About Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Rama, Saskatchewan, Canada:
The Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine (also known as the Rama Grotto) is a notable Catholic pilgrimage site in the small rural community of Rama, Saskatchewan, Canada. It is located next to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church and serves as a replica of the famous Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.
Construction began in 1939 on the eve of World War II, led by Rev. Father Anthony Sylla, O.M.I. (a Polish-born Oblate priest). Local Polish and Ukrainian farmers gathered fieldstones from the area after part of a hill was removed. The main grotto was largely completed in 1940. The shrine was blessed on June 15, 1941, by Msgr. J.A. Janssen. The first public pilgrimage occurred on August 14–15, 1941.
Over the years, features were added, including a large cross atop the hill (1944), Stations of the Cross (1958–59), and later restorations and new statues (e.g., St. Gianna Beretta Molla in 2012, a bronze statue of Father Sylla in 2013, and others like St. Mother Teresa and Pope St. John Paul II). It has drawn thousands of visitors from Canada and abroad (Europe, Ireland, etc.) and is often called one of the most beautiful shrines in Western Canada. A major restoration occurred around 2010–2011.
The site features areplica grotto with a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Other statues include St. Bernadette, various depictions of Christ and Mary (The Pietà, Resurrection, etc.), and modern saints. There are Stations of the Cross around the hill and gardens, walkways, and a fountain making it a peaceful, serene atmosphere with thousands of stones.
St. Anthony’s Church itself (built 1922), which hosts Masses and events.
It is a tranquil spot for prayer, meditation, and reflection. It can serve as a wedding venue. Volunteers are sometimes needed for events.
Annual Pilgrimage takes place on August 14–15 (around the Feast of the Assumption). It includes Masses, confessions, a candlelight procession, and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Attendance has historically been around 1,000–2,000 people.
Traveling to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Rama, Saskatchewan, Canada:
The Shrine is located at Saint Anthony’s Church……set in an agricultural area east of Wadena on Highway 5 (about 30 miles/48 km east of Wadena and 30 minutes west of Canora). The Shrine is generally open daily (often sunrise to sunset or similar; check ahead).
Address: (St. Anthony’s Church) 104 – 1st St N, Rama, SK.
Phone: +1 (306) 593-6120
Visit the official website of Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Rama, Saskatchewan.