A ministry of faith, healing, and renewal

Throughout its history, the Sorrowful Mother Shrine has been blessed with dedicated clergy who have faithfully responded to the spiritual needs of pilgrims and visitors. Today, that tradition continues through the ministry of Fr. Marco Loth, C.PP.S., and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, C.PP.S., who welcome all who come to the shrine seeking the true presence of Jesus and His Mother, spiritual guidance, healing, and renewal. 

In addition to celebrating daily Mass and hearing confessions, both priests generously share their gifts through the many ministries offered at the shrine. Fr. Marco presides over Eucharistic Adoration each Thursday in the shrine’s indoor chapel, providing pilgrims with an opportunity for quiet prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. He also extends the shrine’s ministry beyond its grounds through weekly visits to area nursing homes. 

Fr. Patrick brings a special warmth, enthusiasm, and energy to his ministry at the shrine. Each month, he leads a one-day retreat centered on the loving and forgiving nature of Jesus. Held in the shrine’s Pilgrim Center, these retreats have become a cherished ministry for many pilgrims. Their popularity is evident in the fact that they frequently sell out weeks in advance. It is not unusual for participants to register for the following month’s retreat before the current retreat has even ended. 

While the theme of each retreat is unique, the heart of Fr. Patrick’s message remains constant: Jesus never ceases to call us closer to Himself. Through his reflections and teaching, retreatants are encouraged to recognize Christ’s love, trust in His mercy, and deepen their relationship with Him. 

Over the years, retreat themes have included “Speak, For Your Servant is Listening!”, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Healing Through the Eucharist,” “A Season of Holy Transformation,” and “Holy Week in His Heart.” Each theme offers a different invitation to prayer and conversion while pointing pilgrims toward the same source of hope — the loving heart of Jesus. 

The October retreat, “The Beauty and the Power of the Rosary,” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10. Fr. Patrick is currently finalizing his retreat topics for 2027. The shrine’s administrative team will continue working closely with him to help make each retreat an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. 

Fr. Patrick’s ministry also includes Eucharistic healing services, which are offered four times each year. These celebrations draw pilgrims from near and far who come with faith and hope, seeking both spiritual and physical healing. 

The September healing service provided an example of the shrine’s continuing ability to welcome those seeking God’s grace. Originally scheduled for the indoor chapel, the service was moved to the outdoor chapel when it became apparent that many people wished to attend. The change allowed many more pilgrims to gather in prayer and participate in the healing service. 

These ministries are more than programs on the shrine calendar. They are expressions of the shrine’s enduring mission — to provide a sacred place where people can encounter Christ, draw closer to His Mother, find forgiveness and healing, and return to their daily lives with renewed faith.