On Saturday, September 23, consecrated members of the Diocese of Montreal made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. There were approximately fifty of us, representing Institutes of many diverse orders of life and charisms, as well as the richness of the intergenerational and intercultural realities that characterize consecrated life here in our Diocese. This was evident in, among other things, the joyful animation and the songs sung in many languages – as many as there were nationalities aboard the bus that took us to Kahnawake! 

Upon our arrival at the Shrine, we were greeted by the people in charge of the Office for Consecrated Life¹, who extended the warmest welcome to us all, along with greetings and a blessing from Archbishop Christian Lépine, and a beautiful message from Bishop Alain Faubert (link - in French only). The Mission chez nous team², who co-organized the event, were already waiting for us in orange sweaters, honouring the memory of the children who were victims of residential schools - Every child matters - in anticipation of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation which would take place on September 30. 

Inside the church is where St. Kateri Tekakwitha is buried, among her people, the Mohawk. Beverly Delorimier, also a member of the Mohawk, spoke to us about the importance of St. Kateri's intercession on behalf of herself, her family and her entire community. Ms. Delorimier is a living witness to the fact that the "Lily of the Mohawks" continues to intercede for her people and for all who call on her. In the course of the day, everyone was able to have an individual moment of meditation by Kateri’s grave and entrust her with personal prayer intentions or intentions on behalf of the pilgrim’s respective community or for the entire Church. 

During the joint celebration of the Word by Sabrina Di Matteo and Rose-Anne Gosselin, a member of the Algonquin First Nation of Timiskaming, we collectively asked Kateri to intercede for our journey of reconciliation, so that each of us, and the Church as a whole, might progress ever further in this path, recognizing that as children of God all human beings share the same dignity. “If the First Nations have converted to Christ, it is because Christ knew suffering,” stated Ms. Delorimier. Together, we turned towards God the Creator in the “Four Directions” in communion with First Nations members, whose culture is profoundly intertwined with the natural world. 

A guided visit to the Interpretation Centre given by Brian McDonough allowed us to gain deeper insight into Mohawk culture and Kateri’s life in her day. 

At lunch, Bishop Claude Hamelin of Saint-Jean-Longueuil came to extend a warm welcome and to express how glad he was to see so many of us taking part in this pilgrimage. 

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a splendid concert entitled “A Wonderful Day,” performed by Ian and Carole Spencer, professional singers and musicians who had come from the Netherlands to delight our hearts and ears, while their benefit concert also contributed to the restoration of the Shrine’s organ. 

All in all, the day was beautiful and full, and it made possible a wonderful encounter during which to share our fraternal, spiritual and cultural dimensions, with one another and in the Wholly Other. 

by Ms. Lucile CHIRON and Ms. Justine OROUNLA of Notre Dame de l’Inculturation 

¹ Office for Consecrated Life: Ms. Donatella Fiorani and Sr. Jacqueline Tchamgbade, SNDT

²Mission chez nous: Mr. Mathieu Lavigne, Director, Ms. Sabrina Di Matteo and Mr. Brian McDonough