Summertime Celebrations at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine

The Shrine is exceptionally busy during summer months coordinating many activities ranging from daily and weekend mass schedules to guided tours of the grounds and staffing the gift shop daily.  Additionally, Clergy and Staff welcome Pilgrims from all areas and ethnicities for special events

On June 24th, a group from the St. John Neuman Deanery journeyed from St. Alphonsus Church in Peru, Ohio to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine, a little over 12 miles away, to celebrate Mass in the Outdoor Pieta Chapel.  This pilgrimage was in solidarity with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.

Other events include traditional festivities and celebrations. Most of these events occur annually and allow pilgrims to celebrate and pray in their native languages observing their native customs.

Groups visiting the Shrine were:

·       Chaldean Day – July 1

·       Slovenian Sunday – July 28

·       Philippine Sunday – August 4

·       Hispanic Sunday – August 11

Future activities are planned for late summer and early fall, including a welcome reception on August 25, for Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, Community Life Intern who will spend nearly a year at the Shrine. 

Other future events include:

·       Italian Sunday – September 8

·       175th Anniversary Mass and Rededication of the Outdoor Pieta Chapel – September 15

·       Polish Sunday – September 22

·       Toledo Diocese Conference of Catholic Women – September 28

·       Healing Service – September 29

·       St. Francis Feast Day – Blessing of Pets – October 4

·       Respect Life Sunday – October 6

In addition to these large events, there are many small events such as school visits/retreats, corporate staff retreats, small prayer groups gathering for reflection, and golf cart tours of the grounds.  Although the schedule is very busy, the Shrine staff are dedicated and happy to know that their work strengthens the faith of thousands of pilgrims each year.