“Sixty some years ago, when I was a child, my family would pack the picnic basket and drive out to St. Albert for the annual pilgrimage Sunday,” recalled Fr. Jack Herklotz, OMI, pastor of St. Albert Parish.
“It was an event; we would meet friends and relatives who made the trek to the annual Assumption pilgrimage. There was Mass, rosaries, litanies and sermons sprinkled throughout the day, as well as time to enjoy visiting and getting into that picnic basket. Assumption pilgrimage continues to this day albeit without many of the extra prayers and homilies, but it remains very popular and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Just like Father Jack, many parishioners, and others around the Archdiocese, have fond memories of gathering on Mission Hill for the annual Pilgrimage. The events may have changed over time, but gathering to celebrate our faith and share in fellowship has remained.
This year marked the 88th pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Albert Parish, celebrated on the weekend closest to the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, which just so happened to land on a Saturday this year. The Pilgrimage began with a living Rosary led by our Parish Youth. We started this event last year to mark the Jubilee Year, and it was so well received we decided to continue.
The rosary is followed by opportunities for healing our soul in the sacrament of confession, and our bodies with the Anointing of the Sick following the 5 p.m. Mass. This year was extra special as Fr. Ed Kosa, OMI (one of our retired Oblates) celebrated his 48th Anniversary of Priesthood during the Saturday Mass.
On Sunday, the weather could not have been more perfect for our Outside Mass. Over 800 people made their way to the Grotto. Following Mass participants had an opportunity to share in fellowship with lunch and some old-fashioned games.
Everyone is invited to come out August 14 & 15, 2027 for our 89th Annual Pilgrimage.
-Rebecca Sakowich is Pastoral Assistant at St. Albert Parish
Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
