On July 18, the Rev. Cathy Davis, Interim-Priest-in-Charge, and the members of St Mary Magdalene (SMM) Church in Chelsea, Quebec, welcomed Bishop Shane Parker and Albert Dumont, Elder and Algonquin advisor to the Bishop, to celebrate the Feast of St Mary Magdalene and to bless a new community path located on the church’s land.
In 2018, the Municipality of Chelsea, Quartier Meredith, a new housing development behind the church, and Sentiers Chelsea Trails approached SMM church with the idea of building a multi-purpose, publicly accessible community trail across the church land that would link Quartier Meredith with Route 105 and the network of community trails in Chelsea. The Municipality is committed to promoting recreational and active transportation through walking, running and cycling, and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
At the annual Vestry meeting in 2020, days before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, members of SMM decided to practice their commitment to being a welcoming Christian community open to the needs of their Chelsea neighbours. A negotiating team comprised of Barbara Gagné, Mary Trafford and myself [Marian McGrath], was given the mandate to negotiate the terms and conditions for the construction of the path. The pandemic presented challenges. With the unwavering support of diocesan Chancellor Henry Schultz and the professional advice of Megan Throop, the notary representing SMM, a long-term lease with the Municipality was concluded in April. On May 19, Bishop Shane authorized the signing of the lease. Construction started shortly thereafter.
Throughout the negotiations, the SMM negotiating team was very mindful that the path would be constructed on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg, and invited Albert Dumont to bless the trail on the occasion of the Bishop’s pastoral visit.
In his pastoral message, Bishop Shane spoke about the life of Mary Magdalene and some of the myths and misconceptions associated with her persona. Bishop Shane encouraged everyone to be like Saint Mary Magdalene, “the Apostle to the Apostles” and the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus, who did not flinch or flee, and who did not abandon hope and love. He referred to the many crosses and tombs that try to destroy love and hope, including Residential Schools. In closing, Bishop Shane said: “We must not abandon or deny the power of love as it is revealed to us in the presence of Jesus, and in creation and through the lives of people who walk in the way of love.”
Prior to smudging the path, Albert Dumont shared his reflection, stating, “I would walk on it in a state of meditation with the Spirit.” He spoke about the trail of life and the trauma and unresolved grief in Indigenous communities, and remarked, “We need to care about human beings wherever they are.” He expressed his hope that the path would be a healing place, a place to stop and to meditate, and a place for the people to think how they could make themselves a better human being.
Bishop Shane and Albert Dumont walked the length of path together, while Bishop Shane prayed and Albert Dumont smudged. After their walk, all gathered to join in the smudging. With the relaxing of the public health restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the blessing of the path was a joyful celebration for all to be gathered again for in-person worship outdoors on a glorious summer morning.
Regarding his experience at SMM church, Albert Dumont remarked, “A lot of good energy was present.”
Christ Church, Bells Corners — Deanery of West Ottawa