MARIA STEIN — Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics will begin Lenten Season with several events.
Saturday, March 4, beginning at 1 p.m. “Wrapped in Love, an afternoon of Lenten Service” will take place at the Shrine. Projects for this initiative include sewing little dresses and shorts that are distributed to needy kids around the world. These garments will “wrap kids in God’s love” and give them dignity and pride.
Judy Zimmerman, who oversees this event, comments, “the Wrapped in God’s Love service day provides an opportunity for socialization and service. Most importantly the attendees create little dresses and shorts, blankets, Beads of Courage for children in need.”
The beads of courage project includes bags that are given to seriously ill children at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. They put special glass beads in the bags that children receive after a traumatic procedure. Also, Linus Blankets will be crafted and are used as security blankets for children in area hospitals and at various shelters in the region.
Supplies and instructions are provided, however feel free to bring: sewing machines, sewing scissors, fleece, fabric, straight pins and thread. Also needed is wash and wear fabric, minimum of 44-inches by 20-inches in size. Refreshments will be served as well.
The following Tuesday, March 7, at 10 a.m. the Maria Stein Adoration guild will host a seminar led by Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S. The topic will be Prayer: Basking in God’s presence. This seminar will consider what prayer is, when and how we pray, what are the prerequisites for prayer, examine different forms of prayer, and practice composing prayers according to liturgical patterns. The session will be a combination of reflection on and practice of various forms of prayer, with an eye to looking at how prayer is an encounter with God that deepens our relationship not only with God, but also with each other.
And finally, beginning Sunday, March 12, and continuing four consecutive Sundays (March 19, 26 and April 2) the Shrine will host Lent & Life: A Journey of Conversion. Each Sunday afternoon from 2 to 3:15 p.m. will include: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Proclamation of Sacred Scripture, Extended reflection, Silent adoration with handout for aiding prayer and Concluding blessing and hymn. Themes include: Baptism as Sacrament of Conversion, Conversion from Sin to Grace, Conversion: Be Holy as God is and Easter Conversion: From Death to Life
There is no charge for any of these events, however a free will offering will be taken.
The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics provides faith nourishment and spiritual renewal through opportunities for prayer and pilgrimage and inspiration from the lives of the saints. People from around the world visit the shrine to explore and enjoy this environment rich in holiness and history. The Relic Chapel is home to the second largest collection of relics of the saints in the United States.
The Shrine is located at 2291 St. John’s Road in Maria Stein. To learn more about the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, visit www.mariasteinshrine.org.
