CORMAC – The 80th annual pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Ann, Cormac took place last week. Hundreds attended the outdoor shrine mass on Sunday. Father Kenneth O’Brien welcomed the pilgrims and thanked them for their continued support for the shrine. O’Brien also welcomed the Bishop of Pembroke, Michael Mulhall, who was the principal celebrant and homilist. It warms our hearts to see the faith of so many people and the devotion to our saints, Mulhall said, adding that it was inspiring to see so many open to the Lord and open to the intercession of the saints, especially St. Ann. About the 60 pilgrims who walked with Father Scott Murray along the colonial road, over the Opeongo hills, to Cormac from Renfrew, Mulhall said, “The 60 pilgrims have made a great impression on all of us. I thank them all for their efforts.” Mulhall said the physical pilgrimage allows us to move to a deep spiritual pilgrimage. The homily was based upon St. John’s parable of the feeding of the five thousand. Mulhall said the five thousand with Christ were tired and needing food. “They have seen the signs that he has performed. They see the grace that is in him. They see the transcendence that is in him. He teaches them in strange, difficult ways.” To read the full story, pick up a copy of the August 1 paper.