Pilgrimage to 100-foot Pro-Life Millennium Cross overlooking Saskatchewan fields held Sept. 8

Bishop Micahel Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon was guest speaker Sept. 8 during a pilgrimage to the Pro-Life Millennium Cross site north of Aberdeen, SK. (Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

By Jon Perez

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 on Sunday, Sept. 8.

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.

Smolinski, ordained bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon in January 2024, was joined by Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and clergy from  nearby parishes at the pilgrimage to the 100-foot cross placed on a hill north of Aberdeen, SK, on Highway 41.

Smolinski said celebrating the Feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God sends an impactful message to him and to everyone who is committed to the sanctity of life.

He began his address by citing Deuteronomy 30:15 “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity.” He continued: “Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.”

Smolinski also told the story of meeting his long-time friend in Ottawa, who chose to adopt three children from troubled backgrounds. The three have now grown up, but she and her husband decided to adopt twin infants despite being in her late 40s and facing significant challenges.

“My friend made a profound choice. When faced with the possibility of these children being placed in a difficult situation with relatives who could not provide a stable environment, she chose to take them into her care. It was a choice that required immense sacrifice and courage,” said Smolinski.”

“To choose life is to embrace the cross,” he said. “It means making sacrifices for the sake of others, whether that’s through parenting, supporting the poor, or investing in the education of our children – (it’s) about lifting others and allowing them to thrive.”

He added: “May we all be inspired to choose life in our actions and decisions. Through our collective efforts and individual sacrifices, we can build a world that honours the sanctity of every human life.”

State Deputy Marte Nogot, representing the province’s 10,000 Knights of Columbus, added that life is a fundamental human right. “Without it, no other rights can be enjoyed or protected.”

“I stand before you on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, the unborn. The pro-life movement is not just about opposing abortion; it is about affirming the value and dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death,” said Nogot. “Because life is unique and irreplaceable. A new human being begins to form from conception, with its DNA, potential, and future. This is not just a matter of faith or philosophy but a scientific fact. Consider the stories of those who chose life in different circumstances.”

He cited cases of unplanned pregnancies, where women chose to carry their babies to term, and found fulfillment and joy with their decision. The children grew up to have meaningful lives and contributed to society in many ways.

“We must consider the alternatives; adoption is an option that provides a child with a family and a future. Countless couples and families are waiting to welcome and take care of a child into their homes and hearts,” said Nogot.

“Our society must support women in crisis pregnancies. This means providing resources, counselling and medical care to ensure that they do not feel that abortion is their only option. We must create a culture of life where every mother and child is welcomed and supported.”

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.

Photo Gallery:

(Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Bishop Mark Hagemoen)

(Photo by Bishop Mark Hagemoen)

(Photo by Bishop Mark Hagemoen)

(Photo by Bishop Mark Hagemoen)

(Photo by Bishop Mark Hagemoen)

(Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Jon Perez, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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