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Vol. 11, No. 47, Tuesday, September 20, 2016 www.LamontLeader.com
MICHELLE PINON PHOTOS
Archbishop Emertius Joseph MacNeil blesses the newly installed bench at Elk Island National Park with Holy Water. It was the place where Saint John Paul II sat during a visit to Elk Island National Park on Sept. 17, 1984. Michelle Pinon Editor
Thirty-two years to the day after Saint John Paul II visited Elk Island National Park (EINP) to reflect and pray at a trailhead near Tawayik Lake, a special blessing and dedication ceremony was held late during the morning of Sept. 17. One of the priests who was with Pope John Paul II during his historic visit to Canada was Archbishop Emeritus Joseph MacNeil, and the 92year-old told a crowd of about 80 people how and why the visit to EINP came to be on that day. MacNeil described the visit as a “mystery” and began his story by recalling the first assassination attempt on the Pope’s life that happened on May 13, 1981 while crossing St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
“I saw him the day after the assassination attempt,” stated MacNeil, who was at the Vatican representing the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. MacNeil told the Holy Father, “The real reason I’m here is to make sure you come to Canada.” “He smiled and said ya we go next year.” Originally, Pope John Paul II was slated to visit Canada in 1983, but that was delayed until the following year. Nevertheless, Emeritus Joseph MacNeil was thrilled with the Pontiff’s decision and spent time with the Pope during his time in the Edmonton area. “That day, (Sept. 17, 1984), we had lunch by the old museum downtown. Some people suggested he go for a walk in the river valley.” The Pope said there were too many police there.
MacNeil then told him that he often goes to a place called EINP, and suggested they go there. A polish doctor, who was also accompanying the Pope, said it sounds like the places we walked when we were young. “Ya,” he said, “We go.” MacNeil said he told the police chief that’s where they were going, but he objected because the area had not been secured. MacNeil replied, “I don’t think God even knows we were going.” They settled on a time, and arrived at the park at 2:30 p.m. They were walking down a trail when some photographers asked if they could take their picture. The Pope asked: “Do we always have to do what the photographers want?” MacNeil replied no, and said he knew of a
Archbishop Emertius Joseph MacNeil addresses the crowd gathered at the Tawayik Lake trail site in Elk Island National Park on Sept. 17. spot with a bench where he could sit down and pray. MacNeil said he would walk ahead to see if there were any bison. It was during that walk when the famous picture of the Pope praying the Rosary was shot. He went on to say, “It’s a mystery in a way,” that they were there because
initially the Pope was supposed to take a helicopter ride through the mountains. That plan had to be nixed because of inclement weather. Even though the weather was less than ideal, MacNeil said the Pope was able to relax during his time at the park. During subsequent
trips to the Vatican, MacNeil said the Pope would ask how the buffalo were doing.” So it was fitting that when His Excellency Bishop David Motiuk arrived at EINP for the ceremony, he was greeted by a herd of about 100 bison. “I was impressed by how you could arrange 100 bison at the entrance. I don’t know how you did that?” referring to EINP Superintendent Kirkland. Motiuk told him to thank staff as well for the wonderful greeting. Kirkland told the crowd it was wonderful that MacNeil could be with them today. I’m aware he (MacNeil), made regular trips to our park and once stated, “he got to know all the buffalo by name.” Continued on Page 3