RELIGION: Maronite delegation from Brooklyn visits national shrine for Holy Day
A delegation of faithful parishioners from Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral made its annual pilgrimage to the Blessed Mother’s Shrine in North Jackson, Ohio, near Youngstown.
With Msgr. James Root, rector of the cathedral, at the helm, the enthusiastic group wheeled its way westward to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption with the expected crowds from all over the country. Although the Feast of the Assumption (Aug. 15) occurred midweek this year — which normally would keep crowds thinner — attendance was actually larger than in previous years.
Celebration of the Melkite/Byzantine Liturgy took place on Tuesday evening (Vigil of the Assumption), with priests and deacons wearing stunningly beautiful vestments. Surprisingly, on this eve of the Feast, attendees filled the church completely.