(Photo Credit – Patricia Schiissler)
By Patricia Schiissler
It might not be that popular or that well-known. Driving into the small town of Lemberg, Saskatchewan, with a population of about 300 people, you will discover a community founded primarily by ethnic German immigrants from Lviv, or Lemberg. My husband, Terry, and I love to visit there at least once a year because my cousin and her husband live there. She informs me of the annual Grotto Mass that generally takes place in the middle of August. It is usually held on a Saturday, sometimes with a rosary prior to the Mass or a short procession from the church to the grotto. After the Mass, people stroll back to a beautifully treed area for a shared meal.
The Catholic Church in Lemberg is one of the most beautiful historic buildings you will ever see. I speak proudly because of my family’s involvement in the creation of this church. My great-grandfather was a stone mason, and the church was built from fieldstone in 1901. He was one of the men who worked on the structure, which is absolutely breathtaking.
St. Michael’s Church is simple but inspiring as well. The church has been loved and cared for all these years. It is in mint condition both inside and outside, thanks to the people of the parish. The addition of flower beds and walking trails has added to the beauty of the church grounds over the years.
Each summer, one of the major draws for me is the Grotto Mass. That part of the province is located in parkland, and the setting is soft and welcoming. Trees surround the grotto, and you can sit and breathe the fresh prairie air while participating in the Mass. The altar and side tables are set up using tables and items that are transported to the site. The music is a simple keyboard, and we all share our musical abilities the best we can. It is absolutely beautiful! A large part of what makes it special is the care and passion put into the event by the people that attend St. Michael’s. They are very friendly and welcoming.
My husband Terry and I have attended several Masses there over the years, except for one or two canceled due to Covid. My first invitation to the Mass prompted me to ask about the creation of the grotto and the project in general. I asked who had constructed the grotto and was directed to a woman particular woman at St. Michael’s parish. She noticed that there was a circular opening in the natural grove of trees behind the church. The woman thought it would be the perfect place for a grotto.
In 2007, she began designing and planning. She talked to a local farmer about getting rocks from his rock pile for the stonework. A male friend helped her construct the base, mix the mortar, and assisted with the stonework. She didn’t ask for any help or money. Three statues were ordered for the grotto, and the woman paid for them herself. When it was finished, she asked the parish priest if he would bless it.
The summer months usher in similar pilgrimages or special events throughout our province. Occasionally, I have attended the evening Mass and picnic at Mariahilf. It is located off Highway #47, north of Grenfell. The chapel is also made of fieldstone and was built by my great-grandfather.
I have attended day trips to the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine at St. Peter’s Colony in Kronau over the years as well. A few years past, I attended a wonderful family event called Rock the Mount near Mt. Carmel shrine just north of the hamlet of Carmel, Saskatchewan.
I attended The Frenchman River Gospel Jamboree in Shaunavon and the Sandy Creek Gospel Christian Music Festival at the Besant Campground. There are many events advertised that I haven’t attended, but I certainly would take advantage of the opportunity if it were presented to me.
Families have the chance to send their children to summer camps that are advertised and promoted through our Regina Catholic Schools. I have witnessed many such presentations over the years that I was a teacher.
There are many treasures yet to be discovered. Take the time to explore new aspects of our faith during this summer season. Let the Lord guide you with the beauty of His creation wherever your mind and heart lead you!
Patricia Schiissler, B.Ed., (nee Hanowski) as a lifelong Roman Catholic, was born, baptized, and received her sacraments at St. Henry’s parish in Melville, Saskatchewan. She began her education in a country, one room school (Wymer) from grades one to four. Education then began at St. Henry’s elementary school, grades five to eight and grades nine to twelve in St. Henry’s high school. Pat worked in the University of Regina library and meanwhile married Terry Schiissler in 1973 (BA, Notre Dame, Wilcox). They have 2 children. She retired from teaching at Regina Catholic Schools after 28 years. Pat studied the Understanding Our Faith series from 1997 to 2002. She then took the Lay Formation Program and was commissioned in 2018. Faith interests and accomplishments include Eucharistic ministry, Proclaimer, RCIA sponsor, Bible study facilitator, Chair, Spiritual Education, Lay Liturgy presider, Synod representative, etc. Pat became an author after retiring from teaching. She wrote and self-published, “God in my Life: How God speaks to me”. For the following two and a half years, she promoted the book while speaking to large numbers of people. There were over 25 evangelizing events across Western Canada. The experience was so meaningful that Pat decided to write and publish her second book,” God for all People: Some Fact, Some Fiction”. It is based on her faith journey relating to stories mainly strangers shared with her. Pat’s website is www.patriciaschiissler.com.
