October 9 to 15, 1993

Wassean-Danda

Let us have new light for our eyes

1993 was the United Nations Year of Indigenous Peoples.  The Native Peoples apostolate has been of prime concern to the Society of Jesus from its earliest beginnings, and so the Jesuits marked the year with an international conference.  This conference was hosted by the English Canadian Jesuits and held at the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre.  Jesuit delegates from twelve countries and five continents came to reflect upon this history and their present experience of working with the Native Peoples.

The Superior General of the Society, Very Reverend Peter-Hans Kolvenback, and a number of his colleagues from Jesuit headquarters in Rome participated.  This meeting was also a preparation for the next General Congregation scheduled for 1995 in Rome.

All the delegates

American delegates

Latin American delegates

Fr. General with Fr. Pedro de Velasco, Mexico

On October 13 the delegates traveled to Holy Cross Parish at Wikwemikong to celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of the return of the Jesuits to Manitoulin Island.  Holy Cross is the oldest Jesuit parish in Canada.  Bishop Pappin concelebrated the Mass and Father General gave the homily.  A community feast followed with music, dancing, gift giving.

The Eucharist

Delegates and some of the community

Lillian Desmoulin Fr. Mike Murray

Monsignor Don Orendorf Deacon Emerick Shigwadja

Elder Sam Osawamick blesses Fr. General

during a naming ceremony