Sacred Heart Cathedral

History of Sacred Heart Cathedral: Fascinating Faith Story Celebrating 125th Anniversary

What a wonderful celebration of 125 years as Sacred Heart Parish in Kamloops!  From the con-celebrated Mass at 5 pm to the multicultural food and presentations from parishioners, the evening was a enjoyed by the hundreds who attended.  Bishop David Monroe, Monsignor Gerry Desmond, Rector Reverend Father Andrew L’Heureux, Assistant priest, Reverend Father Paul Sims, Resident Reverend Father Ryszard Hanaczewski, and Reverend Father Fred Weisbeck celebrated this significant anniversary Mass.  Bishop Monroe provided an historical background to the founding of the parish in 1887.  Oblate Fathers of Immaculate Mary put their lives in peril to travel throughout what is now Western Canada, stopping at missions to say Mass whenever they were in the area.  The 11 Oblates in the interior of BC in the 1840-80s, visited 100 missions as frequently as possible, travelling by horseback and canoe, cutting firewood for the next morning’s fire, and surviving cruel winter temperatures. Thanks was given for the determination and faith of the early clergy and citizens.  It is from their hard work that Sacred Heart Parish and eventually the Diocese of Kamloops evolved. The strong, rich voices of Knights of Columbus Men’s Choir, under the direction of Herb Wiens, led the liturgical music. The full church joined in the singing with energy and emotion.

Following the 125 Anniversary Mass, a Multicultural evening of food and fellowship was overwhelmingly received by the large crowd of parishioners, present and past.  Beginning with grace by his Excellency, Bishop Monroe, attendees feasted on food from around the world.  Reflective of the parishioners, groups and individuals prepared African, Mexican, Korean, Philippine, German, Eastern European, Indian, Italian and French.  As well First Nation and Eclectic Canadian rounded out the choices.  Decorated booths and traditionally attired servers added a festive flavour.  Presentations reviewed 125 years of history of Sacred Heart Parish; interviews of longtime parishioners entertained; service groups informed.  Grand Knight Herb Wiens asked about memories of past days from Mrs. Marguerite Beesley, Ms Rose Corea, Mr. John Giddens, Bill Palmer, and Msg. Gerry Desmond, who was baptized, received first communion, confirmed and ordained at Sacred Heart Parish. He was pastor there for

Service groups, Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, Little Flower Society and Catholic Women’s League presented photo montages on the big screen while explaining the historical significance of each of them.  The presentations informed parishioners of the importance of these groups while encouraging new membership.  The service clubs are the life blood of the parish, providing innumerable hours of volunteer time for everything from renovations and construction to banquets and bazaars.  These groups promote sharing of time, treasure and talent in this Year of Faith for all Catholics worldwide.

Early Oblate Missionaries visited the Hudson Bay Company trading post, Fort Thompson, the predecessor of Kamloops in the 1840s.  St. Louis Mission, now Mission Flats was established by the Oblates in 1845, but without a resident priest. St. Louis School was established in 1880.

It wasn’t until 1887 that Sacred Heart Catholic Church was built at Battle and Second Avenue, near the Cenotaph.  The first Mass was celebrated by Father Le Jeune in December, 1887. Still served by missionary priests,m Father Le Jacq, father Grandidier, Peytavin, Coccola and Le Jeune until 1889 when Father Bedard was introduced assigned as the first parish priest.  Retiring the church debt was a major concern even though it was only $127.39; in 1898 the pastor’s stipend was $25.00 a month. As the collection for a month was often only $40.00,  this meant great penny pinching to pay off the debt. In 1904 the pastors stipend was increased to $50.00. The balance sheet was finally in the b