SALT LAKE CITY — Msgr. Robert Servatius, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy, will accompany pilgrims from Utah who join a national pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Mary’s appearances to St. Bernadette. The pilgrimage, slated for Aug. 11-17, will be led by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C. "I was delighted when Bishop Wester asked me to accompany pilgrims from Utah," Msgr. Servatius said. "The Assumptionist Fathers in Baltimore are coordinating the national pilgrimage, which is being arranged by Regina Tours." Also featured on the pilgrimage will be Father John T. Catoir, former director of the Christophers and a columnist for Catholic News Service. Fr. Catoir will present three talks during the pilgrimage, "Mary, Cause of Our Joy," "Joy, the Keynote Message of Christianity," and "Living the Gospel Joyfully." The opening Mass of the pilgrimage will be held after the arrival in Lourdes, and will be celebrated by Cardinal McCarrick. The pilgrimage will feature walking tours of Lourdes, participation in the International Rosary and Candlelight procession, visits to significant locations in the life of St. Bernadette, an international reconciliation service, free time for personal meditation, devotions, or relaxation, candlelight processions with the Assumptionist family, and Masses. Msgr. Servatius said this pilgrimage will be significant because it is being organized for the whole country, and Cardinal McCarrick will be a powerful pilgrimage leader. "The actual 150th anniversary date of Mary’s appearances to Bernadette was Feb. 11, the feast of St. Bernadette," Msgr. Servatius said. "I am looking forward to this pilgrimage," he said. "It will be rich in spirituality and meaning. People will benefit from it greatly."
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