We have received numerous reports of individuals, parishes, communities and institutions preparing for this 150th anniversary. Specifics are not yet in place, but the plans have been laid out.
Pilgrimages
Cardinal Francis George of the Archdiocese of Chicago is leading an archdiocesan pilgrimage in August 2008.
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is leading an east coast based pilgrimage also in August 2008, with Fr. Jack Catoir, Spiritual Director and Fr. John L. Franck, Pilgrimage Advisor.
Cardinal Mahoney will join the pilgrimage of the Western Association of the Order of Malta in April 2008.
Other pilgrimages to Lourdes are on the works.
Parish and lay involvement
Archdiocese of Denver – St. Therese Church, is in the process of putting activities together for the anniversary.
Words of Encouragement
One of our website readers from Western Canada, writes words of encouragement on our work with Friends of Lourdes USA. He sites that with regards to the Blessed Mother, there are no boundaries between countries.