shrine of our lady of lourdes

This is a superb oasis of tranquility in the tiny village of Rama in eastern Saskatchewan. It's surprising to find well-tended gardens and pretty grottos here---something you don't normally associate with the Canadian prairies.The shrine was constructed during World War Two, and large pilgrimage celebrations take place here every August. Try to avoid those days, and go when it is quiet. When I was there, no one else was around, and it was strangely silent.The shrine is modelled on the famous one at Lourdes, France. It is on two levels. (You can walk up on top of the fieldstone altar and look down on the flower gardens, pews, and marble sculptures.) You can also walk through small tunnels to the outer edges to look at sculptural groupings of the 14 Stations of the Cross.Don't forget to sign the guest book, housed in a replica of a church so small that it can hold only two people comfortably! The shrine is open from April to November only. Entry to it is free.