RAMA – “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee 2025 was the theme, as declared by Pope Francis, for the 80th Rama Pilgrimage on Aug. 14 and 15 at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. More than 1,200 pilgrims attended the two-day celebration on the Feast of The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption.
It began on Aug. 14 with the Vigil of Mary’s Assumption at 3 p.m. Prior to the Chaplet, the St. Philomena Walking Pilgrims arrived and were commended on their trek from Yorkton beginning on Aug. 11. Father Andrew Sowa O.M.I. started the celebration with singing The Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Pilgrims then followed the Way of the Cross with Fr. Andrew leading in prayers and song.
At 6 p.m. the St. Cecilia Choir of Saskatoon gave a performance singing songs of praise and worship. Their amazing voices of over 20 in number were enjoyed by all, under the direction of Arlene, their choir director. They also sang for the Masses on both days, Aug. 14-15.
Many pilgrims were given the opportunity for private confession throughout the evening before the Celebration of The Holy Eucharist that began at 8 p.m. A procession started from the church with the church bell ringing and the choir singing. They followed the banner carriers who led the procession. It was a lengthy procession which included Archbishop Don Bolen (Regina), Bishop Michael Smolinski CSsR (Eparchy of Saskatoon), 17 priests from near and far including Mississauga, Regina, Saskatoon, Humboldt, North Battleford, Raymore, Swift Current, Watson, Wynyard, Yorkton and Canora; two deacons, one from Spruce Grove, Alta. and one from Regina, along with one seminarian, plus the St. Philomena Walking Pilgrims, cross bearer and altar servers. They all proceeded to the main altar where the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist took place.
Fr. Andrew Sowa welcomed all those in attendance. Main Celebrant was Archbishop Don Bolen. The “International Living Rosary” followed, whereby participants held a rosary bead and prayed the “Hail Mary” in the language of their choice. Then everyone lit their candles and the candlelight procession began at the Angel Memorial dedicated to those from St. Anthony’s Parish who did not return while serving in the Second World War.
A prayer was said by Fr. Andrew and all proceeded up the hill making two more stops, the first at the “pieta” and the second at the statue of St. Joseph while the choir sang The Lourdes Ave Maria. The final stop was made at the Angel Memorial dedicated to the pioneers who built the grotto. Everyone was then invited to the church for the Exposition and Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament.
This concluded the first day of the pilgrimage. At the Parish Hall, hot dogs, pie and dessert as well as a beverage was served for those who wanted a snack before leaving.
The next day, The Feast of Mary’s Assumption, began at 8:30 a.m. with Fr. Andrew Sowa singing the “Godzinki” (Devotional Polish prayers to The Blessed Virgin Mary) followed by the Polish Mass.
The Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite in Ukrainian and English took place in the Shrine with Bishop Michael Smolinski CSsR (Eparchy of Saskatoon) as main celebrant. Concelebrants included Fr. Warren Dungen (Regina), Fr. Jeffrey Stephaniuk (Wynyard), Fr. Basil Malowany (Yorkton) and Fr. Ivan Simko (Canora).
The Final Holy Mass was celebrated with Fr. Pawel Ratajczak O.M.I. from Mississauga, Ont. as Main Celebrant. He represented the Oblates of Assumption Province. He is also one of the members of Provincial Council. (It was very fitting to have him and Fr. Andrew Sowa O.M.I. both Oblates of Assumption Province celebrate this important Feast Day of Mary’s Assumption).
In his homily, he left the pilgrims with a very important message: “Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Father makes a beautiful temple of each of us. Never forget to ask for Our Lady’s intercession. If anyone can help us, it’s Mary.”
Concelebrating with Fr. Pawel Ratajczak were Fr. Andrew Sowa, Fr. Basil Malowany (Yorkton), Fr. Ivan Simko (Canora), Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino (Saskatoon) and Fr. Arnold Bolima (Saskatoon), as well as Deacon Wesley Turton (Spruce Grove, Alta.).
Prior to the Final Blessing, many thank you sentiments were expressed with an invitation to return next year. But the most sincere gratitude was extended to Fr. Andrew Sowa, pastor of St. Anthony’s Church, who played a major role in organizing the pilgrimage. It is through his guidance that the annual pilgrimage draws more pilgrims each year!
The Blessing for Plenary Indulgence, Anointing of the Sick and blessing of religious articles concluded the pilgrimage. All enjoyed the delicious roast beef dinner served by St. Anthony’s Parish Ladies.
Burns-Hanley from Regina were on site to give opportunity for purchasing of religious articles. Candles, history books and souvenir plates were also available for purchase.
On Aug. 17, the 12th Annual “Mass for The Unborn” was celebrated by Fr. Pawel Ratajczak O.M.I and Fr. Andrew Sowa O.M.I.
The “Mass for The Unborn” is celebrated annually the first Sunday after pilgrimage and was initiated by the Local Knights of Columbus after the arrival of the statue of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, pro-life saint.
The Knights of Columbus led in the rosary before Mass. Normally a procession outside follows the Mass and all gather in the Pro-Life area where a prayer to St. Gianna Beretta Molla is said, and flowers placed at her statue. However, due to the pouring rain, the prayer was said in the church in front of the picture of her Beatification and relic.
Everyone then was invited to the Parish Hall for a free roast beef lunch.
