First shrine to Our Lady in Pacific Northwest

Final preparations are underway for the second annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Washington State, USA, which takes place on August 17th - 19th. Opened in August 2000, with permission from Byzantine Catholic Bishop George Kuzma, from the diocese of Van Nuys, the shrine has been designate as an official pilgrimage site. The shrine was the vision of the Mitred Archpriest Joseph Stanichar, who has also built churches in Olympia, Spokane, Seattle, Walla Walla and Portland, Oregon. A new mosaic will be unveiled at the shrine this year. The stone image of Our Lady was commissioned at the Vatican and blessed by Pope John Paul II. Throughout the weekend there will be processions, Masses and services for children and adults. For more information about the shrine, visit their website on: Our Lady of Perpetual Help