Canadian Catholics mark Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples

By Christopher Wells

Catholics throughout Canada observed the 2017 National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council used the occasion to draw awareness to the plight of indigenous women, who are disproportionately the victims of violent crime. They noted calls by the Truth and Reconciliation commission to launch an inquiry into the causes, and possible remedies, for the disproportionate victimization of indigenous women.

Noting that the “overwhelming grief caused by these violent crimes” is felt throughout the affected communities, the statement spoke of the need for “justice and hope” for victims and their families.

On the Day of Prayer, the Council called on “all Catholics to pray to the Creator for hope and justice for the victims and their families.” They also called on “communities, parishes, and individuals to support the national inquiry in any way they can.” Finally they called on “individuals to pray for the victims and their families and to share any information they may have with the proper authorities.”

The statement concluded with the following prayer:

Let us pray.

Creator God, we acknowledge all of the gifts we have been given. We especially acknowledge the gifts of the women in our lives, our mothers, grandmothers, wives, aunties, sisters and nieces. We express our sorrow and hurt for those of our Indigenous sisters who have gone missing or have been murdered. At this time, we ask for blessings for all women, and especially for those who have experienced inexplicable violation and suffering. We ask for comfort, care, and consolation, for those family members left behind. We again acknowledge the gifts of the Spirit we have been given and we ask for these blessings in Christ.

Amen.