The bishop and clergy with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert begin a short pilgrimage from the riverbank. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)
135 YEARS

135 years of sharing faith for Prince Albert Catholic Schools

Aug 26, 2022 | 1:00 PM

From the site of a former, small school along the riverbank to the halls of a massive cathedral near St. Mary High School, staff and students took time to reflect and celebrate over a century of Catholic education in the city.

A special mass was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral Friday morning to commemorate the 135th anniversary of the Prince Albert Catholic School Division and the start of a new year.

The event started on the riverbank near the intersection of River Street and 4 Ave West.

The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert, Stephen Hero, offered a prayer and blessing at the riverbank before leading staff and students on a small pilgrimage to the cathedral.

(Twitter/Derek Craddock)

Hero also led the mass at the cathedral which included a homily to recognize the past 135 years and embrace the future of the division.

Afterwards, Hero said it was an honour to lead the mass and mark the historic anniversary

“It was very special this year. There’s a long history of people here in Saskatchewan, people of faith here in Prince Albert. Very impressive for me.”

Heading into the future, Hero is hopeful they can do their best to serve their students, staff, and community at large.

“We have a long tradition here. I think we’ve always been known for giving excellent education and striving to give the best education we can and we just hope that that continues to grow.”

He noted that from the very beginning, the division has welcomed all people regardless of their traditions, saying even now non-Catholics are a part of their schools.

“We look forward to offering that service to the community around us,” he said.

The PACSD will open its schools to students on Sept. 1 and 2.

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock

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