Mass at Franciscan Church of the Assumption on North Salina Street
/ Dora Scheidell
SYRACUSE -- The pilgrimage to Rome for the canonization of Mother Marrianne is an emotional journey for 74 year old Gloria Marks.
"I'm glad I came. I feel I've been touched by her," says Marks.
It's also a diffcult journey.
"This is the longest way I've walked. Usually I get arthritis in the knee and hips and I can't walk too far. I can't stand too long," says Marks.
For Marks and the rest of the group making their way from Hawaii to Rome, it's a very exciting time. Bishop Larry Silva is leading the group.
"There's an energy in the air that we're here to celebrate a saint who lived among us, who lived on our land, who served the people we know," says Silva.
This is only the beginning of a very exciting and meaningful journey. The group will leave Syracuse on Monday and go to JFK airport where they will fly to Rome. And the official canonization ceremony will take place on October 21st at the vatican.>
Even though Mother Marrianne lived nearly a century ago, her lessons can inspire people to do good today.
"We also need to think about the homeless, the hungry, those who are addicted, those are outcast in our society. And ask the lord to help us to have the same generous spirit that she had," says Silva.
For Marks, she's feels lucky to be able to celebrate the canonization in person.
"Most of our people passed on. They didn't have this privilege," says Marks.
