The 84th Annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held at Mount St. Macrina, September 1 & 2, 2018. This year’s theme is Mary, Hope of All Generations.
The planning for this year’s Pilgrimage started not long after the 83rd Annual Pilgrimage. The Sisters and volunteers did the first preparations of the grounds on June 2. The next preparation day is Sat., Aug. 18. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact Sr. Joanne Lickvar at 724.438.8644.
“For 84 years, the Pilgrimage has brought together generations of young and old to pray, sing and share in the many blessings of this holy time. Come, bring your joys, sorrows, concerns, and fears to her, and find peace and comfort in her loving care,” said Sr. Ruth Plante, OSBM, Provincial.
Those who plan on attending the Pilgrimage can chose from a variety of accommodations, including camping on the racetrack, Pilgrim houses (first-come, first-served), hotels, motels or bed and breakfasts.
Further information is available regarding camping and a complete list of accommodations can be found under the “Events” section of this website.
A light menu will be available at the lunch stand beginning on Friday evening.
In addition to the scheduled services, programs and events to be held on Saturday and Sunday, Liturgical prayers will be held at the Shrine Altar on Friday evening and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday morning, September 3.
This year’s guest homilist at the 4:00 p.m. Sunday Divine Liturgy will be the Most Rev. Edward C. Malesic, J.C.L. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Malesic to be the fifth Bishop of Greensburg, Pa., on April 24, 2015.
As Bishop of Greensburg, he is a member of the Board of Governors of the PCC. He also serves on the Boards of St. Vincent Seminary and St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa., Seton Hill University, Greensburg, Pa. and on the executive committee of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania.
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.