Members of the St. Charles Faith Sharing Group on a Jubilee Pilgrimage, June 4, 2025.
Since 1300 A.D., the Church has regularly celebrated Jubilee Years. For Jubilee 2025, Pope Francis invited Catholic Bishops around the world to designate specific locations within their dioceses as Jubilee Sites.
In response, The Pilgrim’s Guide to Jubilee Churches and Shrines was published as a resource for Roman Catholics and Ukrainian Catholics. It highlights a number of unique shrines and grottoes across southern Manitoba. The faithful are encouraged to make formal pilgrimages or simple pious visits to these sacred places, where they may experience a special outpouring of grace and mercy.
The St. Charles Faith Sharing Group traditionally takes a field trip before summer break. This year, after consulting the guide, we chose to visit two Ukrainian Greek Catholic churches in Winnipeg.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church—also known as the Eastern Rite Ukrainian Catholic Church—originated in 1596, when a portion of the Orthodox Church in what is now Ukraine and Belarus entered into full communion with the Pope. While maintaining its Eastern liturgical traditions and identity, it recognizes the Pope as the head of the universal Catholic Church. It is one of the 23 autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches united with the Holy See.
Today, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is particularly strong in western Ukraine, where it is one of the largest religious communities. It also serves millions of faithful in the Ukrainian diaspora, notably in Canada, the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Throughout history, especially during times of persecution—such as under Soviet rule when it was banned from 1946 to 1989—the Church has played a key role in preserving Ukrainian religious and cultural identity.
On Wednesday, June 4, our group of nine began our pilgrimage at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral, located at 115 McGregor Street. We attended the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Following the service, a knowledgeable tour guide introduced us to the cathedral’s distinct architectural and artistic features. This magnificent spiritual centre is adorned with beautiful religious art, including paintings, stained glass windows, and icons. Of particular note are the stained glass windows, which depict the church history of Ukraine and were created by internationally acclaimed artist Dr. Leo Mol who was a parishioner and regularly attended the cathedral.
Our next stop, was the Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine at St. Joseph’s Church, 250 Jefferson Ave, in Winnipeg. Our faith sharing group had viewed the 30 minute video, “Steadfast and Faithful” prior to our visit so we were aware of Blessed Vasyl’s story. Our knowledgable guide explained the various personal items on display and told us interesting first hand accounts of Blessed Vasyl’s personal life.
Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky (1903–1973) was a Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop and martyr. He was arrested multiple times by Soviet authorities for his faith and pastoral work, enduring years of imprisonment and torture. After his release in 1972, he was exiled and settled in Winnipeg, where he died in 1973 from injuries sustained during his imprisonment. Blessed Vasyl was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001. He is venerated as a courageous witness to the faith under communist oppression. His relics rest in Winnipeg at the Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine.
Upon the announcement of Bishop Vasyl’s beatification in 2001, his body was exhumed. Upon examination, the body was found to be fully intact. His holy body was re-vested and sealed in this stainless steel sarcophagus.
We concluded our adventure with lunch at a charming restaurant nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Kildonan Park. A day well spent and enjoyed by all!
“ We gained a deeper appreciation for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and witnessed firsthand the universal nature of our Catholic Church—one that extends far beyond the boundaries of our local parish.”
