Pope John Paul II declared the Basicila of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Achrafieh, Beirut,
Lebanon)
a “place of pilgrimage” during the month of May. .
The Basicila , under the guidance of the Vincentian Community, celebrates its
golden anniversay (1953-2003). In light of this fact, the Pope has
bestowed on the shrine the title “place of pilgramage” during the month of
may of this year.

Furthermore, the Pope grants to all who visit the shrine
this time a plenary indulgence (under the usual conditions: state of grace,
communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father). The
Vincentian Community has invited all the faithful, men and women religious,
and groups from the different apostolic movements to come in pilgrimage to
this shine that from its beginning has been open to all people.

Groups who wish to make a pilgrimage to this shrine are asked to first
contact the Vincentian community, Monday to Friday, between the hours of
8:00am and 7:00pm (Fr. Charbel Khoury: tel. 01-20-02-36; fax 01-20-36-84).In
this way a place and a time can be arragned for the celebration of the
Eurcharist and Reconciliation. A prayer service will be held every Friday
at 8:00pm and a special eucharist will be celebrated every Saturday at
6:00pm

Submitted by Orlando Escobar, CM Curia, Rome, Italy