They came prepared and gathered in large numbers at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Rama, marking the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into heaven on August 14 and 15. Intermittent showers did not deter 53 pilgrims who travelled by bus from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon with pickups from Humboldt, Naicam and Lintlaw to join in the first day of Rama’s 81st Pilgrimage. Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Co-Ordinator of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, was the main organizer and stated that as soon as word was out, the bus filled very quickly.
This year also marked the 8th Annual St. Philomena Walking Pilgrimage to Rama with a large group of 40. The four-day trek (104 km) started from St. Gerard’s in Yorkton on August 11 and ended on August 14 when pilgrims arrived in time for the opening at 3:00 pm for the first day at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. The main organizer for the Walking Pilgrimage is Deacon Dave Hudy (Melville), and it is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Regina.
The Pilgrimage began with Father Andrew Sowa OMI singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and was followed by the Stations of the Cross with approximately 100 pilgrims!
Following the chicken supper, priests made themselves available for confessions throughout the church grounds. The site area was adorned with banners of The Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also, Burns-Hanley (Regina) were set up with many religious articles for purchase, which were later blessed.
At 6:00 pm the St. Cecilia Choir (Saskatoon) performed, singing many hymns. It is indeed a pleasure to have this talented professional group come every year and provide all the music for both days, August 14 & 15. Their music carries tradition, faith and community in every note with amazing harmonies!
Just prior to the 8:00 pm Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, many gathered in front of the church to be ready for the procession that would lead to the Shrine. The procession included 13 priests: Fr. Daniel Malone (Langenburg), Fr. Rick Krofchek (Raymore), Fr. Bernabe Millan Sajonas (North Battleford), Fr. Ivan Simko (Canora), Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu (Wynyard), Fr. George Selasi Amegashitsi (Sturgis), Fr. Marcin Serwin OMI,Vicar-Provincial (Toronto), Fr. Jerome Ogunleye (Wadena), Fr. Wilfred Calinawan (Yorkton), Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino (Saskatoon), Fr. Frank Sekyere (Humboldt), Fr. Melchor (Melville) and Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI (Sturgis) main organizer of the Rama Pilgrimage.
When all had gathered at the altar, Fr. Andrew welcomed everyone, including all the visiting priests. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist began with the main celebrant, Fr. Marcin Serwin OMI. His homily began with thanking all who had come here, regardless of the rain,” Thank you for being here, not for us (referring to the priests) but for our Mother, for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thank you for the witness that you’re giving us and the future generation.”
He continued to say what this place is about, focusing on the history of the devotion to our Blessed Mother beginning with Fr. Sylla ( a Polish-born Oblate who built the grotto) and Oblates “Fulfilling their charism-wherever we are to adopt a love and instill in people a love for The Blessed Virgin Mary which we are first called to have as her sons. I see that it is present here.” He continued to emphasize that “Mary’s Assumption tells us that this is the destiny that God has for all of his children. We are meant to be with her, body and soul, in heaven. That is what we are looking forward to.” He ended by saying that God’s upgrade always looks different, but it always takes us to where God wants us to be, with Him and with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Following the Mass, the International Living Holy Rosary was said with each bead held by a participant who prayed the “Hail Mary” in the language of their choice, along with Fr. Andrew, who led the rosary and Lorne Sliva, who held the mic and guided each participant as to when to take their turn.
After the rosary, the candlelight procession took place as all with lit candles went up the hill, making four stops as the choir sang before each stop. At each stop, a priest read a prayer and acknowledged its significance. The First stop was at the first angel, honouring the war veterans who did not return; second at “the Pieta, third at St. Joseph, the worker; and the last stop was at the angel, acknowledging the pioneers who built the grotto. Many placed their candles in holders at the pond or in front of the statue of St. Anthony, while others placed them on various rocks. The candles created a very beautiful sight as they flickered throughout the night. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament then took place in the church with Adoration till midnight.
August 15 began at 8:30 with Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI singing the “Godzinki” (morning devotional prayers), followed by a Polish Mass with Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI as main celebrant and homilist.
At 10:00 am, the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite took place at the Shrine with Fr. Ivan Simko being the main celebrant and homilist. The Ukrainian Catholic Church choir sang for this Liturgy while Samuel Korney served as altar server.
At 11:30, the final Celebration of the Holy Eucharist concluded the pilgrimage, with once again Fr. Marcin Serwin OMI being the main celebrant and homilist. Concelebrating with him were Fr. Ivan Simko, Fr. George Amegashitsi, Fr. Frank Offin-Sekyere, Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI and Fr. Wilfred Calinawan. The cross bearer and altar server were Samuel Korney. The St. Cecilia Choir provided the music.
During the Mass, pilgrims received a special blessing for Plenary Indulgence and Anointing of the Sick. Fr. Marcin Serwin blessed the Religious articles that were placed on the communion rail. Many thank yous were expressed, with a Special thank you to Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI for playing a major role in organizing the pilgrimage.
Every pilgrimage since 1945 has usually been hosted by an Oblate of Mary Immaculate of Assumption Province, but this year, we were very honoured to have not one, but two Oblates of Assumption Province celebrating the Feast of Mary’s Assumption, namely Fr. Marcin Serwin OMI and Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI , which was so fitting for this special event!
All were invited to the Parish Hall for a beautiful meal served by St. Anthony’s Parish Ladies. Everyone was also encouraged to return next year August 14 &15, 2027.
