My dear people of God, I write to you today on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I’m amazed today as I think of the love of Jesus for humanity – a love that welcomes and embraces everyone in spite of our weaknesses and sins. The celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that we are chosen and loved by God with a love that is everlasting, a love that never gives up.
Last Sunday, as our Churches were opened, our people came out en masse. A total of 401 people attended Mass in both parishes. It was such a joy for me to see all of our people as we gather again to continue our journey in the house of God.
We are hoping that by July 1, we will be allowed to have more people in the Church.
The Bishop and I met with one of the Indigenous Chiefs and 5 other people from the Sacred Heart Reserve. It was a really good meeting. We were welcome with open arms, coffee was served and there was even chocolate which the Bishop really enjoys. Well, I do, too. We were advised to not open Sacred Heart Church until further notice. For now, we will continue to journey together in reconciliation while working for healing.
On Friday, June 18 at 6pm in St. Ann’s church, we will have a candle light celebration during which we will honour and pray for the repose of the souls of the 215 children who died in Kamloops and for their families. We will provide candles. If you want to, you can come with teddy bear or children’s shoes. The teddy bears will be placed on the steps of both St. Ann and St. John Vianney parishes. Parishioners of St. John Vianney Parish will take the shoes and teddy bears they brought back to St. John Vianney. I’d like to invite everyone to attend. Please come, let us pray together. No pre-registration required, you will be checked in upon arrival.
May the good Lord bless us all. May love for God and for neighbour continue to grow and be felt amongst us.
I love you all.
Your brother, Fr. Obi