August events at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine: A month of community, culture, and celebration
August is always a special time at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine. As summer winds down, the shrine becomes a place of vibrant cultural expression, prayerful gathering, and spiritual enrichment. We warmly invite pilgrims, families, and visitors to join us for a series of meaningful events that reflect the shrine’s mission of welcoming all people to encounter God’s love through Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother.
Philippine Sunday: Aug. 4
We begin the month by honoring our brothers and sisters from the Filipino community during our annual Philippine Sunday. This beautiful celebration features traditional Filipino music, a colorful offertory procession, and a Mass celebrated with cultural expressions of faith and devotion. All are welcome to attend this joyful celebration of faith and culture.
Hispanic Sunday: Aug. 11
The following weekend, we continue our cultural celebrations with Hispanic Sunday, a vibrant day dedicated to the rich traditions and devotions of the Hispanic community. Mass will be celebrated in Spanish and will include music, prayer, and a procession honoring Our Lady. It’s a day that brings families together and reminds us of the universal reach of our Catholic faith.
Blessing of the Backpacks: Aug. 18
As children and students prepare to return to school, we offer a special Blessing of the Backpacks following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks for a prayer of protection, guidance, and success in the coming academic year. This has become a beloved tradition at the shrine, as we come together as a faith community to support and encourage our young learners and educators.
We invite you to be a part of these special events
Whether you are a returning pilgrim or a first-time visitor, the shrine is a place of peace, prayer, and deep spiritual encounter. We hope you’ll mark your calendars and join us for these special August events. Come experience the beauty of faith, culture, and community at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine.
For more information, directions, or a full calendar of events, please visit our website or call the shrine office.
Thank you, Fr. Jim Seibert, C.PP.S.
As Fr. Jim Seibert, C.PP.S., prepares to retire on Sept. 1, we pause with deep gratitude to thank him for his faithful service and leadership as rector of the Sorrowful Mother Shrine. His time with us has been marked by prayerful guidance, compassionate care, and a steadfast commitment to the shrine’s mission of peace, healing, and spiritual renewal.
Fr. Jim began his ministry at the shrine in 2020, bringing with him a pastoral heart, a love for the Precious Blood spirituality, and a deep respect for the sacred grounds of Our Lady’s shrine. Under his leadership, the shrine continued to grow as a place of quiet refuge and sacred encounter. His presence at our liturgies, devotions, and special events offered comfort and inspiration to pilgrims and staff alike.
We are especially grateful for Fr. Jim’s gentle spirit, thoughtful homilies, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether blessing rosaries, walking the grounds, or welcoming visitors, he reflected the compassion of Christ and the maternal care of Our Sorrowful Mother.
As he enters retirement, we send Fr. Jim with our heartfelt thanks and blessings. May this next chapter be filled with peace, joy, and the same grace he so generously shared with us.
Fr. Jim, you will be deeply missed — and always remembered with gratitude.