Sorrowful Mother Shrine prepares for annual ethnic days
The Sorrowful Mother Shrine is looking forward to extending a warm welcome to a number of groups that will honor their ethnicity this summer by celebrating their heritage at the shrine. Each pilgrim group typically celebrates their gathering with a Mass, a shared meal, and prayerful processions to various grottos along the pathways throughout the woods.
Chaldean Day: July 1. Chaldeans are Eastern-rite Catholic and are in full union with the Roman Catholic Church. One of two Chaldean Catholic dioceses in the United States, the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle is in the Detroit metro area. The shrine has hosted large groups of Chaldeans from the Detroit area in the past and are hoping to see another sizeable turnout of this friendly pilgrim group.
Philippine Sunday: Aug. 2. The pilgrims celebrate their day with Mass, lunch, singing, praying, and dancing. Located along one of the major pathways in the woods is the statue of Our Lady of Grace Philippine. It is housed in a small, screened-in gazebo that is well taken care of by the Philippine pilgrim groups.
Hispanic Sunday: Aug. 9. A large contingent of Hispanic pilgrims from the Norwalk and surrounding area and even as far away as Columbus arrive mid-morning at the shrine for an energy-packed day of celebration. The Hispanics celebrate Mass in Spanish, enjoy a communal meal, and have processions throughout the grounds, pausing at Our Lady of Guadalupe Grotto for special recognition.
Slovenia Sunday: Aug. 23. This pilgrim group from the Cleveland, Lorain, and Elyria areas always enjoys their celebration centered around a Mass in Slovenian and processions to various grottos. The pilgrims also enjoy a group picnic along with fellowship on the grounds.
Italian Sunday: Sept. 13. A group of Italian pilgrims from southeastern Michigan enjoy their day at the shrine by celebrating a Mass in Italian, a group luncheon, fellowship, and processions to the Maria del Grazia Grotto and the Sorrowful Mother Grotto.
Polish Sunday is scheduled for Sept. 20. Many Polish pilgrims from the Cleveland, Lorain, and northwest Ohio areas converge upon the shrine grounds for a lively day celebrating their heritage. A Mass is celebrated in Polish and is followed by a group luncheon. Later in the day, the pilgrims process to various grottos, including the St. Maria Faustina, Secretary of Divine Mercy Grotto.
If you have questions about or are interested in attending any of our Ethnic Days at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine, please call the office at 419-483-3435.