Mr. Speaker, Léon Lajoie, a Jesuit who was the priest in Kahnawake for 39 years, died on May 14, and the whole community is in mourning.
The Mohawk honoured Léon Lajoie for his lifelong dedication, openness and receptiveness by giving him the name sakohá..wi, which means “the one who leads and shoulders the burden”. “Our captain is gone”, commented parishioners as they were coming out of church.
Everyone trusted Léon Lajoie. His church was always open, and secrets, however serious they were, remained secrets.
As a show of respect, an eagle feather, the symbols of the bear, turtle and wolf clans, and a flower representing Katéri Tékakwitha were laid in his coffin.
“The one who leads and shoulders the burden” played a major role during the difficult events that took place, even though that role was a quiet one and was overlooked. In fact, Léon Lajoie maintained a quiet but effective link between all the Mohawk and other Quebecers.
Léon Lajoie, is worthy of all our admiration. Let us hope we can learn from his example.