There is a special upcoming opportunity for local residents and those from further afield to tour an iconic part of Saskatchewan’s history and culture. The St. Peter’s Parish Vitality Committee invites one and all to a guided tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral on Sunday, January 26 at 2 pm. Father Demetrius, (OSB) Order of St. Benedict will lead attendees through the storied history of the church, including the traditions and background stories attached to Berthold von Imhoff’s paintings that adorn the walls.
Sheryl Korte is part of the Vitality Committee. It’s an opportunity for people from outside the parish to explore the establishment of St. Peter’s Colony during the earliest years of the regions European settlement and the evolution of the impressive structure that anchors it. It’s also an opportunity for parishioners and long-time residents to deepen their knowledge of that heritage, says Korte.
“There’s so much background that I don’t think people are aware of. Even though we may attend the church, there is so much behind the scenes, if you will, that we don’t know.”
Father Demetrius is a longtime member of St. Peter’s Abbey who has contributed much to the spiritual and social life of the region, as a parish priest and as an interpreter and knowledge keeper of much of the Colony’s development. Korte says his tours and stories and funny, engaging and illuminating for those who are guests of the Abbey. Now area residents and visitors can share in the experience.
The tour afternoon is one of the Vitality Committee’s opening initiatives, Sheryl explains.
“With the Vitality Committee in our church, we are hoping to bring new energy, new ideas, new excitement – and people – back into the church. One of the activities we wanted to do was to have Father Demetrius conduct the tour. We’re hoping to add engagement and have people excited to know more about the church.”
Imhoff’s stunning portraits and frescos have long drawn visitors to the church. Originally from Germany, Imhoff came through America eventually settling in St. Walburg, SK, he lent his talents to numerous Saskatchewan churches with St. Peter’s Cathedral being one of the most extensive examples and best known of his treatments.
One such piece of lore that Korte shares is the fascinating detail that a person sitting in virtually any location in the church will come under the watchful gaze of one of the paintings’ subjects which spawned a cautionary tale for children that anywhere in the church, the young ones were watched.
For those coming to visit for a first or second visit, the church’s wonder becomes self-evident.
“The beauty of the church is honestly a sight to behold, and we as a community are so very proud of our church,” Sheryl concludes. “This gives us an opportunity to show it off to people who are not familiar with it. For ourselves, it’s a chance to once again enter with pride and learn more about it.”
The church is located just north of the village of Muenster at the east entrance.
Coffee and dessert will be served, and everyone is welcome to attend. To register, contact Cheryl Korte at (306) 682-5362.