Over 1,000 pilgrims took part in the 78th Annual Pilgrimage at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Rama on August 14 and 15.
The Celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary began at 3 p.m. 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, Mary Kowalyshyn, commentator, welcomed the walking pilgrims on behalf of St. Anthony's Parish. Organized by Deacon Dave Hudy of Melville, it was the first time that a walking pilgrimage was arranged from Yorkton. 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, Alta. In the meditation, Archbishop Bolen spoke on the importance of the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption.
“God desires to lead us to salvation and indeed has created us for that purpose,” he said. “If that is true of all of us, that God holds that desire, how clear that it would be true of Mary, that it would please the Father to give her the Kingdom. And that is what we celebrate in the Feast of the Assumption.”
St. Anthony's Choir sang 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 five significant stops for prayer. Exposition and Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament took place until midnight, concluding the first day of the celebration.
The beauty and peacefulness of the Shrine was embellished as candles flickered throughout the night.
August 15 began at 8:30 a.m. 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 concelebrant.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI (Melville) main celebrant, along with Rev. Fr. Michal Pajak OMI and Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Stephaniuk as concelebrants, as well as assistant, Deacon Wesley Turton (Spruce Grove, Alta.) 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 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 original sin. “Walking pilgrimages take place around the world and we are all pilgrims on a journey to our destination of heaven,” he said.
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 in attendance with an invitation to return next year on August 14 and 15.
