150th Anniversary Celebration

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This month marks a huge milestone in the history of Our Lady of Consolation: May 24 is the 150th anniversary of the original procession of the statue of Our Lady from Frenchtown in 1875. That blessed day has led to a century and a half of pilgrims coming to the small village of Carey seeking hope and healing. In honor of this amazing gift of Mary’s favor toward our ancestors 150 years ago and all who have come since then, we are eager to celebrate a weekend full of events to honor our Blessed Mother.

We are excited to welcome Friar Tommy Piolata, OFM Cap., who is on the faculty at the Catholic University of America, to preach throughout the weekend. As we celebrate this 150th anniversary, we hope that you are able to attend as many events as possible to worship our Lord Jesus in this Easter Season and honor Our Lady. See Friar Tommy’s biography below.

Saturday, May 24

  • 12:00 Noon: re-creation of the original 1875 procession beginning at the site of the former Saint Nicholas Church in Frenchtown.
    • All are encouraged to bring water as well as some snacks for the walk.
    • Shuttle services to and from the basilica will be available. There is no parking allowed at the Frenchtown site.
  • 3:00pm: meal available in the Shrine Cafeteria
  • 5:00pm: Vigil Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
  • 8:00pm: Full Shrine Devotions and Rosary Procession

Sunday, May 25

  • 9:00 & 11:00am: Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
  • 10:00-11:00am: Confessions in the Lower Basilica
  • 11:30am-1:30pm: Lunch available in the Shrine Cafeteria
  • 2:00pm: Full Shrine Devotions with Rosary Procession
    • Friar Tommy Piolata, OFM Cap. preaching on Learning Compassion in an Afflicted World

Monday, May 26

  • 9:00am: Mass for the Solemnity of Our Lady of Consolation
  • 10:00am: Full Shrine Devotions with Rosary Procession

Friar Tommy Piolata, OFM Cap.

Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology
The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Department
  • Historical and Systematic Theology
School
  • School of Theology and Religious Studies Expertise
Expertise
  • The Franciscan Tradition (especially St. Bonaventure)
  • Pneumatology
  • Trinitarian Theology
  • Romano Guardini

Br. Thomas is a Capuchin friar of the St. Augustine province, and an Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology. His research focuses on the Franciscan intellectual tradition. Within this tradition, he is especially interested in the figure and writings of St. Francis of Assisi and the theology of St. Bonaventure. Thematically, much of his most recent and ongoing scholarship explores topics related to pneumatology and Trinitarian theology. In addition to the Franciscan tradition, Br. Thomas has a keen interest in the thought of the great 20th century theologian, Romano Guardini.

Education
  • PhD/STD (cotutelle), Theology, Durham University & The Pontifical Antonianum University
  • STL, The Pontifical Gregorian University
  • STB, The Pontifical Gregorian University
  • MA, Historical and Systematic Theology, The Catholic University of America
  • MA, Philosophy, The Catholic University of America
  • BA, Saint Louis University