By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
With encouragement, support and logistical details provided by parishioners and others in the community, Fr. Matthew Ramsay, pastor of St. Anne Parish, flew over the city of Saskatoon on March 21, praying for all those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea began when St. Anne parishioner Vanessa Nyssen received a video from her sister about a similar flight undertaken in Italy, which has been hard-hit by the coronavirus. She shared that with others in the community, who began working to see if a similar event could be held here.
Carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession and on the small plane piloted by William Hughes, Fr. Ramsay prayed for the community in a unique way at a unique moment. A statue of Our Lady of Fatima provided by Jennifer Nunes of St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon was also on the plane.
“This brings us together in faith,” said Fr. Ramsay, reflecting on prayer for the city and beyond, and the gift of asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to join us in prayer as well. “We want to remind ourselves that here on earth we are not alone in this, but also connected to our brothers and sisters in heaven, we are not alone in this.”
The experience was reported on social media and on Global TV news, with many in the community listening for the airplane overhead, and expressing appreciation for the initiative.