Baraga Days 2023 celebrates the life of the diocese’s first bishop

The U.P. Catholic

The annual Baraga Days celebrating the life and labors of Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga were held Sept. 8 through Sept. 9 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and were hosted this year by the Bishop Baraga Association (BBA) and Holy Name of Mary Parish in Sault Ste. Marie. “Baraga Days provides an opportunity for those who know this saintly man to celebrate his work and it provides an opportunity for others to learn about him,” said Len McKeen, executive director of the Bishop Baraga Association.

The Baraga Person of the Year award was presented to the Diocese of Novo Mesto, Slovenia, as well as Fr. Corey Litzner. Bishop Andrej Saje, bishop of Novo Mesto, Slovenia and Fr. Jože Pibernik of Trebnje, Slovenia, accepted the award from Deacon John Vidmar at the banquet, while Fr. Litzner received his award after returning from pilgrimage in Ireland.

In the past, the event has been held alternating years in the Diocese of Marquette and an area outside the diocese where Bishop Baraga ministered or had an impact.

The 2023 Baraga Days began with a trip through the Soo Locks, where Evening Vespers were prayed by those in attendance. Following the Vespers Cruise, fellowship, refreshments, and music were enjoyed at Holy Name of Mary.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, morning prayer was held at St. Joseph parish, and was followed by a presentation on Bishop Baraga given by Fr. Timothy Ferguson, chaplain for the BBA. The EWTN documentary, “Walking with Baraga: The Joe Gregorich Story” was shown afterward.

Attendees had the opportunity to visit Holy Angels Catholic Church on Sugar Island, a historic mission that was built in 1856 through 1857 under the direction of Bishop Baraga, as well as the Bishop Baraga House located on Waters Street in Sault Ste. Marie. It was purchased for Bishop Baraga in 1864, and he resided there until 1866.

Mass was celebrated at Holy Name of Mary Parish, with Bishop John Doerfler as the principal celebrant. Parts of the Mass were said in the Slovenian and Ojibwe languages, honoring Bishop Baraga’s Slovenian roots as well as his work with the Native people.

Concelebrating were Bishop Saje, as well as Fr. Pibernik. Other concelebrating priests included Frs. Metod Ogorevc of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Timothy Ferguson, and James Bearss of the Diocese of Gaylord. Also present were Deacons H. John Vincent of the Diocese of Green Bay, Tom McClelland of the Diocese of Marquette, and John Vidmar of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Deacon Vidmar also serves as an advisory board member for the BBA.

Bishop Saje gave a solemn blessing in Slovenian to those in attendance at the Mass, which was followed by Bishop Doerfler giving a solemn blessing in both Ojibwe and English.

The event concluded with a banquet and the annual Bishop Baraga Association meeting which provided an opportunity for attendees to receive updates on Bishop Baraga’s cause for canonization as well as updates on the activities of the BBA. Both Bishop Saje and Bishop Doerfler offered remarks. Bishop Doerfler thanked those present for their support of the cause and said, “It's very much important for us to pray not only for the cause but to have that heart that Bishop Baraga had to bring people to Jesus Christ.”

McKeen said, “As the Executive Director of the BBA, I have had many conversations with people who report a potential intercession through Bishop Baraga and so many who have been inspired by his life and ministry. I had said many times that if we put an ounce of the zeal and passion Bishop Baraga had for the faith into life today, it would look very different.”

She added, “Many times following Baraga Days and other events, I will be contacted by those in attendance sharing how Bishop Baraga has impacted their life.” McKeen said that following this year’s Baraga Days, she was contacted by an individual who has attended Baraga Days since he was a young boy. McKeen said he told her “This year’s event was the best. It impacted him differently. He shared that he and others he talked to felt this year’s event was more spiritual for them.”

“The Bishop Baraga Association has been blessed over the years by the presence of representatives from the Diocese of Ljubljana at the Baraga Days event.  It provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about their customs and support of Bishop Baraga’s Cause for Canonization.  A goal of the BBA is to help people know Bishop Baraga fully.  That includes as a man, priest, and bishop. In order to do that we must include his Slovenian history and inspiration, his commitment to the Native Americans, and his devotion to the faith.  Everything Bishop Frederic Baraga did was for the Glory of God!” McKeen concluded.

The 2024 Baraga Days will be held Sept. 14, 2024 in the Diocese of Gaylord.

For more information about Bishop Baraga and the cause for his canonization, as well as more information about the Bishop Baraga Association, visit https://bishopbaraga.org/


To read this story and others in The U.P. Catholic, visit https://www.upcatholic.org/