Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined with pilgrims Sept. 8, on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for an annual event at the foot of a 100-foot Pro-Life Millllennium Cross north of Aberdeen, SK.
Speakers Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon and Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Nogot led the appeal to support and protect the sanctity of life from conception to natural death during the annual pilgrimage to the Millennium Pro-Life Cross.
Despite scorching 30-degree Celsius weather, nearly 100 individuals gathered to pray and reflect on the preciousness of human life. The pilgrimage was a powerful demonstration of unity and strength, made even more special as this year it was celebrated on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.
The annual pilgrimage also included praying of a “living rosary” with those in attendance standing at each bead of a giant rosary around the cross, which was erected in 2006, replacing an earlier wooden cross. The monument was first envisioned by local farmer Joseph Bayda, Sr. as a witness to the sanctity of life, and originally supported as a millennium project by the Knights of Columbus council of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Saskatoon. Many others have supported the initiative in the years that followed.
Read more on Catholic Saskatoon News:
Pilgrimage to 100-foot Pro-Life Millennium Cross overlooking Saskatchewan fields held Sept. 8
