In keeping with Lent’s practice of prayer, reflection, and sacrifice, Father Addisalem Mekonnen will journey on foot from Philadelphia to Doylestown  

Reverend Addisalem Mekonnen, Pastor of Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church, will embark on a 26-mile walk on Saturday, March 11, 2023 to raise funds to install a chairlift needed to make the parish hall accessible to wheelchair bound parishioners. 

Father Mekonnen will depart Saint Martin de Porres at midnight. He will walk to The National Shine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown (Montgomery County). He is expected to concelebrate at the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Should projected inclement weather take place, his arrival may be delayed. 

Saturday, March 11, 2023
DEPARTURE FROM SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES PARISH
12:00 a.m. midnight
Saint Martin de Porres Church 
2340 West Lehigh Avenue 
Philadelphia, PA 19132

ARRIVAL AT THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA
11:30 a.m. (tentative arrival time due to expected inclement weather)
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa
654 Ferry Road
 Doylestown, PA 18901

Parishioners will gather outside the Shrine to meet Father Mekonnen at the finish line. All will join the Shrine’s daily11:30 a.m. Mass.

Speaking about the concept of the walking pilgrimage, Father Mekonnen said, “Firstly, it is my hope that God blesses our church family with graces to grow deeper in their faith. Secondly, I feel that it is a great opportunity for my parishioners to visit the shrine during Lent, which I hope will inspire growth in their devotion to our Blessed Mother. Lastly, I also desire to raise funds to buy a chairlift to enable our handicapped and wheel chair bond parishioners, and equally importantly, our elderly access to the church hall.”  

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Editor’s Note: To support Father Mekonnen journey with a donation please email [email protected].  

 

 

 

Contact:

Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747 (office)