A Padre on the Prairies: how the Share Lent solidarity visitor inspired Saskatchewan

Originally published on the Development and Peace-Caritas Canada website, used with permission.

By Michael LeBlanc, DPCC Animator for Saskatchewan and Keewatin-Le Pas

When I first heard that we would be receiving a Share Lent solidarity visitor in Saskatchewan this February as part of our On Track for Justice campaign, I knew it would be deeply moving, but I had no idea of the experiences, joys, laughter and warmth that awaited!

Coming from a round of key meetings in Montreal and Toronto, Fr. Dário Bossi, MCCJ (or “Padre Dário” as he is known), landed in Saskatoon Feb. 17, just minutes ahead of yet another winter storm. The weather was cold and snowy, but the welcome received was warm and thoughtful, punctuated by good humour directed not least at the conditions outside.

A small number braved stormy weather Feb. 17 for a Shrove Tuesday meal at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon with DPCC solidarity visitor Fr. Dário Bossi. (Photo by Michael LeBlanc, courtesy of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada)

Padre Dário and I brought the “show on the road,” visiting communities in Saskatoon, Regina, Swift Current and Bruno.

A solidarity visitor who stands with the people

Padre Dário is a Comboni priest and missionary who dedicates his life to serving those most in need in our world (see this auto-translation of his interview in Portuguese on Vatican News to learn more about him).

Although he was born in Italy, Padre Dário’s vocation led him to serve communities in the Brazilian state of Maranhão. There, he was confronted with the stark realities of living in the backdrop of environmental devastation caused by one of the world’s largest open pit iron mines, in the Amazon rainforest. This mine is connected to the port city of São Luís by the nearly 900-kilometre Carajás railway, which locals have dubbed the “iron dragon.” The railway greatly disrupts the lives of the inhabitants of nearby communities in a plethora of difficult and harmful ways.

For generations, residents of the area who have suffered environmental, social, and health-related ill effects have been mobilizing for change, most recently with the help of Justiça nos Trilhos (Justice on Rails or JnT), a partner of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC).

Working closely with the people to support their struggle, Padre Dário and JnT were able to get the most affected community, Piquia de Baixo, resettled to a safer and healthier location away from the effects of both the railroad and local steel mills. The fight for environmental justice, however, continues in over 100 communities along the snaking railway.

These are our sisters and brothers. This is Christ saying, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

A whirlwind tour, a packed agenda

Over the course of six days, Padre Dário shared his message of equal parts challenge and hope across Saskatchewan, recounting the daily lives of those on the wrong side of so-called “sacrifice zones” of the world.

He met with bishops, priests, deacons, diocesan staff, monks from St Peter’s Abbey in Muenster and dedicated parishioners.

Many younger folks, too, took in his message during key meetings at St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon and St. Therese Institute in Bruno. Campion College students in Regina had a lunch with him and attended the presentation at St Peter’s Parish in Regina (watch the video).

I couldn’t help but notice that whomever he spoke to, Padre Dário took the time to chat, listen, and respond with warmth. A true pastor for our global Church!

A teacher and a learner

Padre Dário also had the opportunity to receive much in each of his encounters and in the broader cultural dimensions of his journey through Saskatchewan.

He received a tour of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, where he learned of the deep cultural ties of Ukrainian people in the province. He also visited the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, where he learned about the region’s natural history and Indigenous roots.

Padre Dário ended his trip at Asimakaniseekan Askiy on Muskeg Lake Cree Nation land, where he had coffee with Deacon Harry LaFond, a venerable scholar, Elder, former chief and Saskatchewan Order of Merit laureate.

Lasting impressions

Wonderful long-time DPCC members opened their homes to Padre Dário and I on our week-long odyssey and the mirth will continue to warm our hearts with good memories for years to come.

I will truly miss his presence and wish we could spend more time with him; though I imagine he was anxious to get to places that are warmer at this time of year!

I was amazed not only at the difference that one single missionary can make, but also at the difference that the women and men fighting for their rights in the Amazonia region of Brazil can make to the life of Padre Dario and, through him, to us all.

Inspired? You can become a supporter and advocate of this and countless partnerships for change all around the world. In the face of devastating worldwide cuts to humanitarian aid and development (which I experienced first-hand during my learning tour in Rwanda last year), you can plot a different course for Canada by championing change to your MP and becoming involved in your local DPCC community as a member-volunteer.

You can start by emailing your local animator who can connect you with other like-minded folks in your province or territory. Our partners work every single day for justice and change in their communities. You can support them in their work by becoming a monthly donor. If you sign up by May 24, your donation amount will be doubled for a year. Now is the time to give!

As inspirational as Padre Dario is, not even he can do this work alone. Join me in responding to this epic journey by doubling our commitment to live in solidarity this Share Lent and beyond!

Related: Through Share Lent, Development and Peace-Caritas Canada (DPCC) is ‘On Track for Justice’ – ARTICLE

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Development and Peace – Caritas Canadawas established in 1967 by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in response to Pope Paul VI’s call to Catholics living in developed nations “to be in the first ranks of those who spare no effort to have just and fair laws, based on moral precepts, established among all nations.” (Populorum Progressio, 81). Donate to this year’s Share Lent campaign on Solidarity Sunday in parishes across Canada March 22, or online at: devp.org/give-now

Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.