On September 30, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Ottawa incorporated Indigenous ceremonial practices into a Eucharist. There was a purification or “smudging” rite at the beginning.
Two Indigenous people approached the clergy in the sanctuary, including the bishop present, and fanned smoke from sacred plants (sweetgrass, cedar, sage and tobacco) toward them in a cleansing gesture.
A four-directions prayer followed and the congregation turned to each direction before praying to “the Creator.” The Novus Ordo then continued. Feather rituals were also performed during the Prayers of the Faithful.
en.news