THE BARAGA “RENDEZVOUS SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
THE BARAGA “RENDEZVOUS’ SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
In the spirit of the French “voyageurs” that traveled the Great Lakes region, specifically the North Shore of Lake Superior, a gathering of Slovenians celebrated the legacy of Father Frederic Baraga . Yul Yost, a member of the Twin Cities Slovenians, Branch 109 (Slovenian Union of America ) arranged and organized this “rendezvous” at the present day Baraga Cross located in Schroeder, Minnesota, a 90 mile drive from Duluth along the picturesque North Shore of Lake Superior.
The Baraga “Rendezvous” took place on Saturday afternoon on September 15, 2012, along side the lapping waves of Lake Superior. It was a gorgeous autumn day, with the bright sun accenting the azure sky and the colorful hues of the autumn leaves rustling in the light breeze. Approximately 50 people who traveled from a variety of different places in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin formed a circle near the six foot granite cross located on a point near the mouth of the Cross River. Traditional Slovenian songs played by John Stark (Singing Slovenes) and Karen Medved on the button box accordions prefaced the two hour ceremony.
John Zakelj, president of the TC Slovenians, Branch 109 SUA, welcomed the intimate group of Slovenians gathered to pay homage to Father Baraga. Deacon Peter Mueller from the local St. John’s parish of Grand Marais shared a blessing which emphasized the importance of Bishop Baraga’s accomplishments to the Native Americans. He was followed by Lenora McKeen, Associate Director of the Bishop Baraga Association headquartered in Marquette, Michigan. In addition to Father Baraga’s accomplishments, Ms McKeen outlined the steps which the Holy See has set down for Sainthood and indicated the two miracles which have been attributed to Father Baraga. She called on the Slovenian Americans to join the Baraga Association and show our support for Father Baraga’s impending “Sainthood.” Lenora announced that in October, 2013, Baraga Days will be held in Duluth, Minnesota and at that time the TC Slovenians would like to update the plaque that is attached to the Cross to strike the word “Yugoslavia” and replace with Slovenia.
Three noted Minnesotans, Mary Lou Voelk (Ely), VP of Culture and Heritage for the Slovenian Union of America, former longtime congressman, James Oberstar and the Rev. Michael Tegeder addressed the gathering. Mary Lou , who has done research on Father Baraga, recently wrote an article in the Zarja magazine( official publication of the SUA) on the initiatives that the Slovenian community of Minnesota has taken to upgrade the landscape and property designation for the Baraga Cross. Her short remarks chronicled significant quotations attributed to Baraga and underscored his importance to the Slovenian cultural community. While Mary Lou read Baraga’s quotations, a magnificent bald eagle suddenly appeared, soaring majestically over the gathering
In Mr. Oberstar’s remarks he made reference to his Slovenian upbringing with the traditional foods and singing traditional songs. One of his favorites was “Oznanil Je Angel.” Ironically, after he concluded his remarks, Mr. Miro Medved had brought a talented Slovenian tenor, Shazor Shah to sing that beautiful Slovenian hymn accompanied by John Stark and Karen Medved. One could see the tears welling up as the refrain “Češčena si Marija, je angelski glas………..” was sung.
The rendezvous concluded with Father Michael Tegeder, pastor of an Indian church as well as the resident priest of St. Francis Cabrini in Minneapolis, talking about Baraga’s respectful and supportive relationships with Native American Indians. Father Tegeder was accompanied by Professors Clare and Larry Martin, who are part Indian themselves and who talked about the hymns that Baraga wrote with the Indian elders. Professor Martin asked that we recognize the heroism of the Indians who worked with Baraga. Clare and Larry Martin then led the group in an inspired singing of two Indian Christian hymns – “Huron Carol” and “Ninzhawednaagoz” (translated “I am blessed”). Professor Martin played the song on an authentic Indian flute honed from a buffalo horn.
One can honestly say that each attendee had a spiritual experience and a lasting appreciation for Father Baraga’s legacy as symbolized by the Cross. Yul Yost commented that “This historical monument will become a destination and not a simple roadside curiosity.”
The above is excerpted from an article by Norm Setnicker for the Zarja magazine.