The pilgrimage of gratitude began in Lviv, Ukraine in November 2005 with a large oak cross and a figure of our crucified Savior upon it. Since then, it has visited forty-six cities and currently is in the United States with future visits planned for South America, Asia, Africa, Indonesia and Australia. The aim of the pilgrimage is to unite all nations of the world into one family at the Cross of Jesus and that He gives us the gift of eternal life.
We are highly honored with the cross coming to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church at 800 West Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802, which will be open for veneration on the following days and hours:
Friday, January 21st
10:00am to 12 noon and 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Saturday, January 22nd
10:00am to 2:00 pm
Sunday, January 23rd
12 noon to 4:00pm
Monday, January 24th thru Friday, January 28th
10:00am to 12 noon and 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Saturday, January 29th
10:00am to 2:00 pm
Final Day Sunday, January 30th
12 noon to 4:00 pm
“Take my Cross and carry it to all the capitals of the world as a sign of gratitude to Almighty God for our salvation, which we receive from Jesus Christ.”
According to the idea, born in Lviv in 2003, the mission of the pilgrimage with the Cross of Gratitude is to prepare for the Jubilee of the 2000 year anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (33-2033), and to unite the nations of the world into one family at his cross.
On March 10, 2004 in the Vatican, the Holy Father John Paul II blessed the initiators of this mission. His successor, Pope Benedict XVI, also consecrated the cross in 2006 during his pilgrimage in Krakow. Pope Francis blessed the cross and all those who lead the evangelization action in 2016. During his presence in Warsaw in 2008 at the Church of St. Anna, the Cross was blessed by Card. Kazimierz Nycz.
The pilgrimage of gratitude to all capitals of the world with an oak cross began in Lviv, where in November 2005 a large oak cross with a figure of the crucified Savior was placed in the city center. Later, such crosses were set up in Kviv and Donetsk. The pilgrimage of the cross has already taken place in forty-six European capitals.
The Cross of Gratitude made a pilgrimage through Kviv, Warsaw, Rome, Paris, Berlin, the Baltic countries and Scandinavia to Great Britain. In many places, the Cross was present during Holy Mass, night vigils, adoration, and was carried by the faithful along the streets of towns and villages, joining Christ on his way of the cross.
Currently, there are plans to make a pilgrimage of the Cross of Gratitude to the countries of North and South America, then Asia, Africa, Indonesia and Australia. The aim of the pilgrimage is to unite all the nations of the world into one family at the Cross of Christ. We want everyone in the world to be aware that Jesus Christ has the gift of eternal life. The cross has also been adored by Muslims and Buddhists. The pilgrimage of the Cross has been marked by numerous graces and signs of God’s presence.
Become a Cyrenean and help the pilgrimage of the Cross. (Luke 23:24)
