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Sister Jean Marie and Sister Christopher recently served on the committee which sponsored the “Mosaic of Faith” event recently for both Western and Eastern Catholic parishes in the Greater Phoenix area.  The main purpose of the gathering was to provide a sampling of information about the various Eastern Catholic churches, to foster growth and a greater knowledge, understanding and acceptance of Ritual Churches. Currently, there are 22 Ritual Churches that collectively make up the “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church” established by Jesus Christ.  For more information on this event see the newsletter at www.eparchyofphoenix.org.”

Father Thomas Loya and the ByzanTeens from Annunciation Byzantine Catholic parish in Homer Glen, Illinois stopped at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer for some time as they returned from the ByzanTeen Rally.  They prayed, offered service, visited the gift shop and enjoyed white-water rafting in the nearby Laurel Highlands mountains. Sister Carol and Sister Barbara Jean who hosted them a0re pictured with them in the group photo.

 

About 125 youth of the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh participated in the biannual ByzanTeen Rally held at St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland July 10-13.  Sister Barbara Jean is pictured with Sophia Jaimes of Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Annandale, VA. Participants came from all four Eparchies for spiritual conferences, liturgical services, reconciliation services and social time. The Eparchy of  Passaic were the organizers along with the Intereparchial Youth and Young Adult Commission of which Sister Susan Sisko is a member.

Sister Barbara Jean joined a group of young people for a Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Trauger PA. Father Alexander Shutt, OSB, Pastor, and Sister explained many aspects of the Byzantine Tradition, spirituality and  iconography. The attendees were participants in the annual Faith and Reason Program sponsored at St. Vincent College in nearby Latrobe, PA and directed by Dr. Michael Krom.  More info is available Faith and Reason Catholic College Summer Program | Saint Vincent College.

This year, the Sisters of St. Basil the Great celebrate the 80th Annual Pilgrimage in honor of our Lady of Perpetual Help. Therefore, it is quite appropriate that the original icon that was presented to the Sisters by Pope Pius XI in 1934, will be the centerpiece of this year’s sacred journey of the Pilgrimage.

The Sisters of St. Basil invite all to join them under the title of “Theotokos, Fountain of Mercy”, as they follow the direction of Pope Francis’ message of mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2013:

Together let us pray to the Virgin Mary that she helps us … to walk in faith and charity, ever trusting in the Lord’s mercy; He always awaits us, loves us, has pardoned us with His Blood and pardons us every time we go to Him to ask His forgiveness. Let us trust in His mercy!

As always, Pilgrimage will offer the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Catholic Church, Matins, Vespers, the sacrament of reconciliation, healing and anointing services, and other services in honor of the Mother of God.  In addition, there will be many beautiful processions, activities for children and teens, and pastoral counseling. Between scheduled events, pilgrims find solace in walking the beautiful grounds of Mount St. Macrina, visiting the many shrines, and enjoying the companionship of family and friends who share a common purpose.

The Pilgrimage provides for the diverse spiritual needs of many pilgrims who frequent this major unifying event in the life of the Byzantine Catholic Church.  Its participants include clergy and faithful from across the country.  It holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest Byzantine Catholic Pilgrimage in the United States.

Members of the AMVETS Post 103 participated.

View the photos >>

Last week, Marylyn Barone conducted an icon workshop for some of our Sisters.  Marylyn was pleased with the Sisters’ work and the process was been both prayerful and enriching. View photos here >>

Thanks to our sponsor the Greek Catholic Union for one of the most successful Pilgrimage preparation days ever! We would also like to thank the volunteers from Uniontown Flower Club, the churches and other community organizations who came out and worked so hard weeding, raking, cutting, sweeping and cleaning. View our photographs >>

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