National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30

This year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place on Friday, September 30. Cardinal Collins will preside at the 7:30 a.m. Mass from St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica with participation from Indigenous members of the community. All are welcome in person or via livestream at: www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live/. 

During this day of reflection, we also encourage our staff, clergy and the Catholic community to learn more about the journey of Indigenous Peoples of This Land. A good starting point is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, a place of “learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.” For those who wish to review text or video of speeches from the July 2022 penitential visit of Pope Francis to Canada, you can visit www.papalvisit.ca for more information.

The Archdiocese of Toronto will also hold a special collection the weekend of October 1-2 to support the Indigenous Healing & Reconciliation Fund. The fund will support both local and national programs proposed by Indigenous communities to nurture the ongoing reconciliation journey. Click here for FAQs on the fund.

Funds will support culture and language revitalization, education and community building, healing and reconciliation for communities and families and dialogue involving Indigenous elders, spiritual leaders and youth with a focus on Indigenous spirituality and culture. 

The Indigenous Healing & Reconciliation fund is part of a national effort announced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Bishops of Canada have made a $30-million collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives among Indigenous Peoples.  The archdiocese will contribute six million dollars towards the national pledge.

For more information or to donate online please visit www.archtoronto.org/healingandreconciliation.