Thousands find ‘a place of peace’ in Mission pilgrimage

Nearly 4,000 worshippers gathered at Heritage Park in Mission on Aug. 17 for the annual pilgrimage to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

“It is all about honouring our Lady,” one of the pilgrimage’s coordinators, Richard Wah, told The B.C. Catholic.

Those who attended this year said the event provides an experience of peace.

“It is like we are in a holy land,” said Ruth Moniz, who has taken part in the pilgrimage three times. “We went to confession when we first got here. That is a good way to start. Then we walked around. It was amazing. We need this.”

Moniz drove from Vancouver to participate, along with her friend Helena Diogo, who was taking part for the first time. She said it was a fantastic experience.

“As soon as we parked and got out of the car it was just a place of peace,” she smiled. “It is a place of healing and gratitude.”

Archbishop Michael Miller was the principal celebrant for the event. During his homily, he spoke of how Mary calls us to be thankful for our gifts.

The archbishop also drew attention to the plight of women around the world; those who are overwhelmed and struggling, children who are forced into hard labour, B.C.’s Highway of Tears, and the tragedy of human trafficking.

The world can look forward to the day when those who suffer will be redeemed and consoled, said the archbishop.

“Mary, filled with Jesus, is the arc of the new covenant,” Archbishop Miller said. “Mary doesn’t keep this gift to herself. She offers it and herself to us.”

He said that because she was in heaven with God, Mary can be close to each of us. 

“She helps us with her motherly kindness and intercession,” he said. “We have a mother, a tender mother, in heaven.”

About 50 volunteers from St. Joseph’s Parish in Mission are responsible for the event, with help and choirs coming from surrounding parishes.

This year a choir from St Andrew’s in Vancouver sang during the Mass while St. Joseph’s choir members sang hymns before Mass.

Wah said donations collected during the pilgrimage help cover the cost of the event as well as upkeep of the grotto.

Pilgrimages to the grotto have been taking place since it was built in 1892. The event has been running for more than 100 years and is held close to the Feast of the Assumption.