Our Lady of Lebanon Assumption Pilgrimmage

The 45th Annual Assumption Pilgrimmage took place last weekend at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. Hundreds of faithful visited the shrine seeking the Lord's guidance and blessing through the intercession of His Blessed Mother. Spiritual activities were scheduled throughout the three days: Divine liturgies, spiritual conferences, prayer of the rosary, confessions and evening processions. Food was available for visitors and special activities were organized for kids and youth.

Our Antonine community had the priviledge to host the clergy dinners Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday at noon. Delicious meals and desserts were lovingly prepared for the occasion. It was great to share our food and time with several priests, brothers, deacons, sisters and lay people and friends who visited us throughout the weekend. Also, as usual, we chanted the Maronite Vespers on Sunday evening, offering our praise and thanksgiving to God for His Blessed Mother and for all the graces He bestowed on us on this happy occasion. On the last evening, a large crowd processed on the shrine's ground and gathered around Mary. After the traditional "Ya Omm Allah" (Mother of God) hymn lead by us, fireworks lit the sky. As the sun was setting in the far horizon, it seemed like the Mother of God was looking down on her children and smiling, as we prayed in one voice: Queen of peace pray for us!