Aug 16, 2008 2 min read

The Sisters of St. Basil welcome pilgrims of all denominations to journey with them over this Labor Day weekend on the beautiful grounds of Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown. The 74th annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, sponsored by the Sisters, will focus on “Theotokos: Shelter of the World.’ The four-day event, held from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, will include presentations on the theme along with special programs designed for children, teens, young adults and parents.

“This year, we celebrate 74 years of pilgrimage honoring Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We look forward to sharing with you the experience of pilgrimage. Come with us to pray, to rest and in the breaking of bread together, perhaps experience, our hearts burning within us,’ said Sister Seraphim Olsafsky, provincial for the Basilian community.

The pilgrimage, which traditionally draws between 8,000 and 10,000 people of various faiths across the country, will offer a full program of events, including many beautiful liturgical prayers and traditions of the Byzantine Catholic Church, including Matins, Vespers, Akathist, Moleban, Mystery of Reconciliation (confessions), a healing/ anointing service and special processions.

Special arrangements are available, including transportation around the grounds, to help elderly, sick and physically challenged pilgrims fully participate in all events.

In addition, this year’s pilgrimage offers individual and family private pastoral counseling, education and discussion forums, personal enrichment sessions and a variety of icons, religious gifts and cards and ethnic crafts and food.

Although casual attire is acceptable, participants are asked to be mindful of the religious nature of the services and activities that take place and to dress according to traditional Christian values and standards of modesty.