July

Two Rivers

This report explores the intersection of Catholic faith and Native American cultures, highlighting their shared vibrancy and sacredness. It emphasizes how these two currents merge into a unified source of spirituality and evangelization, suggesting that ministry to Catholic Native Americans can be seen as two rivers combining into one.

Statue of Madonna in Barcelona

The Statue of Madonna in Barcelona, known as La Moreneta, dates to the 12th century and is located at the high altar of the monastery's basilica.

‘’I humbly beg forgiveness’‘, Pope Francis’ words in Maskwacis

In 2022, Pope Francis visited Canada from July 24 to 29. His visit allowed him to engage in dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, express his closeness, and address the impact of colonization and the involvement of the Catholic Church in residential schools across Canada.
*Photo Credit: www.papalvisit.ca

Papal Visit to Canada

"Walking Together" is a Salt + Light Media documentary about Canada's residential schools, the reconciliation process leading to Pope Francis' 2022 apology, and the ongoing journey for healing between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Meeting with indigenous peoples, First nations, Métis and Inuit

Pope Francis prays at a gravesite at the Ermineskin Cree Nation Cemetery in Maskwacis, Alta

Pope Francis’ Penitential Pilgrimage to Canada Photo Credit: www.cccb.ca

Walk Together: Pastoral Letters

On 8 February 2023, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following four pastoral letters on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Feast Day July 14

The Catholic Church has recently witnessed the acknowledgment of Native Americans demonstrating exceptional holiness. One example is the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha and who she beautifully merges Native American and Catholic spiritual practices.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Kateri is known as the “Lily of the Mohawks” and the “Beautiful Flower Among True Men.” She is recognized for her heroic faith, virtue, and love of God and people, in the face of adversity, bullying, and rejection, as well as her close connection with the natural world around her.

Native American Affairs

The Mission of the Subcommittee of Native American Affairs is to enhance the relationship of the Catholic Native American/Alaska Native communities with Jesus Christ and His Church in the United States.

USCCB Subcommittee

The Mission of the Subcommittee of Native American Affairs is to enhance the relationship of the Catholic Native American/Alaska Native communities with Jesus Christ and His Church in the United States.

Letter to Congress on Native American Child Protection Act, April 19, 2024

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development writes to congress in support of the Native American Child Protection Act.