So Many Catholics!

It is always inspiring to see so many of the faithful attending a devotion outside of Sunday mass.  Today I used my day off to attend an outdoor  Way of the Cross at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL.  The Shrine, operated by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate,  is the largest outdoor shrine dedicated to Our Lady in North America.    As you can see from the photos I was not alone at the devotion to Our Lord’s passion.

The Way of the Cross at The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.

The Shrine features a year round walking or driving Way of the Cross with recorded narration.  Today’s divotion was complete with an actor at every station portraying someone significant to each station in between the prayers.  It was chilling as the crowd sand “Were You There” walking the space between stations on the half mile course.

For those who say that there is a lack of youth involvement or to Church critics that say the Church will be dead in a generation due to lack of participation I invite you to look at the many teens in the group.   Tonight I hope to see this many faithful and more at the Cathedral of St. Peter (Belleville, IL) for Good Friday Liturgy and Veneration of the Cross.  All steps in this march toward Easter as we navigate the Sacred Pascal Triduum.

Just in case you want to make a sacred pilgrimage without leaving North America this summer you can visit the website of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows HERE.