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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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Mount Saint Macrina Cemetery will hold a Memorial Day Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 26. (Please note the time change.)

Members of the AMVETS Post 103 will participate.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Sr. Barbara at 724-439-4484 or email her at msmcemetery@netzero.com.

Helping Hands Day is an opportunity for youths and adults to put their energy to work at a common task. At Mount Saint Macrina, Sat., June 7 is the day for action.

Once again this year, the Greek Catholic Union is partnering with the youth and young adults of the Archeparchy in a day dedicated to beautify the grounds of Mount Saint Macrina in preparation for the 80th Annual Pilgrimage.

This is a team effort all the way. Parishes, individuals and organizations are invited to join in and volunteer in this Pilgrimage preparation day.

Get your youth involved and show the GCU/Byzantine Catholic pride that we have in the Sisters of St. Basil.

To volunteer, please contact Christie Petty at 1-800-722-4428, ext. 3923 or Sr. Carol at 724-438-7149.

Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer hosted an Icon Writing Retreat recently.  Marylyn Barone directed the preparation of icons of St. Francis of Assisi which each participant completed successfully. The event was held in Trinity Center.