PILGRIMAGE: Almost a century of history at Alberta's 'holy land'

Page 12

For almost 100 years people have journeyed to the Lac Ste. Anne prilgrimage site to pray and bathe in the waters of the lake.

This year it's estimated that close to 10,000 came to spiritually renew themselves and visit with old friends.

The pilgrimage site, located near Alberta Beach, 65 kms. west of Edmonton was again transformed into a sea of tents, trailers and truck campers. Throughout the five day event, the loudspeakers rang with the prayers and singing of those attending holy mass offered in Cree, Dogrib, Chipewyan and Blackfoot.

"It's a high time of life for everyone coming here," explains Father Jacques Johnson, vicar provincial and director of the pilgrimage. "It's a time for praying, confessing and receiving the sacraments. It's a spiritual renewal . . . people come here to make a new beginning."

According to Father Johnson, the first pilgrimage occurred in 1889. "A priest who was here at the time decided to have a gathering because the times were so bad. There was a drought and things were rough. About 400 people came to pray here at Lac Ste. Anne and eventually . . . the rain came.

"Since that time, people have been coming here to pray. It's had its ups and downs, but in the 15 years that I've been coming here I've just seen the involvement of people with the pilgrimage keep growing in numbers."

Father Johnson marvels at the devotion of the people who travel miles to attend the pilgrimage.

"Years ago you might see three trucks of people come from Fort Rae. Now you see 200 to 300 people coming from there. About 5 buses of people came 800 miles from northern Saskatchewan and we even have some coming from Lac Brochet in northern Manitoba."

He adds it's difficult to estimate the number of people attending the holy event, but guesses more than 10,000 came this year. "Some come for only day and then leave, so you can't tell by just looking at the number of tents."

Planning for the pilgrimage begins in the fall of each year. AT that time priests are delegated to preside over the various religious functions such as holy mass, youth gatherings, blessing of the lake and confessions. Volunteers are appointed, as well.

Throughout the five days of pilgrimage the emphasis is on prayer and healing. Many come in wheelchairs and on crutches to be blessed by the priests and pray for relief from pain and physical problems.

"But, there's a lot of inner healing going on, too," says Father Johnson. It's like one big, happy family here once a year. People come to get in touch with the Lord and start again. It's also a good time to see old friends and get together."

A popular ceremony at the pilgrimage is the blessing of the lake. This year, as Bishop Roy, from St. Paul, blessed the water, people waded into the lake up to their waists. IT is believed that the lake has healing power and many bring jars and other containers to take a bit of water away with them.

"Whenever they're sick or depressed they take a little sip. Or, they sprinkle it on their houses as a blessing," explains Father Johnson.

He believes healings have occurred at the Lac Ste. Anne pilgrimage, citing the case of a woman from Grouard.

"This woman had arthritis of her thumbs for years. When she went to see the doctors they told her that her thumb would always be crooked and nothing could be done. She went into the lake and her thumb was healed up. She could straighten it."

"This example is a small thing . . . but the people rally do have a strong faith in God."

Windspeaker interviewed several people at the pilgrimage to find out why they come each year. A woman who asked not to be identified, said she comes to Lac Ste. Anne to be healed.

"I got some healing, not here, but from some place else. I still have some pain, so I keep coming."

Another woman volunteered that she comes because "I need spiritual healing. I need to be where there's a lot of healing. I like the singing and you don't hear that too much in the city.

Clarence Desjarlaisof Lac La Biche said: "I come to the church here to worship. I come because something good might happen here. I shake hands with some old friends, too."

According to Moise Janvier, of La Loche, Saskatchewan, who has attended the pilgrimage for the last 32 years, except for 1958 "the praying makes me feel better."

Father Johnson has attended the pilgrimage for many years, but finds it difficult to convey the feeling he got during his first visit.

"It was a powerful experience. I walked around the grounds and felt peace and well being. I couldn't hold the tears of happiness back. God is here and that's why people come."