MARIA STEIN – A Shrove pancake dinner will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, more commonly known as “Fat Tuesday.” Why pancakes? Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.

The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and RSVPs are required as space is limited. The meal will include unlimited pancakes, sausage and fruit cocktail. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. Reservations can be made by calling the Shrine at 419-925-4532 or emailing Matt Hess at [email protected].

At 6:30 p.m. will be a ceremonial burying of the Alleluia. During the season of Lent the Church does not use the word Alleluia – a joyful cry of praise to God. A popular tradition is to bury the Alleluia as a symbol of this solemn Lenten change. It is then resurrected and used in the Easter liturgy when Christ has risen from the dead.

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 Shrine is located at 2291 St. John’s Road in Maria Stein. For more event information, visit www.mariasteinshrine.org.