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On September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to remember the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who endured unspeakable loss through the residential school system—the loss of their children, their culture, their languages, their heritage, and their freedom. We acknowledge with sorrow that this system was created and administered through the cooperation of the Canadian government and various Christian churches.

As someone who came from outside the country, at first I did not understand why so many wore orange shirts on this day. Later, I learned that it began with the story of one First Nations woman, whose orange shirt—given lovingly by her grandmother—was taken away on her first day at a residential school. A simple piece of clothing, stripped away, became a powerful symbol of the deeper losses inflicted: dignity, belonging, and identity. And yet, from that wound also emerged resilience, memory, and hope.

On this day, I reflect upon the lives cultivated by those who came before us on this land, only to be shattered through force and injustice. I reflect upon what has been taken; not only in the distant past, but also in subtle and ongoing ways in our time through ignorance, indifference, and neglect. For the violence is not merely history; it continues when we close our eyes to inequity or fail to honor the dignity of others. Unless we learn vigilantly from the past, we risk repeating it—taking what is not ours or leaving victims hopeless and voiceless.

But the Gospel reminds us that God has granted blessings on every person, not for domination or diminishment, but for the flourishing of all. Those blessings—culture, language, traditions, stories, wisdom— were meant to nurture each individual and each community and, together, to reflect the fullness of God’s Goodness and Beauty. In that regard, their loss is not theirs alone; it is our shared loss. Their story is our story. 

And so we are called to write a new story together—one of humility, reverence for the battles others have fought, and celebration of the gifts they bring. By opening our hearts and walking together in truth and justice, we can make this world more whole and more beautiful for the children yet to come.
In this spirit, I kindly invite you to wear orange shirts or anything equivalent as a symbol on this coming Sunday if you have any. 

From Fr. James

God of healing and hope, on this day of remembrance,  we bow our hearts before the pain carried by Indigenous peoples.  Teach us to be humble companions in the path of reconciliation,  that our remembering may not be empty but transformative,  bearing fruit in justice, respect, and restored relationships. May the resilience of survivors inspire us,  the innocence of children guide us,  and the hope of Your Kingdom strengthen us,  until every life, every culture, and every gift shines together  as a reflection of Your Goodness and Beauty.

We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.