Healing ceremonies held in Native communities

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A series of healing ceremonies were held in Hobbema, Alexis and Alexander, during lent, with the final one being celebrated at the Native Pastoral Centre in Edmonton on Mach 19.

Lucienne Meek, a Metis and a leader in the charismatic movement, led the celebration and gave witness to the fact that we are all the Great Spirit's (God's) hands to the world, that we are all gifted with the gift of healing.

Meek shared with the congregation some of her life experiences and how God helped her.

The large assembly was ministered to by seven Oblate fathers, with the guest priest being father Gary Laboucanne, a Metis priest who was ordained two years ago. Father Laboucanne shared healing prayers and witness to the people.

The ceremony was significant in that it was celebrated in a Native aspect, with the blessing of the water and the cleansing of the body in the four directions, which along with the Native music (drums) and the Native singing had a great power of peace and healing as well as praise.

The music ministry was given by the Pine Valley Singers, Jim Tobias, Charlie Wilson, Eloise Desjardins and Francis Badeagle. They played the drums and chanted songs which filled the centre with a beautiful sound of praise to the Great Spirit (God).

Everyone was touched by the spirit-filled evening. Coffee was served following the service, where the feeling of peace and friendship were shared with one another.

"I found the ceremony very rewarding and I found the spirit of God all around me. He healed me spiritually, he opened my heart and made me feel like a child once more. God rekindled the fire of love in my heart, " said Jack Bell, following the service.

"It was beautiful. I went home so different. I saw the healing and the peace of others. I had the feeling of being healed and at peace spiritually again. I wish I could bring those who are neglected, those who need love and peace, to be healed," Audrey Lawrick said a few days later.