Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Upon the heels of Mardi Gras revelry comes the Lenten Season with its local pilgrimage right here in Port Arthur March 15.

You don’t have to go to Spain or France but can join fellow Catholics in Southeast Texas visiting Shrines of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It is in its 13th year.  Rediscover holy sites along the way.  It will include the Traditional Latin Mass, the Most Holy Rosary, the Way of the Cross, spiritual talks, and Catholic history.   

Liza Gossett, Pilgrimage co-chair said, “Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer,’ cited by Catechism of the Catholic Church.

“The Lenten Season is the perfect time to embark on a pilgrimage.  We invite others to walk, pray and bond with us as we publicly express our Catholic Faith while growing stronger as a spiritual family.” 

Mass kicks off at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3648 S/Sgt. Lucian Adams Blvd. at Ninth Avenue, with time for confessions starting at 8:15 a.m.  Pilgrims start the journey after Mass to visit Port Arthur’s two Shrines of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stopping at holy sites along the 5-mile path to arrive about 3:30 p.m. at the Queen of Peace Shrine, 800 Ninth Ave., followed with a Final Blessing by Bishop David Toups and a much anticipated group picture of all who finished the course.   

This year’s theme, Building the Kingship of Christ, recognizes the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of The Feast of Christ the King as the “antidote to secularism—[secularism] a way of life which leaves God out of man’s thinking and living and organizes his life as if God did not exist,” according to CatholicCulture.org.  Co-Chair Marilyn Morrell encourages “you to join us and dig deeper into how to make our lives revolve around Christ the King! Hope to see you there.” 

 “Pilgrims should wear walking shoes, modest attire (no shorts, tank tops,  sleeveless tops), Morrell said. “We encourage you to bring your rosary and a flower for Mary.  Entire families, baby strollers, wheel chairs, religious banners are welcome.”

Police escort provided, as well as water, bread, and fried fish snack by Bridge City Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council from St. Henry Catholic Church.              

Parking recommended at Queen of Peace Shrine to use shuttle leaving 7:10 a.m. thru 8:15 a.m.  Those who prefer to drive their car in the rear of walkers are welcome to park at OLOG.  Pilgrims who want to use the shuttle at the end of day can park at OLOG before 9 a.m.  The wait at the end of day may be longer, advises Morrell.  Pilgrimage audio can be heard on local FM radio station courtesy of Richard Suarez, local DJ.            

Sponsors:  Latin Mass Society of Beaumont; Tradition, Family, and Property of Louisiana; Bridge City Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council No. 3406; and Hotard Coaches of Port Arthur. For more info call 409-724-1456 or (318) 528-0848 [Español].  Also, online at www.LMSBMT.com offers details.

     

March 15 — 13TH Annual Lenten Pilgrimage

 

Option No. 1:  Park at OLOG Church before 9 a.m.and shuttle back at end of day*

Option No. 2:  Park at Queen of Peace Shrine and shuttle to OLOG  early morning**

 

Shuttle Service when parking at Queen of Peace Shrine:

• 7:10 a.m.    First Shuttle leaves Queen of Peace Shrine for OLOG Church 
• 7:15 a.m.    Our Lady of Guadalupe Church opens*
• 8:15 a.m.    Last Shuttle departs Queen of Peace Shrine for OLOG 
• 8:15 a.m.    Confessions begin at OLOG Church
• 8:15 a.m.    Place your flowers at BVM statue which we carry

            

Walking Pilgrimage Schedule

• 9 a.m.    Traditional Latin Mass at OLOG Church      

To follow: Shrine of OLOG—Wave your banners; show your Catholic heroes (Saints) 

Walk to Holy sites, Calvary Cemetery,  St. James Catholic Church, Way of the Cross,

• 3:30 pm     Arrive Queen of Peace Shrine- group photo and final blessing offered by The Most Reverend David Toups, Bishop of Beaumont.