Annual Pilgrimage:
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus assured His apostles that He would not leave them orphans. He would be
with them always - until the end of time. In addition, He would send upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit
who would make all things known to them.
But Jesus also left them another gift, the gift of His mother. She would remain with them bringing them much
joy, inspiration, and support. She was with them at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.
Most of the information we have about Jesus' early life undoubtedly came from Mary as well.
We can only imagine the great sense of loss the apostles must have felt at the Dormition of Mary. They
gathered together and lovingly placed her body in a tomb, just to the north of the Garden of Gethsemane.
Tradition tells us that Thomas was not able to be present for her burial. When he arrived and wanted to
see her for one last time, the apostles discovered Mary's tomb to be empty - just like her Son's!
But just as Jesus never left us, neither has His Mother. As in her holy icons, she always points the
way to Jesus. Who knows a son better than his mother? Mary, our mother, wants to lead us to her Divine
Son, Jesus Christ, that we might be ever more like Him.
Mary will never forsake her children. As our perpetual help, we can always turn to her in all of our trials
and needs. A mother always has compassion for her children. Like the newly married couple of Cana, we can
expect great favors from her when we turn to her in all of our needs. She is ever our help and consolation.
This summer, we will again gather together with Bishop Gerald, our Byzantine and visiting priests, religious,
and faithful from around the country to honor Our Lady of Perpetual Help and seek her powerful intercession.
We hope that you will be able to join us for two days of inspiration, fellowship, and relaxation as we honor
Mary and her Divine Son. And if not, join us in spirit through your own prayers and devotions.
Our guest speaker, Fr. Chris Zugger, will offer some reflections - Fidelity to Christ with Catholic Hearts -
on the challenges faced by the Byzantine Catholic Church from Sts. Cyril & Methodius to the present.
May Our Lady of Perpetual Help lead you ever closer to Jesus, her Son, and take care of all your needs.
The 2011 pilgrimage will be held on Friday and Saturday, August
12-13. We hope to see you there.
Prayer for the Pilgrimage:
O Mother of Perpetual Help, our most beloved Theotokos, intercede for us. Ask your Son, Our Lord Jesus
Christ, to pour out His blessings upon your shrine. Our dear Patroness and Protectress, beg God the Father
to bless the pilgrims and benefactors of this shrine and grant their holy intentions. Ask the Holy Spirit
to grant us a time of great spiritual growth and mercy at this pilgrimage in your honor. Lead us always to
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Amen
By Lori Baron
Logistics:
You may find the Pilgrimage schedule and
directions to the Shrine using the links to the left or below.
The Directions page also lists accomodations and amenities. Camping is available on the Shrine grounds.
You may also find out more about the annual pilgrimage, the Shrine, its visitors, and the continuing efforts to complete the construction of the shrine by reading the newsletters. The current newsletter is the Summer 2011 edition. Join us this month in giving honor and praise to Our Mother of Perpetual Help and her divine Son!
