Issue 12, September 2006 UKRAINIAN OF THE YORKTON PROVINCE FULLY ALIVE A Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr’s Shrine Publication

CELEBRATING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF BEATIFICATION Redemptorist the Church. Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., a professor from the Spiritual Pilgrimage Alphonsian Academy in , gave excellent presentations. He This year marks the fifth anniver- showed what profound insight St. sary of the beatification of Alphonsus received from the East- Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky, th ern Fathers, especially in some of C.Ss.R.. On June 27 2001, in his key theological and spiritual Ukraine, John Paul II Beati- concepts. One of the Eastern Fa- fied Blessed Nicholas Charnet- thers that Alphonsus leaned heav- skty and Companions, among ily upon was St. John Chry- them was Blessed Vasyl. To cele- th The presenters, Fr. John Sianchuk, C.Ss.R. sostom, a bishop who had a heart brate this event and the 100 An- and Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., during the for the poor and who described niversary since Redemptorists Divine Liturgy God as One ‘madly’ in love with have served in the Eastern Rite humanity. in Canada, the Yorkton Province of Redemptorists hosted a Spiri- Zenon Kowalyk, C.Ss.R., who was found crucified on the prison wall The highlight of the Redemptorist tual Pilgrimage/Workshop for Re- Pilgrimage was the participation demptorists from across North at the age of 37; Blessed Ivan America. It was held in Winnipeg Ziatyk, C.Ss.R., who was for a at Villa Maria Retreat Centre. brief time in charge of the under- ground Ukrainian , arrested and beaten to death on Good Friday in 1952; Blessed Nicholas Charnetsky, C.Ss.R., a beloved bishop, who had compas- sion for all, but especially the poor, has continued even after his death through the numerous mira- cles occurring through his inter- cession; and our Blessed Vasyl Pilgrims attending the Moleben Service on the Redemptorists and laity attending Velychkovsky, C.Ss.R., whose Feast Day the workshop. courage and apostolic enthusi- In This Issue : asm, resurrected the underground

church into a strong spiritual force Redemptorist Pilgrimage - 1 Some 50 Redemptorists and Lay in the face of atheistic commu- Summer Help - 2 Collaborators met together for nism. Testimony of Grace - 3 four days of workshops in June. Excerpt - 3 The rest of the week was dedi- One day was dedicated to the Patron of Weather - 4 cated to the relationship of St. story of our Ukrainian Martyrs Thanks to Contributors - 6 and in particular that of Blessed Alphonsus, the founder of the Re- Pilgrims - 7 Vasyl. Through a power-point demptorists, and the Eastern Gift Shop Items - 8 presentation, Fr. John Sianchuk, Church , especially as it shared the stories, of Blessed is found in the Eastern Fathers of Prayer to Blessed Vasyl - 8

After lunch, the pilgrims watched recited. At the Chancery a short the EWTN documentary “Stead- pray service was held. The eve- fast and Faithful” on Blessed ning concluded again in the Vasyl’s life. This was followed by church with everyone being the Acathist Service which was anointed with the special beautifully sung by the pilgrims. In ‘Blessed Vasyl’ holy oil. the evening after the Divine Lit- urgy, at which Metropolitan Law- The day was filled with God’s blessings and grace. All the pil- grims were elated. The Redemp- The Rosary being led by various groups on torists, who came from across the Feast Day. North America to be at this Spiri- tual Pilgrimage, still continue to by the Redemptorists and laity on praise this week as a highlight of the Feastday on June 27 th . This their year. year there was a noticeable in- crease of attendance at the feast- day, especially during the day. Af- ter the morning Divine Liturgy, at which Fr. Yaroslaw Dybka, C.Ss.R. preached, the rosary was led by Veneration of the 1st Class Relics of Blessed various parishes and groups. The Vasyl and anointment with the holy oil students from Immaculate Heart Ukrainian Catholic School came rence Huculak presided and and led one of the decades of the preached, the pilgrims went on a rosary. After the Moleben service, pilgrimage walk to the Chancery, the pilgrims were anointed for heal- the place of residence for Blessed ing with the holy oil blessed with Vasyl while he lived in Canada. Redemptorists enjoying a river cruise the relics of Blessed Vasyl. During the walk, the rosary was during the Spiritual Pilgrimage/ Workshop

SUMMER HELP FOR THE SHRINE

Maryna Konstantiuk Nataliya Markevych is is a graduate from a University of Manitoba Garden City Colle- student in the faculty of giate. An honour roll medicine. She was hired student who enjoys this summer to tran- drawing, computer scribe the number of in- web-design and gar- terview tapes brought dening. Maryna was from Ukraine as well as hired this summer to documents. Her knowl- assist in the Shrine edge of the Ukrainian, office duties and to Polish and Russian lan- conduct pilgrimage tours in the Museum. guages were of great She will begin university studies this fall benefit to the Shrine especially in the museum hoping to graduate with a teaching degree. tours for pilgrims. Coming from a priestly family We wish Maryna God’s blessings in her fu- and her knowledge of Blessed Vasyl, Nataliya un- ture endeavours. We thank her for all the derstood the importance of documenting the reli- work she was able to accomplish for the gious life of our Ukrainian Catholic martyrs. We Shrine. wish to thank Nataliya for all her work that she ac- complished for the Shrine and we wish her God’s blessings as she continues to reach her goals.

2 TESTIMONY OF GRACES RECEIVED

July 20, 2006

Blessed Velychkovsky Martyr’s Shrine

Since the first week of March, I have been suffering with a very painful heel spur. It is like walking on a thumb tack or a nail in the heel. I have not been able to walk very far these past 4 ½ months without having to sit down and rest my foot. I have tried many things to re- lieve the pain and start the healing. I wear thick sponge and gel heel pads; I used ice and heat; I am going for massage therapy, acupressure, and acupuncture. None of these treat- ments has relieved the pain.

On June 27 th , 2006, in the evening, I attended Bishop Vasyl’s 5th Anniversary. I forgot that there was to be a Pilgrim- age Procession from St. Joseph’s Church to the Bishop’s Residence on Scotia Street and back to the Church. I didn’t want to go by van, and I knew that I couldn’t walk that distance, so I decided I would just stay behind and wait in the Church.

I don’t know how to explain what happened next. I was overcome with a warm feeling that told me if I made the effort to walk the Procession, I would have no pain in my heel. Saying yes, I got up and joined the Procession. I walked the entire distance there and back with hardly any discomfort.

When I got back to the Church, and sat down in the pew, I was completely overwhelmed, amazed and in awe at what had just occurred. I had just walked with no pain for the first time in over 4 months. I truly believe that someone had interceded for me.

It is now one month later. While I still have some pain and discomfort in my foot, the pain isn’t as intense.

I believe, because I attended Bishop Vasyl’s 5 th Anniversary, my heel spur is on the mend. June 27 th , 2006, was truly a beautiful evening for me. It left me glowing. Please notify the Shrine of any graces received Sincerely, through the intercession of Blessed Vasyl. Val Galay

Excerpt from Blessed Vasyl Sermon given in 1965 in Ukraine “My dear brothers, the Kingdom of God is the inner life. The Kingdom of God that Jesus pro- claimed and established – it is the reign of God’s love in human hearts. In other words, the Kingdom of God is the inner life. What is this inner life? The author of “The Imitation of Christ” says: “It means to have God present in your heart always and not to be attached to anything else.” In other words – it is the practice of complete intimate union. This is the inner life.

“Even more: it means to see Jesus within you. As St. Paul, the apostle, said about himself: “The life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me” (Gal. 2:20). These same words should be said by each true disciple of Christ. Each Christian should live this spiritual inner life so that they may also say as the apostle Paul said: “the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me.

Why is this inner life so essential? – Because of its great benefits. The inner life offers the greatest good. And there is nothing more splendid than the inner life. It is so natural for a person to strive for happiness, and the human heart is created to be happy. People seek happiness through human praise, wealth and splendour. The heart seeks it, but doesn’t seek it where it really is. Hu- man glory disappears as smoke. But the inner life gives true glory. It raises the soul of a Christian to higher things.”

3 Patron of the Weather – a special gift of Blessed Bishop & Martyr Vasyl

Many saints and blesseds are Blessed Vasyl was giving a re- storming. That evening the Di- known for the special spiritual treat for three candidates who vine Liturgy was being cele- gifts they have with regards to were to be ordained deacons at brated. After the Liturgy the intercessory prayer. For exam- the conclusion. As the retreat newly built shrine chapel and the ple, we all know that if we lose began Friday evening, it rained museum were to be blessed. As something we should pray and very heavily. The lady of the the Metropolitan was blessing ask St. Anthony. If we have house (who told us the story) these rooms at that very same some hopeless cause, then we said to Blessed Vasyl that it was time, with the rain still pouring, pray to St. Jude. Well, although unfortunate that it was raining so the sky in the West opened up Blessed Vasyl has already an- and the sun lit up the domes of swered many prayers and peti- the church with its rays. A most tions, as witnessed by the pil- brilliant complete rainbow ap- grims who come to him, includ- peared over the church. All ing cures from cancer, back and those who were outside, the eyes aliments, foot aches, heal- janitor and others, were filled ing of legs, emotional and rela- with amazement at the bright- tional healings, and many oth- ness of the rainbow and of the ers, one particular gift stands timing. It was interpreted as a out. It has been noted that he sign of God’s blessings upon has power over the weather. this future shrine.

In the Gospel we find Jesus On the first feast day for several times showing his power Blessed Vasyl after the en- and authority over the weather. shrinement , June 27, 2003 , after When he was in the boat asleep the evening Divine Liturgy, an in the stern, a storm arose, the outdoor procession was planned boat began to take on water and Blessed Vasyl’s from the Church to the Metro- missionary cross the apostles became very afraid. politan’s Residence (where In a panic they awoke Jesus and hard. He in turn responded that Blessed Vasyl lived in Canada). petitioned him to help. He arose it was good because the KGB That evening the weather was and immediately calmed the would not be coming around in threatening. There were dark storm, leaving the apostles filled such weather. The rain contin- clouds in the West and strong with amazement. ued all weekend. On the last day winds moving towards Winnipeg. after the celebration of the Di- Since the rain had not yet Several stories have come to us vine Liturgy and the started, it was decided to have about Blessed Vasyl’s influence completed, Blessed Vasyl took the procession in hope that it over the weather. One story his missionary cross and went to doesn’t rain.Pilgrims processed comes from Ukraine. In 1966 the door of the house. It was still to the Chancery and back. It during the feast of Pentecost, raining outside. He opened the didn’t rain. We were told later door and made a sign of the that day by a priest from the cross over the sky. Immediately Chancery that he was watching the rain stopped and in a few the weather on the internet and seconds the clouds parted and was quite concerned about the the sun began to shine. All those success of the procession. He in the house were filled with saw the large cloud approach amazement. Winnipeg from the West. Then as it came to Winnipeg, it be- The next several incidences gan to divide . One part of the happened in Winnipeg after his cloud went north of the city and beatification. The night before another went south. After it the enshrinement of his holy rel- crossed Winnipeg, the two parts Mrs. Kaspryshyn, the priest’s wife, who ics, September 21, 2002 , it had again joined together into one witnessed the miracle. been raining quite heavily and cloud. Blessed Vasyl allowed us

4 to have a beautiful dry proces- sion in his honour on this feast day. So far, on every feast day we have been able to have a procession.

On the second anniversary of the enshrinement September 22, 2004 , (a Wednesday) people were in the Church celebrating a devotional service in Blessed Vasyl’s honour, the pastor was outside and noticed a rainbow appear over the church, even though there was no rain in sight. He was able to capture this rainbow by camera.

This next event was experi- The tornado just north of Winnipeg on August 20, 2006 enced by myself and it is only my interpretation of the events. turn towards the ground. Be- pregnant woman. All the walls On August 20, 2006 as I was cause there were trees in the and most of the furniture was coming home from the Cooks way I could not see if it touched completely blown away and de- Creek Pilgrimage, I noticed a the ground. I looked closely at it stroyed. Only a fridge and the cloud quickly forming north and and was able to see the ripples deep freeze were left. She was west of Winnipeg. By the time I on the side of the funnel moving by the refrigerator completely arrived home the cloud was al- upwards. Then I realized that I unharmed. I am wondering if most over the northern part of was seeing a real tornado which Blessed Vasyl did not save her the city. It did not look good. I was only a few miles away. Fear also as a result of that prayer. went to my room and was work- seized me. I know many people ing on my computer. The large who live just where this tornado Our Saints and Blesseds desire window in my office faces the seems to be. In my desparation to be asked. They are there to north so every so often I would and helplessness, I cried out to help us, not only with phenome- glance at the cloud and observe Blessed Vasyl: “Blessed Vasyl, non as is recorded in this article, it. Several years ago, while in please protect those people from but even more important to lead Rome, I had seen a tornado this tornado.” Within five sec- us to salvation. Let us never tire over the Mediterranean Sea. onds, the form of the funnel be- in bringing our petitions before Since that time I have always came fuzzy and within thirty sec- Blessed Vasyl for his powerful observed clouds carefully to see onds it was transformed to a intercession. if there are any early signs of a cloud. At first I was disappointed possible tornado coming. This that it disappeared so quickly, particular cloud had those signs. because I enjoy observing such There was a lot of activity in the phenomenon. Only later did I Come and join us every cloud and small funnels were realize that this happened imme- Wednesday evening at popping in and out of it. As I diately after the prayer and I 7:00 pm for a devotional ser- worked on my computer the thanked Blessed Vasyl for sav- vice in honour of Blessed thought came to me, what if a ing the people. That tornado Vasyl. At the end of the ser- tornado did come. Surely the never did touch the ground. vice the petitions written by presence of the Martyr’s relics in About two hours later a tornado the church next door would save did touch down just south of pilgrims are lifted up in us. Then at about 4:36 pm I Winnipeg. This tornado hit a prayer and all are anointed looked at the cloud and I saw a farm yard and destroyed the for healing with the Holy Oil definite funnel , large and thick. house completely. Inside the blessed with Blessed From my window I saw it pointed house was a young 26 year old Vasyl’s 1st Class Relics. sideways and then it began to

5 THANK YOU!!! Your generous donations make it possible for us to conduct our ministry at the Shrine and to promote the knowledge of Blessed Vasyl throughout the world. Thank you to all the contributors to the Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr’s Shrine. We are grateful to those who have named the Shrine as a beneficiary in memory of their loved ones. May Blessed Vasyl bless each one of you.

Contributions listed below are from May 1st until August 31st 2006.

1000 + W. Korytowski Fr. Vladimir Kolpakov, C.Ss.R. In memory of William Kalyniuk George Kotovych In memory of Fr. Volodymyr Korba, Dr. Borislaw & Dorothy Bilash Ihor & Christine Kotowycz C.Ss.R” Merven & Nancy Chuback Garr & Helene Kukura Ituna Sacred Heart UCWLC Eyer family Peter & Roxolana Kurjewicz Grace Lashyn Basil & Judy Galarnyk Dr. Walter & Sonia Lebedin Vi Zabinsky Tamikon Hisanaga Michael & Mary Lepki In memory of Helen Lukie Zorian & Leona Hudyma Pat Lewak Patricia & Stanley Clapa Olexandra Hwozdulych Dr. Brian Lukie & Hannia Tarasiuk Larry & Doreen Trach Eugene & Zorianna Hyworon Stefania Myhaluk Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League, Irene Kalyniuk Yuri Nosyk Beausejour, Manitoba John Kizlyk Odyssey Dental Clinic In memory of husband Russell Pauline Kolton Nestor & Aka Papish Marie Yalowega Edith Kotyk George & Orysia Parkasewych Eva Liss David & Diane Pinuta Stefan & Nina Luhowy Ralph Brown School Staff <100 Christine & Angela Mazur Ken Romaniuk Doreen Baddon & Josephine Luckiw Marcel & Viola Pelletier Jaroslav Rozumnyj & Oksana Jennie Bailley Sears Management & Staff Rozumna In memory of Terry Banera Sears Social Club Olha Senchuk Leo & Oksana Baluta Christina Sikorsky Oksana Serwylo George Kotovych Jean Small Andrew & Pat Sirski In memory of Gen Berezowski Ed Stefanyshyn Motria Skocen Therese Allard & Paulette Roach Helen Stockburn Stefania Skocen William & Genevieve Berezny Harry & Marika Szkwarek Dr. T. G. Snihurowycz Hazel Borodey Chris Topor Danny & Betty Somers In memory Nellie Boychuk Protodeacon Michael and Olga Harry & Marika Szkwarek Orest & Margaret Fedorchuk Woroby Christine Walker Kathleen Warrenchuk Walter & Nellie Wowczuk Marianne Wawrykow & Chris Kowal In memory of Thelma Braun Roman & Olga Zubach Louis & Elaine Bowman In memory of Lidia Kotowycz In memory of Eva Buczulak Brian & Victoria Adams Slovak Redemptorist Fathers Buczulak family John & Martha Baluta Anton & Anne Burdeniuk Leo & Oksana Baluta Mary Buriak Anna Banera 500+ Bohdan & Jayne Buryn Dr. Borislaw & Dorothy Bilash In honour of Katie Karalash’s 95th Birth- Paul & Adeline Carbotle Maria Demczyszak day Mike & Margaret Chemerika Halia Dmytryshyn Children, grandchildren, great Cludina Cruz Sofia Sawycky grandchildren Luz Cruz Lesia Sawycky In memory of Johanna & Stephan In memory of daugther Diane Nick & Anisia Dmytryshyn Pazak Irene Cwiak Dr. Gerard & Mrs. Cora Duffy Bishop John Pazak Lena Derkach Ihor & Marika Gawrachynsky Marianne Derkach Ostap & Tatiana Hawaleshka In memory of Morris Dick W. Holowka 100+ Patricia Dick Luba Huk For the health of Carol Dobko Olexandra Hwozdulych In memory of Nick Banera Halia Dmytryshyn William & Kathleen Zambrick M. Jacowec Veronica Domingo Anna Jakymin Walter Dudych In memory of Bishop Basil Filevich In honour of Helen Ezinicki Claudi Jaresh Nell Lupyrypa Mary Jane Kalenchuk Augustus & Catherine Korchinsky Grace Lashyn In memory of husband Floy Maria Kalicinsky Veronica Domingo Stefania Karpa Vi Zabinsky Dan & Bella Kalenchuk David & Teresa Egan 6 Lew & Lubow Figol Michael & Mary Kuzminski Joe & Liz Senderewich Frank Fisanich In memory of Mary Kuzyk Lillian Sianchuk Val Galay Walter & Anna Pollock Mike & Darlene Sidak Herman and Eileen Gartner Rose-marie Kycia D. Sikora Robert & Diane Gingera In memory of Julia Lega Mary Sinclair Gloria Green Garr & Helene Kukura Terry & Gladys Sloboda Greg Hafichuk For health of Fr Larry Lehotsky Lena Smaluck In memory of John & Effie Halayda Larry & Evelyn Tycholis Iris Smellie Myron Halayda Deacon Luigi Licari Dr. Zenon Sosmowski Kevin Hale Darlene Litchie-Brown St. Joseph’s Cathechism Nel Hiebert Maileen Lucena St. Joseph’s Seniors Catherine Holmes Michael & Fenna Maydeychuk St. Michael’s UCWLC Holy Resurrection Parish Catechetical Manitota Society of Seniors S. Stasiewicz Program Mary Sinclair In memory of Donald Stebeleski Holy Rosary RC Parish W. Michalchuk D. Labay Helen Herman Simone & Mona Minalabag Rev. George M. Svoboda G. Kaltenthak In memory of Helen Moroz In memory of husband Zenon C. Kaminsky Stan & Eileen Dudzic Jennie Swydnycky William & Anne J. Karlicki Orest & Margaret Fedorchuk H. Tomchuk Maurice & Elsie Kindrachuk Edith Kotyk Bill & Rose Uchacz Mary Kokolski Helen Musgrove Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the In memory of Lena Kowal Metro Nazar Blessed Virgin Mary Anna Banera In memory of Steven Nebozenko & Deacon Jude von Mann In memory of John Kozoriz Ksenia Chrynowski For health of Marilyn Hamulka John & Martha Baluta Olive Nebozenko Marianne Wawrykow & Chris Anna Banera Joseph O’Day Kowal Lidia Kotowycz In memory of husband Dan Peter Wozny In memory of Herman Laskowich Anne Obuck Joe & Irena Zadravec Louis & Elaine Bowman R. Paley Natalie Zalusky In memory Monica MacLean Rosalia Pernarowski Ann Zimmerman Paul Kalyniuk Justin Reany In honour of the Zulak family Fr. Michael & Marilyn Krochak Redemptorists of Concord Ann Zulak In memory of family Ivan & Natalia Roman Erika Kszyk In memory of husband Michael Stephanie Kupskay Jean Roshko

Parishioners from Holy Eucharist UC Parish pray before the relics of Blessed Vasyl

Holy Rosary RC Parish Seniors from Detroit Lakes, MN visit the Shrine

Catechism class from Christ the King RC Parish spend a Saturday morning learning Executive for Unity ‘06 from the about Blessed Vasyl Eparchy of Saskatoon

7 DOCUMENTARY ON TV COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS A new documentary produced by Ignatius Pro- The Redemptorists of the Yorkton Province ductions about Blessed Martyr Bishop Vasyl celebrate their 100th Anniversary this year. A Velychkovsky called “Steadfast and Faithful: a Belgian Redemptorist, Father Achiel Delaere, Martyr’s Journey” was aired this past June by C.Ss.R., adopted the EWTN, a world-wide Catholic TV network, and Eastern Rite and cele- by Salt & Light, a Catholic TV station out of To- brated his first Divine ronto. Liturgy in that Rite on September 26, 1906. A A copy of this docu- book on the glorious life mentary is available at of Fr. Delaere was writ- the museum gift shop. ten in Flemish in 1956. The DVD also includes An English translation is the devotional service now available called: of the Acathist Hymn in “Eternal Memory” . honour of Blessed Vasyl. Copies of this book are available from our gift shop for $25.00. To order the above item, check our website or e- mail the Shrine office. Call in Prayer Requests For a special intention or prayer request you may NEW VOLUNTEERS are always phone or email us. Your prayer request will be placed in the Shrine and remembered in prayer needed to welcome pilgrims to the every Wednesday evening after the service in Shrine/Museum. Please contact the honour of Blessed Vasyl. Shrine Coordinator.

SHRINE SCHEDULE Prayer to Blessed Martyr

Monday: Shrine is closed Bishop Vasyl Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm O Lord God, You are praised by the whole world for the Sunday: opened until 1:00 pm marvelous works in your saints. I thank you for the

grace you gave to Blessed Martyr Vasyl Shrine is open to the faithful during the times Velychkovsky to be a faithful witness to You unto the of Liturgical Services. The Museum is opened on weekends point of death. Through his intercession I ask for the after each Divine Liturgy. following favour for your Name is glorified forever. Amen. Group tours are available. For pilgrimage group tours call for reservations 204-338-7321 or e-mail: [email protected] Please inform the Shrine of any favors received: Fr. Provincial EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING - 7:00 pm 250 Jefferson Avenue Liturgical Service to Blessed Vasyl Winnipeg, MB R2V 0M6 (Acafist or Moleben) followed by an anointing with Holy Canada Oil blessed by his relics.

Blessed Velychkovsky Martyr's Shrine 250 Jefferson Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R2V 0M6 Tel: 204-338-7321 Fax: 204 -339-1062 Email: [email protected] Website:www.bvmartyrshrine.com

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