Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland has designated five parishes as pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Cleveland for the "Year of Faith."
The five parishes are: the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, E. 9th Street & Superior Avenue, Cleveland; Saint Sebastian, 476 Mull Avenue, Akron; Saint Mary, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria; Saint Mary, 242 N. State Street, Painesville; and Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 527 Beall Avenue, Wooster.
The diocesan-wide pilgrimage will take place at these fives parishes all weekends beginning May 18/19 through September 7/8, 2013. These particular parish sites were chosen by Bishop Lennon because they well represent the culture and history of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Indiividuals choosing to take the diocesan-wide pilgrimage can request a "Pilgrim Passport" at any of the five parishes. The passport will then be stamped for that parish visit and can then be taken to the remaining parishes to have it stamped at each of those parishes.
What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a transformative journey to a sacred place reminding us that we are pilgrims on a journey that begins and ends with God. Pilgrimages are an opportunity for contemplation of one's life and for transformation. Our travel is the outward part, our drawing closer to God is the inward part.
What do I do on a Pilgrimage?
The journey to and from the pilgrimage site is an occasion for communal prayer or devotional practices. A pilgrimage can be an opportunity for peaceful quiet and contemplation.
Why a Pilgrimage in the Year of Faith?
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, encouraged us during this Year of Faith to seek opportunities to deepen our faith and renew our baptismal call to holiness. A pilgrimage to a sacred place, especially one we might not have visited before, can be an ideal occasion for this. In addition, in observance of this Year of Faith, the Church offers pilgrims the gift of indulgences as a chance to open themselves to the purity of heart and penitential spirit associated with this special year.
What is an indulgence?
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has decreed a plenary indulgence for the occasion of the Year of Faith. A Plenary Indulgence "may be obtained by all faithful who, truly penitent, (make a) Sacramental Confession and (receive) the Eucharist, and (also) pray in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff."
Visit the Diocese of Cleveland's "Year of Faith" Pilgrimage web site>