Bishop Michael Smolinski Joins Annual Pilgrimage to Historic Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows
Hundreds of pilgrims gathered June 13–14 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows near Cudworth for the site’s annual pilgrimage, joined by Bishop Michael Smolinski, C.Ss.R., of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows has long been one of Saskatchewan’s most significant pilgrimage destinations. Its origins date back to the earliest years of Ukrainian settlement in the region and are rooted in a story passed down through generations.
According to local tradition, three children were tending cattle on a hill near Cudworth when they witnessed a bright light. Within the light, one of the children—a young boy—saw a beautiful woman who appeared sorrowful. She walked westward down the hill and disappeared into the forest.
The experience left a profound impression on the settlers of the area, who came to believe that the woman was the Mother of God. The hill soon became a place of prayer and devotion, earning the name “Hill of Sorrows.” A small altar was erected, and visitors began to make pilgrimages to the site.
Access to the hill was eventually restricted, but local devotion was renewed decades later following another remarkable event. During a year of severe drought, a local resident reportedly dreamt of an elderly man who instructed him to erect a cross on the hill. After the cross was raised, rain reportedly fell within a day, strengthening the area’s association with divine intervention and prayer.
Regular missions and pilgrimages began in the 1940s. The first mission was preached by the Redemptorist Fathers in 1946 and culminated in a procession from Cudworth to the hill. Over time, stone monuments were erected and a chapel was built, transforming the site into the shrine known today.
This year’s pilgrimage began with a group of 25 pilgrims walking from the historic Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Bodnari. The pilgrimage was led by Hieromonk Gregory of the Monastery of the Three Holy Hierarchs, which oversees the spiritual care of the shrine. Bishop Michael joined the pilgrims at Spasa Cemetery and walked with them for the final kilometers of the journey.
Favourable weather accompanied the pilgrims throughout the trek, with light winds and clear skies making for ideal walking conditions. Upon arrival at the shrine, participants were welcomed with a meal generously provided by a parishioner of Holy Eucharist Parish in Cudworth. Stations of the Cross were celebrated by the Bishop with the pilgrims and an army of mosquitos in tow.
The following day featured a full program of prayer and worship. Matins was celebrated by Hieromonk Gregory, while Fr. Demetrius of the local Benedictine Abbey heard confessions. Bishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily to approximately 200 people gathered at the shrine.
The next annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows is scheduled for June 12–13, 2027. More information about the shrine and future pilgrimages can be found at hillofsorrows.ca.
The Eparchy of Saskatoon is blessed with several pilgrimage sites throughout its territory, making June a particularly vibrant month of spiritual renewal and pilgrimage. Those unable to attend the Cudworth pilgrimage still have opportunities to participate in upcoming events, including the annual Vidpust in Yorkton on June 21 and the pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Nun Martyrs Olympia and Laurentia on June 26–27.
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