For many centuries up to and including today, Slovenians have maintained the tradition of making pilgrimage. In particular, we have long trekked to shrines honoring Mary, the mother of our Savior. It is a way to break away from the routines and also distractions of our daily lives and take a respite to clear our minds and focus on what is really important in life.

On Sunday, August 23, we will make our annual pilgrimage to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio. The grounds of this rural sanctuary are an ideal place to reset ourselves as we settle into the quiet, rustic atmosphere of this beautiful shrine located south of Sandusky.

The afternoon begins with Mass offered by Fr. John Kumse at 1:00 p.m. in the outdoor pieta chapel. After Mass we break for lunch; pilgrims may reserve a dinner in the dining hall ($25) or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy outdoors.

A walk through the Stations of the Cross in the woods follows in an ideal contemplative setting. We then gather in the historic church for the inspiring Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary sung in Slovenian and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

First-time participants are warmly invited to join the pilgrims who have looked  forward to this Slovenian Day at the Shrine each year for more than half a century. The expansive shrine grounds are on State Route 269 outside Bellevue. Visit the website at sorrowfulmothershrine.org.

A Barons motorcoach is available free of charge, leaving St. Mary’s in Collinwood at 9:45 a.m. and St. Vitus Church at 10:15 a.m. Dinners in the dining hall from an excellent local caterer are available for $25 and must be reserved in advance. Call John Nemec at (216) 541-7243 by Sunday, August 16, to make dinner reservations and/or to reserve a free seat on the bus.

Join us for this truly special day of Slovenian Catholic tradition!