Cross of Gratitude Visits Marian Shrine

Late Wednesday night, eight men installed the Cross of Gratitude which will remain in the sanctuary until Sept. 29. The pilgrimage of the cross began in Lviv, Ukraine, in November 2005. The large oak cross, which has a figure of the crucified savior on it, has been to 46 cities and is currently in the United States. Future visits are planned for South America, Asia, Africa and Indonesia and Australia. The aim of the pilgrimage is to unite all nations of the world into one family at the Cross of Jesus and that he gives us the gift of eternal life. St. Pope John Paul II blessed the initiators of this mission, and two years later, Pope Benedict XVI blessed the cross in Krakow, Poland. It also has been blessed by Pope Francis. It has traveled throughout Europe and has been in the United States for the past few months.