Shrine Tour3

BISHOP VELYCHKOVSKY MARTYR’S SHRINE TOUR When one enters the Shrine, one is walk- Throughout the floor there are 33 pairs of A second icon, ing on holy ground. In the shrine are the red oblong tiles, reminding the pilgrims Our Mother of First Class Relics of Blessed Bishop and of footsteps , the footsteps of Christ and the Perpetual Help Martyr Vasyl Velychkovsky . His sacred footsteps of Blessed Vasyl. Their maroon greets the pilgrims. body, which suffered unto the point of death color remind us of the blood that he shed for This icon was very for the sake of Christ, is found in a sealed Christ. As pilgrims enter the shrine, these dear to Blessed stainless steel sarcophagus. Before these footsteps remind them that they too are Vasyl. His devotion relics pilgrims come and pray, asking called to follow Christ just as the martyr has. to Mary under the Blessed Vasyl to intercede for their needs title of Our Mother before the Almighty God. of Perpetual Help, became the reason “Blessed are they that are persecuted for As one enters the shrine one is met with for two of his ar- the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the the sacred icon of Blessed Martyr rests. This icon is an exact copy of the origi- kingdom of heaven.” Mt. 5:10 Vasyl. This icon was written by iconographer nal icon in Rome and is certified by the Re- Marianna Savaryn of demptorist Superior General Fr. L. Buijs, ITS SYMBOLISM Edmonton. After this C.Ss.R.. icon was written it The Shrine is filled with symbolism and art- was solemnly The White Angel of the Resurrection work which help the pilgrim enter into an at- blessed and conse- points the way for the pilgrims. It points to mosphere of prayer and into the presence of crated, and thus is an the empty tomb, proclaiming that "He is the Holy. It was designed by Ben Wasyly- object of veneration alive!” The angel also points the way to holi- shen of Winnipeg. representing the ness seen in the presence of the holy symbolic circles one. In his hand is a and squares : fol- rosary revealing lowing the 10 Blessed Vasyl's Commandments, closeness to Mary the Mother of God. embracing the 7 Sacraments or Mysteries of the Church, and living the Way of the “A child of Mary is never lost.” Bl. Vasyl Cross (14 sta- tions). The sarcophagus was made according Behind the sar- As one leaves the shrine, next to the to the prescription of the Vatican: the holy cophagus is the guest book, there is an opportunity to make relics, his full vested body was placed in a Cross of the Res- prayer intention requests. These intentions stainless steel container which was then urrection. Blessed are prayed for every Wednesday evening sealed. This was tied with a silk ribbon which Vasyl, like Jesus, during the devotional service at the Shrine. was then sealed with the Metropolitan’s in- embraced the signia. The stainless steel sarcophagus was Cross. It is through The main purpose of the shrine is to then placed into a decorated wooden con- the Cross that new give pilgrims the opportunity to offer their tainer. Because these are martyr’s relics, resurrected life prayers before Blessed Vasyl, or to spend and following the ancient Christian tradition, erupts. Blessed some prayerful time in the presence of his the sarcophagus is so made that the Divine Vasyl now is 'Fully holy relics. You are invited to take time to be Liturgy could be celebrated on the martyr’s Alive' in Christ, radi- in prayer before him relics. ant with His glory. To depict the suffering of the Cross, two droplets of blood Many favors, graces and miracles have were placed on either side of the Cross. The already occurred through the intercession of rays of light emanating from the Cross pro- Blessed Vasyl. A martyr’s grave is a fountain of God’s grace. Approach Blessed Martyr claim the new resurrected life. Vasyl with confidence that he will intercede for your needs before the Almighty God. “Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” Mk 8:36 PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Further symbolism is found in the tiled floor pattern which imitates the Cross of the O Lord God, You are praised by the whole Resurrection. The use of the triangle sym- world for the marvelous works in your saints. I bolizes the presence of the Holy Trinity . thank you for the grace you gave to Blessed The sarcophagus itself is placed on a trian- Martyr Vasyl Velychkovsky to be a faithful gular floor pattern to say to the pilgrim that witness to You unto the point of death. Through Blessed Vasyl is now fully alive in the Holy his intercession I ask for the following favor Trinity. This same triangular pattern on the for your Name is glorified forever. Amen. Cross of Resurrection tells us that Blessed Vasyl now reflects to us the Face of Jesus. Imprimatur “The one who perseveres to the +Metropolian Michael (Bzdel), C.Ss.R. end will be saved.” Mt 24:13 .

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