Photos taken by Teo Kalinowksi, volunteer, and from the Sorrowful Mother Shrine web site.
This last Monday twenty six of our Sisters, Residents, their families, and volunteers enjoyed a wonderful pilgrimage to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio. This pilgrimage was a planned activity for the Year of Faith being celebrated here at the Sacred Heart Home.
Early Monday morning the group loaded on to two transport buses and travelled the some 60 miles to Bellevue, Ohio. Upon arrival at the shrine they were greeted by Fr. Kramer, a Priest of the Most Precious Blood, and some of his congregation. They welcomed our Pilgrims to the Shrine with a very special liturgy that was offered in their beautiful chapel dating back to 1914. After mass a delicious lunch was provided for the group at the “Melting Pot Café” on their campus. Our Residents enjoyed fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and assorted fruit pies. After lunch the Pilgrims followed the Way of the Cross and spent time visiting the beautiful grottos on the grounds. Some of the group even made it to the Churchill’s Religious Gift Store on the campus before returning safely to the Home in the late afternoon.
The shrine, established in 1850, is the oldest place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Blessed Mother in the Midwest and East of the Mississippi River. Founded by Fr. Francis de Sales Brunner, a missionary of the Most Precious Blood, was inspired by his great devotion to Mary to build a small red brick chapel in honor of the Sorrowful Mother. Soon this special place became a centerpiece of many missions and parishes Fr. Brunner founded within the NW Ohio area. A second chapel was constructed in 1870, but was destroyed by fire in 1912. Within two years the lasting chapel seen today was constructed in 1914. It is said of the shrine that it is a place where people could come and “stand still and feel the presence of God”. During the last 163 years, pilgrims have continually come to the shrine seeking healing, help and comfort, all through the intercession of the Sorrowful Mother.
The Sorrowful Mother Shrine has a wonderful online website where viewers can read more about this important and historical pilgrimage destination.
