Skaro
Recently, I had a chance to spend a day with my sister, Paula.
We had a delightful lunch at “Branches” then she surprised me with a trip out in the countryside to find the Skaro Pilgrimage Site.
“In the fall of 1918, Fr. Antoni Sylla proposed the building of a small grotto. This idea appealed to the pioneer immigrants who were accustomed to wayside chapels in their mother country.Fr. Ruh consented to make plans and to construct the grotto, provided the people supplied the materials and labour. A small grotto was intended, but Fr. Ruh would not agree as he envisioned a large monument. “If I build it, it must be big, otherwise, I do not start at all,” were his words.
During the winter months each parishioner was asked to bring ten to fifteen loads of rocks and in June 1919 the work began. The Shrine site was soon buzzing with activity, with the entire community, young and old, working together on the project.
It took two solid months, 600 loads of rocks and 300 sacks of cement to complete this replica of Lourdes.
On August 14, 1919, pilgrims arrived to offer their special prayers, and at sunset they gathered in procession to celebrate at the Grotto. Pilgrimages at the Shrine continue to this day; they are held each year on the evening of August 14 and during the day on August 15, drawing 3,500 to 4,000 people.” ( From “Pioneer Churches on the Prairies” )
When we exited the car I saw a large property with many benches scattered around and lots of nice statues and plaques.
Paula has been to the Grotto at night for the actual pilgrimage and she said there are hundreds of people there holding candles and a procession up and around the Grotto.
It was a gorgeous day to go but so so hot at 30 + degrees. Paula walked up all the stairs to the top and lit a candle for my healing. Notice how much candle wax is upon the base of the cross!
I could just imagine all the pilgrims with their candles surrounding the cross. We soon walked over to the large graveyard and checked out the gravestones…..
Some very old graves, an open grave (!), and then we walked back to the Rosary Garden and walked the path whilst praying the Sorrowful Mysteries.
Time got a bit away from us because Paula had to be back at our Basilica in Edmonton to lead the singing for Adoration and Mass with her husband, Albert. We decided she didn’t have time to drive me home in rush hour so we prayed to get to the church on time and we arrived with but a minute to spare! I ended up adding my voice to our 3 part harmony and it was a beautiful celebration.
I had a yummy dinner at “Tasty Tomato” to complete the day (with Terry) and I’m so thankful for the adventure.