Our guiding scripture for this year’s faith focus includes two Gospel passages. First, Jesus the Light of the World – John 8:12. Jesus tells us that he is the Light of the World and if we follow him, we will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. Second, from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus tells us that we too are the light of the world and that we are to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven. He calls each of us to bring his light to the darkness that we encounter in our world.
Each year, a poster and prayer are developed to reflect the year’s faith focus. Once again, one of our very own students from Dreambuilders High School created the image for the poster and prayer card which incorporates both Catholicism/Christianity and Indigenous Spirituality with several notable elements. The image was inspired by the story of Turtle Island, hence the prominence of the turtle. In various Indigenous origin stories, the turtle is said to support the world and is an icon of life itself. Turtle Island therefore speaks to various beliefs about creation and for some, the turtle is a marker of identity, culture, autonomy, and a deeply held respect for the environment. The turtle is a sacred creature among Indigenous tribes. Each tribe’s cultural view of the turtle/tortoise is slightly different; however, the deeper meaning remains the same; the turtle represents Unci Maka – Lakota for Grandmother Earth, who teaches us to walk our paths in peace. Turtles, though not mentioned in the Bible – other than in reference to turtledoves, can inspire Christian symbolism of perseverance, protection, and spiritual reflection. The slow but steady nature of turtles offers us a powerful metaphor for perseverance in faith, a virtue that is central to our Christian journey. The turtle is going in the direction of the light – taking us to the heavenly kingdom. The Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings of Indigenous Spirituality and Culture are featured on the shell of the turtle which have connections to Catholic virtues and teachings.
The poster image also includes the cross on which Jesus died to save us from our sins, reconcile us to God, and give us the gift of eternal life. The cross appears in the light and as the light – the cross is the light, and the light is the cross. Each new day is a gift of God to continue the journey; he lights the way for us, and we are to light the way for others. Jesus is the Light of the World, and that light is emanating from the cross on which he died to save us and give us the hope of eternal life.
We see that light breaking into the darkness, and the sun coming through the clouds is also symbolic. Even on a cloudy day, the sun is always there; just as God is with us always, even through the challenges and tribulations of life. There is always light, even in the darkness. More
symbolism is found in the constellation of stars that make up the words of the theme – Lighting The Way. We are guided by the stars just as the three magi were guided by a star to the newborn Messiah – Jesus, the Son of God. Indigenous people look(ed) to the sky for guidance in practical endeavours but also spiritual identity. Indigenous constellations provide the rich perspective of an integrated understanding of life and death.
The circle of people on the turtle’s back symbolizes that we are interdependent and interconnected. The journey of life is not meant to be travelled alone. We light the way for each other and God is with us every step of the way. One of the people in the circle is holding a staff. A staff is often held by Indigenous Leaders, and it also calls to mind Jesus who said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” The feathers on the staff are intended to represent the eagle, which is sacred to many Indigenous cultures. There are three of them which is symbolic of the Holy Trinity as well as the third painting in this series of faith focuses.
The image also includes fire and water. In Catholicism, fire in Scripture is used as a symbol of God’s presence – as at Pentecost, the burning bush and Moses, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit appeared as of tongues of fire over the apostles at Pentecost and fire is associated with the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. The fire also brings to mind the fire at the Easter Vigil which is blessed and then used to light the Paschal candle which is prominent in Sacramental celebrations in the Catholic faith. For many Indigenous cultures, fire is a sacred and powerful element that can help on land and in ceremonies. Sacred fires have been used for generations to heal, bond together, and begin sacred ceremonies, events, or rituals. Cultural burning, or use of controlled fire, is a traditional land management practice used by Indigenous peoples around the world since time immemorial. The water in the image, which appears to be ‘alive and active’ reminds us that Jesus said, “I am the living water; whoever drinks of this water that I will give will never be thirsty again (John 4:14). Water is also a strong symbol in the Bible which represents cleansing from sin which of course reminds us of the Sacrament of Baptism. For Indigenous peoples and their ways of life, water is a living thing, a spiritual entity with ‘life-giving’ forces. Water is sacred. Water is the first thing the Creator made, and it’s where we were born. It’s the lifeblood that flows through lakes, rivers, and oceans, fosters important ecosystems and has been used for transportation since time immemorial.
If one takes time to sit with the image, you are likely to find additional significant elements and meanings or lessons that they represent. I encourage you to see what else you can find.
Our current three-year faith focus followed the end of the previous three-year faith focus Following Christ which concentrated on chosen virtues connected to the letters in Christ’s name – Compassion, Holiness, Respect, Integrity, Service, and Thanksgiving. Our current focus provides the opportunity to continue learning and developing an understanding of additional virtues and core values through the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings of Indigenous Spirituality. These teachings of Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Truth, Humility, and Wisdom are featured on shells of the turtle’s back on this year’s poster. We are reminded of many of our Catholic virtues and teachings when we think about the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Love is one of the three Theological Virtues as well as a Fruit of the Spirit. Respect for the Dignity of Persons is a fundamental component of Catholic Social Teaching. Bravery, Humility, and Wisdom are part and parcel with the Cardinal Virtues. Wisdom and Bravery – also known as courage – are Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Honesty is rooted in Judeo-Christian history and extolled throughout the Bible. Many of the Ten Commandments are based on a call for honesty. Truth comes directly to us from Jesus. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” In John 18:37 Jesus answered Pilate, “…for this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Our Catholic virtues, values, and teachings and the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Indigenous Spirituality complement one another exceptionally well as we light the way as brothers and sisters of Christ on that lengthy path to healing and reconciliation that Pope Francis referred to during his visit to Canada in July of 2022.
We began the school year and the commencement of our new faith focus with Bishop Michael Smolinski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, and keynote addresses from singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Steve Angrisano. Bishop Smolinski presided over our opening Divine Liturgy and reminded all staff of the importance of being role models for our students as Christ is for us. He also reminded us that we need to be that salt and light which Jesus teaches about and help our students understand what that calls us to. He led us in our candlelight commissioning service where we prayed that the Lord’s light may shine through us as we engage in the important work of Catholic Education. Steve Angrisano, through song and story, expressed how we need to be reservoirs of grace where we allow God to be so much in us that he overflows – essentially allowing his light to shine brightly through us. He reminded us that it is important to be a reflection of who God is in our lives and to be willing to let our faith be seen. As the saying goes, ‘Faith is more caught than taught,’ but how blessed we are that we can also teach about our faith in our Catholic schools.
With all this in mind, may we always strive to instill the various virtues, values, and teachings of Catholicism/Christianity and Indigenous Spirituality in our students and in one another, and inspire one another to respond to the call of Pope Francis to take those genuine and meaningful steps as we walk together, share the journey, and light the way on the path of truth, reconciliation, and healing. May we also Light The Way for one another on the ultimate path to our eternal destiny with God the Father and Creator in his heavenly kingdom.
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Loving Father and Creator,
Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Amid life’s uncertainties and challenges,
we turn to You, the source of all wisdom and grace.
Grant us the strength to face each day with courage and faith,
knowing that You are always by our side,
lighting our way through the darkness on this precious Mother Earth.
Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world.
We seek Your guiding light to illuminate our path.
Help us to follow in Your footsteps,
spreading love and compassion wherever we go.
May Your light within us shine so brightly
that others may be inspired to walk the path that leads to You.
Guide us, O Lord, in all that we do,
so that we may glorify Your Holy Name
and bring hope to those in need.
Holy Spirit, source of peace and understanding,
fill our hearts with Your presence and lead us on the journey of faith.
Help us discern the Father’s will and walk in the light of His truth.
May Your gentle guidance be our beacon in times of confusion
and comfort in times of sorrow.
Grant us the grace to be bearers of Your light
in a world that seeks peace and harmony.
Amen.
“You are the light of the world…
let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14, 16
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