A summer tradition is returning in Loretto as one of the most historic sites in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown will once again be open to the public.
The Prince Gallitzin Chapel House, located next to the Our Lady of the Alleghenies Shrine and the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, will be open to the public for self-guided tours, pilgrimages, and visits beginning on Sunday, June 9, and continuing on various other Sundays throughout the summer.
The public visits on June 9 will coincide with festivities that day attached to the historic National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the diocese, which will commence in Loretto and continue the following two days at other locations in the diocese.
As part of the Eucharistic Revival in the Catholic Church in America, pilgrims from around the country are making their way to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis later this summer.
Pilgrims on the Seton Route in the northeast are among them, and they will be visiting locations in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown June 9, 10, and 11.
On June 9, priests will be available to hear Confessions at the Basilica from 5:00-7:00 p.m., then Bishop Mark will celebrate an outdoor Mass at 7:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of the Alleghenies Shrine. All are welcome. Please bring your own lawn chair.
Following Mass, a Eucharistic procession around the grounds will occur, along with a witness talk by one of the national pilgrims.
That afternoon from 3:00-6:00 p.m., visitors are invited to tour the Prince Gallitzin Chapel House, which was the home of the Prince-Priest and Servant of God Demetrius Gallitzin. It now serves as a museum containing many of his personal belongings.
In addition to June 9, the Chapel House will be open from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on the following other Sundays this summer:
June 16 and 30
July 21
August 4 and 18
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