July4,2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At the end of July, Pope Francis will be making an Apostolic Journey to Canada stopping in Quebec, Alberta and Nunavut. Drawing on the theme of “Walking Together”, the visit will include a combination of public and private events with an emphasis on Indigenous participation. It is Pope Francis’ desire to meet with Indigenous groups, parish communities, clergy, religious and lay people. As part of this historic trip, we anticipate that the Pope will offer a formal apology on Canadian soil for the Church’s participation in the Residential School System.
In September 2021, the Bishops of Canada offered an apology and asked Pope Francis to receive a delegation of Indigenous Peoples. In April of this year, Pope Francis received this delegation and apologized to the representatives from Indigenous groups who met with him in Rome (1 April 2022). In my role as the Bishop of London, I have apologized to the Indigenous People of this land (27 September 2021) and committed our Diocese to walk on the path of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
As an expression of our commitment to healing and reconciliation, I have also committed the Diocese of London to $1.8-million over the next five years, and I have pledged the resources and the support of the people of our Diocese for this project. We are calling this fund the “Diocese of London Truth and Reconciliation Fund”.
I invite you to be part of the process of healing and reconciliation. Your efforts, combined with the work and prayers of many others, are important as we walk together on this path towards truth, healing and reconciliation. There are different ways in which you can participate: prayer, the ongoing education opportunities offered by our Diocese, taking part this summer in local events and activities so as to better understand Indigenous people in this region, and contributing to our Diocese of London Truth and Reconciliation Fund.
To make a tax-deductible donation in support of our truth and reconciliation efforts, you can do one of the following:
- Write a cheque payable to your parish indicating that it is for the “Truth and Reconciliation Fund”.
- Make an online donation through your parish website.
- Use the Diocese of London’s online giving website https://dol.pllenty.com
For online donations, please select “Truth and Reconciliation Fund” from the available options or add it as a comment, so that your gift can be allocated properly.
I thank you in advance for your support of this worthy cause.
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Canada to meet with Indigenous Peoples is an encouragement to all of us. Non-indigenous people in Canada have benefitted from the process of colonization, often at the expense of those who have lived on this land for millennia. If we seek to follow Jesus as his missionary disciples, we must offer ourselves and our resources, and be committed to walk with Indigenous Peoples on the path of justice, healing and reconciliation. May the Spirit guide and shape our actions.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Ronald Fabbro, CSB
Bishop of London