Latin School C.R.O.S.S. Members went on a mini-pilgrimage to Cure of Ars Church in Merrick on Thursday, October 16, 2014. The pilgrimage began in the prayer garden (where there are life-size holy statues and rosary beads as well as the Stations of the Cross) with the recitation of the Marianist Three O’Clock Prayer at the foot of the Crucifixion scene. C.R.O.S.S. volunteers then led the pilgrims in the Joyful Mysteries with prayerful meditations. Students then toured the gardens and prayed privately for family and friends. We exited the prayer garden and paused at the shrines of Our Lady of Lourdes and Blessed Pier Gorgio Frassati. Our pilgrimage concluded with a silent procession to the Reliquary of St. John Vianney – The Cure of Ars – in an interior chapel of the church and a short introduction from Father Augustin, a priest of the parish. Fr. Augustin reminded the students that they had accepted God’s open invitation to unite themselves to His Holy Mother Mary in the recitation of the Rosary. As students traveled back to Kellenberg, they snacked on pretzels and shared their faith experiences with one another. It was truly a moment for these young pilgrims from sixth, seventh and eighth grade to renew their faith through prayer in order to continue the mission of Christians Reaching Out Spreading Spirituality. Our next venture is the Sunrise Assisted Living Center on Thursday, October 30, 2014 to visit the elderly residents and spread some fall cheer!