Will Kahnawake move the remains of a priest?
The Jesuit priest has been buried in St. Francis Xavier Mission Catholic Church, in Kahnawake, since his death in May 1999. (Photo: Le Soleil - Paula Dayan-Perez)
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) is consulting the community following requests to move the remains of late Father Léon Lajoie outside the territory. The Jesuit priest has been buried in St. Francis Xavier Mission Catholic Church since his death in May 1999.
The council made this decision on August 16th. As this is an “unprecedented” matter and that it “touches lots of people in a deeply personal way,” the council decided to consult the community, explained Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer in a video published on Facebook on August 20th. She did not give more details on what motivates residents’ request.
The grand chief mentions that “the Council of Chiefs learned of this matter in early July” and that “given its serious nature, immediately undertook actions to research all facts concerning the situation, and to open communications with key stakeholders in our community.”
The band council spoke with two community groups, as well as with the church committee of Saint-François-Xavier, and the Jesuit Order of Canada, said Sky-Deer.
During a meeting with the Jesuits of Canada, the MCK learned that it is its own decision to make when it comes to relocating the remains.
Almost 30 years in Kahnawake
Father Léon Lajoie, who died at the age of 77, made a career in Kahnawake. He first became parish priest in 1961 and Superior of the Jesuit community until 1990, according to an obituary published in his regard. He has worked as a counselor, visiting schools, and was hospital and prison chaplain.
Reason for the request
Le Soleil de Châteauguay has tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to reach members of the group demanding the remains’ removal to find out their motives.
A person calling for the removal of Léon Lajoie's remains shared on their Facebook page a petition dated June 27th stating that “the victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by Father Léon Lajoie formally demand his immediate removal from Kahnawake Kanienkehaka Territory.”
Le Soleil de Châteauguay could not confirm the petition’s existence and whether it was submitted to the band council, since the latter did not respond to our emails on the subject.