National Day of Prayer for Aboriginal Peoples

Catholics focus on Rose Prince

Rose Prince

Dec. 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, and Canadians are invited to take part in. National Day of Prayer for Aboriginal Peoples.

This year Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council (CCAC) is focusing on a Dakelh woman named Rose Prince from Fort St. James, B.C. She died from complications due to Tuberculosis in 1949. However, in 1951, it was discovered that her body had not decayed after her death. Her grave is now place of pilgrimage, drawing people from across the country.

“Those present were able to see Rose’s face in perfect condition, that is to say uncorrupted by the two years in the ground,” says an account at a website dedicated to her. “When witnesses were asked to see, the school priest and Sisters, they said she was ‘transparent,’ that is to say, her body was still fresh, and ‘as if she was sleeping,’ with ‘just a tiny little smile on her face.’"

The CCAC is made up of seven First Nations members and two bishops, including Vancouver’s own First Nations coordinator Rennie Nahanee.

As Catholics pray for and with Aboriginal peoples Dec. 12, Nahanee hopes they will consider the difficulties First Nations peoples have faced throughout the years.

“Remember who your neighbor is and the story of the Good Samaritan,” he said. “Aboriginal people have contributed a lot to Canada and not just lands, minerals,-- and resources."