Major new historical site planned for Sault Ste. Marie (6 photos)

Representatives of Sault Ste. Marie’s Roman Catholic community have formed a group that plans to construct an historical and cultural space known as “The Gathering Place” at Precious Blood Cathedral on Queen Street.

Funding for the $4 million project will be raised entirely through community fundraising efforts, Precious Blood’s Father Hamish Currie told reporters at a media conference at the Cathedral Thursday.

It is hoped a shovel will be in the ground to begin construction in spring 2015. 

Currie estimates construction of the project will take “a year or two.” 

Artistic renderings of the project have been prepared by architect Franco Pastore and Colizza Bruni Architecture.

Currie said awareness of Catholic history and culture in our area is essential, as many local parishes have recently closed.

Approximately 46 percent of Sault Ste. Marie’s population, according to a recent census, identify themselves as Roman Catholic.

“The Gathering Place” will be a welcoming space for all people, designed to educate visitors regarding the role played by the Roman Catholic Church in the development of our area, dating back to the time of the first Jesuit presence in the area in the 1600s.

It will also aim to educate all people, especially youth, about the importance of performing good works in efforts to achieve social justice.

The multi-use facility will display historical artifacts such as images, figures, stained glass windows, statues, sculptures and plaques to acknowledge the contributions made to our area by Roman Catholic clergy, religious orders, organizations, First Nations and various European nationalities.

Planning Committee member Frank Sarlo said the site will be unique to Ontario.

Components will include a Reflective Garden dedicated to Our Lady (the Virgin Mary), an impressive entrance and repository, a columbarium for interment of ashes, and a walkway known as the The Journey of Life and Our Catholic History (from baptism to eternal life).

It is felt that the facility will complement the nearby Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Sault Ste. Marie Museum as part of a local historic corridor.

Currie, Sarlo, Dr. Lou Lukenda, Kathy Shunock, Gary Dumanski and Nancy Komsa were on hand to represent the project’s Planning Committee Thursday.

Sarlo said the Planning Committee is part of a larger group of 200 people involved in the project.

A barbeque will be held Sunday, September 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Precious Blood Cathedral introducing everyone to the plan for the site, also known as "The Journey."

There will be food, games and activites for all ages at the event.