‘Uniquely suited’: Indigenous priest in charge of liturgy for Pope’s visit
Global News
Indigenous Priest, Cristino Bouvette of Calgary, has been appointed the head of liturgy for Pope Francis' visit to Canada later this month.
When Vatican officials were looking for someone in Canada to act as a liaison for program planning during the Pope’s visit later this month, they had specific criteria.
Ideally, the person would have Indigenous heritage, have a connection to the residential school system and speak Italian.
This left them with one name: Cristino Bouvette.
The 36-year-old Roman Catholic priest from Calgary is Italian through his mother and Cree and Métis through his father. His kokum, or grandmother, was a residential school survivor.
“I have both of those worlds that have come together,” Bouvette said in an interview while in Edmonton.
“This new role is something that I think is uniquely suited to me. If in God’s providence he’s set things up for me to be part of it that way, I’m honoured to do so.”
Bouvette has been named the national liturgical director for the first visit to Canada by Pope Francis. The theme of the trip is “Walking Together” and, from July 24 to 29, the Pope is scheduled to meet with Indigenous groups and residential school survivors at stops in and around Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit.
The position requires Bouvette to work with local organizers and the Vatican’s liturgy office to help ensure any ceremonies that take place during the visit reflect the land they reside on and the Catholic Church.