Glory to Jesus Christ! 

Dear Friends, 

A flute is quite beautiful to behold.  However, it remains only a lovely object until someonw skilled in playing it picks it up and begins to make music.  It takes the breath of the musician to create uplifting melodies. 

Our lives are much like wind instruments.  They require the breath of the Holy Spirit to bring forth melodies of kindness and compassion.  Only through the breath of the Holy Spirit working through our lives can harmony be restored to our world, our Church and to our hearts.  Strengthened by the gifts of the Spirit which we received through the mystery of Chrismation we can become people of hope renewed and rekindled to go forth to do our part in renewing the earth. 

As we prepare to celebrate the Third Millenium, we are called to renew ourselves and our Church by allowing the Holy Spirit to enter our lives and to grow closer to God, to walk in hope, and to work together to further Christian Unity. 

During the 64th Pilgrimage in honor of our Lady of Perpetual Help we will reflect upon the Holy Spirit and the part that the Spirit plays in our lives.  We will look to Mary as the Model of Hope and entreat her to open our hearts to the Spirit as she did. 

We invite you to set aside some time this Labor Day weekend, journey to the Mount and join with countless other pilgrims as we give powerful witness to the breath of the Spirit working in us.  May Our Lady of Perpetual Help bring you safely. 

With our prayers, 

Sister Ruth Plante, OSBM 
& the Sisters of St. Basil 
 

• Theme: Unifying the Church in the Holy Spirit
• General Schedule
• Teen Tract
• Children's Pilgrimage
• Homilies, Homilists and Themes

The Childrens’ Procession, which will take place on Sunday, September 6, at 1:00 PM, continues to grow each year.  Last year, over 500 boys and girls gave witness to their love for Our Lady of Perpetual Help by participating in the procession. 

A Teen Tent is set up in the Prayer Garden and hosts events and activities specifically designed for our teenage pilgrims. There they can take part in events specifically designed for them.  They will be able to reflect, discuss, listen, share and enjoy the company of other teenagers who have come from near and far to be a part of the Pilgrimage.

Social activities are organized for evenings.  The complete program can be found in the Pilgrimage Schedule.

• Visit and pray at the many shrines 
• Participate in candelight processions 
• Enjoy the beauty of the Mount 
• Meet old friends and make new ones 
• Experience the presence of God 
• Renew faith commitments 
• Experience the fullness of the Church 
• Spend time in spiritual reflection 
• Converse with clergy and Sisters 
• Pray for family and world intentions 

Throughtout the course of the Pilgrimage weekend there are ample opportunities for all to experience and to participate in liturgical prayer, devotions, personal prayer and spiritual enrichment.

The liturgical prayers of our Byzantine Catholic church, including Vespers, Matins and the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated during the pilgrimage, beginning with the opening Divine Liturgy on Friday at 5:30 PM. 

The Sacramental Mystery of Reconciliation is available to pilgrims throughout the weekend allowing individuals to experience the healing power of confession and a deeper conversion of heart.

Enrichment sessions will include a presentation on the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist) as well as a session on bereavement.  There is also an area set aside for pastoral counseling where those seeking direction or wishing to share personal concerns may do so in an atmosphere of respectful privacy.

For More Information or Directions contact us at: