RAMA - On Sunday, Aug. 20, a special Mass for the Unborn was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Rama as a tribute to the Unborn.
The annual Rama event began in 2012 when the statue of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the pro-life saint, arrived in Rama from Italy, the homeland of St. Gianna Beretta Molla. It was placed in St. Anthony’s Churchyard, which later became known as the pro-life area, according to Mary Kowalyshyn of Rama.
“Since then, an annual Mass for the Unborn sponsored by the Knights of Columbus takes place the first Sunday after pilgrimage at The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes,” said Kowalyshyn. “The Knights of Columbus lead in praying the holy rosary prior to the Mass.”
A procession follows the Holy Mass and leads to the pro-life area whereby all mothers and mothers-to-be are acknowledged. A prayer is said to St. Gianna Beretta Molla and flowers are placed near the statue.
In 2017 two other statues were added, namely St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Pope St. John Paul II, and placed in the pro-life area.
“Both were great advocates of the sanctity of life,” said Kowalyshyn.
All three statues were created by Ferdinand Stuflesser in 1875, member of a five-generation family of craftsmen and artisans in Italy. The statues were sponsored and brought to Rama through the generosity of Cas and Marie Broda and their son, Gord.
