Once again, thousands of pilgrims are converging on the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio, for the Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven.
The candlelight procession to Shrine Park will begin at 9:00 p.m.
Pilgrims arrive from across the country, but the largest percentage every year are Chaldean Christians, whose roots trace back to the first century in what is present-day Iraq, and several Masses are being celebrated in the Chaldean language. (Masses in Chaldean will be held in the Upper Basilica today at 5pm at noon tomorrow.) This is an especially solemn Novena for the Chaldeans, who are deeply concerned for those suffering religious persecution in Iraq.
Masses are also being celebrated in English, Spanish, Albanian, and Syro-Malabar. For a complete schedule please visit the Shrine website: www.olcshrine.com
Tomorrow, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, Confessions will be heard from 9am to 1pm. Devotions (Upper Basilica) with an outdoor rosary procession will begin at 2:30pm.