This year’s theme is “Mary: Lifegiving Spring”
Uniontown, PA - The 83rd annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held Sept. 2 to 3 at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. This year’s theme is “Mary: Life-Giving Spring.” Preparations for this year’s Pilgrimage have already started and will continue throughout the summer.
As in previous years, the Sisters will welcome all those Pilgrims who come from all over the country and beyond. They will continue to welcome those who come early and camp on the race track or stay on the Mount. Light fare will be available at the Lunch Stand starting on Friday evening. Liturgical prayers will be held at the Shrine Altar on Friday evening for those arriving early and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday morning, Sept. 4 for those who stay on Sunday evening.
“Our guest this year is Bishop Peter Libasci, an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who serves as the 10th and current Bishop of the Diocese of Manchester, N.H. Bishop Peter is bi-ritual andcelebrates the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Church,” said Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial.
The Festal Icon Walk that was popular last year, will be repeated at the Pilgrimage this year. Other 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, activities for teens and children, and other services in honor of the Mother of God.
The Pilgrimage holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest Byzantine Catholic Pilgrimage in the country. The Sisters of St. Basil the Great respond in sensitivity and service to the needs of the Catholic Church and of the people. Their ministries encompass prayer, education, communications, cultural and heritage studies, translation and publication of liturgical books, religious education and organizational work, iconography and fine arts, health-related services, retreat work, and, social and pastoral ministry. Sisters also serve in the Chanceries of the various Byzantine Catholic Eparchies (Dioceses).
The Sisters are known internationally for their annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. For further information, contact the Sisters directly at 724-438-8644 or visit www.sistersofstbasil.org.