The annual Marian Pilgrimage at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia drew hundreds of Eastern and Latin Rite Catholics to the near-ghost town in Columbia County on Aug. 25.

The church, with its spotless white bell tower, overlooks the once-flourishing coal town, rendered desolate since the underground mine fires that ignited in 1962. Each August, the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia hosts a Marian pilgrimage on the church grounds, drawing worshipers from along the east coast.

This year’s celebration was led by five bishops of the Eastern and Latin Catholic Churches, including Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, and Bishop Ronald Gainer of Harrisburg.

Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia celebrates the Divine Liturgy for hundreds of pilgrims.
Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia celebrates the Divine Liturgy for hundreds of pilgrims.
A pilgrim participates in the living Rosary. The pilgrimage also included a candlelight procession with a Marian icon.
A pilgrim participates in the living Rosary. The pilgrimage also included a candlelight procession with a Marian icon.
Bishops, including Bishop Ronald Gainer, center, process into Assumption of the Bless Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia on Aug. 25 for the annual Marian pilgrimage.
Bishops, including Bishop Ronald Gainer, center, process into Assumption of the Bless Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia on Aug. 25 for the annual Marian pilgrimage.
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