BLUMENFELD, Sask. (CCN) — The annual pilgrimage to the historic church of Sts. Peter and Paul and the shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows at Blumenfeld, Saskatchewan, was held Sunday, June 14 under sunny skies.
Pilgrims from throughout the area attended the event which included a healing service and Eucharistic adoration in the historic church building, a prayer procession from the church to the cemetery and then to the outdoor grotto for celebration of the Eucharist.
Fr. Prince Osuwu Sarpong, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley; Little Flower Parish, Leader; Sacred Heart Parish, Liebenthal; and St. Mary Parish, Richmond, concelebrated Mass with Fr. Conrad Chidi Emerenini from the Archdiocese of Regina, where he presently serves at Consul and Maple Creek, SK, before an upcoming move to Carlyle.
“We had an incredible turnout of about 160 people, filling three-quarters of the church for the healing service hosted by Fr. Prince,” said Kendra Volk, a member of the pilgrimage committee.
“One of the most moving moments was when 88-year-old Anna Maria Rajchyba, a long-time parishioner, declared she would lead the Rosary for as long as she is able — and she has kept that promise for so many years.”
The pilgrimage spirit was evident in the procession with a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, led by children scattering flowers.
“We borrowed the cathedral’s palanquin to carry our Blessed Mother,” Volk noted. “I was also deeply moved by the flower girls and boys, who participated beautifully while carrying their late great-grandmother’s flower petals.”
Ministries at the annual pilgrimage are provided by parishioners from across the Eatonia deanery.
We ended the day sharing fried chicken, hot dogs, and all the fixings,” said Volk.
“Between the cool breeze, the light cloud cover, and the presence of God, family, and friends, it was a truly glorious day on holy grounds.”
The Blumenfeld pilgrimage site (located 16 km south and 6 km east of Leader, Sk, just off Hwy 21) will also be open to visitors on Sunday afternoons in July and August, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The next pilgrimage is planned for June 13, 2027, the second Sunday in June.
The church and pilgrimage site at Blumenfeld overlooks serene countryside and fields. Located on the 10-acre site are the two-story, wood-framed church, Sts. Peter and Paul, built in 1915; a fieldstone grotto shrine, which features a replica “La Pieta” sculpture dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, built in 1936; as well as a cemetery that remains in use; a memorial cairn constructed to commemorate the church’s 50th anniversary; and outdoor Stations of the Cross.
The history of the 111-year-old Sts. Peter and Paul Church building includes the contributions of parishioners through many decades, as well as the service and witness of Oblate priests and Ursuline sisters who served in the area.
Closed as an active parish in 1964, the Blumenfeld church has continued to serve as a gathering place for the region as the site of the annual pilgrimage that began during the Great Depression. The Blumenfeld church and shrine was declared a Heritage Site in 1982.
A volunteer committee (with membership from many surrounding communities) cares for the pilgrimage site, accepting donations for the upkeep of the church building and site.
