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Vol. 20, No. 42, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 www.LamontLeader.com
Crumbling 90-year-old Mundare Grotto demolished for replacement Some parishioners “heartbroken” while others look forward to incorporating old stonework with new design BY JANA SEMENIUK The Sts. Peter and Paul Grotto in Mundare, a place where many partook in religious functions and processions over several decades, is currently being demolished to make way for a new structure. The disappointment of the local residents and parishioners over the decision to raze the 92-year-old stone structure is palpable, with some taking to social media to air their grief over the loss. “The bulldozer is scheduled to demolish everything this month,” wrote one social media poster. “90 plus years of history to soon disappear.” The Town of Mundare also received several inquiries, prompting a post on their social media page directing people to the church with their comments and questions. “People were under the assumption that the Town was somehow involved and could stop the demolition,” said Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla, explaining the post. While most commenters were against the move to demo the Grotto, one poster wrote in support of the decision. “Something more manageable will be built instead,” they wrote. “The existing grotto is falling apart.” The Grotto was built from many large stones and concrete, and included several religious statues placed in alcoves. It also encompasssed a stage, stairs and railings in addition to a large
The Sts. Peter and Paul Grotto in Mundare, mid-demolition this week. cross atop the structure. Father John Sembrat, Superior of the Monastery, said by email that the intention of the demolition is not to erase history, “but to honour its legacy”. “It was determined that the Grotto would need to be transformed— reimagined in a way that respects the past while making it more sustainable and meaningful for future generations,” he said by email.
“Elements such as the original stonework, statues, and Stations of the Cross will be preserved and incorporated into the new design, maintaining historical and spiritual continuity.” While Fr. John supports preserving whatever elements are possible, long time parishioner Toni Siracky, 87, said she is still heartbroken the original structure will be gone. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “Before I
The Sts. Peter and Paul Grotto in Mundare as it looked just a few weeks ago. The 92-year-old Grotto will be replaced with as much of its historical stonework preserved as deemed possible.
was even born my father (Joe Warawa) hauled rocks for that Grotto. I was hoping (news of the demolition) wasn’t true. It’s been eating at my heart.” Siracky said that although she would like to see the Grotto preserved somehow, the structure’s deterioration could make it impossible. “The rocks are sliding, and so it's a safety thing. But at the same time, I have so many memories of being a little girl and going to church there, and going to the pilgrimage, and we used to have a service there,” said Siracky. “To me, it should be a historical place. It shouldn't just be demolished.” Meanwhile, Fr. John said the Grotto’s transformation “aims to create a renewed sacred space for communal prayer, personal contemplation, and encounters with the Lord.” Historically speaking, Fr. John said the Grotto’s construction began in 1932 under the guidance of Fr. Porphyrius Bodnar, and the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated there on the Feast of the Saints Peter and Paul in 1935. Three years later, a cross with lights was installed to commemorate the 950th anniversary of Christianity in Ukraine. Fr. John did not indicate when the demolition would be finished or when construction on the new structure would begin.