On Friday, September 9, our parish held its sixth annual pilgrimage to the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio. Members from our parish as well as guests from other parishes took a bus trip to the shrine, where we attended Mass, shared lunch in the Shrine Cafeteria, prayed the Stations of the Cross, and participated in a devotions service. At the devotions service, the pilgrims were enrolled in the Confraternity of Our Lady of Consolation and were blessed with a relic of the True Cross. Many thanks to Virginia Kacsmar for organizing this spiritually enriching event.
Aside and in spite of the humidity it truly was a beautiful and prayer filled day! A day of peace, prayerful reflection, spiritually uplifting and joy filled. Our Blessed Mother Mary has many titles but we do not often think of her as being our consolation in sad times or hard times. As Our Lady of Consolation she is always there for us with a shoulder to cry on and arms open ready with her loving embrace. We must learn to be open and remain open to the beauty of experiencing Our Lord and His Loving Mother especially when the opportunities are presented to us in our daily lives.
Aside from the humidity it was a beautiful day. A day filled with prayer, reflection, peace and joy. Our Blessed Mother Mary is known by many titles. We do not often think of her as our consolation in times of sadness, trials and hardship. As Our Lady of Consolation she is always there for us with a shoulder to cry on and arms open with a loving embrace.