Stony Point: A Joyful November at the National Shrine

By Jennifer Passerino, Salesian Family

(Stony Point, NY – November 19) – It has been a busy couple of weeks at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians!

During the weekend of Saturday, November 1, through Sunday, November 2, the National Shrine not only celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day, but we also hosted a special St. Carlo Acutis photographic exhibit: “Heaven, hell and purgatory.” Each section of the exhibit was separated by titles. “In Testimonies of Saints and Mystics: Visions of Paradise,” attendees learned of the visions of 54 saints and blesseds. Next, “Testimonies of Saints and Mystics: Visions of Hell” brought to light the experience of 19 more visions, and “Testimonies of Saints and Mystics: Visions of Purgatory” completed the picture as attendees heard from 87 more visions of saints and blesseds. The exhibit was on display for three days at the National Shrine.

Eileen Wood, host of the program, spoke on the life of St. Carlo Acutis and some of the key miracles in the exhibit. She also presented a first-class relic of St. Carlo Acutis, which was available for veneration.

Several retreats also took place, including St. Catharine’s Parish Confirmation retreat, St. Raymond Academy for Girls (Bronx, NY) senior retreat, and Don Bosco Prep’s senior retreat. Bosco’s 175 seniors spent an incredibly moving and motivational day, which focused on living Don Bosco’s dream of faith-filled joy through prayer, reflection, activities, music, and friendship.

Masses are now live-streamed on the National Shrine’s Facebook and Instagram. Please visit the National Shrine’s website for more information.