On a hot afternoon in late July of 2007, I stood with Bishop David Monroe of Kamloops, looking apprehensively over a sad piece of property in Anaham, British Columbia. It was the site of the native mission's former church, which had been destroyed by fire a few months earlier. Plans were already being made for anew church, about which you can read in the pages of this issue, but on that day, there was still a pall of regret for the loss of the community's spiritual centre.

 

"It's too bad about the church," the then-Chief Gerald Johnny said to us, "but the true Church is all the people in this place, and the Great Spirit that lives with us." He and Bishop Monroe both agreed, though, that the building that housed their gatherings and gave them a sacred space for the celebration of the Mass and other Sacraments, was a real and powerful sign of their belonging to Christ, and their commitment to the growth of their Catholic faith. Thus, the new church that was to arise on that vacant lot would be so crucial to the people.  Read more....  

 

Faithfully yours,

  

(Rev.) Philip Kennedy

President
Catholic Missions In Canada