Over 3,000 Gather for 71st Annual Holy Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, NY

Bishop Bohdan Danylo delivered this year’s homily, reflecting on the theme of hope as the very essence of Christian living. He highlighted the Blessed Mother, patroness of the pilgrimage, as the model of steadfast Christian hope.

“God calls each of us to trust, following the example of Mary. To trust Him, just as Mary trusted. She was a refugee. Mary understands our human heart better than we often understand it ourselves… May this be an opportunity for us to grow closer to our children, to our parents, to our elders. Mary does not leave us; she is the one who constantly journeys with us. This is why we hold her up as an example of a hope that will not disappoint,” Bishop Danylo said.

He prayed especially for those suffering from the war in Ukraine: “Mary is with those mothers who pray, whether here or especially in Ukraine, for their children who are far away, for sons who, at this very moment, may not be standing under the warm sun in Sloatsburg, but are in the mud, hungry and thirsty, defending our brothers and sisters—who today, on this Sunday, could meet in prayer and ask for her intercession in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv. Mary is with the elders who do not know what tomorrow will bring. Mary is with young couples, perhaps thinking of marrying or starting a life together, but looking at today and tomorrow with fear.”

Among the distinguished guests was Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. He conveyed greetings on behalf of Pope Leo XIV and assured the assembly of the Holy Father’s prayers for peace in Ukraine.

“Every time we celebrate the Mass, we are not alone. The whole Church is here. Today I would just bring to you the presence, the love, the affection, and the prayer of Leo. He’s always had Ukraine in his heart, especially because there is so much suffering, so much destruction, and there is the danger of despair,” Archbishop Caccia said.