Francophone Community of Gravelbourg Offers Historic and Picture-Worthy Cathedral

Located in southwest Saskatchewan, the Town of Gravelbourg has one of the province’s most historic attractions: Our Lady of Assumption Co-Cathedral, built in the styles of Romanesque Revival and Italian Renaissance. Construction began in 1918 and finished in 1919 at a cost of $287,515. When it opened, the building measured 55 metres (180 feet) long, 26 metres (85 feet) wide, and 20 metres (65 feet) high, with two immense spires that are 53 metres (175 feet) in height. The Most Rev. O.E. Mathieu, Archbishop of Regina, presided at the blessing ceremony on Nov. 5, 1919. The architect, Joseph-Ernest Fortin of Montreal, had chosen a style that combined the Romanesque and Italian Renaissance. The interior decoration was entirely from the hand of Msgr. Charles Maillard, pastor of Gravelbourg. He had dedicated 10 years of his life from 1921-31 to this work. The church was originally called St. Philomena and was made a cathedral on July 27, 1930. This is also when the francophone Roman Catholic Diocese of Gravelbourg was formed. The building was later renamed the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in 1965. On Sept. 14, 1998, Pope John Paul II suppressed the diocese, merging it with the Archdiocese of Regina — a reflection of the steady depopulation of rural Saskatchewan. Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral was then designated a co-cathedral of the archdiocese. A stained glass window depicting the Assumption of Our Lady illuminates the façade and has twin towers crowned with cupolas flanking the window. The building is composed of a streel frame with outside walls made of fireproof brick, light tan in colour with trim of Indiana stone. The four bells are alternately engraved with the names Philomène, Pierre, Charles, and Joseph-Émilienne, and were donated by parishioners. The cathedral offers tours of the building, where visitors can learn about some of the many painted murals that line the walls. Expert guides are knowledgeable and know almost every detail of the building and surrounding property. The town is also in good shape and its people are friendly and welcome outside visitors. There are stores and craft shops on the main street, restaurants, and a park near the co-cathedral. There is also a Catholic convent and college that are great landmarks in this unique town. Café Paris is a special place for snacks, breakfast, lunch and a variety of specialty coffees. The cathedral hosts several religious and cultural events throughout the year, while the town also hosts yearly festivals. For more information about the cathedral, call (306) 648-3322 or email ourlady.gravelbourg@sasktel. net.