SYBERTSVILLE, Pa. — The Byzantine Franciscans invite all to take part in their annual Pilgrimage for Peace on Sept. 13 at Holy Dormition Friary.
The pilgrimage will begin at 10 a.m. with matins, the morning prayers of the Byzantine tradition. Those who are suffering in mind, body or spirit are invited to take part in the holy anointing for healing at noon.
Confession and refreshments will be offered throughout the day, except during the Divine Liturgy at 1 p.m. Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, N.J., will be the celebrant and homilist.
After a number of children’s programs at 3 p.m., teacher and writer Ann Koshute will speak on “The Shape Love Takes: Peace, Family and the Cross.” This talk will focus on “how families in particular can find the peace Christ offers us in a place the world least expects: the Cross,” according to an informational flyer.
The day will end at 5 p.m. with vespers, beginning the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Volunteers are welcome to assist with this event. Information can be obtained from Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM, at holydormition@gmail.com.
Travelers who wish to experience the Holy Land for themselves might wish to consider the Sept. 23 to Oct. 1 pilgrimage being organized by Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs. This trip will take participants to sites in Bethlehem, Capharnaum, Jerusalem, and Nazareth. A complete itinerary, as well as cost, is listed on the organization’s website. The FPP is also organizing a 2017 pilgrimage to Franciscan Italy in honor of St. Bonaventure.
This fall, two friars are leading pilgrimages. Raphael Bonanno, OFM, is taking travelers to China in October and Gonzalo Torres-Acosta, OFM, is leading a pilgrimage in November to Franciscan sites in Italy.
— Compiled by Maria Hayes
Related Links
- “St. Anthony Shrine Group Travels to Holy Land” — June 19, 2013, HNP Today
- “Digital Pilgrimage Takes Thousands to Franciscan Italy” — June 24, 2015, HNP Today
- “Friars Visit Order’s Roots in Italy” — July 1, 2009, HNP Today