The silver dome of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church appeared on the Yorkton landscape in 1914. Since then, its quiet presence has borne witness to a vibrant prairie story of historic and spiritual significance for the Ukrainian Catholic community, privileged to grow in faith under the guidance of the Redemptorists.
The solid brick church beneath the dome has undergone numerous transformations. In early days, a baldachin above the altar featured 367 dazzling light bulbs. In the 1940's, the dome painting that depicts the crowning of the Virgin Mary in heaven duplicated the colors of the prairie sunsets. Expansion in the 1950's added an east wing, and the original church became the sanctuary. The 1960's saw the addition of the large icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help and the sturdy wood-carved altars. All these changes were meant to create an inspiring place of prayer and a spiritual home for the people.
St. Mary's Parish actually began in 1910, with services first being conducted in the Ukrainian language and rite in the basement chapel of St. Gerard's monastery. St. Mary's monastery was founded in 1913 and the church was built the following year. Other developments were quick to follow.
One of the earliest priorities of the Redemptorists was the education of the young. In 1917, at their invitation, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate established Sacred Heart Institute, an elementary school that became Sacred Heart Academy, a high school for girls. The elementary students were then taught in St. Mary's monastery until 1959, when the Catholic School System was organized. For the high school boys, the Brothers of the Christian Schools conducted St. Joseph's College from 1919 to 1973, when the two high schools amalgamated to become Sacred Heart High School.
By 1921, a minor seminary was established in the monastery and later, a Redemptorist novitiate and a major seminary. In 1922, a printing press was added. One year later, a parish hall was built, and was replaced by St. Mary's Cultural Centre in 1983.
All of these developments must be credited to the persistent leadership of the Redemptorists. First among them was Father Achilles Delaere - a fearless, determined, hard-working and creative visionary, fully dedicated to people and their salvation.
Leaving his native Belgium for the rough Canadian prairies and the hardships of pioneer life, he embraced the cause of the Ukrainian immigrants to the point of adopting their rite, learning their language and battling opponents who attempted to mislead them. He helped to establish the Ukrainian Catholic identity in Saskatchewan, assisted the Roman Catholics in understanding it and actually founded the Eastern branch of the Redemptorist Congregation. When he died at 71 in 1939, he was buried among the people he had served so diligently.
He was not alone; other Belgian priests were equally dedicated. Two of them lost their lives in the process. Father Hendrik Boels died of influenza while serving its victims in 1918. Father Albert Delforge was shot in 1935 while shielding a fellow priest from an angry man's bullet. Finally, the Belgians got what they had worked for when they were joined by Redemptorists from Ukraine, who were warmly welcomed and appreciated by the people.
In time, North Americans began joining the Redemptorists. In 1946, seven new priests were ordained. Gradually, Canadian-born priests took over, frequently aided by confreres from USA and Europe. To this day they keep up the high standards of service they have inherited, carefully balancing respect for tradition with the present needs of the people in response to the challenges of modem times.
In the past century, the spiritual leadership of the Redemptorists has been sound and extensive, not only in Yorkton but in the surrounding areas. Besides providing pastoral care for all ages, administering the sacraments and preaching the Gospel, they have taught religion, encouraged parish organizations, directed them spiritually and ministered to the hungry, the lonely, the sick and dying.
The annual pilgrimage, begun in 1915, still continues. Missions are preached regularly.
Liturgical services are carefully planned and carried out; devotion to Mary is always present. Much published Catholic material has provided information, inspiration and devotional guidance. Radio and television have been used to inform and inspire. Aid to Ukraine and disaster areas is encouraged.
The St. Mary's Redemptorists have always served the schools by making classroom visits, holding religious discussions, participating in school activities and conducting liturgies, confessions, retreats, ceremonies and blessings. St. Mary's Church has been available to the students for various services and functions.
Until recently, the parish has also been served by the multi talented Redemptorist Brothers who worked largely behind the scenes, taking care of household duties, hospitality, maintenance, repairs, outdoor work and other tasks requiring specialized knowledge and skill. Their deep faith and commitment was especially evident when they served as cantors and sacristans, and related to the parishioners with their prayer, advice and good works. Their passing has been duly noted and regretted.
Finally, St. Mary's Parish could not exist without the parishioners who wanted it in the first place. Through the years, their interest and prayerful participation, their moral and financial support and their love for their God, their church and their leaders have combined to create this unique sacred space on the Canadian prairie. Without their generosity, dedication, expertise and collaboration, this centennial celebration would not be taking place.
A century of faith-filled living and loving labor - truly a reason to celebrate! Let our hearts be glad and grateful for so many blessings.
Submitted by:Sr. Suzanne Kokuruds, SSMI
