In anticipation of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), here are a few pictures of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and Grotto of the Immaculate Conception in Cook's Creek, Manitoba (just North-East of Winnipeg).
Better known in the area as the "Prairie Cathedral," this church was built by the local Ukrainian farmers and immigrants under the direction of the untiring missionary and architect, Fr. Philip Ruh, O.M.I.
Work began in 1930 and continued for ten years during the Great Depression until the church formally opened in 1940. In 1952, the grand consecration took place. Five bishops, numerous priests, and about 7,000 lay-persons were in attendance.
