By Fr. Dennis Donovan, SDB
(Stony Point, NY – July 18) – Bring your lawn chairs and blankets on Saturday, August 12, for the annual Rise Up! Festival at the Marian Shrine (the Shrine). Shrine Ministry Coordinator Fr. Steve Shafran has been busy with various teams as they plan for this significant event that honors the Blessed Mother Mary in preparation for the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan will preside at the liturgy.
The event begins at 2:00 pm ET. Activities include an open-air concert, games and lots of food, a wrestling exhibition, rides on a mechanical bull, and a three-ball chance at the dunk tank that will seat a few local celebrities! The day ends with an evening blaze of praise in front of the outdoor altar and a spectacular display of fireworks produced by a commercial pyrotechnic firm. In the photo pictured from left to right, Donna Valentino, Salesian Cooperators Walter and Cathy Famular, Fr. Richard Putnam, SDB, and Laura Piranio planned the parking and security strategy for the event.
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