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Join us, In-Person, for our 21st annual

Lost Child Pilgrimage Are you, or is Someone You know, Grieving the Death of a Child?

We invite men and women who have lost a child to explore the sacred journey of loss, healing and hope.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii stands with and for men and women who carry the burden of grieving the death of a child. We of Mary’s House open our doors and our hearts to you, standing with you, for Mary’s Bethlehem joy was Mary’s Calvary vigil of sorrow as well. We have faith in the power of prayer to heal the soul and faith in the comfort and support of a community coming together in solidarity.

A Widower’s Personal Story of Loss and Grief, Speaker: Brian Roman, PhD

Brian Roman is a molecular imaging scientist at the University of Chicago and is on the Executive Board of The Shrine of our Lady of Pompeii.

Before adopting their son, Joseph, from Kazakhstan, Brian and his wife Laura suffered multiple in utero losses. His wife Laura was diagnosed with brain cancer following the last loss and Laura died in 2018. Brian and Laura presented as a couple at one of the first “Lost Child” pilgrimages. Brian will share their story of child loss, especially as a man/husband, as well as some family insight about the loss of Laura as a daughter and sister.

Program:

Welcome, Intro Remarks

Prayer of Lamentation

Speaker Presentation

Facilitated Breakout Sessions:

1: “Precious Babies, Regaining Life and Hope” Miscarriage and Infant Loss

2: “Milestones Celebrated and Mourned: The Death of a Child or Adolescent”

3: “When Your Adult Child Predeceases You”

4 “Torn from Our Arms: Traumatic and Sudden Loss of a Child of Any Age”

Prayer of Hope

Wall of Remembrance: We invite you to bring a photo of your loved one for a special display at the pilgrimage.

 Freewill Donations will be gratefully received.

Masks will be required and we will follow current Covid-19 restrictions for Chicago and Illinois.

In the event of restriction changes, this program may become virtual.

All are welcome.

Please click here to make a freewill donation which are gratefully received.  Thank you.

Please click here to register via Event Brite.  Registration closes on October 22, 2021 at 9:00 AM.

Thank you.

Please note this guided tour is being conducted by Pietre Vive at Saint Mary of the Lake, Chicago at 4220 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613.  Please contact Pietre Vive  at chicago@pietreviveusa.org with any questions.

Make a pilgrimage to Saint Mary of the Lake in Chicago (Buena Park) on Sundays Aug. 22, Sept. 19, or Oct. 24! Come anytime from 1:30-3:30 pm for free guided tours. We’ll explore theology, symbolism, and spirituality through this sacred space. Feel free to email us at chicago@pietreviveusa.org with any questions! Masks and social distancing are required at all times.