More than 1000 pilgrims took part in the 78th Annual Pilgrimage at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Rama on August 14 & 15. The Celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary began at 3:00 pm with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Stations of the Cross led by Rev. Fr. Michal Pajak OMI (Sturgis) with Carol Hauber (Sturgis) assisting with readings and singing.
Before the Mass, commentator, Mary Kowalyshyn, welcomed the walking pilgrims on behalf of St. Anthony's Parish. It was first time that a walking pilgrimage was organized from Yorkton by Deacon Dave Hudy of Melville. The pilgrims entered carrying a wooden cross after a four-day trek.
Thirteen priests representing the Dioceses of Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Regina concelebrated with the Archbishop of Regina, Don Bolen, along with Deacon Wesley Turton of Spruce Grove, Alberta. St. Anthony's Choir sung for the Holy Mass. Over 50 participated in the International Living Rosary at the conclusion of the Mass. The candlelight procession followed up the hill making 5 significant stops for prayer. Then Exposition and Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament till midnight concluded the first day of the celebration.
The beauty and peacefulness of the Shrine was embellished as candles flickered throughout the night.
The Filipino Choir of Yorkton organized by Star Relatado of Yorkton performed on August 14
August 15 began at 8:30 am with "Godzinki"(morning devotional sung prayers to Mary in Polish) with Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI from St. Henry's Church in Melville followed by Polish Mass with Fr. Michal Pajak OMI as main celebrant and Deacon Wesley Turton.
Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite was celebrated by Very Rev. Joakim Rac(Canora) as main celebrant and Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Stephaniuk(Wynyard) as con-celebrant.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI (Melville) main celebrant, along with Rev. Fr. Michal Pajak OMI and Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Stephaniuk as con-celebrants , as well as assistant, Deacon Wesley Turton ( Spruce Grove, Alberta) celebrated the Final Mass.Prior to his very inspiring homily, Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa sang a very beautiful song to Our Lady, The Blessed Virgin Mary, who is also given the title of the "Black Madonna". He composed his own lyrics and had the congregation sing along with him as he also accompanied on guitar. In his homily meditation he began with the mystery of how Mary was taken up into heaven during her sleep being that she was free of of original sin. Walking pilgrimages take place around the world and that we are all pilgrims on a journey to our destination of heaven. During the Mass all three priests anointed those who wished to receive anointing and also a special blessing for Plenary Indulgence.
Appreciation was expressed to everyone with an invitation to return next year August 14 & 15, 2020.
7th Annual Mass for Unborn
7th Annual Mass for Unborn was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine on Sunday, August 18. Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus preceded the Holy Mass. Rev. Fr. Michal Pajak OMI after Mass led the procession to the statue of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, pro-life saint, where all prayed one decade of the rosary as well as the Prayer to St. Gianna and a special prayer for the Unborn.
All were invited to the Parish Hall for lunch and program. Guest speaker, Shawna Arnold, of Saskatoon delivered a powerful and inspirational testimony of her life's journey. She highlighted the symptoms and effects of abortion and the trauma that goes with it. She strongly emphasized no matter how "broken " or "messed up" one is that God always loves you. She talked about her book From Darkness into Light: Finding My Way to the Father's Merciful Love. It's a story of her journey from abuse and abortion to grace. Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary of EWTN read her book and was so moved by her story that he invited her for a two-part series on EWTN in USA.
Lorne Sliva thanked her and concluded the day with prayers.
