Mass of peace and unity held at the International Peace Garden

At a time when world peace is jeopardized by the war in Ukraine, international prayers for peace are as important now as they have been during past world conflicts. With peace talks ongoing, the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus in Manitoba and North Dakota held their 61st Mass for Peace at the International Peace Garden, located on the U.S./Canadian border between Manitoba and North Dakota, with the express purpose of celebrating and maintaining the peace between Canada and the U.S., and praying for world peace.  

The Mass was celebrated by Father Michael Slovak, SOLT, pastor of nearby St. Michael’s church in Dunseith, N.D. Before the Mass, an international Rosary was recited in English, Sinhala (Sri Lanka), Ukrainian, and Tagalog (Phillipines). State Deputies Mark Desjardins of Manitoba and Mike Bannach of North Dakota were on hand to represent their two countries and the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. 

“The purpose of the event is to encourage peace and unity between our two countries,” said John Preston of Manitoba and president of the Peace Garden Mass Association. “It’s an opportunity for both sides of the border to get together and celebrate a Mass together, because the Mass is the ultimate statement of our faith.” 

The Peace Garden Mass has been held nearly every year since 1960, with the exception of the years 2020-2023 during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s Mass attracted very few Sir Knights and their family and friends, and there were thoughts that the tradition would die for lack of interest.  

“We are quite concerned about the future of this event,” said Preston. “Our numbers are dwindling, our executive planning team is dwindling and we don’t have new people coming on board to plan the event. I think we have to go back to our roots and think about what the Knights of Columbus are all about and to share the vision of Fr. McGivney to take care of our families, and ultimately its families that we want to come and experience this together. The Peace Garden is a beautiful place that families can enjoy after they attend the Mass.” 

“We do need to make this more of a family event,” said Mike Bannach, North Dakota State Deputy for the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. “Younger families are typically two-income families and their kids are greatly involved with activities as they should be, but this could also be one of those activities for the family to participate in.” 

This year’s event brought about 35 Fourth Degree Knights, along with about 125 family and friends from both Canada and the U.S., which was encouraging for event organizers, who hope to keep the event going for decades to come. 

“It’s very important because world peace is important,” said Bannach, “For the Knights of Columbus in Manitoba and North Dakota, this is a huge sign of unity not only for Sir Knights in our two nations but across the world as well. If more of us did this and prayed for world peace, we could possibly achieve world peace. The Knights of Columbus has 2.2 million members world-wide in ten different countries, and there’s not a better way for an organization to have fellow Catholic Christian men bridging the gap to not only unify our two nations, but to unify us throughout the world through the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus.”