During this time of pandemic of COVID-19, Bishop Glen John Provost urges pilgrimages in the Diocese of Lake Charles to the Shrine of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cameron for the duration of the pandemic, and especially during this Lenten Season.
Every year Bishop Provost leads a pilgrimage to the Shrine at the beginning of the hurricane season. He said it is only appropriate that the faithful should seek Mary’s intercession when so many are becoming ill and serious concern of the coronavirus is spreading.
“I fear that the faithful of the Diocese do not fully realize that Our Lady Star of the Sea is a duly erected shrine,” said Bishop Provost. “We should seek Mary’s intercession during this pandemic at this our own shrine, where her powerful intercession has come to our aid so often in the past.”
The Shrine was established by Bishop Maurice Schexnayder in the 1960’s, and Bishop Provost has recently approved a Decree establishing statutes for the Shrine. The Shrine enjoys, with papal approval, the same spiritual privileges as the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, one of the four major basilicas in the Eternal City. A plenary indulgence may be gained by praying an Act of Spiritual Communion, a sacramental confession, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.
The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, located at 135 Our Lady Road, is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions, contact Father D.B. Thompson, rector of the Shrine, at 337-542-4795.
May Mary's prayers directed to the throne of God protect us during this crisis, preserve us from all illness, and grant us good health.
