RAMA - St. Anthony's Parish hosted a celebration honouring Father Andrew Sowa O.M.I. on the occasion of his 35th anniversary of priestly ordination on Sunday, June 22.
It began with a Mass at 12:15 p.m. on Corpus Christi Sunday (Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ).
Following the Mass, many gathered at the Parish Hall. There were representatives from many of the parishes across the region where Fr. Andrew Sowa served as their pastor.
Prior to the meal, Fr. Andrew performed the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake, said Mary Kowalyshyn of Rama.
“He then said grace and all enjoyed a festive potluck with approximately 70 different dishes.”
The program began with Mary Kowalyshyn welcoming everyone. Guests included parishioners from Melville, Sturgis, Preeceville, Buchanan, Canora, Yorkton and Kamsack. She gave a history of Father Andrew's service in the different communities of the parishes where he served throughout his 35 years.
Elaine Olson, on behalf of St. Anthony's Parish, gave the toast honoring his 35 years and thanking him for his service.
Then representatives of the parishes where Fr. Andrew served in Saskatchewan extended their well wishes and congratulatory messages. These included Carol Hauber (St. Patrick's, Sturgis) who delivered a very meaningful message of Father's role as an Oblate. Being that Fr. Andrew is an Oblate of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.) she led everyone in singing the hymn Immaculate Mary followed by a song that acted as a blessing for Fr. Andrew.
The other presentations followed with Lorne Sliva (St. Anthony's-Rama); Shirley Kosar (St. Ann's, Buchanan); Shanon Broda-Vanin (St. Stephen's, Kamsack); and Marian Terleski (St. Henry's, Melville).
Even though Fr. Andrew didn't serve as pastor in these parishes, Helen Rehaluk (St. Joseph's, Canora); and Marcella Shewchuk (Sts, Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Rama) shared some reflections and offered congratulatory messages.
Representatives Cecilia Sliva (St. Patrick's CWL) and Kathy Kaminski (Invermay Health Center) also extended well wishes and congratulatory messages to Fr. Andrew. Prior to Fr. Andrew's Last Word, the poem The Beautiful Hands Of A Priest was read, (author anonymous).
At the closing Fr. Andrew thanked everyone, extending his gratitude to all who attended. The audience responded with a standing ovation.
