By Mary Kowalyshyn

Over 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. Private confessions took place after supper and the Filipino Choir from Yorkton sung Hymns of Praise to Mary.

Before the Mass, commentator, Mary Kowalyshyn, welcomed the walking pilgrims on behalf of St. Anthony’s Parish. It was the 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. Fr. Michal Pajak OMI welcomed all the priests. Archbishop Don explained in his homily the reason why we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption stating, “God desires to lead us to salvation, and indeed has created us for that purpose. 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.” The dogma of The Assumption also states “that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” Stating further, ” Mary’s Assumption is a sign and reminder of what we are all called to become.”

St. Anthony’s Choir sang for the Holy Mass. Over 50 participated in the International Living Rosary at the end of the Mass. The candlelight procession followed up the hill making five 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 were embellished as candles flickered throughout the night.

August 15 began at 8:30 am with “Godzinki” sung by Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI from St. Henry’s Church in Melville. Polish Mass followed this with Fr. Michal Pajak OMI as the main celebrant along with Fr. Andrew Sowa, con-celebrant and Deacon Wesley Turton.

Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite was celebrated by Very Rev. Joakim Rac(Canora) as the 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. Before his very inspiring homily, Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa sang a lovely song to Our Lady, The Blessed Virgin Mary, who is also given the title of the “Black Madonna.”

He composed his lyrics in English 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 original sin. Walking pilgrimages take place around the world and that we are all pilgrims on a journey to our destination of heaven. He stated that Mary is teaching us, telling us that we must walk to get to our destination. Mary is our model, and we need the strength, which is our faith, and we must believe and trust in God like She did to get to our destination. Prayer and faith are necessary so that we can be united with Her Son at the moment of our death.

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 who made this event a great success. With a special Thank You to Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI who inspired us not only with his excellent homily but also with his singing and musical talent! It was so fitting to have two Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Fr. Michal and Fr. Andrew, both of Assumption Province celebrate the Holy Mass on the Feast Day of Mary’s Assumption!!

All were invited to return next year, August 14 & 15, 2020.