Bishop of Lourdes participates in pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia

On August 27-28, on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, a pilgrimage to the Marian Spiritual Center of Zarvanytsia was held. In the pilgrimage took part the president of the European Marian Network, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes (France) Jacques Perrier. Most of those present were faithful of the Kolomyia and Chernivtsi Eparchy, many of whom walked for 4-5 days. Bishop Vasyliy (Semenyuk), Eparch of Ternopil, and Zboriv, Mykolay (Simkaylo), Eparch of Kolomyia and Chernivtsi, welcomed pilgrims at the miraculous place. Father Mitrat Dmytro Kvych, meeting the groups of pilgrim near the parochial church, gave short lessons and blessed the relics of saints. Bishop Vasyliy led the Hierarchal Liturgy in concelebration with the priests of the Kolomyia and Chernivtsi Eparchy. In his address to the faithful, the bishop presented the history of appearances and wonders of the icon of Mother of God of Zarvanytsia. “Where the possibilities of medicine and human capabilities are powerless, the Mother of God appears. The Holiest Mother of God is worried for the Ukrainian nation; She is its celestial protector. The history of the renewal of the Zarvanytsia center represents a way of reviving the spirituality of our people after communism, and this is the merit of Mary,” said the hierarch.  The hierarch greeted and thanked Bishop Jacques Perrier for his visit. In his address to the pilgrims, Bishop Jacques Perrier stated: “you came today, because you want to honor the Holy Mother of God and show Her your faith, your joy and gladness... For me your presence is the sign of the revival of the Ukrainian Church after its history of persecution.” The bishop of Lourdes then wished the priests, monks, and seminarians of the UGCC success and devotion in propagating Christ’s Gospel.  Background Information Bishop Jacques Perrier heads the European Marian Network, which is made up of the 20 most miraculous places of Europe devoted to the Virgin Mary, including Zarvanytsya. www.tze.org.ua/index.php/component/content/article/22-dekanaty/263-jepyskop-ljurdu-vzjav-uchast-u-proshchi-do-zarvanyci.html