About Pilgrimage

The annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a special ministry of the Province providing for the diverse spiritual needs of the many pilgrims who frequent this major event in the life of the Byzantine Catholic Church.  While the majority of people who come are Byzantine Catholics belonging to the Metropolitan Archdiocese (Ruthenian) of Pittsburgh, all who come in faith are welcome.

Perhaps the greatest and most far-reaching ministry and one that dates back to the community’s earliest days at Mt. Macrina, the Pilgrimage began informally with the 1934 blessing and dedication of the Sisters’ new home at Oak Hill, now Mount St. Macrina.  The expanded perennial tradition of this special ministry took root the following year with the gift of an Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help received from Pope Pius XI and presented by the first Bishop of the Ruthenian diocese, +Bishop Basil Takach.  In presenting the gift, Pope Pius XI asked the Sisters to spread devotion to the Mother of God under the beloved title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  The annual Pilgrimage, conducted under the patronage of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pittsburgh, is the Sisters’ response to this request.

For over 70 years, this Pilgrimage has been a source of ongoing renewal, not only for Byzantine Catholics but for all who attend this spiritual event over the Labor Day weekend. It is the oldest of its kind in the country. During the course of the Pilgrimage, Divine Liturgies are celebrated; opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are available with special provisions made for the sick, infirm, and/or physically handicapped. The Holy Eucharist is brought to them, and there is a service of anointing for the sick.

A schedule of Enrichment Programs for adults, education and discussion sessions, and activities for children and teens focus on the theme selected annually and provide additional opportunities for individual and family growth. A special area is also set aside for pastoral counseling for those seeking direction or wishing to share personal concerns in a more private atmosphere.