8
Opinion
Yukon News
EDITORIAL
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
INSIGHT
LETTERS
COMMENTARY
Adieu, Pere Claude Helene Belanger
in a discussion with his parishioners. Talking about on ami is leaving! God, about healing, justice, Recently we had and being good to others. a potluck goodbye supper Explaining what the Gospel for Pere Claude, who will means to him. be leaving the Yukon after We were not just being 12 years with us. For those talked to, which was quite who do not know, Claude is refreshing. For the first time, the Catholic priest for the I saw children interested, francophone Catholic comparticipating in his service. munity. There were over 200 A new journey began. people celebrating him. What I saw that Claude became an amazing night. extremely involved with the I want to share my journey marginalized, disadvanwith him. taged individuals. He has Like many of my genbeen known in town to feel eration, born in Quebec, privileged to accompany the the Catholic faith was the dying, whatever their faith. “norm.” I grew up finding He has carried his Gospel sometimes solace, but many with no judgment, with open times I found myself quesarms to all. tioning, and not understandThere is no discriminaing some of the principles of tion, no exclusion in his the religion. world. He pays attention Thankfully, I remembered to children, includes and my very wise parents telling involves them. He has reconme that beyond any doubt, nected a community with God was good. That carhope, caring and love of his ried me through the many God. questions I had when some He celebrates communion religions can appear not as where the people are. He tells inclusive as I wish. us that God is in each and And so, I grew up, and every one of us, and in our carried God in my heart. I beautiful nature. He is there, had gone to many differwith whoever needs him. ent buildings where people He is creative, innovative pray, as I moved around this and such a generous human country. I struggled to find being. the spoken words appealing, When around Claude, and non-judgmental. I want to become a better Then came Claude, whom person. I met at a craft fair. Young He has so many rituals man, interested, inquisitive, that he has shared with the full of joy and hope. Yukon: blessing of the Easter I was quite curious, and water at sunrise; blessing of returned to the Sunday bicycles in the Spring; celeFrench Catholic services. bration at Miles Canyon; siI learned that he had prelence retreats; celebration of viously worked with youth the Solstice, and many, many at risk. I was more curious. more. Claude has been tryI was pleasantly surprised to ing to teach us that inside of find, for the first time on my every screaming, screeching journey, a priest engaging human being is a hurt soul.
M
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He has helped me understand and want to continue to live in the spirituality of God. Claude was “borrowed” from his diocese in Quebec to come to the Yukon in 2002. He has no choice to go when asked to leave. Even if he asked to stay, as he felt he has more work to do in the Yukon. Even if all of us do not want to see him go. Not an easy job, I say, when no discussion is to be had and one has to comply. Maybe Claude represents for me the future of the Catholic Church. Maybe it is the religion I hope for. Interesting fact that in 2013 and 2014 the Yukon will have suffered two great losses; Father Jim and Pere Claude. Interesting coincidence. Since this is about my journey, I ask myself: how will I cope with my pastor, Reporters
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my friend, moving away? I need to continue to hope that the faith that I was born into continues to evolve, to be more inclusive, more open-minded and accepting of change. That the leaders stop being afraid of change. That people like Claude be recognized in their own institution as catalysts for a renewal that attracts human beings, and encourages love, tolerance and forgiveness. I hope I will continue to live by Claude’s example. A friend wisely said: “just think of the many others on
his journey who have not had yet the privilege to meet him.” However true that statement is, I am still struggling with his departure. May the church realize what an impact Claude has had on the Yukon people, and may they strive to understand that we are all the same. I will miss you and I will carry you in my heart, my friend. May you continue to share this peace and healing heart of yours wherever you go.
Helene Belanger lives in Whitehorse.
Quote of the Day “It’s good spin-doctoring on their part but I don’t think it’s going to work.” John Ward, spokesperson for the Taku River Tlingit, on the Yukon government’s assertion it has adequately consulted his First Nation on plans to build a campsite at Atlin Lake. Page 2
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