Blumenfeld pilgrimage held June 14: “A glorious day on holy grounds”

Catholic Saskatoon News

Photos by Crystal Bosch

The annual pilgrimage to the historic church of Sts. Peter and Paul and the shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows at Blumenfeld, SK, was held Sunday, June 14 under sunny skies.

Pilgrims from throughout the area attended the event which included a healing service and Eucharistic adoration in the historic church building, a prayer procession from the church to the cemetery and then to the outdoor grotto for celebration of the Eucharist.

Fr. Prince Osuwu Sarpong, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley; Little Flower Parish, Leader; Sacred Heart Parish, Liebenthal; and St. Mary Parish, Richmond, concelebrated Mass with Fr. Conrad Chidi Emerenini from the Archdiocese of Regina, where he presently serves at Maple Creek, SK, before an upcoming move to Carlyle.

“We had an incredible turnout of about 160 people, filling three-quarters of the church for the healing service hosted by Fr. Prince,” said Kendra Volk, a member of the pilgrimage committee.

“One of the most moving moments was when an inspiring woman in her late 80s declared she would lead the Rosary for as long as she is able—and she has kept that promise!”

A healing service and Eucharistic adoration was held in historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church to begin the Blumenfeld Pilgrimage June 14. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

The pilgrimage spirit was evident in the procession with a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, led by children scattering flowers.

“We borrowed the cathedral’s palanquin to carry our Blessed Mother,” Volk noted. “I was also deeply moved by the flower girls and boys, who participated beautifully while carrying their late great-grandmother’s flower petals.”

Carrying a statue of Our Lady in the pilgrimage walk to the Our Lady of Sorrows grotto. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Ministries at the annual pilgrimage are provided by parishioners from across the Eatonia deanery.

We ended the day sharing fried chicken, hot dogs, and all the fixings,” said Volk.

“Between the cool breeze, the light cloud cover, and the presence of God, family, and friends, it was a truly glorious day on holy grounds.”

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

The Blumenfeld pilgrimage site (located 16 km south and 6 km east of Leader, Sk, just off Hwy 21) will also be open to visitors on Sunday afternoons in July and August, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The next pilgrimage is planned for June 13, 2027, the second Sunday in June.

Other summer pilgrimages in the diocese and beyond – LINK

Pilgrimage site – information

The church and pilgrimage site at Blumenfeld overlooks serene countryside and fields. Located on the 10-acre site are the two-story, wood-framed church, Sts. Peter and Paul, built in 1915; a fieldstone grotto shrine, which features a replica “La Pieta” sculpture dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, built in 1936; as well as a cemetery that remains in use; a memorial cairn constructed to commemorate the church’s 50th anniversary; and outdoor Stations of the Cross.

The history of the 111-year-old Sts. Peter and Paul Church building includes the contributions of parishioners through many decades, as well as the service and witness of Oblate priests and Ursuline sisters who served in the area.

Closed as an active parish in 1964, the Blumenfeld church has continued to serve as a gathering place for the region as the site of the annual pilgrimage that began during the Great Depression. The Blumenfeld church and shrine was declared a Heritage Site in 1982.

A volunteer committee (with membership from many surrounding communities) cares for the pilgrimage site, accepting donations for the upkeep of the church building and site.

Photos by Crystal Bosch

View photos as a slide show: LINK

Eucharistic adoration in the historic church was part of the annual Blumenfeld pilgrimage.(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

A healing service, confessions, and Eucharistic adoration was held in historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church to begin the Blumenfeld Pilgrimage June 14. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Fr. Prince Owusu Sarpong, Pastor of Fox Valley, Leader, Liebenthal, and Richmound

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

About 160 pilgrims attended this year’s Blumenfeld Pilgrimage. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Fr. Prince Sarpong elevates the Blessed Sacrament during the pilgrimage opening service held in the historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Blumenfeld. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Sts. Peter and Paul Church was built in 1915, and was closed in 1964. It has been declared an Historic Site. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

A prayer procession proceeds to the cemetery and grotto during the annual Blumenfeld Pilgrimage June 14. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Pilgrims begin a procession from the historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church to the cemetery and then the outdoor Our Lady of Sorrows Grotto for Mass during the 2026 Blumenfeld Pilgrimage. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Children were invited to spread flowers ahead of the procession. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Blumenfeld Pilgrimage procession. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Carrying the statue of Our Lady in the procession at the Blumenfeld Pilgrimage June 14. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

A statue of Our Lady was carried in procession. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Banners featuring titles honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary were also carried in the procession. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Blumenfeld Pilgrimage procession. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Children were invited to spread flowers ahead of the procession. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Welcoming pilgrims to the Eucharistic celebration at the outdoor grotto shrine. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Celebrants Fr. Prince Owusu Sarpong of Fox Valley, Leader, Liebenthal, and Richmound (left), and Fr. Conrad Chidi Emerenini of Maple Creek. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)
(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Procession to begin celebration of the Eucharist June 14 at Blumenfeld. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Fr. Conrad proclaimed the Gospel and delivered the Homily. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)

(Photo by Crystal Bosch)

Celebrants Fr. Prince Owusu Sarpong of Fox Valley, Leader, Liebenthal, and Richmound (left), and Fr. Conrad Chidi Emerenini of Maple Creek. (Photo by Crystal Bosch)