HISTORIC
SITE — Senator Reynell Andreychuk stands with Abbot
Peter Novecosky, OSB, flanking a plaque commemorating the national historic
significance of the establishment of St. Peter’s Colony and Abbey.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque, which the senator
unveiled at St. Peter’s Cathedral July 11, reads in English, French,
and German: “Part of the rich cultural diversity forged in Western
Canada by waves of newcomers, St. Peter’s Colony was home to one
of Canada’s largest German group settlements and its first Benedictine
monastery. Founded in 1903 through a unique blend of church and economic
initiatives, this colony was also, from 1921 to 1998, a rare Abbey
Nullius, or independent diocese. The Benedictines, Franciscan Sisters
of St. Elizabeth, and Ursulines of Bruno provided religious services,
education and health care and, despite anti-German sentiment during the
two world wars, created a vibrant centre of German Catholic heritage on
the prairies.” (A. Vedress photo) |
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