also saw a number of Indigenous and Catholic partners share their experiences, wisdom and faith with viewers. The cardinal thanked them 鈥� Graydon Nicolas, former lieutenant governor of New Brunswick, elder John Robinson, Maria Lucas and Indigenous dancer Julia Kozak 鈥� for helping the archdiocese on 鈥渙ur collective journey of healing and reconciliation.鈥�
The Cardinal鱿鱼视频app Dinner, now in its 43rd year, is an annual event begun by Cardinal Gerald Emmett Carter that raises funds for charities within the archdiocese and beyond. Over the years it has raised more than $6 million. This year donors will be able to target their donations, either to the archdiocese鱿鱼视频app reconciliation fund or to another charity. To donate, go to .