By Deacon Eric Gurash

Holy Rosary Cathedral in Regina, Saskatchewan, opened its doors to the public on Saturday, May 27, hosting an afternoon of public Eucharistic adoration and prayer as part of the 32nd Annual Cathedral Village Arts Festival. The event drew a diverse crowd, many of whom had never stepped inside a Catholic church before.

The Cathedral Village Arts Festival is a week-long celebration that culminates in a 10-block street fair. It is renowned as one of Regina’s largest festivals, attracting over 40,000 people throughout the week. The festival takes its name from the area surrounding Holy Rosary Cathedral, whose striking gothic spires define the neighbourhood’s skyline.

From 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, Holy Rosary Cathedral welcomed visitors, offering them a space of beauty, comfort, and inspiration. The blessed sacrament was exposed for adoration, and volunteers circulated through the street fair, offering prayer candles to passersby. The response was overwhelming, as more than 1200 people flocked to the Cathedral, quickly depleting the initial supply of 300 candles within the first 30 minutes.

The event provided an opportunity for individuals to light candles and pray for themselves or their loved ones. Attendees were awestruck by the Cathedral’s stained glass, statues, and artwork. A visiting architect from Australia marveled at Holy Rosary’s gothic design, appreciating the use of stained glass and natural sunlight to inspire the heart—a quality often overlooked by modern designers.

The event presented a unique opportunity for interfaith dialogue. One group of young Muslims conversed with Deacon Eric Gurash, who led the adoration, with questions about adoration, Catholic prayer practices, and the significance of praying before the Blessed Sacrament. Later, two Muslim women used their lunch break to visit the Cathedral. They, too, engaged in conversation with organizers about the differences between Muslim and Catholic beliefs about God, Mary, and Jesus on the Cathedral’s steps, before entering to say a prayer for loved ones.

Many visitors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enter the church and remarked on how welcomed and invited they felt. For one elderly man who had lived in the area for over 80 years, it was his first time inside the Cathedral. He commended the efforts to preserve historic buildings, “It’s so good to see groups taking care of these historic buildings; we’re losing too many. It’s beautiful!” he exclaimed.

The event’s impact was evident, as visitors were deeply moved by the chance to pray amidst the day’s festivities. Tears were not uncommon, and the experience left a lasting impression on those who participated. “The people who came and received candles were excited to go in, and many had not been inside a Catholic church,” remarked Denise Soroka, who assisted at the event, “people had many different reactions and emotions. I was so excited that people were able to enter our beautiful Cathedral and see how lovely everything is.”

The day’s success was made possible by the contributions of more than 20 volunteers from various parishes in and around Regina. “It was so rewarding to speak with people and offer the opportunity (or sometimes encouragement) to spend time with Christ for loved ones and themselves,” said Tracy Roy about her participation. Several local priests and deacons were also outside, conversing with passersby and offering the sacrament of Reconciliation to those seeking it.

Organizers hope to expand the event for the following year, building on this year’s success. Plans are underway to incorporate live music and host additional events throughout the week-long festival. By continuing to provide opportunities for prayer and reflection within the heart of the community, Holy Rosary Cathedral, together with the Archdiocese of Regina, hopes to create a lasting impact on the area and the annual festival that bears its name.