PARKERSBURG - The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will conduct its annual Lenten pilgrimages in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Three pilgrimages will be held including a venue in the Eastern Panhandle, the Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, said.
In this Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI to be held from Oct. 11 to Nov. 24, Lenten pilgrimages take on a special meaning, Bernadette McMasters, director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Sacraments, said.
"Many people have made commitments to grow and strengthen their faith during this Year of Faith; the pilgrimages are an ideal opportunity to do that," she said.
Pilgrimages will be held Feb. 27 to the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, March 6 to St. Leo Parish in Inwood and March 13 to the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling. Each pilgrimage will begin at 6 p.m. with the Sacrament of Reconciliation being offered in different areas of each church.
Mass will follow at 7 p.m., featuring a guest celebrant and homilist.
The Rev. Ed Bell will serve as the featured homilist for the pilgrimage at the Co-Cathedral in Charleston.
The Rev. Noah Casey will serve as the featured homilist for the pilgrimage at St. Leo. Casey is a priest from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis where he is rector of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. He has conducted retreats, convocations and a variety of presentations regarding the spiritual life across the U.S. and Western Europe.
The Rev. Michael Gossett will serve as the featured homilist for the pilgrimage at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Gossett is currently assigned as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and chaplain at St. John Central High School in Bellaire, Ohio.
For more information, call the Office of Worship and Sacraments at 304-233-0880 ext. 289.
