Family Celebration on May 7th

The day of preparation arrived.

The crew of workers came. . . .men, women, teens and children. . .

all worked together to prepare the gym for the celebration.

With the help of workers and supervisors

the backdrop was hung.

Flags were stretched out on the gym floor

in preparation for hanging.

Children worked together to prepare the napkins

in a red and white pattern.

Soon it began to look like a celebration!

After napkins were finished the children started

sorting paper plates

into red and white piles.

The Shrine was transported to the gym

for a "trial set up" before being taken to church

for the Mass.

Flags were hung.

Then it was time to cover and decorate the tables.

The Shrine was taken to church

to be set up for the Mass.

The Shrine in the sanctuary of church.

The overlay must fit precisely over the painting!

A "trial crowning" to be SURE it is secure.

The master carpenter!

All is ready!

Let the celebration begin!

The Saint Linus children's choir.

Beloved Mother, Our Lady of Czestochowa

The children gather round for a closer look.

O Mary, we crown you. . .

Queen of the Angels. . . .

Queen of the May!

The children's flowers are blessed

and the Shrine is blessed.

Together we pray the "Hail Mary" in Polish.

The Mass is ended.

Now the procession to the gym begins.

Our Lady is now "on wheels"

and is rolled down the aisle

out the door

and down the sidewalk to the gym.

Musicians, table carriers, banner carriers

and a church full of people

process to the gym.

Children carry the candles

and their red and white flowers.

Once the Shrine is in the gym it must be reassembled.

Children and adults wait and watch patiently.

We pray the "Hail Mary"

and

then present our flowers

to make special bouquets

for

Our Lady of Czestochowa

The final touch!

Our musicians entertain us.

Adults and children came to admire the Shrine

and have their picture taken.

Food and drinks were plentiful!

Two of the youngest celebrants!

The celebration continued until everyone was tired

and satisfied with food, drink and music!

What a wonderful way to honor

Our Lady of Czestochowa!