St. Mary’s Mission goes on two-day pilgrimage through Minnesota

By Mike McNeil

Pastoral Minister St. Mary’s Mission Red Lake

On the third weekend of September eight members of St. Mary’s Mission in Red Lake went on a two day pilgrimage through Minnesota. The pilgrimage, which was as much a spiritual journey as it was a physical trip, included six stops: St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, homes of hosts families in St. Paul and Hastings, the Office of Indian Ministries in Minneapolis and St. Teresa’s Little Flower Mission by Mille Lacs Lake.

This two day whirlwind trip was a way to reunite with old friends, meet new ones, and learn about fellow parishioners and other Catholic communities. The eight pilgrims visited with the Priests, Brothers and Sisters who ministered at St. Mary’s over the years. They also toured the St. John’s bible exhibit at the Hill Monastic library. Later they joined the sisters in their chapel for evening and vesper prayers. After staying the night in homes of host families contacted through campus ministry office of Cretin-Derham Hall high school, they attended Fr. Jim Notebaart’s 10:00 Sunday Mass at 3045 Park Ave in Minneapolis. This is a special Mass that includes cultural adaptations of the Mass for the Native American community in the Twin Cities area. After the Mass there was a feast prepared by the Minneapolis community. One member said with a smile that, “We have been cooking since we heard that you were coming down.” Returning to Red Lake, the van of pilgrims stopped and visited with Fr. Dave Gallus OSC of the Little Flower Mission. Fr. Dave gave a tour of his mission and described his work on the Mille Lacs Lake reservation. One pilgrim wrote noted in her travel journal Fr. Dave’s description of how his ministry has changed from Before Casino (B.C.) to after Casino (A.C.): “Less aid is necessary and more human relationships need attention between the white and native communities.” Fr. Dave is very active in promoting dialog with respect and understanding between people.

The hospitality and kindness in each place visited was amazing. People opened their hearts, homes and communities.  Whether sharing one of the delicious meals prepared by our hosts or touring the various chapels and churches, bonds of peace and fellowship were very much felt and experienced during the entire trip.