Amid the tribulation of wildfires across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northern Ontario, the compassionate light of Catholic charity glows.

It was seen at St. Vital Parish in Winnipeg where the parish's social justice initiative Loaves and Fishes Ministries stepped forward June 1 to provide a chili luncheon to over 75 fire evacuees from Flin Flon.

The over 5,000 residents from this historical mining city situated on a correction line on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border were ordered to evacuate from their community May 28. According to reports, the fire in the region had reached over 300,000 hectares by June 11. As of June 15, none of the city’s public, commercial or residential structures had experienced damage.

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Flin Flon residents who sought refuge in Manitoba’s capital city were immediately welcomed into large-scale venues such as Century Arena and Billy Mosienko Arena.

Candace Anthony, the parish life coordinator of St. Vital, said she was approached by a parishioner about doing something to help the evacuees.

“He came to me and said ‘do you think we could do something for them this weekend,' ’’ said Anthony. “it's not unheard of for our group to provide a chilli lunch for some of the local communities. That's what we thought we might do for the group staying in the arena. 

“We have (St. Maurice School) associated with the parish,” continued Anthony. “We could offer an air-conditioned space for kids to come and play in the gym and on the school playground.”

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Over 30 kids from Flin Flon were bused to the school to enjoy fun and games led by the parish’s young adult leaders.

“(The people) were very appreciative — even just to have a space for their kids to come and play and be themselves for a little bit,” said Anthony. “You can imagine being hung up in an arena with a bunch of cots lying around. There's not a whole lot to do there, right? It was just nice for even our young adults to connect with some of these kids a little bit too.”

St. Vital Parish’s actions undoubtedly delighted the new Archbishop of Winnipeg Murray Chatlain, who shepherded the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, which emcompasses Flin Flon, for over 12 years.

Janelle Malkiewicz, the director of communications for the Winnipeg archdiocese, provided a statement to The Catholic Register about the message Chatlain has been sharing with clergy in recent weeks.

“The Archdiocese of Winnipeg continues to pray for all affected by the Manitoba wildfires and for our dedicated first responders,” wrote Malkiewicz. “Our clergy are ready to welcome those who are displaced, and parishes across the archdiocese have been encouraged to remember those affected in their prayers of the faithful.”

The Diocese of Prince Albert in Saskatchewan also continues to stand at the ready to provide support. Social justice director Louis Hradecki said residents from First Nation reserves in northern Saskatchewan have been moved to Prince Albert, Saskatoon and communities even further south.

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"Bishop Stephen Hero has urged parishioners to come to aid of these displaced people as best as they are able by calling the emergency shelters to inquire what is needed or by contacting the Red Cross,” wrote Hradecki. “Using the weekly parish bulletin, Bishop Hero has asked for prayers of comfort for the evacuees, for safety for the firefighters and for rain to help put out the fires. We are all thankful for the generosity that is being shown by all coming to the aid of our neighbours in need.”

There have been over 1,950 wildfires across the country this calendar year as of June 15, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.