‘For many of us, this was the first time we understood some of the drama and trauma behind the huge challenges faced by our Aboriginal sisters and brothers’
On the first weekend of February this year, Resurrection parish of Regina was treated to the ministry of Sister Bernadette Feist, O.S.U. True to her name, this “Bush Rabbit” (as she named herself!) stole the hearts of many of us Resurrection parish family members, by regaling us with stories of her ministry, lighting up a bit of sweet grass and playing her drum, letting her indomitable and “feisty” missionary spirit shine through.
At three 45-minute sessions after each Mass, Sister Bernadette shared with us the realities facing ordained, religious and lay ministers working among the far reaches of our country. For many of us, this was the first time we understood some of the drama and trauma behind the huge challenges faced by our aboriginal sisters and brothers in our province and the rest of Canada. Sister’s stories underlined time and again how much the healing presence of the Gospel and of the greater Church family is needed to helpmeet the needs of the mission communities served by Catholic Missions In Canada.
Many of us were touched by Sister Bernadette’s commitment to the First Nations people she serves. Not only did she take time out of her busy schedule to minister to us as a parish, but she also travelled twice the one hour trip back and forth from her home in Fort Qu’Appelle to speak to us at our three weekend masses and to tend her people back at the Fort. And so we realized that it can only be by the Grace of God that Catholic Missions In Canada missionaries have this seemingly boundless energy, and the bands of angels who protect them, at their beck and call.
Addendum: Sister Bernadette Feist, O.S.U., sent the honorarium given to her by Resurrection parish to Catholic Missions In Canada as a donation in support of her fellow missionaries. With this gift was her note, “My weekend at Resurrection parish was awesome. It is one of the reasons why I gratefully return this cheque to Catholic Missions In Canada. So many could use the boost that I receive when I speak at places like this. We had a good time together; what more can I ask?” Sister Bernadette and missionary Oblate Father Wojciech Wojtkowiak of Lestock, Saskatchewan, were recently presented with the Papal honour of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (for Church and Pope), also known as the Cross of Honour. It is given in recognition of distinguished service to the Church, and is the highest medal that can be awarded to lay people and clergy by the Papacy. Congratulations to Sister Bernadette and Father Wojciech!
Beverly Illauq is social justice chairperson at Resurrection parish in the Archdiocese of Regina in Saskatchewan.
