A specially commissioned statue of Mary, Mother of God is visiting more than 100 locations across the Diocese of Charlotte during the anniversary year – making a spiritual pilgrimage to visit the faithful across our diocese just as she did in her “Visitation” to St. Elizabeth. Through participation in this memorable Marian Pilgrimage, our diocesan family comes together by uniting parishes, missions, schools and other Catholic institutions in prayer to God through the intercession of our patroness. (Read more about the custom statue: “Pilgrim image of Mary to visit 100-plus sites across diocese this year”.)
Marian Pilgrimage
What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is no ordinary journey. It’s a kind of “holy traveling” undertaken with resolve for a particular spiritual purpose. Throughout Church history the faithful have traveled to holy sites – whether it’s a place where a saint lived, a miracle occurred, or a saint is especially honored – to obtain a special favor and do penance for one’s sins.
How can you have a fruitful pilgrimage? Simply carry a special prayer intention in your mind and heart! You can have a single intention, or a different one for each destination. Upon arrival kneel near the altar or statue of Our Lady and pray fervently, asking her to intercede with Jesus for your request. Conclude by offering prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
Where’s Mary?
The statue of Mary, Mother of God is visiting parishes, missions, schools and other Catholic institutions across the Diocese of Charlotte. Check back here to see where Mary is going next!
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August 10 – August 15
ST. LUCIEN & ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCHES
This event has passed.
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August 15 – August 18
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
St John the Evangelist Catholic ChurchChurch Street, Waynesville
The pilgrim statue of Mary, Mother of God will visit St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesville and its mission, Immaculate Conception in Canton, Aug. 15-18. The statue of Our Lady will be available for veneration in the church:
- Monday, Aug. 15: after the 6:30 p.m. Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption
- Tuesday, Aug. 16: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 17: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 18: until statue departs that morning
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August 18 – August 21
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH
St Joseph Catholic ChurchMain Street, Bryson City
The pilgrim statue of Mary, Mother of God will visit St. Joseph Church in Bryson City Aug. 18-21.
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August 21 – August 25
HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH
Holy Redeemer Catholic ChurchAquone Road, Andrews
The pilgrim statue of Mary, Mother of God will visit Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Andrews and its mission, Prince of Peace in Robbinsville, Aug. 21-25.
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August 25 – August 28
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
St Francis of Assisi Catholic ChurchMaple Street, Franklin
The pilgrim statue of Mary, Mother of God will visit St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Franklin Aug. 25-28.
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August 28 – September 1
ST. WILLIAM CATHOLIC CHURCH & IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC MISSION
St William Catholic ChurchAndrews Road, Murphy
The pilgrim statue of Mary, Mother of God will visit St. William Catholic Church in Murphy and its mission, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hayesville, Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Parishioners from St. William and Immaculate Heart, led by Father Alex Ayala, will welcome the statue at the end of the driveway and escort it into the church at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. Afterwards, there will be an ice cream social in the commons. The statue will then be available for veneration:
- 3-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28
- 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29
- 12:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30
- 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31
- 8-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1
- On Monday and Wednesday, the rosary will be recited at noon in English and at 6 p.m. in Spanish.
- On Tuesday, the rosary will be recited after the 11 a.m. Mass in English and at 5 p.m. in Spanish.
Our Sponsors
We give thanks to our sponsors for their generosity in supporting the yearlong celebration of our golden anniversary:
