You are invited to attend “Hail Mary, Full of Grace- Marian Apparitions and Shrines Curated by Blessed Carlo Acutis” at St. James Hall. This exhibit details 156 Vatican approved apparitions and international shrines of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary from the 1st Century AD to the most recent apparition in 2004. This family- friendly event marks the first time the Marian Exhibit will be showcased in the Diocese of Harrisburg.
           In 2006, Blessed Carlo Acutis started cataloguing “The Appeals of Our Lady: Apparitions and Marian Shrines in the World,” however he was unable to finish it due to the sudden
onset of fulminating leukemia and his subsequent death in October of that same year. The panels were finally completed in 2014 by his family. Blessed Carlo regarded the Virgin Mary as “an exemplary model and her example of faith, supported by her perfect charity, must encourage us to continue in our journey toward holiness regardless of our fragility.” Indeed, Mary’s “Yes” and her obedience in collaborating with God’s plan of redemption produced the sublime fruit of her universal motherhood: “Wherefore she is our mother in the order of grace” (Lumen Gentium, 61). This truth is further highlighted in the appearances of our Most Holy Mother as depicted in these panels.

            Our Annual 40 Hours Eucharistic Celebration will coincide with this exhibit. Mass and the
Sacrament of Reconciliation wil continue as scheduled through the weekend. 
Blessed Carlo Acutis also said, “The miracles accomplished by the Virgin Mary during her apparitions on earth can be of a great help to increase the Faith of many people.”
It is with this hope in mind that we invite you and your parish community to attend this exhibit.
In Christ,
Ryan M. Fischer