Priest claims old and new religions are the same

Page 13

God's teachings were sent to Native people long before the first European settlers landed in North America, says an Ojibway priest, Father John Hascall.

"People talk about the old way and the new ways as if they were two, but all is one," he says.

AS a chill breeze ruffled the golden leaves on the trees lining the banks of the McKenzie River, Father Hascall, dressed only in a short-sleeved shirt and trousers, spoke of his faith and ministry to Native people.

"I travel all over," he smiled. "Right now I am based in Montana, but I also visit northern communities."

He strongly defends his use of traditional Native religious items in his church ceremonies, maintaining the bundles, the drum and the pipe are as important to Natives as incense, candles and hymns are to non-Natives.

"These ceremonies bring out the love in our Native people; the love of their Native ways and traditions. It is the right thing to do ... it is powerful," he says.

Father Hascall describes how the bundle is opened before the congregation during Eucharist and how his church recognizes Native traditions such as puberty rites, coming of age rites and vision quests. "They are all part of our Catholic life," he says.

However, although Father Hascall is now devoted to the church, he admits he once questioned the teachings and the ways of the church. He felt the calling of the church was in conflict with his Native background as a member of the White Crane clan of the Ojibway nation, with its emphasis on family life, marriage and children.

"For three years I was in darkness. I searched and searched for the answer ... then I had a vision," he says, his head bowed and his eyes misting over with the memory of his quest. "Then I had another vision ... God answered my prayers."

Father Hascall won't talk about his visions, but says they pointed to the path he now follows, and he is content. However, he feels that the church must allow Native priests to marry because of the importance of the family to Native people.

"It will come ... eventually," he says. "The church will realize that his teaching goes against our heritage and it is very difficult for our people to leave that aside. I am praying for the day married priests can be ordained," he says.

Father Hascall is also aware of the criticism laid against the Catholic church over the mistreatment of Native people by Catholic missionaries.

"You have to remember the church was itself in a crisis in those days, many feared Christianity itself would die out. Of course, a lot of bad things happened, but we as Native people must find it within us to forgive; it is the Native way," he smiles.

As the priest quietly looks out across the choppy McKenzie River, he is greeted by dozens of Elders and old friends. He gives each a long bear-hug and talks about old times.

One Inuit Elder, Elizabeth Yakeneya, grabs him by the hand, lands a big kiss on his ruddy cheek and tells him how excited she is to see the Pope.

"You see," he turns and winks. "This is the answer to all our questions. This is why I am here and you are here. This is where we renew ourselves and bathe in the faith and the strength of our Elders."