The 81st Annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held at Mount St. Macrina, September 5 & 6, 2015. The Pilgrimage planning committee selected the theme: Mary, Model of Consecrated Life.
“This year’s theme is in keeping with Pope Francis’ declaration that this year shall be the ‘Year of Consecrated Life’ – a special recognition of all the women and men who listened to the call of the Lord, and said “yes” to serve his Church in this special way. However, it is not only recognition but a challenge to all those in consecrated life to “wake up the world,” said Sr. Ruth Plante, Provincial, Sisters of St. Basil the Great.
The Sisters of St. Basil are in continuous preparation for the Pilgrimage. As in previous years, the Sisters will welcome all those Pilgrims who come from distant places whether by cars, vans, buses, or airplanes. They will continue to welcome those who come early and camp on the race track, or stay at Trinity Center. Light fare will be available at the Lunch Stand on Friday evening. Liturgical prayers will be held at the Shrine Altar on Friday evening for those arriving earlier and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday morning, September 7 for those who stay on Sunday evening.
“We look forward to welcoming all to this holy Mount, to this prayerful and loving environment where you can continue to call on the Lord, to come and pray to Him, to look for Him – and ultimately to find Him,” added Sr. Ruth.
Plans for the weekend include many opportunities for participation in the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Also scheduled are Matins, Vespers, sacrament of reconciliation, healing and anointing services, activities for teens and children, and other services in honor of the Mother of God. In 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.
The Pilgrimage holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest Byzantine Catholic Pilgrimage in the country.