CBC’s virtual road trip series, Land of Living Stories, is uncovering the hidden treasures of Saskatchewan. Reporter Janani Whitfield embarked on a journey to Gravelbourg in search of captivating tales of community unity. This installment marks the third part of a four-part series focusing on this community.
Gravelbourg’s Our Lady of Assumption Co-Cathedral never fails to astound visitors, often evoking feelings of being in a church in France. Louis Stringer, who conducts tours of the cathedral for approximately 1,000 people annually, describes Gravelbourg as a town that surprises with its unique offerings.
The town’s residents, situated about 150 kilometers southwest of Regina, feel a deep responsibility to safeguard and maintain the cathedral, constructed in 1919. Every corner of the cathedral showcases the love for God and artistry of Monsignor Charles Maillard, the early resident priest.
Stringer highlights Maillard’s remarkable dedication by spending a decade hand-painting the cathedral’s interior walls starting in 1921. Additionally, Maillard adorned the cathedral’s windows with his paintings, which were later replaced by skilled French stained glass artisans over six years after fading in the late 1970s.
Following severe weather damage in June 2024, local artisan Dolorés Ferraton stepped in to restore the broken glass pieces, considering it a privilege. Ferraton, a Francophone from southern Saskatchewan, grew up with the cathedral as a focal point of Francophone activities and worked diligently through the winter to replace the damaged glass.
To secure the cathedral’s future, the Gravelbourg Co-Cathedral Preservation Endowment Fund has been established, aiming to raise $1 million for preservation efforts. Stringer humorously compares the need for financial support to owning a Cadillac without fuel, emphasizing the importance of donations to maintain this cultural gem.
As Ferraton admirably compares the cathedral to the Eiffel Tower but then decides it’s even more captivating, it’s evident that this architectural marvel holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. Monsignor Maillard’s profound connection to Gravelbourg is a testament to the cathedral’s enduring significance.