RAMA - Over 700 participants gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Rama on Aug. 14 and 15 in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Prior to the start of the celebration, which began on Aug. 14, 25 St. Philomena Walking Pilgrims were welcomed. The pilgrims began their trek from Yorkton on Aug. 11. It is the fifth year that the walking pilgrims have made this journey that is organized by Deacon David Hudy of St. Henry's Parish in Melville. The number of walkers, which come from across the province, varies from year to year.
All were ready for The Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. on the opening day, which was led by Fr. Andrew Sowa O.M.I as he sang and played it on his guitar. Immediately following, approximately 150 pilgrims joined him for the Stations of the Cross.
At 4:30 p.m., many enjoyed the Filipino Cuisine supper prepared by Star Relatado of Yorkton and her hard-working crew.
Eleven priests were available for confessions for the remainder of the time until the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
At 6 p.m. the St. Cecilia Choir of Saskatoon performed, singing songs of praise to The Blessed Virgin Mary. The choir is comprised of 30 singers, choir director, along with a pianist, percussion and drums.
Burns-Hanley of Regina were on site with a display of a variety of religious articles for purchase. These would later be blessed on Aug. 15.
The 8 p.m. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist was led by Archbishop Don Bolen of Regina, main celebrant and homilist, along with 11 priests who concelebrated with him. They came from various areas within the Archdiocese of Regina and Saskatoon. Following the celebration, participants of all ages joined in the "International Living Rosary."
Candles were lit after the rosary and the candlelight procession led by Father Andrew Sowa gradually went up the hill while the choir sang The Lourdes Ave Maria, making three stops beginning with the angel monument honoring the war veterans from the parish who did not return from the Second World War, and ending at the angel monument where Father Andrew expressed gratitude to the pioneers who built the grotto. All were then invited to the church for The Exposition and Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament. Adoration continued until midnight.
In the early morning of Aug. 15 at the church, sung prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary ("Godzinki") were performed by Father Andrew Sowa prior to the Polish Mass at 9 a.m..
At 10 a.m. the Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite was celebrated by Father Jeffrey Stephaniuk of Wynyard and Father Ivan Simko, newly ordained Ukrainian Catholic priest of Canora.
The final Celebration of the Holy Eucharist took place at 11:30 a.m. with Father Geoffrey Young from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Saskatoon as main celebrant and homilist. Concelebrating priests included Father Andrew Sowa, Father Gerard Cooper, Father Jeffrey Stephaniuk and Father Ivan Simko. Deacon David Hudy also participated in the celebration.
Anointing of the Sick and Aged, a special blessing for Plenary Indulgence and blessing of religious articles concluded the Holy Mass. Words of gratitude to all who took part in the two days in so many various ways were expressed and all were invited to return next year Aug. 14 and 15, 2024!
The Filipino Lunch Cuisine was enjoyed by many before their trip home.
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