Stony Point: A May-Inspired Eucharistic Revival at the Shrine

By Fr. Dennis Donovan, SDB

(Stony Point, NY – May 8) – Over 60 people attended a Eucharistic Adoration Day of Retreat at the Marian Shrine on Saturday, April 27. Fr. Manny Gallo, coordinator of the Marian Shrine and Don Bosco Retreat Center, and Fr. Sasika Lokuhettige led the retreat, set with music by Catherine Ramirez.

The retreat theme focused on a study of John 6:30-71, primarily his words: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”

“These days people are drawn to Jesus in the Eucharist in a big way,” Fr. Manny remarked. “Therefore, we’ve added programs to promote this Eucharistic Revival. The results have been outstanding.”

During the retreat, participants learned about this reality. They were given time to learn about lectio divina, attend adoration, and go to confession. Events like this were held in previous months, including a day of prayer for men and one for women. The monthly young adult nights had a similar focus, which bore fruit in many new members who joined the monthly event.

Of course, the Blessed Mother Mary is never left out of Marian Shrine’s programs. St. John Bosco once said, “Trust all things to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are.”

May presents a calendar full of activities for groups from the New York metro area. Most of them come from archdiocesan parishes, and these programs all present opportunities to learn more about Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Mary in the many ways she manifests God’s blessings to his people.

On Saturday, May 4, hundreds of people gathered for simultaneous events at both the shrine chapel and outdoor altar. The floor of the outdoor altar has been refurbished, and additional lighting was added to make it more glorious for nighttime celebrations of prayer and worship.

The annual province Marian Day celebration will be held here on Saturday, May 25.