COOKS CREEK PILGRIMAGE – 65 YEARS OF RENEWAL
August 17, 2019
FROM MORNING 'TILL EVENING - DAY 2 OF PILGRIMAGE
The second day of the annual Cooks Creek Archeparchial Pilgrimage began with a 9:99 AM common breakfast at the special camp site east of the Grotto. This was followed by the Way of the Cross at the unique stations of the cross within the grotto complex itself (sometimes called "the catacombs"). One again, a Eucharistic Liturgy was celebrated that also included the blessing of flowers according to the tradition of the feast and then the anointing for healing (spiritual, physical and emotional) as is the custom at the pilgrimage.
Then, at a location far away, a group of adventurous pilgrims gathered for 17-kilometre-long walking pilgrimage to the shrine at Cooks Creek. This effort was organized by Fr. Mykhailo Khomitskyy of the Rossburn and district parishes and Seminarian Alex Pankiw. (Watch for the special report and photos on this).
As the pilgrims walked, pilgrims back at the shrine were able to spend their time in prayer and taking advantage of the beautiful grounds, the amazing church, Confessions and organizing their own personal or family prayer experiences. A barbeque was held at 5:30 PM at about the time the walking pilgrims were arriving at the Shrine. Great Vespers were prayed in the church which was followed by a bit of relaxation time where pilgrims were able to enjoy a snack and either watch a screening of the classic movie "The Song of Bernadette" or hang around campfires and chat or spend time in prayer or meditation in the church or grotto.
At the close of the day, a special service for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, called "the lamentations" was prayed at the Grotto.
