Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
The Pilgrimage of the Parishioners from Brisbane to Marian Valley
October 10, 2023
On Sunday, October 8th, the parishioners of the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Brisbane together with Father Stefan Sapun, the parish administrator, made a pilgrimage to the Chapel of the Protection of the Mother of God in Marian Valley. This chapel, which was blessed by His Beatitude Sviatoslav on September 29, 2014, has been welcoming the faithful for several years now.
The pilgrimage began with the Divine Liturgy led by Father Stefan Sapun, followed by a joint prayer service, the Moleben to the Blessed Virgin Mary. After the prayer, a lunch was organized, and then pilgrims had the opportunity to visit a Christian store where they could purchase holy water. Additionally, all those interested had free time for walks in Marian Valley and visiting other Catholic chapels.
The pilgrimage was not only a time for spiritual enrichment but also an opportunity for fellowship and reflection on the spiritual word. Participants also visited the Stations of the Cross, which is a wonderful place for contemplation of their Christian lives.
It is worth noting that the parishioners of the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God traditionally offer this pilgrimage for the parish, for the Church, and for the entire Ukrainian people who are going through difficult trials. At the conclusion of the pilgrimage, all present offered gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her perpetual Maternal protection.
