The Feastday at this Redemptorist Shrine commemorated the 25th anniversary of Beatification of Ukrainian Martyrs Blessed Nicholas Charnetsky, C.Ss.R. and 24 Martyr Companions by Saint Pope John Paul II, amongst them was Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky.

Pilgrims gathered on the eve of the Feastday, June 26th at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Winnipeg, where the Shrine is located to celebrate Great Vespers. The pilgrims then gathered to walk through the streets of Winnipeg and participate in a Pilgrimage Rosary Procession.

The prayer-filled pilgrimage went to 232 Scotia Street to the Metropolitan’s home and Ukrainian Catholic Church Chancery Office. This house is where Blessed Vasyl spent his last year of life in 1972-1973. The walk continued back to St. Joseph’s Church where the evening ended with anoint - ing and veneration of the Holy Relics.

Having processions especially dedicated to the Mother of Perpetual Help was something that Blessed Vasyl led during his priestly ministry in Ukraine. He even led them during a time that was seen as an anti-Soviet demonstration. In 1940, he was arrested and interrogated for this type of street gathering.

On June 27th, the Feastday began with a Divine Liturgy followed by services and prayers throughout the day. Many of the faithful participated the full day. We were blessed to have Father Jay Korban as the guest homilist for the day. Father Jay passionately shared four different homilies based on the theme “A Martyr for the Ages”. As someone who spent 10 years as a volunteer giving tours at the Blessed Vasyl Shrine he share how through that expe - rience he came to know him as if he was an old friend. Fr. Jay shared that his relationship transformed from sharing a story of a historical figure to encountering Christ that Blessed Vasyl loved so dearly. During his early life, he was drawing all to Christ. However, his ministry continues today. Through his life example, martyrdom and beatification, we now are the recipients of Blessed Vasyl’s intercession. We are called to allow Christ to work through him. When we come and spend time before Blessed Vasyl’s holy relics, we leave knowing Jesus Christ more deeply because of Blessed Vasyl. We are witnessing his mission continuing today through the many gracing and blessings that have taken place. Fr. Jay concluded his final homily by inviting all of us to continue the mission of Blessed Vasyl, to live as a witness of Christ for others.”

Fr. Jay’s homilies are available on the Bishop Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine YouTube Channel.

New to the Feastday this year was a children’s programme. Children heard the story of Blessed Vasyl and then were able to create their own necklace using a Blessed Vasyl medal. At the end of the morning session, the children gathered with the faithful to have their medals blessed and to be anointed with oil blessed by the Holy Relic of Blessed Vasyl.

June 27th, the 25th anniversary of the Beatification of Blessed Vasyl was truly a day of inspiration, reflection and blessings. Thank you to all who participated in person and online.

Blessed Vasyl, pray for us!